The Australian king parrot is a species of parrot endemic to eastern Australia ranging from Cooktown in Queensland to Port Campbell in Victoria. Found in humid and heavily forested upland regions of the eastern portion of the continent, including eucalyptus wooded areas in and directly adjacent to subtropical and temperate rainforest. They feed on fruits and seeds gathered from trees or on the ground.
Region
Eastern Australia
Typical Environment
They inhabit humid forests from coastal ranges to upland slopes along the Great Dividing Range. Typical habitats include temperate and subtropical rainforests, wet sclerophyll and eucalypt forests, and forest edges. They also frequent orchards, parks, and large suburban gardens near mature trees. Birds forage both in the canopy and on the ground, especially at forest margins. They are generally sedentary but may move locally in response to food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
Australian king parrots show striking sexual dimorphism: males have bright red heads and underparts while females are mostly green. They readily visit gardens and picnic areas in eastern Australia, often becoming tame enough to accept seed from the hand. Nesting occurs in deep hollows of large eucalypts. Juveniles resemble females and gradually acquire adult coloration.
Male showing extensive blue rump
Temperament
generally calm and approachable near people
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with swift wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally in loose flocks at abundant food sources. They are monogamous and nest in deep tree hollows lined with wood dust. Breeding occurs in late winter to summer depending on region, with both parents attending the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Their calls are clear, ringing whistles and mellow piping notes, often delivered in short series while flying between trees. They also give sharper, metallic contact calls when foraging and soft chattering at close range.
