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Red-winged Parrot |
Sightings
Red-winged Parrots are shier than Australian King-Parrots, which makes it harder to observe them, except while in flight, when they often make themselves noticed with their piercing calls. Like Australian King-Parrots they like White Cedar fruit, but are not so exclusively specialised on this diet during the winter months.
Seen by us on a trip from Narrabri to outback NSW and South Australia only out towards Bourke and Cobar, but not further west.
Photos
Close-up lateral view of a female Red-winged Parrot feasting on fruit (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of a female Red-winged Parrot eating White Cedar nuts from the ground while they are soft, because wet after a rain shower (click on image for larger version)
Female Red-winged Parrot in evening light (click on image for larger version)
Lateral view of a female Red-winged Parrot (click on image for larger version)
Rear view of a male Red-winged Parrot, exhibiting the near-black mantle
Rear view of a female Red-winged Parrot, exhibiting the light orange tips of the tail feathers
Male Red-winged Parrot (front) and a female bird (back) eating one of their favourite fruits in the orchard
Three immature Red-winged Parrots (click on image for larger version)
Australian King-Parrots, left, with a family of Red-winged Parrots, right (click on image for large version)
Habits
The culinary preferences of Red-winged Parrots differ significantly from those of the outwardly similar Australian King-Parrots. Although both species share their liking for White Cedar fruit, Red-winged Parrots prefer figs and prickly pears (rather than apricots).