A glimpse into the lives of King Parrots

Pretty Boy the male King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis).

Nature Watch by Don McGlusky

Some time ago we had a few heads of sunflowers in the garden which attracted both King Parrots and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos.

They are common in coastal and timbered mountain areas from far North Queensland down to Victoria. This specimen was photographed from long range as they are very wary and will fly away at the slightest sight of humans. They are found in pairs and in small groups.

Their food source consists of seeds, berries, fruit, nuts and blossom. They raid our Loquats and Lychees before they are even ripe. They do cause damage to orchards and some grain crops. Males take up to two years to gain that brilliant plumage after a series of moults. Females are much duller as are juveniles. Nesting is from about October to January.

The eggs (usually three or four) are laid on a bed of decayed material in the trunk of a large tree, the entrance being very high above ground.