The red-winged parrot is a parrot native to Australia and New Guinea. It is found in grasslands, savannah, farmland, and woodland.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Occurs across northern and eastern Australia and in southern New Guinea, favoring open woodland, riparian forest, and savanna with scattered tall trees. It frequents eucalypt and acacia woodlands, edges of farmland, and lightly timbered grasslands. Birds often concentrate near watercourses and in flowering or seeding trees. They will visit orchards and cultivated areas to feed when available. Roosts are typically in tall riverine trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 3/5
The red-winged parrot is a striking green parrot with vivid crimson wing patches, native to Australia and New Guinea. It nests in tree hollows, especially in eucalypts along rivers and savanna woodlands. Often seen in pairs or small flocks, it may wander locally in response to flowering and seeding events. Its clear, metallic calls carry over long distances in open country.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, with larger flocks forming at abundant food sources or communal roosts. Generally monogamous, nesting in natural tree hollows lined sparsely with wood dust. Pairs defend the immediate nest area but forage more loosely with neighbors. Breeding coincides with local seasonal rains and food availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are clear, metallic chinks and ringing whistles, often given in flight. Contact calls are sharp and carrying, while perched birds exchange softer chattering notes. The repertoire is not highly musical but is distinctive over open country.
Plumage
Male is bright green with a bold crimson wing patch, bluish rump, and long, tapered tail; female is duller green with less extensive red and more yellowish edging on the wing. Plumage is sleek with a glossy sheen in good light.
Diet
Feeds primarily on seeds, fruits, and blossoms from eucalypts, acacias, and casuarinas. Also takes berries and the seeds of grasses and cultivated crops. Will exploit seasonal flower and seed flushes, moving locally to track resources. Occasionally visits orchards and farm fields where available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy of flowering and seeding trees, along river corridors, and at woodland edges. Will also feed on the ground in open grassland or lightly grazed paddocks, especially at edges near trees. Urban parks with tall natives may be used opportunistically.
