Regent Parrot (eastern subsp.) - Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides
Splendour Parrots
Overview provided by
Dr. Rob Marshall
The Regents Parrot (Polytelis anthropeplus) originates from Southwestern and southeastern Australia is not commonly kept as a companion bird.
Hand reared male birds make the best pets and have a friendly and pleasing nature.
The striking golden colour of the male Regents Parrot makes for a very handsome pet and brings much joy to the owner. The Regents Parrot is easily tamed and very sociable. Like the Superb Parrot, the Regents possesses the ability to produce delightful whistling noises and to a small degree, imitate the human voice.
Talking Ability (compared to other parrots)
An occasional fresh willow or fruit tree branch to "spruce up" their quarters seems to please the birds. The Regent Parrot is naturally hardy, so being careful to protect them from drafts and the like is unnecessary. That said, however, they should be protected from excessive cold, as such is uncommon in their natural habitat.Chart & Some of the Info by: |
| Regents Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus |
| Size: 40 - 45 cm (~ 16 inches) in length |
| Pet Status: Cock – Excellent |
| Talking Ability: Cock – Moderate |
| Noise Level: Low |
| Lifespan: 25 years |
| Breeding Ability: Excellent |
| Courtship Display: 2 weeks prior to entering the nest, Hen pesters cock for attention. |
| Number of Eggs: 3-7 eggs |
| Incubation: 21-23 days |
| Compatibility with other species: Good with other non-aggressive species |
| Feeding: Seed and Fruit eaters |
| Health Programmes: Follow the Parrot Health Programme. |
| Sexing: Surgical or DNA sexing prior to sexually maturity (2 years) is required. |
Description:
The Regent Parrot grows to approximately 14½-16½" (37-42 cm) in length, and exhibits sexual dimorphism. The male bird is generally yellow, with several shades on the head; its back is generally a collection of colorful shades of green; its beak generally red. The female is generally more green, overall, especially in the head and body. The tail is green, although the underparts are black.
Reproduction
The female broods 3-7 eggs for approximately 21 to 23 days. During this period she seldom departs from the nest, if at all, and is fed by the male. When the young have hatched, they are cared for by both the male and female. During this period, they can be fed several times their normal portion of feed, which they readily convey to their young. The young begin to fly at about 5 weeks. Sexual maturity is reached at about 2 years of age.
Aviary notes by Dr. Rob Marshall:
The Regents Parrot is an excellent aviary bird and will live comfortably with other non-aggressive species. Aviaries should be a minimum of three to four metres long and one to two metres wide. When provided with adequate conditions and a suitable diet, there is no reason why most Regents Parrots will not breed.
Diet
Captive Regent Parrots thrive on chopped mixtures for large parrots. They also like eggfood, fruit, sprouting seeds and a small assortment of insects. As with all birds, they need a ready supply of coarse grit to aid in digestion.
Care Requirements:
Please refer to the following websites for valuable information:
- Adopting or Purchasing a Parrot
- Optimal nutrition to keep your bird healthy
- Housing your bird
- Caring for your companion bird
National conservation status: Vulnerable
Location and habitat
DistributionIn NSW, occurs along the Murray River downstream of Tooleybuc, the Wakool River downstream of Kyalite, and adjoining areas of mallee.
Habitat and ecology
- The species nests within the redgum forest along the Murray and Wakool Rivers, and possibly the Darling River downstream of Pooncarrie.
- Typical nest trees are large, mature healthy trees with many spouts (though dead trees are used), typically located close to a watercourse.
- Principal foraging habitat is mallee woodlands, though foraging also occurs in riverine forests and woodlands.
- Mallee woodland within 20km of nesting sites is critical foraging habitat for breeding birds.
- They may utilise cereal crops and will feed on spilt grain.
- Birds move between the riverine nesting habitat and foraging sites along corridors of natural vegetation.
- Outside the breeding season birds may move away from the riverine plain, with birds observed in mallee 60 km from the river.
Copyright Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW)
Taxonomy & Other Data:
Genus: Scientific: Polytelis ... English: Splendour Parakeet ... Dutch: Prachtparkieten ... German: Prachtsittiche ... French: Perruche magnifique ... Species: Scientific: Polytelis anthopeplus anthopeplus ... English: Regent Parrot, Rock-Pebbler, Smoker Parrot ... Dutch: Regentparkiet ... German: Bergsittich, Olivgelber Sittich ... French: Perruche à queue noire ... CITES II - Endangered Species
Description: They average 15.5 inches (40 cm) in length. The general plumage is yellow; the back is olive-green. They have a broad red band across the inner wing-coverts. The outer wing-coverts and tail are bluish-black. The bill is reddish and the eye-ring is grey. The irises are orange-brown and the feet grey.
Females have an olive-green head and breast. Her upper wing-coverts are olive-yellow with little red. Her tail is dark bluish-green. The underside has pink tips.
Young birds look like females. Young males attain adult plumage when they are 13 to 18 months old.
Distribution: Native to the interior of southeast Australia.
Sub-Species:
Distribution: They are native to Southwest Australia
Description: At 15 inches (38 cm) they are slightly smaller than the nominate form, Regent's Parrot - anthopeplus - described and featured above. However, the head and the breast are a deeper olive-green. Females and immatures look like female Regent's Parrots described above.
Genus: Scientific: Polytelis ... English: Splendour Parakeets ... Dutch: Prachtparkieten ... German: Prachtsittiche ... French: Perruche magnifique ... Species: Scientific: Polytelis anthopeplus westralis aka Spathopterus anthopeplus - Note: justification for this sub-species is still much in dispute... English: Western Rock Pebbler ... Dutch: Westelijke Bergparkiet ... German: Westlicher Bergsittich ... French: Perruche à queue noire de ouest ... CITES II - Endangered Species
Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots (Please scroll down to no. 2 - click on link to view photo.)
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