| (a) Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus |
Cyril Laubscher (c)
| (b) Grey-headed Parrot P. fuscicollis suahelicus |
| Distribution and photographs of the Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus (a) relative to its two closest congeners, Grey-headed Parrot (P. fuscicollis suahelicus) (b), and Brown-necked Parrot P. fuscicollis fuscicollis (c). |
regions been called: Brown-necked Parrots, Levaillant's Parrot, Amatola Parrot, Angola Parrot, Pirie Parrot, Green Parrot, Knysna Parrot, Redcrowned Parrot, Redshouldered Parrot, and Kaapse Papegaai or Knysna-papegaai (in Afrikaans). Cape Parrots are distinguishable from their closest congener, the Grey-headed Parrot (Poicephalus robustus)by the following characteristics: |
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| Species Niche description Habitat Niche breadth Distributional range Diet Morphology Body size Bill morphology Colouration Vocalisations Contact call Complex vocalisations Breeding Nest cavity preferences Breeding seasonality |
| Cape Parrot P. robustus Mixed Afromontane Podocarpus forest Specialist E Cape, Transkei and KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa only) Almost exclusively Podocarpus fruits in natural habitat Smaller body dimensions Narrower and smaller bill Head colour olive, yellow to golden Simple shriek No ‘kraa’ or click calls recorded Usually nest in Podocarpus trees Usually September to December |
| Grey-headed Parrot P. fuscicollis suahelicus Low-lying mopane and mixed broadleaf woodland, savanna and forest More generalist South central Africa from Angola and South Africa to Uganda and Tanzania Generalist feeders on seeds from fruit and pods Larger body dimensions Bill heavier basally apex tapered and longer Silvery grey head Complex contact calls, often clearer and more metallic ‘Kraa’ and click calls recorded Usually nest in Baobabs Adansonia digitata trees In south, breeds April to August |
(b)
(c)
(a)
| (b) Grey-headed Parrot P. fuscicollis suahelicus |
| (c) Brown-necked Parrot P. fuscicollis fuscicollis |
Endemic to South Africa. Associated with Afromontane Podocarpus
forests with a discontinuous distribution from Fort Beaufort in the
Eastern Cape through to the Karkloof in KwaZulu-Natal (Wirminghaus
1997; Wirminghaus et al. 1999; Wirminghaus et al. 2000a;
Wirminghaus et al. 2000b), with a small relict population in the
Limpopo Province (Harrison et al. 1997; Wirminghaus et al. 1999).
Breeds in Afromontane forests above 1000m (Skead 1964;
Wirminghaus et al. 1999, Wirminghaus et al., in press b). Important
forests are those in the Eastern Cape (the Amatole forest complex,
Mkambati Nature Reserve, Insikeni and forests around Umtata and
Port St. Johns) and in the KwaZulu-Natal Mistbelt Forests (Barnes
1998; C.T. Downs, unpubl. data).
forests with a discontinuous distribution from Fort Beaufort in the
Eastern Cape through to the Karkloof in KwaZulu-Natal (Wirminghaus
1997; Wirminghaus et al. 1999; Wirminghaus et al. 2000a;
Wirminghaus et al. 2000b), with a small relict population in the
Limpopo Province (Harrison et al. 1997; Wirminghaus et al. 1999).
Breeds in Afromontane forests above 1000m (Skead 1964;
Wirminghaus et al. 1999, Wirminghaus et al., in press b). Important
forests are those in the Eastern Cape (the Amatole forest complex,
Mkambati Nature Reserve, Insikeni and forests around Umtata and
Port St. Johns) and in the KwaZulu-Natal Mistbelt Forests (Barnes
1998; C.T. Downs, unpubl. data).
Habitat: Primarily associated with Afromontane forest, but are not
confined to it, occasionally flying to other habitats in search of food
(Skead 1964; Rowan 1983). Afromontane forests are dominated by
Podocarpus species and occur at 1000-1500m altitude, on steep,
south-facing slopes on dolerite ridges that receive frequent mist in the
summer and mean annual rainfall of >1000mm. Yellowwood trees,
particularly Podocarpus falcatus (a forest canopy tree), are important
for breeding, feeding and social interactions (Wirminghaus et al.
2000a).
confined to it, occasionally flying to other habitats in search of food
(Skead 1964; Rowan 1983). Afromontane forests are dominated by
Podocarpus species and occur at 1000-1500m altitude, on steep,
south-facing slopes on dolerite ridges that receive frequent mist in the
summer and mean annual rainfall of >1000mm. Yellowwood trees,
particularly Podocarpus falcatus (a forest canopy tree), are important
for breeding, feeding and social interactions (Wirminghaus et al.
2000a).
Size: Medium-large sized parrot, 251-349mm (in length); 260-329g.
Plumage: Sexually dimorphic.
Adult male: Bill colour old ivory; forecrown dark earth-brown in males,
orange-red in females; crown olive-green; collar, nape and upper
chest yellow-green; chin and throat orange-brown; cheek and ear
coverts olive-green to yellow green; lore matt black; mantle colour
(area between wings) dark green; edge of scapulars dark oily green;
edge of upper wing coverts dark green; flight and tail feathers dark
slate; shoulder edge orange-red; back , rump, upper-tail coverts,
under-tail coverts, flank, belly and lower chest blue-green; tibio-tarsal
joint orange-red. Aberrant yellow wing feathers are sometimes
observed.
Adult female: Varied forecrown plumage patterns; some having
orange across the forehead and others having none; none of the
males have this forehead colouration.
Juvenile: Both sexes have orange-red colour on the forehead in their
first plumage, but only have red on the tibia or on the edge of the wing
when they moult to ad plumage. The colour is more salmon pink and
extends further on the crown in juveniles than in adults. At 8-10
months this colour is replaced in males with colour corresponding to
the hood plumage colour.
Confusing species: Distinguished from the Grey-headed Parrot P. f.
suahelicus by head and neck colouration, body plumage colour is
regarded as rare (Downs 2000). Several factors are considered to
have caused the decline of the Cape Parrot. These include forest
degradation, food and nest-site shortages, low recruitment, removal of
birds from the wild for the caged bird trade, and disease (Psittacine
Beak and Feather Disease) (Wirminghaus et al. 1999, 2000a). The
Cape Parrot only occurs in Podocarpus Afromontane forest patches
from the Eastern Cape to southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Wirminghaus 1997), with a relic population in Limpopo Province
(Wirminghaus 1997). Although restricted to Afromontane forest
patches, the birds are food nomadics and are highly mobile moving
between yellowwood forest patches, visiting orchards and occasionally
forest near the coast (Mboyti to Port St. Johns). The Cape Parrot’s
loud, often continuous, calling makes it conspicuous; it is active for
several hours after dawn and before sunset, usually circling over the
forest and calling loudly (Wirminghaus et al. 2000b). Flock size varies:
singletons, pairs, or groups of 5-6 birds are usually observed.
However, at localised food sites flock size may increase to 20-70 birds
caused by aggregation and giving a false impression of abundance
(Wirminghaus et al. 2001a).
Adult male: Bill colour old ivory; forecrown dark earth-brown in males,
orange-red in females; crown olive-green; collar, nape and upper
chest yellow-green; chin and throat orange-brown; cheek and ear
coverts olive-green to yellow green; lore matt black; mantle colour
(area between wings) dark green; edge of scapulars dark oily green;
edge of upper wing coverts dark green; flight and tail feathers dark
slate; shoulder edge orange-red; back , rump, upper-tail coverts,
under-tail coverts, flank, belly and lower chest blue-green; tibio-tarsal
joint orange-red. Aberrant yellow wing feathers are sometimes
observed.
Adult female: Varied forecrown plumage patterns; some having
orange across the forehead and others having none; none of the
males have this forehead colouration.
Juvenile: Both sexes have orange-red colour on the forehead in their
first plumage, but only have red on the tibia or on the edge of the wing
when they moult to ad plumage. The colour is more salmon pink and
extends further on the crown in juveniles than in adults. At 8-10
months this colour is replaced in males with colour corresponding to
the hood plumage colour.
Confusing species: Distinguished from the Grey-headed Parrot P. f.
suahelicus by head and neck colouration, body plumage colour is
regarded as rare (Downs 2000). Several factors are considered to
have caused the decline of the Cape Parrot. These include forest
degradation, food and nest-site shortages, low recruitment, removal of
birds from the wild for the caged bird trade, and disease (Psittacine
Beak and Feather Disease) (Wirminghaus et al. 1999, 2000a). The
Cape Parrot only occurs in Podocarpus Afromontane forest patches
from the Eastern Cape to southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Wirminghaus 1997), with a relic population in Limpopo Province
(Wirminghaus 1997). Although restricted to Afromontane forest
patches, the birds are food nomadics and are highly mobile moving
between yellowwood forest patches, visiting orchards and occasionally
forest near the coast (Mboyti to Port St. Johns). The Cape Parrot’s
loud, often continuous, calling makes it conspicuous; it is active for
several hours after dawn and before sunset, usually circling over the
forest and calling loudly (Wirminghaus et al. 2000b). Flock size varies:
singletons, pairs, or groups of 5-6 birds are usually observed.
However, at localised food sites flock size may increase to 20-70 birds
caused by aggregation and giving a false impression of abundance
(Wirminghaus et al. 2001a).
|
Clancey’s (1997) proposals are adopted with P. robustus (which is associated with Afromontane forest habitats)
as a separate species from P. fuscicollis. This is based on morphological, biogeographical and ecological
differences. The arrangement of P. fuscicollis is revised; with two subspecies P. f. fuscicollis (which historically
occurred in W Africa but is now only common in the Gambia) and the Grey-headed Parrot P. f. suahelicus (which
occurs in low-lying woodland in south-central Africa).
The genus Poicephalus was proposed by Reichenow (1881) to replace Psittacus for the Cape Parrot. Latham
(1781) first described the specimen as Robust Parrot (which is now lost) from J. Banks’ collection which Gmelin
(1788) used for his type description of Poicephalus robustus (then described as Psittacus robustus). Psittacus is
the same genus as the African Grey Parrot (P. erithacus). Poicephalus robustus robustus (Gmelin) was described
as Psittacus robustus.in the Eastern Cape Province (Clancey 1963). Poicephalus robustus (Gurney, 1873 Ibis, p.
255 (Natal); Salvad. 1891 Cat. B. M. xx, p. 363; Shelley, 1896, B. Afr. I, p. 138; Woodward & Woodward, 1897, p.
125) (See Stark & Sclater 1903 for details). Poicephalus robustus suahelicus (Reichenow) was described as
Poicephalus suahelicus (Reichenow) from Msua, near Bagamoyo, Tanzania (Clancey 1963).
A recent review paper (Perrin 2005) collates and summarises the ecological and behavioural, as well as
morphological and molecular, data in relation to the taxonomy of the Cape Parrot. This paper includes colour
photos of these species.
as a separate species from P. fuscicollis. This is based on morphological, biogeographical and ecological
differences. The arrangement of P. fuscicollis is revised; with two subspecies P. f. fuscicollis (which historically
occurred in W Africa but is now only common in the Gambia) and the Grey-headed Parrot P. f. suahelicus (which
occurs in low-lying woodland in south-central Africa).
The genus Poicephalus was proposed by Reichenow (1881) to replace Psittacus for the Cape Parrot. Latham
(1781) first described the specimen as Robust Parrot (which is now lost) from J. Banks’ collection which Gmelin
(1788) used for his type description of Poicephalus robustus (then described as Psittacus robustus). Psittacus is
the same genus as the African Grey Parrot (P. erithacus). Poicephalus robustus robustus (Gmelin) was described
as Psittacus robustus.in the Eastern Cape Province (Clancey 1963). Poicephalus robustus (Gurney, 1873 Ibis, p.
255 (Natal); Salvad. 1891 Cat. B. M. xx, p. 363; Shelley, 1896, B. Afr. I, p. 138; Woodward & Woodward, 1897, p.
125) (See Stark & Sclater 1903 for details). Poicephalus robustus suahelicus (Reichenow) was described as
Poicephalus suahelicus (Reichenow) from Msua, near Bagamoyo, Tanzania (Clancey 1963).
A recent review paper (Perrin 2005) collates and summarises the ecological and behavioural, as well as
morphological and molecular, data in relation to the taxonomy of the Cape Parrot. This paper includes colour
photos of these species.
Like all parrot populations, Cape Parrot numbers are difficult to
estimate (Casagrande & Beissinger 1997). Birds fly long distances
between nesting, roosting and feeding areas (Chapman et al. 1989,
Casagrande & Beissinger 1997). They are often difficult to detect and
mark-recapture methods are unsuitable (Casagrande & Beissinger
1997). Trends in the population size of the Cape Parrot are particularly
important because of its Endangered status, and for its conse
ex-Transkei) (Skead 1964, 1971, Dalldorf pers. comm.), and in
KwaZulu-Natal (Skead 1971, Kerr, Geekie pers. comm.) and little in the
Northern Province, where it remains scarce (Brooke 1984). Accurate
estimates of population size are difficult as standard bird census
techniques are inappropriate because the birds are not predictable in
their occurrence at particular forests.
Numbers and presence are determined during annual intensive
national surveys which have been held since 1997 in the form of the
Cape Parrot Big Birding Day. Presence of birds is unpredictable at
forest patches in the Eastern Cape (know includes the ex-Transkei),
Limpopo Province and KwaZulu-Natal. Present distributions in forest
fragments reflect past distribution in a large mosaic of forest patches.
Numbers are exceedingly low and the best estimate of numbers is
300-350 birds in the Eastern Cape, 150-170 in KwaZulu-Natal, and
50-60 in the Transvaal Drakensberg. This suggests about 500-600
Cape Parrots remain in the wild (for more current data on Cape Parrot
numbers click here) Breeding success is low and populations are
considered to be declining (Wirminghaus et al. 1999; Wirminghaus et
al. 2000b).
The Cape Parrot is not represented by a metapopulation as the birds
are able to visit various forests and the subpopulations do not seem
isolated with the exception of those in the Limpopo Province (Meffe &
Carroll 1997).
estimate (Casagrande & Beissinger 1997). Birds fly long distances
between nesting, roosting and feeding areas (Chapman et al. 1989,
Casagrande & Beissinger 1997). They are often difficult to detect and
mark-recapture methods are unsuitable (Casagrande & Beissinger
1997). Trends in the population size of the Cape Parrot are particularly
important because of its Endangered status, and for its conse
ex-Transkei) (Skead 1964, 1971, Dalldorf pers. comm.), and in
KwaZulu-Natal (Skead 1971, Kerr, Geekie pers. comm.) and little in the
Northern Province, where it remains scarce (Brooke 1984). Accurate
estimates of population size are difficult as standard bird census
techniques are inappropriate because the birds are not predictable in
their occurrence at particular forests.
Numbers and presence are determined during annual intensive
national surveys which have been held since 1997 in the form of the
Cape Parrot Big Birding Day. Presence of birds is unpredictable at
forest patches in the Eastern Cape (know includes the ex-Transkei),
Limpopo Province and KwaZulu-Natal. Present distributions in forest
fragments reflect past distribution in a large mosaic of forest patches.
Numbers are exceedingly low and the best estimate of numbers is
300-350 birds in the Eastern Cape, 150-170 in KwaZulu-Natal, and
50-60 in the Transvaal Drakensberg. This suggests about 500-600
Cape Parrots remain in the wild (for more current data on Cape Parrot
numbers click here) Breeding success is low and populations are
considered to be declining (Wirminghaus et al. 1999; Wirminghaus et
al. 2000b).
The Cape Parrot is not represented by a metapopulation as the birds
are able to visit various forests and the subpopulations do not seem
isolated with the exception of those in the Limpopo Province (Meffe &
Carroll 1997).
Figure 1. The areas covered on the Cape Parrot Big Birding Day
excluding the Limpopo Province
excluding the Limpopo Province
Currently over 120 Cape Parrots are recorded in the species studbook and are held by over 20 aviculturists. The studbook currently includes only a few birds
held in the Eastern Cape where there are likely to be more given that the region is home to the largest wild population.
The only legal trade in Cape Parrots relates to wild-caught birds collected before current legislation was implemented, since when collecting permits have been
withheld, or their progeny. No permits have been issued for several years and currently there is no known overseas trade in the species.
Trade will be severely detrimental to the viability of wild populations of the Cape Parrot in the short to mid term. In the long term, trade in F2 captive raised birds
could prevent poaching from the wild.
Only 5 Cape Parrots are on record overseas, in a collection in France, their contribution to captive breeding for the species is minimal numerically, although might
be important genetically. It is believed by many conservationists that once Cape Parrots appear on the international markets, extinction of the wild population will
follow rapidly, because of the financial value generated by the bird’s rarity, and foreign exchange rates.
held in the Eastern Cape where there are likely to be more given that the region is home to the largest wild population.
The only legal trade in Cape Parrots relates to wild-caught birds collected before current legislation was implemented, since when collecting permits have been
withheld, or their progeny. No permits have been issued for several years and currently there is no known overseas trade in the species.
Trade will be severely detrimental to the viability of wild populations of the Cape Parrot in the short to mid term. In the long term, trade in F2 captive raised birds
could prevent poaching from the wild.
Only 5 Cape Parrots are on record overseas, in a collection in France, their contribution to captive breeding for the species is minimal numerically, although might
be important genetically. It is believed by many conservationists that once Cape Parrots appear on the international markets, extinction of the wild population will
follow rapidly, because of the financial value generated by the bird’s rarity, and foreign exchange rates.
Flock size is rarely greater than 10. Larger flocks usually concentrate at roost sites, water points or fruiting trees, and represent an aggregation of several
groups. Between periods of activity the birds mostly remain perched; but also call, preen, allopreen, rest and occasionally feed (Skead 1964; Wirminghaus et al.
2000a). Pairing and gregarious flocking behaviour are common (Skead 1964; Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Preening includes scratching and stretching behaviours
(Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). When preening, birds vocalise with small chirps, rattle their feathers, then stretch their shoulders back, before scratching the head,
especially below and behind the eye. The sequence of behaviours sometimes includes forward leaning with a bill-cleaning action, fluffing of the feathers, and
turning the tail to the sun. Backward extension of the shoulders and wings, referred to as the archangel display, is also used in sexual and aggressive contexts. A
high-pitched screech is associated with the display (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Stretching behaviour is accompanied by wing-clips and tail-wags which are also
included courtship displays (see Breeding). Cape Parrots are strong fliers, with an erratic (zig-zag) flight pattern (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Birds fly high above
the forest canopy, wheeling and swerving about; or with fast and direct movement when moving between forests; or with a slow and fluttering movement before
settling to feed or socialise. They circle (singly or in flocks), dive (after horizontal flight) and swoop. Circling is the most common flight pattern, with birds flying out
from snags or trees, to circle before returning to perch. If disturbed, birds take flight, sometimes darting through trees, squawking or screeching loudly
(Wirminghaus et al. 2000a).
Intra-specific behaviours include chasing, diving, tussling with beaks, regurgitating and feeding one another, perching and playing, and moving and vocalising.
Groups are often “family” groups of birds (an adult pair with 2-4 juveniles or non-breeding birds) (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Few interspecific interactions have
been recorded with other avian frugivores, namely Rameron Pigeons Columba arquatrix and Knysna Louries Tauraco corythaix when mixed groups forage in
fruiting trees. African Goshawks (Accipter tachiro), Black Sparrowhawks (A. melanoleucus) and Lanner Falcons Falco biarmicus occasionally chase Cape Parrots
(Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Will occasionally mob predators e.g. Gymonogene (Polyboroides typus). Roost sites are usually emergent snags or trees in the
forest but sites adjacent to forest are also used (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a); usually tall Eucalyptus species.
Fly as pairs or larger groups with the group breaking up into sub-groups of 1-5 birds, which move in different directions and then regroup. Sometimes fly as
singletons (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Nomadic species, moving between forest patches depending on food availability. Sometimes make long distance (100km)
feeding forays to coastal forests (Skead 1964; Skead 1971).
groups. Between periods of activity the birds mostly remain perched; but also call, preen, allopreen, rest and occasionally feed (Skead 1964; Wirminghaus et al.
2000a). Pairing and gregarious flocking behaviour are common (Skead 1964; Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Preening includes scratching and stretching behaviours
(Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). When preening, birds vocalise with small chirps, rattle their feathers, then stretch their shoulders back, before scratching the head,
especially below and behind the eye. The sequence of behaviours sometimes includes forward leaning with a bill-cleaning action, fluffing of the feathers, and
turning the tail to the sun. Backward extension of the shoulders and wings, referred to as the archangel display, is also used in sexual and aggressive contexts. A
high-pitched screech is associated with the display (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Stretching behaviour is accompanied by wing-clips and tail-wags which are also
included courtship displays (see Breeding). Cape Parrots are strong fliers, with an erratic (zig-zag) flight pattern (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Birds fly high above
the forest canopy, wheeling and swerving about; or with fast and direct movement when moving between forests; or with a slow and fluttering movement before
settling to feed or socialise. They circle (singly or in flocks), dive (after horizontal flight) and swoop. Circling is the most common flight pattern, with birds flying out
from snags or trees, to circle before returning to perch. If disturbed, birds take flight, sometimes darting through trees, squawking or screeching loudly
(Wirminghaus et al. 2000a).
Intra-specific behaviours include chasing, diving, tussling with beaks, regurgitating and feeding one another, perching and playing, and moving and vocalising.
Groups are often “family” groups of birds (an adult pair with 2-4 juveniles or non-breeding birds) (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Few interspecific interactions have
been recorded with other avian frugivores, namely Rameron Pigeons Columba arquatrix and Knysna Louries Tauraco corythaix when mixed groups forage in
fruiting trees. African Goshawks (Accipter tachiro), Black Sparrowhawks (A. melanoleucus) and Lanner Falcons Falco biarmicus occasionally chase Cape Parrots
(Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Will occasionally mob predators e.g. Gymonogene (Polyboroides typus). Roost sites are usually emergent snags or trees in the
forest but sites adjacent to forest are also used (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a); usually tall Eucalyptus species.
Fly as pairs or larger groups with the group breaking up into sub-groups of 1-5 birds, which move in different directions and then regroup. Sometimes fly as
singletons (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). Nomadic species, moving between forest patches depending on food availability. Sometimes make long distance (100km)
feeding forays to coastal forests (Skead 1964; Skead 1971).
Loud, often continuous, calling makes it conspicuous. Distinct vocal repertoire; calls heard most frequently include five distinct calls described as 'tzu-weee,
zu-wee, zeu-wee, zz-keek' and a nasal 'zeek' (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). In flight, very vocal: calling before taking off, and calling continuously while flying;
characteristic high-pitched call during flight. A raucous alarm call is given by disturbed Cape Parrots. It is rapid with a rasping tone, with up to 12 identifiable
harmonics. When disturbed, they dart through canopy trees or fly out squawking or screeching loudly. Adult and juvenile birds threatened in Breeding pairs at
the nest are usually quiet but infrequently chirp (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a).
zu-wee, zeu-wee, zz-keek' and a nasal 'zeek' (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a). In flight, very vocal: calling before taking off, and calling continuously while flying;
characteristic high-pitched call during flight. A raucous alarm call is given by disturbed Cape Parrots. It is rapid with a rasping tone, with up to 12 identifiable
harmonics. When disturbed, they dart through canopy trees or fly out squawking or screeching loudly. Adult and juvenile birds threatened in Breeding pairs at
the nest are usually quiet but infrequently chirp (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a).
Mating system: Appear to be no helpers, appears to be solitary, non-territorial nester. Degree of mate fidelity – unknown but appears high although will take a
new partner if mate dies in captivity. During courtship, a typical male sequence is a quick wing-raise on arrival at a snag, then stretching of the wing (right then
left) over a tail-extension, followed by stretching of the leg, rattling of the feathers, then looking around before half wing-raising with a tail-wag. Alternatively
males give a tail-wag with the wings back, then do a wing extension followed by a head bob and a mandible rattle. The female responds with a wing stretch
followed by a right wing or tail stretch. The male responds with a wing clip, a tail wag, and then a right wing extension (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a).
Laying dates: Breeding usually occurs from August to February, but occurs in other months, particularly in captive birds (Wirminghaus et al., in press b). In the
Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, breeding in the Cape Parrot has occurred at varied times during the year (Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1962; Clancey 1964;
Dean 1971).
Incubation: By the female and lasts 28-30days.
Development and care of young: At first nestlings have a pink appearance, covered with a sparse white down which gets thicker as the nestlings grow older.
Bills have a distinct egg tooth. At 15 days old, pin feathers begin appearing on the forehead. At about 35 days of age, green tail feathers begin to break free of
the quills. When chicks emerge from the nest, each resembles an adult female in colouring, with coral pink foreheads (Wirminghaus et al., in press b). First
moult begins after 5-7 months. Time taken to moult into mature plumage is variable in both sexes. Both parents attend the nest and regurgitate food to the
young. The female spends more time in the nest than the male. Chicks solicit food by chirping continually until fed. Nestlings fledge asynchronously. After
fledging (55-79 days), chicks remain in groups with their parents and continue to be fed by regurgitation by both parents. Food given to chicks includes the
kernels of P. falcatus and seeds of Acacia mearnsii (Wirminghaus et al., in press b). There is much vocal contact between fledglings and ads. When leaving the
nest, both parents appear cautious, before flying off. As chicks grow, they appear at the hole entrance and give ‘zeek-zeek’ calls (Wirminghaus et al., in press
b).
Breeding success: Dueting pairs did not appear to defend nest sites, but occasionally chased other avian frugivores away. There was no destruction of any
observed clutches or broods by predators. Nesting requirements suggest that nest-sites are limiting (Wirminghaus et al., in press b) as few nests have been
found and consequently there is little recruitment (Wirminghaus et al., in press b).
Moult: No data.
new partner if mate dies in captivity. During courtship, a typical male sequence is a quick wing-raise on arrival at a snag, then stretching of the wing (right then
left) over a tail-extension, followed by stretching of the leg, rattling of the feathers, then looking around before half wing-raising with a tail-wag. Alternatively
males give a tail-wag with the wings back, then do a wing extension followed by a head bob and a mandible rattle. The female responds with a wing stretch
followed by a right wing or tail stretch. The male responds with a wing clip, a tail wag, and then a right wing extension (Wirminghaus et al. 2000a).
Laying dates: Breeding usually occurs from August to February, but occurs in other months, particularly in captive birds (Wirminghaus et al., in press b). In the
Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, breeding in the Cape Parrot has occurred at varied times during the year (Mackworth-Praed & Grant 1962; Clancey 1964;
Dean 1971).
Incubation: By the female and lasts 28-30days.
Development and care of young: At first nestlings have a pink appearance, covered with a sparse white down which gets thicker as the nestlings grow older.
Bills have a distinct egg tooth. At 15 days old, pin feathers begin appearing on the forehead. At about 35 days of age, green tail feathers begin to break free of
the quills. When chicks emerge from the nest, each resembles an adult female in colouring, with coral pink foreheads (Wirminghaus et al., in press b). First
moult begins after 5-7 months. Time taken to moult into mature plumage is variable in both sexes. Both parents attend the nest and regurgitate food to the
young. The female spends more time in the nest than the male. Chicks solicit food by chirping continually until fed. Nestlings fledge asynchronously. After
fledging (55-79 days), chicks remain in groups with their parents and continue to be fed by regurgitation by both parents. Food given to chicks includes the
kernels of P. falcatus and seeds of Acacia mearnsii (Wirminghaus et al., in press b). There is much vocal contact between fledglings and ads. When leaving the
nest, both parents appear cautious, before flying off. As chicks grow, they appear at the hole entrance and give ‘zeek-zeek’ calls (Wirminghaus et al., in press
b).
Breeding success: Dueting pairs did not appear to defend nest sites, but occasionally chased other avian frugivores away. There was no destruction of any
observed clutches or broods by predators. Nesting requirements suggest that nest-sites are limiting (Wirminghaus et al., in press b) as few nests have been
found and consequently there is little recruitment (Wirminghaus et al., in press b).
Moult: No data.
Geographical variation: No recognised races, but appear to be some variation in vocalisations (C.T. Downs, pers. obs.).
Measurements: wing (24m) 210-230 (218.3), (14f) 205-219 (210.5); tail (25m) 90-98.9 (94.8), (16f) 79.6-97.2 (89.3); tarsus (25m) 18.2-23.5 (21.7), (16f)
19.9-22.4 (21.5); culmen (from edge of cere along curve to bill tip) (19m) 37-48 (40.8), (14f) 36-43 (38.3); mass (4 m) 295-329 (306), (3f) 260-328 (294).
Measurements: wing (24m) 210-230 (218.3), (14f) 205-219 (210.5); tail (25m) 90-98.9 (94.8), (16f) 79.6-97.2 (89.3); tarsus (25m) 18.2-23.5 (21.7), (16f)
19.9-22.4 (21.5); culmen (from edge of cere along curve to bill tip) (19m) 37-48 (40.8), (14f) 36-43 (38.3); mass (4 m) 295-329 (306), (3f) 260-328 (294).
| Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus Fact file |
Cyril Laubscher (c)
Cyril Laubscher (c)
Cyril Laubscher (c)
Description:
Distributional range:
Habitat associations:
Behaviour and inter-specific interaction
Population status
Cape Parrots in captivity
Louis Warburton (c)
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
| Adult female Cape Parrot |
| Adult male Cape Parrot |
| Two Cape Parrot chicks prior to fledging |
Taxonomic Notes:
Food item preferences
Cape Parrots have the most restricted trophic niche of any Poicephalus parrots studied thus far. There diet is specialized to focus on yellowwood fruits
throughout the year, including all three species distributed within their historical range. Due to the variable fruiting phenology of yellowwood species, Cape
Parrots are food nomadics, moving between forest patches, occasionally making long feeding forays of up to 100km to coastal forest. In their natural habitat,
Cape Parrots are known to also fed on Cape Chestnut (Calodendrum capense), Red stinkwood (Prunus africana), Cape Beech (Rapaneae melanophloes),
Highveld Protea (Protea caffra), Cat-thorn (Scutia myrtina), Sneezewood (Ptaeroxylon obliquum), Pittosporum (Pittosporum viridiflorum), Ironwood (Olea
capensis), White Stinkwood (Celtis africana), White Pear (Apodytes dimidiata) and the exotic, all pervasive Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsi). In recent years there
have been an increasing number of reports of Cape Parrots feeding on exotic tree species in residential and rural gardens (e.g. Syringa (Melia azedarach)) and
fruit and nuts in orchards (e.g. pecan farms throughout their range).
throughout the year, including all three species distributed within their historical range. Due to the variable fruiting phenology of yellowwood species, Cape
Parrots are food nomadics, moving between forest patches, occasionally making long feeding forays of up to 100km to coastal forest. In their natural habitat,
Cape Parrots are known to also fed on Cape Chestnut (Calodendrum capense), Red stinkwood (Prunus africana), Cape Beech (Rapaneae melanophloes),
Highveld Protea (Protea caffra), Cat-thorn (Scutia myrtina), Sneezewood (Ptaeroxylon obliquum), Pittosporum (Pittosporum viridiflorum), Ironwood (Olea
capensis), White Stinkwood (Celtis africana), White Pear (Apodytes dimidiata) and the exotic, all pervasive Black Wattle (Acacia mearnsi). In recent years there
have been an increasing number of reports of Cape Parrots feeding on exotic tree species in residential and rural gardens (e.g. Syringa (Melia azedarach)) and
fruit and nuts in orchards (e.g. pecan farms throughout their range).
Vocalisations
Breeding Biology
Like the Cape Parrot flocks of 50 years ago...
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
Louis Warburton (c)
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
William Horsfield (c)
CPWG (c)
CPWG (c)
Partners:
www.capeparrottrust.org
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