Australian King Parrot

The Australian king parrot (Alisterus scapularis) is a vibrant species endemic to eastern Australia. It is a medium-sized parrot, with adults reaching about 43 cm in length, including their long, broad tail. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males adorned in a striking combination of red and green, while females and juveniles present a more subdued green plumage.

Identification Tips

To identify the male Australian king parrot, look for a vivid red head, breast, and lower undersides, complemented by a blue band on the back of the neck and a green back. The wings are green with a pale green shoulder band, and the rump is blue. The male's beak is reddish-orange with a black tip, and the irises are yellow. Females, on the other hand, have a green head and breast, a grey beak, and may lack the pale shoulder band. Juveniles resemble females but have brown irises and a yellowish beak.

Habitat

These parrots are found in humid and heavily forested upland regions, including eucalyptus wooded areas adjacent to subtropical and temperate rainforests.

Distribution

Their range extends from Cooktown in Queensland to Port Campbell in Victoria. They are also seen in Canberra during winter, the outer western and northern suburbs of Sydney, and central Queensland's Carnarvon Gorge.

Behaviour

Australian king parrots are often observed in small groups, sometimes mingling with various species of rosella. They are known to be calm and relatively quiet, especially when hand-raised as pets.

Diet and Feeding

These parrots feed on fruits and seeds, which they gather from trees or the ground. They show a preference for certain seeds, such as black sunflower seeds, and may avoid smaller seeds found in pre-packaged mixes.

Conservation Status

The Australian king parrot is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it currently faces no significant threats to its population.