Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Australian King Parrot

Australian King Parrot
Not to be confused with the crimson rosella, the king parrot is scarlet rather than crimson with a red bill, and dark forest green wings, royal blue rump and black tail. As well, it is not always the farmers' friend, as the king parrot is known to raid crops and home garden fruit trees and vegetable gardens to eat anything from tomatoes, apples, pears, grapes and even freshly dug potatoes. George Caley, Sir Joseph Bank's botanical collector in the years 1800-10, reported that near Parramatta: 'When the Indian corn was ripe the king parrot may be seen in large flocks clinging to the stalks and occasioning much mischief.'


1 comment:

  1. Beautiful shot! It can get away with all kinds of mischief thanks to its beauty.

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