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The Natural History and Captive Care of the Australian King Parrot

Posted by: Frank Indiviglio in Bird Behavior, Bird Conservation, Bird Species Profiles September 20, 2011 2 Comments 14547 Views

Male King ParrotI once heard the male Australian King Parrot, Alisterus scapularis, described as “riotously colorful” and have since come to agree with that sentiment.  The females’ subtle but beautiful plumage stands in sharp contrast to that of the males’…so much so that the sexes may easily be taken for different species.  The Australian King Parrot’s extreme sexual dimorphism and startling colors have led many to compare it to the Eclectus Parrot.  Although a bit smaller than its magnificent cousin, the Australian King Parrot is in my opinion no less beautiful, and usually makes a wonderful pet as well.

Description

The fire-red to scarlet head and back of the Male Australian King Parrot contrasts dramatically with the dark green wings and back. Females sport pale lime green feathers in place of the males’ red, and their under-parts are a unique shade of pinkish-orange.

Two subspecies and two related species – Green-Winged King Parrot and the Amboina King Parrot – have been described.

Range

Fe,ale King ParrotAustralian King Parrots are found along Australia’s eastern coast, where they occupy a narrow range extending from northern Queenslandto southern Victoria.  They inhabit tropical rainforests, riverside thickets, Eucalyptus woodlands and mountainsides to a height of approximately 5,000 above sea level.  Some populations move inland to parks, farms and gardens when foraging.

Behavior

Wild Australian King Parrots are often described as being quieter than related species and “more deliberate”, or slower, in their movements.

Their social structure is somewhat unique among parrots, with juvenile birds forming flocks but others living in pairs and small family groups.

Reproduction

Males display by puffing out their head feathers while simultaneously drawing the body feathers tight and fluttering the wings. Receptive females follow suit, after which they are fed by their prospective mates. During courtship displays, the pupils of the males’ eyes are said to dilate while those of the female contract.

Tree hollows within densely-forested areas are favored as nest sites. The female broods her 3-6 eggs for approximately 20 days while the male remains nearby.  The chicks fledge at 5 weeks of age but remain with their parents for quite awhile afterwards.

The male’s adult plumage develops slowly over a series of molts beginning at age 16 months. Complete mature coloration is not achieved until nearly 3 years of age, but breeding is possible before that time.

Captive Care

Australian King Parrots are invariable described as “calm, quiet and sweet” by their owners. They tame readily and are quick to bond with gentle, caring owners – loud, hectic surroundings (or people!) are not well-tolerated.  Australian King Parrots can learn to mimic words, but are not considered to be great talkers.

A calm bearing does not mean that Australian King Parrots can be kept in close confinement. Like all Psittacines, they are active and intelligent, and must be given ample opportunities to exercise both body and mind.  A large parrot or macaw cage, along with frequent out-of-cage time, is a must.  Breeding is most likely in an outdoor aviary.

Australian King Parrots have hybridized with Red-Winged and Superb Parrots.

Please write in for more detailed information on care and feeding.

 

 

Further Reading

Luring King Parrots to backyard feeders

Further information from the Australia Zoo

Video: wild adult male

Male King Parrot image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Toby Hudson
Felmale King Parrot image referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Takver

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2 comments

  1. avatar
    Fred
    December 27, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    Hi Frank,Thought you might enjoy our web site especialy the King Parrots.Enjoy.

    Fred & Cissy

  2. avatar
    findiviglio
    December 27, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    Hello Fred

    Thanks for your interest…some great birds you are working with there; especially nice to see them in outdoor aviaries.

    Good luck, enjoy and please keep me posted.

    Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.

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I believe that I was born with an intense interest in animals, as neither I nor any of my family can recall a time when I was not fascinated by creatures large and small. One might imagine this to be an unfortunate set of circumstances for a person born and raised in the Bronx, but, in actuality, quite the opposite was true. Most importantly, my family encouraged both my interest and the extensive menagerie that sprung from it. My mother and grandmother somehow found ways to cope with the skunks, flying squirrels, octopus, caimans and countless other odd creatures that routinely arrived un-announced at our front door. Assisting in hand-feeding hatchling praying mantises and in eradicating hoards of mosquitoes (I once thought I had discovered “fresh-water brine shrimp” and stocked my tanks with thousands of mosquito larvae!) became second nature to them. My mother went on to become a serious naturalist, and has helped thousands learn about wildlife in her 16 years as a volunteer at the Bronx Zoo. My grandfather actively conspired in my zoo-buildings efforts, regularly appearing with chipmunks, boa constrictors, turtles rescued from the Fulton Fish Market and, especially, unusual marine creatures. It was his passion for seahorses that led me to write a book about them years later. Thank you very much, for a complete biography of my experience click here.
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