The Cape parrot or Levaillant's parrot is a large, temperate forest dwelling parrot of the genus Poicephalus endemic to South Africa. It was formerly grouped as a subspecies along with the savanna-dwelling brown-necked parrot and grey-headed parrot, but is now considered a distinct species.
Region
Drakensberg and Eastern Escarpment
Typical Environment
Occupies Afromontane mistbelt forests dominated by yellowwoods (Podocarpus spp.), especially mature stands with large cavity-bearing trees. It forages along forest edges, in the upper canopy, and occasionally ventures into nearby orchards and farmlands when wild fruit is scarce. Breeding sites are typically in deep cavities of old yellowwoods and other large indigenous trees. Fragmented forest patches have led to a patchy distribution with local movements between fruiting areas.
Altitude Range
600–1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Cape parrot, also called Levaillant's parrot, is restricted to South Africa's mistbelt forests and is now treated as a species distinct from the brown‑necked and grey‑headed parrots. It relies heavily on old yellowwood trees for both food and nest cavities, making it vulnerable to logging and forest degradation. Females typically show a brighter orange forecrown than males, a handy field mark. Disease (notably PBFD) and loss of large cavity-bearing trees are key conservation concerns.
At Benvie, Karkloof, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs, family groups, or small flocks that gather at fruiting trees and communal roosts. Pairs are monogamous and nest in deep tree cavities, often in old yellowwoods. Clutch size is small, and both parents attend the young. Outside breeding season, birds move locally to track fruit availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, metallic, and carrying, with sharp screeches and ringing 'klee-klee' notes in flight. At roosts and feeding sites they use a mix of chattering calls and harsh contact notes.
Plumage
Olive-green body with a bronzy-brown head and neck, and orange-red patches on the bend of the wing and thighs. Feathers often show darker edging giving a slightly scalloped look on the head and breast. Bill is large and pale horn-colored.
Diet
Specializes on fruits and seeds of indigenous yellowwoods (Podocarpus latifolius and P. falcatus), but also takes other native fruits, nuts, and berries. It cracks hard kernels with its powerful bill and may occasionally consume flowers and leaf buds. In some areas it visits pecan and other orchards when wild foods are scarce. Water is usually obtained from dew and nearby streams or forest seeps.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the upper and mid-canopy of mature Afromontane forests and along forest edges. Will also forage in adjacent woodland, plantations with remnant fruiting trees, and occasionally in agricultural areas.
