Australian Parrots
Alexandra Park Zoo is home to five species of Australian Parrots.
Red-tailed Black Cockatoos
The Red-tailed Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus banksia, are also known as the Banksian or Banks' Black Cockatoo. There are 5 recognised sub-species that mostly differ in the size of their beak. They are commonly found in eucalypt woodlands and like to nest within large tree hollows, feeding on mostly seeds, fruit, berries and nectar. The average height for this species is 60cm, they weigh between 600-920g and have a top flight speed of 70km/h!
King parrots
Our aviaries also include King Parrots, Alisterus scapularis, which are the only Australian parrots where the males have a completely red head. These beautiful birds were first described by the German naturalist Martin Lichtenstein in 1818.
Red-winged Parrots
Red-winged Parrots, Aprosmictus erythropterus, are named for their bright red shoulder patches. During courtship the male circles the female, lowers his wings to expose the blue patch on his lower back and holds his wings close to his body. As well as feeding on seeds, nectar, pollen and blossoms these parrots also eat insects and larvae.
Princess Parrots
Princess Parrots, Polytelis alexandrae, were named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark. You can determine the male and female bird by looking at their eye colour. Males have orange irises while females have brown irises.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos
The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cacatua galerita, is a widely spread species of cockatoo found in wooded areas throughout Australia as well as New Guinea and some of the Indonesian Islands. They are a highly intelligent bird that can live from 40 to 100 years and are truly monogamous (they may sometimes pair for life). They are often seen in large flocks and are recognisable for their distinctive loud screeching sounds.
To attract parrots to your own garden, plant native species that produce seed or nectar and provide water at a height that keeps them safe from cats.
Did you know?
Parrots have four toes on each foot like most birds, but, instead of three toes in front and a single toe behind, parrots are zygodactyl, meaning they have two toes in front and two toes behind.