Red-winged Parrot

Red-winged Parrot key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

30-50 years

Size

30-35cm (120-210g)

Diet

Mixed seed, nuts, fruit, blossom and nectar, greens and pellets; insects are also taken in the wild

Cage

A walk-in flight of at least 3 m is recommended and the larger the better. Use a nest log or deep vertical box 28-30 cm in inside diameter, and add swings and ladders.

Temperament

Acrobatic, it enjoys perches of varying diameter and structures to climb. Keep fresh branches coming and provide a permanent water bowl for bathing.

Vocalization

It gives sharp notes in flight or soon after landing, a repetitious harsh chikking when alarmed, and soft melodious chatter while feeding.

Notes

Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. A lifespan of 30-50 years means planning for the bird's whole life.

About Red-winged Parrot

A guide to the Red-winged Parrot, prized for its green body and bright red wings: characteristics, temperament, lifespan, and key points to know before bringing home this Australian-native, experienced-keeper parrot.

7 things to know before welcoming a Red-winged Parrot

1. 1Needs Ample Space

   At 30 to 35 cm in length, the Red-winged Parrot is a large, active bird that needs plenty of room to fly and move. Beyond the cage itself, plan for daily out-of-cage exercise time in a spacious, safe area.

2. 2Can Be Quite Loud

   This species has a loud, far-carrying voice and tends to be especially vocal in the morning and evening. If you live in an apartment or near neighbors, consider how the sound may travel.

3. 3Naturally Wary Temperament

   Lively and curious, Red-winged Parrots can also be somewhat wary of people at first. Rather than forcing interaction, building trust gradually over time tends to work best.

4. 4Distinct Male and Female Colors

   Males have a black nape and blue-tinged lower back and rump, making them visually distinct from the more uniformly green females. This clear dimorphism is also useful when considering pairing.

5. 5A 30-50 Year Commitment

   With a lifespan that can reach 30 to 50 years, this is an exceptionally long-lived bird. Before bringing one home, it's worth planning for changes in your own life circumstances over the decades ahead.

6. 6Requires Varied Nutrition

   In the wild these parrots eat a wide range of seeds, fruit, and blossoms, so captive diets should combine a quality pellet or seed mix with fresh vegetables and fruit for balanced nutrition. Avoid relying too heavily on any single food.

7. 7Best Suited to Experienced Keepers

   Given its wariness and space requirements, this species is generally considered suitable for experienced keepers rather than first-time parrot owners. It's best suited to those with prior parrot-keeping experience or who can consult a breeder beforehand.

Frequently asked questions about Red-winged Parrot

Q.Is this parrot suitable for beginners?

A.The Red-winged Parrot is generally considered suitable for experienced keepers rather than beginners. Its loud voice and need for spacious housing make it better suited to those with prior parrot-keeping experience.

Q.How loud and vocal is this parrot?

A.This species has a loud, far-carrying call and tends to vocalize actively in the morning and evening. If you live close to neighbors, it's worth thinking ahead about noise.

Q.How can you tell males and females apart?

A.Males have a black nape with blue tones across the lower back and rump, while females are more uniformly green. This color difference makes the sexes fairly easy to tell apart.

Q.How long does this parrot live?

A.This species can live 30 to 50 years, making it an exceptionally long-lived pet. It's worth preparing for a commitment that could span decades before bringing one home.

Q.Can it be kept together with other parrots?

A.Because this species can be active and somewhat wary, housing it with other parrots should be approached carefully, based on each bird's temperament. Allow a good observation period when introducing them.

Useful tools for Red-winged Parrot care

Learn more about Red-winged Parrot in the encyclopedia

More in this category