Australian King Parrot

Australian King Parrot key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

20-25 years

Size

43cm including the long broad tail (195-275g)

Diet

Mixed seed, spray millet, pulses, greens, fruit and vegetables, nuts and pellets

Cage

A walk-in flight 3 m long is recommended, with a vertical nest box or nest log, and enough height and depth to spare the long tail.

Temperament

The sexes differ markedly in colour, so sexing is easy. It is normally kept in pairs and prefers dense cover in the breeding season.

Vocalization

Flight calls are shrill and somewhat loud, the alarm call a harsh metallic shrieking, and perched males give high-pitched flute-like notes.

Notes

Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. It is large and needs considerable space, so an outdoor aviary is a precondition.

About Australian King Parrot

The Australian King Parrot is a striking 43cm large parrot with vivid red-and-green males. Learn about its 20-25 year lifespan, temperament, and care essentials.

7 things to know before welcoming a Australian King Parrot

1. 1Suited to Experienced Keepers

   The Australian King Parrot is classified as suitable for experienced keepers. If you haven't handled large parrots before, thorough research and advice from experienced owners are strongly recommended before bringing one home, as it is not typically an ideal first bird.

2. 2Needs a Tall, Spacious Cage

   Adults reach about 43 cm with a long, broad tail, so a cage with ample depth and height is essential. Choose an enclosure that gives enough room to spread the wings, and think carefully about perch placement.

3. 3Calm Yet Clever and Individual

   Individuals are often described as relatively calm, but they carry the intelligence and strong likes and dislikes typical of large parrots. Personality varies noticeably between birds, so observing the individual before bringing it home matters.

4. 4Sexes Are Easy to Distinguish

   Males show crimson from the head through the chest, while females have a green head, making the sexes relatively easy to tell apart. Confirming sex at the time of adoption makes later care planning easier.

5. 5Plan for a 20+ Year Commitment

   With a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, this is a long-term commitment. It's important to plan ahead for life changes such as moving house or shifts in family circumstances over that time.

6. 6A Nutritionally Balanced Diet

   Diet has a major impact on a large parrot's health. A balanced combination of pellets, seeds, and fresh vegetables and fruit is important, and daily feeding should be reviewed to avoid a one-sided diet.

7. 7Prepare the Environment First

   Before bringing one home, prepare the living environment — cage placement, temperature and humidity control, and safety-checking any out-of-cage space. It's also wise to confirm in advance how vocalizations might affect your living situation.

Frequently asked questions about Australian King Parrot

Q.Can a first-time bird owner keep an Australian King Parrot?

A.This species is classified as suitable for experienced keepers, so it can be challenging for a first-time bird owner. It's best suited to those with prior experience keeping large parrots, or with access to support from an experienced owner.

Q.How can you tell males and females apart?

A.Males have crimson plumage from the head through the chest, while females have a green head as well. This color difference makes it relatively easy to distinguish the sexes once the bird is an adult.

Q.How large a cage does it need?

A.As an adult reaching about 43 cm including the tail, it needs a cage with enough depth and height to spread its wings and move freely. Choose an enclosure sized to match its build.

Q.What is the lifespan?

A.The lifespan is around 20 to 25 years, making it a long-lived species among large parrots. Prospective owners should carefully consider whether they can commit to responsible care over that long a period.

Q.Is it subject to any regulations?

A.Australian King Parrot is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

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