The Moluccan king parrot is a parrot endemic to Peleng Island, Maluku, and West Papua in Indonesia. It is sometimes referred to as the Ambon king parrot or Amboina king parrot, but this is potentially misleading, as it is found on numerous other islands than Ambon. The male and female are similar in appearance, with a predominantly red head and underparts, green wings, and blue back and tail. Six subspecies are recognised, but only a few of these are regular in aviculture. In the wild, it inhabits rainforests and feeds on fruits, berries, seeds and buds.
Region
Maluku and nearby islands of eastern Indonesia
Typical Environment
Found in lowland and hill rainforests across parts of the Maluku Islands, Peleng (Banggai Islands), the Sula Islands, and portions of West Papua’s offshore island groups. It occupies primary and tall secondary forests, forest edges, and occasionally well-wooded gardens near villages. Birds often follow fruiting trees and may shift locally with food availability. They are most commonly encountered in the mid to upper canopy, moving quietly in pairs or small parties.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Ambon or Amboina king parrot, this species is native to several eastern Indonesian islands, not just Ambon. Males and females look very similar, both showing vivid red and green with a bluish back. Six subspecies are recognized, differing subtly in size and plumage tone across islands. It is occasionally kept in aviculture, but most birds remain wild and reliant on intact rainforest.
Image of a colour lithograph of a Moluccan king parrot produced by William Swainson in the first volume of Zoological Illustrations
At the bird park in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah
At Brevard Zoo
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
strong direct flight with rapid wingbeats through forest gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally joining mixed fruiting flocks. Nests in natural tree cavities, often high above ground. Likely forms long-term pair bonds, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are mellow whistles and ringing notes, interspersed with soft chattering while foraging. In flight, it gives sharper, carrying contact calls that help pairs stay together.
