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Australian King-parrot

Alisterus scapularis

Known for its stunning crimson and green plumage, this vibrant parrot lights up gardens and rainforest edges across eastern Australia.
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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

Colours

Primary Colour

Red Green

Secondary Colour

Blue

Beak Colour

Red

Leg Colour

Grey

Primary Colour (Female)

Green

Secondary Colour (Female)

Red

Beak Colour (Female)

Grey

Leg Colour (Female)

Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Australian King-parrot can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Australian King-parrot is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Australian King-parrot is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Australian King-parrot is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Australian King-parrot is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Australian King-parrot is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Australian King-parrot is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Australian King-parrot is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Australian King-parrot is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Australian King-parrot can be found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Australian King-parrot is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Australian King-parrot is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

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