Nature Notes - Princess Parrot

Features

The Princess Parrot (Polytelis alexandrae) is a long slender bird. They are pale olive green back with yellow wings, pale blue on the top of the head with a pink neck and throat.

Adaptations

Princess Parrots are highly nomadic; they follow good rains through the desert.

Habitat

Princess Parrots live in desert woodlands, where desert oaks, eucalypts and acacias are common; desert rivers, where there are large river red gums; and in the vicinity of salt lakes.

Range

The Princess Parrot was commonly seen around Alice Springs 50 years ago but their numbers have declined dramatically, possibly as a result of collection for the pet trade and changes in fire frequency. Today's hot fires destroy feeding grounds especially if they are adjacent to breeding grounds.

Wild Status

The Princess Parrot is classified as vulnerable as it is at risk of extinction in the wild.

Diet

The major part of the Princess Parrots diet is seeds but they also eat flowers, fruits and Samphire.

Predators

Butcherbirds and the Australian Hobby are two of their predators.

Home

Princess Parrots roost and nest in the hollows of River Red Gums.

Life Span

Princess Parrots have not been banded in the wild so there are no age records for wild birds. They have been know to live for 20 years in captivity.

Size

35-45cm (including tail) - males have a longer tail and are more brighlty coloured

Reproduction

September - December (rain depenent) Several pairs often nest together at a favourite locality where trees are scattered along a watercourse. Some trees may hold several nests; femaile incunbates 4-6 eggs in 20 days, and is fed by the male throughout. Both sexes feed the young.

Extra Fun Facts

Desert adapted parrots, like the Princess Parrot, are very hardy and have been sucessfully kept in aviculture.