Cape Parrots aka Tori Parrots aka Brown-necked Parrots
Poicephalus
The Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus robustus) is also known as Tori Parrot or Brown-necked Parrot.
Distribution / Range:
This parrot is endemic to the extreme South-eastern Africa (please refer to distribution map below).
Description:
The Cape Parrot averages 33 cm or 13 ins in length. The plumage is generally green. The head is greenish-brown to yellowish-brown flecked dark brown and dull green. In some birds, the cheeks are tinged lightly with dull pink. Occasional they have a narrow reddish frontal band.
The rump, breast and abdomen are tinged with blue. The feathers to the back and wing-coverts are black with broad green edging. The edge of the wing and thighs are orange-red. The tail is blackish-brown.
They have grey periophthalmic eye rings and a short, horn-colored bill that averages 31-37 mm or 1.22-1.46 ins in length.. The irides (= plural of iris) are dark brown and the feet dark grey.
Female as male, but usually with narrow orange frontal band. Immatures without orange-red to thighs and edge of wing; often with reddish tinge to forehead; head and nape (lower back of the neck) brownish-olive.
Species Names:
- Scientific: Poicephalus robustus robustus
- English: Cape Parrot, Brown-necked Parrot
- Dutch: Kaapse Papegaai, Bruinnekpapegaai
- German: Kap-Papagei
- French: Perroquet du Cap
Sub-species:
Even biologists familiar with the subspecies cannot always visually separate individuals to their respective races.
Kuhl's Cape Parrots or Brown-necked Parrot (Poicephalus robustus fuscicollis)
Distribution: South Africa ... CITES II - Endangered Species
Average Length: 33 cm / 13.2 in
Description: Fusccollis has a grey/brown neck. All three subspecies have dark green upper parts, light green lower parts and have orange on their shoulders. Juvenile birds have orange foreheads, which is retained on adult female parrots and is lost from the male parrots on maturity. This sexual dimorphism (visual physical differences between the sexes) enables adult birds to be visually sexed.
Species: Scientific: Poicephalus robustus fuscicollis ... English: Kuhl's Cape Parrot ... Dutch: Kuhls Kaapse Papegaai ... German: Kuhls Kap Papagei ... French: Perroquet à gorge brune
Breeding: Average clutch: 3-4 ... Incubation days: 28-30
Grey-headed Parrot (Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus)
Description: Suahelicus has a grey head.
All three subspecies have dark green upper parts, light green lower parts and have orange on their shoulders. Juvenile birds have orange foreheads, which is retained on adult female parrots and is lost from the male parrots on maturity. This sexual dimorphism (visual physical differences between the sexes) enables adult birds to be visually sexed.
Photo, Video and/or Article contributions are welcome! Please click here for info
The Avianweb strives to maintain accurate and up-to-date information; however, mistakes do happen. If you would like to correct or update any of the information, please send us an e-mail. THANK YOU!
