Red-cheeked Parrot

The Red-cheeked Parrot (Geoffroyus geoffroyi), a member of the Psittaculidae family, is a stocky, short-tailed bird with a predominantly green plumage. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the adult male is adorned with red cheeks and a mauve nape, while the female is more subdued with a brown head.

Identification Tips

Males can be identified by their pink-tinged red cheeks and blue-mauve crown, along with chestnut wing coverts and a coral-pink upper mandible. Females, on the other hand, have a brown head with olive-brown cheeks and throat, and a brown-grey bill. Juveniles resemble females but with greener heads. All have yellow eyes and beaks suited for a diet of seeds and fruit.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of forested environments, including subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, and mangrove forests. They are often found along streams within these forests.

Distribution

The Red-cheeked Parrot is native to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the northern tip of Australia, and several surrounding islands.

Behaviour

Outside of breeding season, these parrots are typically seen in pairs or small family groups, becoming more solitary during breeding times. While generally shy, they become conspicuous and vocal when feeding in large groups. Their flight is swift and direct, and their call is described as metallic.

Song & Calls

The Red-cheeked Parrot's vocalizations are metallic in nature, a characteristic sound that can be heard when they are in groups.

Breeding

Little is known about their courtship in the wild, but during breeding season, females are known to excavate nests in rotting tree limbs. Clutches usually consist of three eggs.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet includes seeds, fruits (notably figs), blossoms, and nectar. They have been observed consuming the fruit and seeds of Corymbia papuana, Casuarina papuana, and scaly ash (Ganophyllum falcatum).

Conservation status

The Red-cheeked Parrot is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a large range and stable population numbers.