Regent Parrot

(Polytelis anthopeplus)

Live: The interior of south-western Australia.

Habitat: To the southeast it lives in eucalyptus woodlands and arid scrublands where it is rare. In the southwest it occurs in most types of country.

Diet:: In the wild: Seeds fruits, nuts, berries, leaf buds, nectar and blossoms. Seeds of eucalyptus and acacia are favourites. Damage crops, especially wheat and fruit.
Zoo diet: Seed mix, fruit vegetables and browse.
Enclosure cleaned twice weekly.

Breeding: August - January.
Nest: In a hollow tree trunk, up to 5m down from the entrance.
Eggs: 4-6.

Status: Common

General: Size to 40cm.
Male: General plumage yellow. Olive crown. Outer wings blue-black to dark blue. A red band across innerwing. Yellow underside of wings. Blue-black tail. Coral-pink beak. Orange-brown eyes. Grey legs. Female - Olive-yellow head and breast. Yellow wings and coverts. Dark green tail tipped with rose, olive green underneath.
Juveniles: Similar to female.

Call: During flight a deep warble. Soft twittering when landing.

Habits: Usually in pairs or small groups, but flocks of 100 have been seen in south-western Australia. Roost near water. In the mornings spend time preening before drinking and moving off to feed. May travel long distances to find food. Spend most of the day feeding on the ground, sheltering in trees or bushes in the hottest part of the day. Return to roosting area at dusk and will drink before roosting.

Chicks: Young males have a yellow tinge to the head. Begin to moult at 6 monthsand have adult plumage by 14-15 months old.