Australian king parrot
The Australian king parrot is a large parrot of the eucalypt forests of eastern Australia, and one of the few in which the sexes are obviously different: adult males have a brilliant scarlet head and breast, while females keep a green head.
Males take about three years to acquire full colour.
They are quieter and more reserved than most parrots of their size, with a pleasant whistling call rather than a scream. Tame birds are gentle but tend to be less demonstrative than a conure or a caique — this is a species more often admired at a distance, and in Australia many are semi-wild garden visitors.
- Origin
- Eastern Australia
- Size
- 41–43 cm; 200–275 g
- Lifespan
- 25–30 years
- Diet
- Pellets, fruit, vegetables, sprouted seed
- Temperament
- Calm, gentle, somewhat reserved
- Noise
- Moderate; whistles rather than screams
Related: Caique · African grey parrot · Amazon parrot
3 australian king parrot photos, newest first
Living with a australian king parrot
They need a long flight rather than a tall cage — these are strong fliers and do poorly in cramped housing.
The temperament rewards patience. King parrots are less naturally cuddly than many companion species, and forcing handling makes them withdrawn; hand-tame birds come round on their own terms.
They favour fruit more than many parrots but still need a formulated base diet; fruit alone causes deficiency.
In Australia, keeping native birds is regulated and requires the correct licence in most states. Elsewhere, buy captive-bred and check import rules. Non-stick fumes and aerosols are fatal.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual birds vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.
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