Alisterus scapularis
Description
The King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis) can be found along the east coast of Australia from Cape York down to Victoria, extending into the mountain ranges inland. They can be typically found in ecosystems which have a high density of trees where they actively forage for fruits and seeds.
Although both the male and female king parrot have green wings and a red breast they different in the colour of the heads. The male has a bright red head extending down through to the breast while the female's head is green.
The King parrot has been steadily increasing in number in particular in the urban areas that have numerous trees. ‘They are most commonly seen in pairs or family groups and are rarely seen alone.
Adaptations
- Fly below tree level, weaving in and out through the tree trunks to avoid birds of prey
- Lay eggs in hollow branches on bed of decaying wood
- Lay 3-4 white eggs
- Male will court female by bringing her food and feeding her
- They breed from September through to January
Feeding relationships
- What I eat: A wide variety of seeds, berries, fruits and nuts are supplemented seasonally by blossoms, nectar and pollen
- What eats me: Birds of prey, goannas and monitors steal chicks and eggs from nests, carpet snakes
Interesting facts
Some King Parrots have areas without melanin, a protein that gives skin a darker colour, which can give their feathers an orange to yellow colour rather than red and green.