The Papuan king parrot, also known as the green-winged king parrot, is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae found in New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
New Guinea and nearby islands
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across the island of New Guinea in both Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea, with some subspecies on adjacent islands. It inhabits primary and secondary rainforest, forest edges, and montane cloud forest. The species also visits riverine corridors and occasionally gardens near forest. It typically stays within the canopy or mid-story, moving quietly between fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the green-winged king parrot, it is one of three species in the genus Alisterus and is confined to New Guinea. Males are strikingly red-headed while females are mostly green, a classic example of sexual dimorphism. It is generally shy and keeps to dense forest, where it is more often heard than seen. The green panel on the wing gives it its alternative common name.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight through forest gaps
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally in loose flocks at fruiting trees. Breeding pairs nest in tree hollows high above the ground, where the female incubates while the male provides food. They are thought to be seasonally timed breeders depending on local fruiting patterns.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are mellow, piping whistles and clear, ringing calls that carry through the canopy. Contact calls are repeated, with softer chattering when feeding. It is generally quieter than many other parrots.
