The red-cheeked parrot is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the tip of northern Queensland, Australia. There are 17 subspecies currently recognized. It is a stocky short-tailed parrot with predominantly green plumage. It exhibits sexual dimorphism; the adult male has red cheeks and a mauve nape and top of head, while the female is duller with a brown head.
Region
Australo-Papuan region
Typical Environment
The red-cheeked parrot occupies lowland and hill forests across eastern Indonesia (including the Moluccas and West Papua), New Guinea, and the tip of Cape York Peninsula in Australia. It frequents rainforest canopies, forest edges, riverine forest, and mangroves, and readily uses secondary growth and coconut or mixed-crop plantations. Birds often commute between fragmented patches in search of fruiting trees and can be seen around villages with tall tree cover. Flocks and pairs move through the mid to upper canopy, rarely descending to the ground.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This Australo-Papuan parrot shows striking sexual dimorphism: males have vivid red cheek patches and a mauve to lilac crown and nape, while females are duller with brownish heads. It is adaptable, using primary rainforest as well as forest edges, secondary growth, mangroves, and plantations. Seventeen subspecies are recognized across Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and northernmost Australia, reflecting island-driven variation in plumage tones. Its strong bill allows it to crack hard seeds and fruit pits with ease.
Possibly extinct variety, G. g. aureus
Red-cheeked parrot (female) from Nimbokrang
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with rapid, direct wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, sometimes forming larger feeding groups at fruiting trees. Pairs are likely monogamous and nest in cavities high in tree trunks or branches. They roost communally in tall trees and maintain contact with repeated calls while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, ringing screeches and sharp, nasal calls given in flight. At perches, softer chattering and whistles occur, especially between paired birds near the nest.
