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Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis)
Also Known As: King Parrot, Eastern King Parrot, Queensland King Parrot, King Parakeet, King Lory, Red Lory, Scarlet and Green Parrot, Blood Rosella
Adult Male
Credit: © Greg Atkinson | License: ShutterStock
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Did You Know?
The Australian King Parrot acquires its adult plumage by a slow moult, which begins when the bird is over fifteen months old and is not completed for a further twelve months.
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Status in the Wild
World Population:>50,000
Range:
A.s. scapularis: SE coast and CE mainland Australia. A.s. minor: NE Australia.
Habitat:
Occurs up to 1625m (5330 ft). Found in variety of habitats from high forested areas to lower more open spaces. During the breeding season birds are found in more dense forest such as wet sclerophyll forest, gullies, eucalyptus woodland and savanna woodland bordering with riverine forest. Also, outside of breeding season they are found in cultivated lands, parks, orchards and sometimes gardens.
Threat Summary:
Population appears stable but may have been affected by the wild bird trade and habitat loss to some degree.
IUCN Rating:
Least concern
Wild Diet:
Eats fruits, flowers, berries, nuts, seeds, insect larvae, buds and other vegetation. A favourite is mistletoe Viscum album. May take some crops.
CITES Rating:
Appendix II
Ecology:
Are seasonally nomadic to a degree. Usually found in pairs or small groups, or post-breeding flocks of up to 50 individuals. Conspicuous when not feeding, when eating wary and quiet. Gather in groups to feed in morning, then sit quietly through the heat of the day, becoming active again in late afternoon.
Clutch and Egg Size:
3-6 rounded eggs, 33.0 x 27.0mm (1.3 x 1.0 in)
Breeding Season:
September-February
More Info Sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_King-parrot
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=99
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12019702
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