|
Quantity
|
Total
|
||
|
|
|||
Description of the species
The King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis) is an Australian parrot with pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males show bright red head, neck, throat and underparts, green back and wings, a dark blue nape and upper tail coverts, a white wing bar, and a contrasting tail: black above, deep blue below with red edges. Total length about 40 cm; tail to ~21 cm; male bill orange. Females are mostly green with a bluish lower back and rump edged in green, green breast and throat with a reddish tinge; bill dark brown. Juveniles attain full adult plumage in their second year.
Range and habitat
Occurs in eastern and south-eastern Australia. Inhabits forested areas with dense understory, appears in large national parks, and may forage around farms together with domestic fowl.
Behaviour
Usually seen in pairs or small groups in forest canopies and edges; mainly arboreal but descends to the ground to feed. Wary in disturbed sites, more confiding in protected areas.
Breeding
Nests in tree hollows and cavities of forked, hollow limbs. Early in the season males display with raised head feathers, pin-pointed pupils, bows and sharp rattling calls. Clutch size 2–6 eggs; incubation about 3 weeks by the female while the male feeds her. Fledging occurs at 37–42 days. Breeding capability may persist up to 30 years.
Care in captivity
Requires a spacious aviary; does poorly in small cages. In aviary settings lives long and breeds relatively readily. Young birds tame well, but the species seldom learns human speech.
Taxonomy
Two subspecies are recognized: A. s. scapularis (nominate) and A. s. minor (Mathews, 1911).
Buy a king parrot: ordering and shipping
You can purchase king parrots from our farm. Delivery across Ukraine. To check availability and delivery, contact via Viber, Telegram or by phone 050-182-27-27.
Common questions
How do I tell males from females
Males are bright red on the head and underparts with an orange bill; females are mostly green with a bluish rump and a darker bill.
Is it suitable for an apartment
It is a large, active species. Provide a roomy aviary, regular out-of-cage time and environmental enrichment; small cages cause stress.