Red-winged Parrot
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Red-winged Parrot.
Photo: K Vang and W Dabrowka © Bird Explorers
Distribution map of Aprosmictus erythropterus
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Red-winged Parrot
Scientific name: Aprosmictus erythropterus
Family: Psittacidae
Order: Psittaciformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Parrots
What does it look like?
Description
The Red-winged Parrot is a medium-sized, stout parrot and is the only mainly green parrot with large red shoulder patches. The male is bright lime green with a black back and deep blue rump. The tail is green with a yellow tip. The bill and eye are red and the legs are grey. The female is similar, but with a smaller wing patch and dark green back and a paler rump. Red-winged Parrots are usually seen in pairs or flocks. Their flight is distinctive, with deep, full strokes and a light and airy quality, pausing on each stroke. This species is also known as Crimson-winged or Red-winged Lory, Red Wing or King Parrot.
Similar species
The Red-winged Parrot is bigger and bulkier than rosellas, with shorter wings and a broader tail.
Where does it live?
Distribution
Red-winged Parrots are widespread in northern and eastern Australia and are also found in southern New Guinea and Irian Jaya.
Habitat
Red-winged Parrots are found in open, dry woodlands, timber-lined watercourses and arid scrub and sometimes in mangroves. They spend most of the day in trees.Seasonal movements
The movements of Red-winged Parrots are not well known. They are considered partly nomadic in response to local conditions, searching for food and water.
What does it do?
Feeding
Red-winged Parrots feed on seeds, nectar, pollen and blossoms, insects and larvae. They forage in the canopy on outer branches of flowering trees and shrubs. They occasionally come to the ground to drink or to eat fallen seeds.
Breeding
Red-winged Parrots breed once each year. Eggs are laid in the hollow trunk of a tall tree, often near the ground. The nesting tree is usually close to water. The nest site may be a long way down from the entrance, which is high in the tree. Only the female incubates, leaving the nest to feed or to be fed by the male.
Living with us
Living with humans
Red-winged Parrots are uncommon to locally common. Sometimes the young are taken for the pet trade.References
Crome, F. and Shields, J. 1992. Parrots and Pigeons of Australia. Angus and Robertson/National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Higgins, P.J. (ed) 1999. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 4 (Parrots to Dollarbird). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Morcombe, M. 2000. Field guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing.
Beruldsen, G 2003. Australian Birds: Their Nests and Eggs. Self-published, Queensland.