Australian King-Parrot

Large, long-tailed parrot (approx. 43cm). Males have a striking scarlet head and underparts with green wings; females have a green head and breast.

Vibrant scarlet red (male underparts/head) or deep grass green (wings/back and female head). The color is structural and pigment-based (psittacofulvins).

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs on the distal end with a soft, plumulaceous base for insulation.

Thin, semi-flexible rachis, typically matching the hue of the vane (red or green); high barb density for thermal regulation.

Smooth, waxy, and slightly glossy appearance to provide water resistance and streamline the bird's profile.

Likely from the breast or belly region (visible as red on the bird) or the back/wing coverts (visible as green).

Electric red and deep forest green coloration; large size compared to other Australian parrots like rosellas.

Rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and eucalyptus woodlands; also common in suburban gardens and parks.

Eastern Australia, ranging from Cooktown in Queensland to Port Campbell in Victoria.

Primary seed and fruit consumer; acts as a seed disperser within forest ecosystems.

Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans) - distinguished by blue cheek patches and black scalloping on the back.

Unlike many parrots, they are relatively quiet and are known to wait patiently for food; they are the only Australian parrots with a completely red head.

Popular in Australian aviculture; widely appreciated by birdwatchers and as a symbol of the Australian bush.

Look for molted red feathers beneath eucalyptus trees or near bird feeders where pairs frequent.

Feathers on the living specimen appear in good condition with high gloss, though molted feathers may show apical wear or fading.