Birda Logo
Features
Birda+
About
Species Guide
Challenges
Shop
loading...
A photo of a Red-capped Parrot (Purpureicephalus spurius)
Red-capped Parrot

Red-capped Parrot

Purpureicephalus spurius

The red-capped parrot (Purpureicephalus spurius) is a medium-sized, broad-tailed parrot endemic to southwestern Australia. It is a striking bird with a bright crimson crown, green-yellow cheeks, and a distinctive elongated bill. The wings, back, and long tail are dark green, while the underparts are a vibrant purple-blue. This species is easily identifiable and not easily confused with other parrots.

Identification Tips

Adult males boast a vivid crimson crown and green hindneck, with yellow-green ear coverts. The wings and upperparts are dark green, transitioning to a yellow-green rump, and the tail is green with a dark blue tip. The underparts are a rich purplish-blue. Females are similar but may be slightly duller, with a white stripe on the wing under-surface. Juveniles are predominantly green, with their adult plumage developing after their first moult.

Habitat

The red-capped parrot favors eucalypt forests and woodlands, particularly those dominated by the marri tree (Corymbia calophylla). It can also be found in open savanna country, heathland in coastal regions, and suburban areas where suitable habitat persists.

Distribution

This species is native to the Southwest Australia ecoregion, with a range extending from Moore River to Esperance. It is generally found within 100 km of the coastline but can be locally nomadic in dryer areas.

Behaviour

Red-capped parrots are typically observed in pairs or small groups, though larger flocks may form, particularly of juveniles. They are shy and retreat to the upper canopy if disturbed. The species is thought to be monogamous, with pairs forming long-term bonds.

Song & Calls

The contact call is a rapid "krukk-rak" or "crrr-uk," while the alarm call is a series of high-pitched, loud notes. Males may chatter loudly when agitated or to mark their nesting territory.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from August to December, with nesting taking place in tree hollows of older large trees. The female incubates a clutch of usually five milk-white eggs, with the male attending nearby. Nestlings fledge between 30 and 37 days and are fed by both parents for an additional two weeks.

Diet and Feeding

The red-capped parrot is predominantly herbivorous, feeding on seeds of eucalypts, flowers, and berries. Marri seeds are a particular favorite, but it also consumes seeds from other native plants and occasionally insects. In suburban areas, it may feed on orchard fruits and cultivated plants.

Conservation Status

The red-capped parrot is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Although it has been shot as a pest and affected by land clearing, the population is currently growing. It is protected under CITES Appendix II.

Aviculture

While the red-capped parrot's vibrant colors make it an attractive species for aviculture, it has a reputation for being anxious and difficult to breed in captivity, often due to the high proportion of wild-caught birds.

App logo
Birda is a birdwatching app and community aimed at curious people who want to deepen their connection with nature.

Red-capped Parrots on Birda

Photos
Sightings

More Old World Parrots

Birda Logo

Your birdwatching journey like never before

Connect with nature in minutes
Take a walk, look out of the window and log the birds that you see. Feel good about those little connections to nature.
Discover the joy of birding
Find new birding spots, see more birds, share and celebrate with a like-minded community of nature lovers.
Play your part in saving nature
Logging your birding sightings and sessions turns into positive action for our planet. Every sighting counts.

Birda Blog

What Our Birders Say
Ellesse_W
Learning Birding with Birda
I’m relatively new to birding as a hobby, and Birda is a great way to keep track off all the species I see. I’m still working on my ID skills, but the app is great for figuring out potential species, and the online community is so friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend Birda to both early and serious birders! 🐦
Carrie
Makes you want to spot birds more
I think this app is fun. It makes you want to spot birds more so I guess in a way it encourages you to get out and about instead of sitting in front of the TV.
D3Nature
Great app for learning Birds
I’ve been using the app for a couple of months and love it....Someone said it’s like a real life Pokémon Go for birds. They’re not far off! It’s something that the family can do that gets you out and about. Well worth downloading no matter your age.
Marlster24
Recommend for any bird watcher
Very wholesome app: I joined this app with a new interest in watching birds to help me find out what I was spotting. The community is very active in helping identify birds which is great and everyone is very kind so it’s just a nice wholesome community. I would definitely recommend this for any bird spotter 😃
Dan R
Great app for bird fanatics
Great app for bird fanatics - very user friendly and a perfect place to share sightings.
Madstherangers
A mordern game changer
Birda is an awesome app, its updated the world of birding to the modern day with a fun and easy to use app. It’s engaging and allows positive interaction with fellow bird lovers!
Robred 2
Fun way to add to your birdwatching experience
I enjoy watching birds in my backyard, but this app helped me really pay attention while on vacation this summer. It was fun to add new birds to my bird watching app.
Trevarthen1
Birda fan
I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
SW H
Wonderful App
Birda is my go to app for keeping records of my bird sightings and sessions. It has fantastic information which is great at aiding identification. With all the updates that are coming in the new year, this app is something special.
Chudbond
Love Birda
I love this app. It really encourages you to log your sightings and the community is friendly and helpful.
As featured in
Birda Logo
AboutPressAmbassadorsAffiliatesInfluencersCareersPrivacyTerms & Conditions
An app for birdwatchers
Connect with us
Copyright © 2024 Chirp Birding. All rights reserved.