Australian King-parrot
Alisterus scapularis
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Australian King-parrot is a striking medium-sized parrot with vibrant plumage. Males display a brilliant scarlet head, breast, and underparts, contrasting sharply with their bright green back, wings, and tail. A blue band on the nape adds a distinctive touch.
Females are less vibrant and differ markedly, with a predominantly green body and red belly. Both sexes have a large, curved red bill and grey legs. Juveniles resemble females but have a brown beak that gradually turns red as they mature.
Size
Length
40cm to 43cm
Wingspan
50cm to 55cm
Weight
200g to 330g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Australian King-parrots inhabit the coastal and eastern ranges of Australia, from northern Queensland to eastern Victoria. They thrive in humid and sub-humid forests, including rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and eucalyptus woodlands.
While primarily found in forested areas, these parrots have adapted to some urban environments, often visiting parks and gardens in suburban areas along Australia's east coast. They do not migrate but may make local movements in response to food availability.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 1,620 meters
Climate zones
Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Australian King-parrot. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Demonstrates excellent agility through undulating flight patterns and skilled navigation of forest canopies. Their ability to manipulate food with their feet whilst perched and move deftly through dense vegetation shows remarkable coordination.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Possesses robust strength for their size, particularly evident in their ability to crack tough seed pods and nuts. Their medium build (200-330g) and strong beak provide good power for their size class, though not exceptional among parrots.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Shows solid adaptability through their successful integration into suburban environments whilst maintaining their forest-dwelling capabilities. Can thrive from sea level to 1,620m elevation and adjust to varying food sources, though primarily remains dependent on specific habitat types.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Generally peaceful birds that prefer quiet foraging and typically live in pairs or small family groups. Whilst they'll defend their territory during breeding season, they're notably less boisterous than many other parrot species.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Capable of sustained flight and regular foraging activities throughout their range. Their ability to crack tough seeds and maintain daily activities across varied elevations suggests good endurance, though they typically make only local movements rather than long-distance flights.
Diet
Australian King-parrots primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and blossoms from native trees. They have a particular fondness for eucalyptus seeds, figs, and berries.
These parrots use their strong beaks to crack open tough seed pods and extract kernels. In some areas, they may also visit gardens to feed on cultivated fruits and seeds.
Behaviour
Australian King-parrots are typically seen in pairs or small family groups. They move through the canopy with agile, undulating flight patterns.
These birds are often observed quietly foraging for seeds and fruits, using their strong beaks to crack open tough shells. During the breeding season, males engage in courtship displays, fanning their tails and bobbing their heads to attract females.
Vocalisation
The Australian King-parrot's call is a distinctive, high-pitched 'kwik-kwik' or 'kree-kree'. They also produce a variety of softer whistles and chatters when communicating within their group.
During flight, they often emit a sharp, metallic 'zzik-zzik' sound. Their vocalisations are generally less raucous than those of many other parrot species.
Nesting & Breeding
Australian King-parrots typically breed between September and January. Courtship involves males displaying to females with head-bobbing and tail-fanning behaviours. These birds are monogamous and often pair for life.
Nests are usually located in hollow tree trunks or large branches, often in eucalyptus trees. The female lays 3-6 white, rounded eggs on a bed of decayed wood at the bottom of the hollow.
Incubation lasts about 20 days, with the female primarily responsible. Both parents care for the chicks, who fledge after approximately 5 weeks but may remain with them for several months after leaving the nest.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Australian King-parrot is currently listed as Least Concern, it faces localised threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanisation. Climate change may also impact their distribution in the future.
Conservation efforts focus on preserving and restoring their native forest habitats, particularly in eastern Australia.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for them in tall eucalyptus forests and rainforest edges
- Listen for their distinctive, high-pitched 'kwik-kwik' call
- Observe feeding behaviour in the early morning or late afternoon
- Check for pairs, as they often mate for life
- In suburban areas, watch for them visiting bird feeders
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include large birds of prey such as goshawks and powerful owls, as well as introduced mammals like feral cats and foxes.
Did You Know?
- Australian King-parrots are one of the few parrot species where females have a completely different colouration from males.
- They have a unique ability to move food from one foot to the other while eating, similar to how humans use hands.
- Despite their regal name, these parrots are generally quiet and less boisterous than many other parrot species.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2024. Alisterus scapularis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2024: e.T22685046A254008554.
View source - 2 4
report, 1997: del Hoyo et al.
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