- Poicephalus rueppellii
Alternative name(s): Rueppell's Parrot
Identification
22–25 cm. Dark brown, dark grey head, yellow feathers on the leading edge of the wings, and covering their upper legs; in immatures, the yellow is dull or missing. They are sexually dimorphic; adult female birds have blue feathers on the lower back and the rump, whilst male birds loose this blue feather colouration as they become mature.
Distribution
Southwestern Africa from central Namibia to southwest Angola.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Habitat
Savanna and dry woodland near streams and rivers.
Behaviour
Breeding
Nests in natural tree cavities or ones excavated by woodpeckers. Clutch is 3 to 5 white eggs incubated by the female for 24 to 30 days. The chicks fledge when they are about 68 days old.
Diet
Their diet consists of seeds, buds and shoots of the Acacia flowers; fruits of Grewia (raisins), Ficus (figs) and Combretum (bushwillows); nectar of Tapinthus (mistletoes); as well as caterpillars and spiders.
Voice
Quieter than other Poicephalus parrots. Contact calls are monotonous, quick, sharp notes. Alarm calls are shrieks increasing in pitch.
External Links
GSearch checked for 2020 platform.1
