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Project Noah Nature School
Alisterus scapularis
The Australian King Parrot is endemic to eastern Australia and are normally encountered in pairs or family groups. They are beautiful birds.
Usually found in rainforests or wet sclerophyll forests. This pair was spotted in the backyard feeding on unripened bananas. The Central Coast area of NSW is still well forested in many parts, and even suburban areas are very leafy with many native and fruiting trees.
I would love to have seen this pair earlier in the day. They look superb in sunlight, but alas this pair only came to the yard to ravage the trees around dusk. These two were happily chatting away to each other, but I did notice she ate before he did, and it was only after she had her fill did he start to feed. The male has the red head, the female green.
Spotted on Jul 26, 2013
Submitted on Aug 5, 2013
6 Comments
They seem to need some nearby forest (not more than 200 metres away?). I think they pair for life. One female that visits us every few weeks has only one eye and a problem with one wing but her mate looks after her really well... guides, defends, makes sure she feeds first etc... amazing. They've been coming here for 2 years now. There's some great nature around WoyWoy.. must get there again.
I've never seen these guys in Brisbane, although I know they're around... somewhere. See occasionally in Sydney, but these were on the Central Coast and visit my sister's place regularly. I was captivated by them, and the male's colouring was vivid (((RED))) Very cool :-)
Nice shots Neil. This is the time of year for them - the colours are really strong.
Many thanks, AustinC and surekha. I wish I could have taken better pics to do the birds justice - it was dusk and my camera is neurotic. Amazing birds, and the colours are superb. I don't often see them, so this was a real treat :-)
Amazingly beautiful! Great series, Neil!
Wonderful color!