AUSTRALIAN SPECIALISTS!

Male Pileated Parrot

RED-CAPPED PARROT (Purpureicephalus spurius)

    The red-capped parrot, also called the pileated parrot, is the only species of the genus Purpureicephalus (we scientists call this a monotypic genus).  There is considerable disagreement on where this genus falls among other described parrot genera, but this puzzle will certainly be solved as soon as someone gets around to typing the DNA (something new to systematics, but takes all the fun out of it!).  This species is distinctive in that it has a narrow, long, curved bill that is especially adapted to feeding on the seed capsule of Eucalyptus calophylla.  There is a great illustration of this in Forshaw and Cooper's Australian Parrots.  The red-capped parrot also has distinctive coloration, with a bright red cap (of course) and purple breast and belly.

    Red-caps occupy only the very southwest corner of Australia and seem dependent upon one species of Eucalyptus; a scenario for disaster if wildlife managers are not vigilant.  At this time they are relatively abundant and generally protected by Australian law.  Birds may be killed by the fruit industry during certain periods to protect their crops.

    Red-capped parrots, in my view are under-appreciated by aviculturists, but certainly appreciated by Forshaw and Cooper as this species adorns the cover of their book, Australian Parrots.  They host a remarkable purple plumage that is very rare in nature.  Red-capped parrots have a tendency to chew anything wooden in their enclosure; expect to replace nest boxes and perches every year.  They are a particularly nervous bird and therefore require big space and a bit of privacy.  We have never hand raised this species but we have been told that hand reared individuals are much calmer and in fact we were told they can make good pets.  We take this with a grain of salt and remind the readers that we have no experience with these birds in this regard.  Red-caps usually nest in May, laying 4-6 eggs.  Incubation is 19-20 days.  The juveniles are very dull versions of the adults without the red cap.  Birds mature in their second year.  Sexes are dimorphic but it sometimes takes a trained eye to tell them apart.

Pricing

$750 per pair, $375 for singles.

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