The Jonquil parrot (Aprosmictus jonquillaceus) is a species of bird in the Psittaculidae family with two subspecies, Aprosmictus jonquillaceus jonquillaceus and Aprosmictus jonquillaceus wetterensis. It is a large, long-tailed green parrot with an orange bill and a wing patch which red in males and yellow in females. It is visible when a bird is perched and in flight. The juvenile looks like a female but lacks a wing patch.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on Timor (including nearby islets such as Semau and Atauro) and Wetar, inhabiting lowland and foothill monsoon forest, open woodland, and forest edge. It readily uses secondary growth, wooded savanna, and agroforestry mosaics with tall trees. Birds often move between forest fragments to feed, including along rivers and plantation margins. They may enter cultivated areas to take fruit. Roosts are typically in tall trees near feeding grounds.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Endemic to the Lesser Sundas, this long-tailed green parrot shows striking sexual dimorphism: males have a red wing patch while females show a yellow patch, both set off by an orange bill. Two subspecies are recognized: A. j. jonquillaceus (Timor and nearby islets) and A. j. wetterensis (Wetar). It frequents monsoon forests, woodland edges and secondary growth, and may visit orchards. Trapping and habitat loss are suspected pressures in parts of its range.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small groups, sometimes forming larger flocks at fruiting trees. Pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging high in the canopy. Nests are placed in tree cavities, with breeding aligned to periods of greater food availability. Both parents likely attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, ringing screeches and metallic contact notes given in flight and from perches. When feeding, birds give softer chatter and whistles interspersed with harsher notes.
Plumage
Predominantly bright to mid-green with a long, tapering tail and darker flight feathers; males show a vivid red shoulder patch, females a yellow patch. Underparts are slightly paler; tail often shows bluish tones toward the tip. Bill is orange and contrasts with the green head.
Diet
Feeds mainly on wild fruits, berries, figs, seeds, and flower buds; also takes nectar when available. It visits a variety of native trees and shrubs and may exploit seasonal flushes of flowers and fruit. In some areas it will feed on cultivated fruits, which can bring it into contact with people. Grit and mineral-rich clays may be taken occasionally for digestion.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of monsoon forest, open woodland, and along forest edges. Also uses secondary growth and agroforestry plots with tall shade trees and fruiting species. Frequently moves between patches following fruiting trees.
