Regent Parrot.
Photo: Purnell Collection © Australian Museum
Regent Parrot.
Photo: Purnell Collection © Australian Museum
Distribution map of Polytelis anthopeplus
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Regent Parrot
Scientific name: Polytelis anthopeplus
Family: Psittacidae
Order: Psittaciformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Parrots
What does it look like?
Description
The Regent Parrot is a slim parrot with a long, dusky tapering tail and back-swept wings. It is mostly yellow, with blue-black wings and tail. There is a prominent yellow shoulder patch and red patches in the wings, which show up against the dark wings in flight. The bill is deep red or pink. Females and juveniles are duller olive-green with pinkish, duller wing patches. The Regent Parrot's distinctive call is often heard long before the birds appear. This species is also known as Black-tailed, Black-throated or Marlock Parrot or Smoker.
Similar species
The Regent Parrot is unmistakeable with its brilliant yellow colouring.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Regent Parrot is endemic (only found in) to Australia. There are two separate populations: in the east they are found in south-western New South Wales, north-western Victoria and the Murray Mallee region of South Australia, while in Western Australia, they are found in the south west, where they are more numerous.
Habitat
The eastern population is found in River Red Gum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, floodplain, woodland and mallee. The western population is found in open forest and woodland, especially Salmon Gum, E. salmonophloia.
Seasonal movements
Movement of the Regent Parrot is poorly understood, and it is considered nomadic or resident, probably linked with the availability of water.
What does it do?
Feeding
The Regent Parrot eats seeds of grasses and plants and cereal crops, especially wheat. It also eats buds and flowers, insect larvae, psyllids and lerps. It forages in pairs or small parties, usually on the ground, but also in the canopy of trees or in spilled grain on the ground.
Living with us
Living with humans
The Regent Parrot lays its eggs in hollow branches or holes in large old or dead trees near water. River Red Gums are favoured in the east and in the west, Salmon Gum woodland or often remnant roadside patches are used. The female incubates the eggs and the male feeds her by regurgitation. The milky seed of maturing wheat may be used to feed the young birds.Urban habitat requirements
In the west, Regent Parrots benefit from agricultural crops and grain. The eastern population has declined, depending on stream-side trees for nesting and limited nearby mallee for feeding. It is listed as Endangered in New South Wales.
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.