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Princess Parrot  (Polytelis alexandrae)

Also Known As: Princess Alexandra's Parrot, Alexandra's Parrot, Princess of Wales Parakeet, Queen Alexandra's Parakeet, Rose-throated Parakeet, Spinifex Parrot
 
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Princess of Wales Parakeet

Credit: © iStock Photo
 
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Did You Know?
The name "Princess Parrot" or "Princess Parakeet" was given in honour of Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who later married the Prince of Wales Edward VII and became Princess of Wales.

Status in the Wild
World Population:
About 5000

Range: Found in interior of W and C Australia, from Great Sandy Desert and eastern Goldfields, W Australia, east to W Queensland and northern S Australia.

Habitat:
Inhabits sandy areas with scattered casuarina shrubs or where river redgums provide breeding sites near water. Also dry riverine eucalyptus woodland, hummock grassland, acacia scrub and mulga areas.

Threat Summary:
Possibly a change in water availability in different areas (increases in some areas may have led this species to move to those areas), changing fire regimes, introduction of cats and foxes, and introduction of competitors such as sheep, camels and rabbits.

IUCN Rating:
Near-threatened

Wild Diet:
Feeds on seeds of spinifex and mulga grass and nectar.

CITES Rating:
Appendix II

Ecology:
Very nomadic and difficult to track. Birds are seen in singles, pairs or small groups of up to 15. Older records exist of larger breeding colonies. Individuals feed on the ground and may be quite approachable.

Clutch and Egg Size:
4-6 rounded eggs, 27.5 x 22.0mm (1.1 x 0.8 in).

Breeding Season:
September-January, and may be prompted by the arrival of rain.

More Info Sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Parrot