Red-winged Parrot (Aprosmictus erythropterus)

Have you ever seen a flash of bright red and green wings in the treetops and wondered what tropical bird landed nearby? If you live or travel across northern Australia or parts of southern New Guinea, that vibrant splash of color just might be the Red-winged Parrot. These striking medium-sized parrots enliven savannas, woodlands, and forests with their colorful plumage and high-flying antics.

“The male is bright lime green with a black back and deep blue rump. The tail is green with a yellow tip. The bill and eyes are red and the legs are grey.”

Red-winged Parrots range between 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) long and weigh 3.5-7.4 ounces (100-210 grams). As their name suggests, vivid red shoulder patches (wing coverts) stand out when they take to the air. Males sport deeper red and green hues than females, whose greenish-yellow tints better camouflage them in treetop nests.

These agile parrots utilize their strong claws and curved bills to clamber through high branches. They snack on tree blossoms and seeds or gather by the dozens to forage fallen fruits. Keep an eye out overhead to catch sight of Australia’s winged emerald gem.

History and Taxonomy

The Red-winged Parrot has had a convoluted taxonomic history since it’s first description by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788. Gmelin originally named the species Psittacus erythropterus, grouping it within the catch-all parrot genus Psittacus. He based his identification on the “crimson-winged parrot” that English ornithologist John Latham had characterized just a few years earlier.

Over the next century, scientists shuffled the Red-winged Parrot between genera until English zoologist John Gould placed it in the genus Aprosmictus in 1842. The name Aprosmictus derives from the Greek for “unsociable” or “solitary,” oddly enough, since Red-winged Parrots are highly social birds. Gould retained Gmelin’s original erythropterus epithet, from the Greek for “red-winged.”

Today, taxonomists recognize two distinct subspecies of the Red-winged Parrot:

• A. e. erythropterus: lives across northeastern Australia from inland New South Wales up through eastern Queensland.
• A. e. coccineopterus: occupies northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Slightly smaller than erythropterus with subtle plumage differences.

These classifications may shift again in the future as new research illuminates the evolutionary relationships linking parrot species worldwide. For now though, Aprosmictus erythropterus remains the internationally accepted scientific name for this eye-catching Aussie bird.

Physical Appearance

The vibrant coloration of Red-winged Parrots sets them apart from other parrot species. These stocky birds measure 12-14 inches (30-35 cm) long with tails accounting for up to 20% of their length. Wingspans range from 8.7-11.8 inches (22-30 cm). Adults typically weigh between 3.5-7.4 ounces (100-210 grams).

Several physical features help distinguish males from females:

Males

• Bright green plumage overall with black mantle and back
• Deep blue lower back and rump
• Bright red wing patches (coverts)
• Yellow-tipped tail
• Orange bill
• Gray eye-rings and legs

“The male is bright lime green with a black back and deep blue rump. The tail is green with a yellow tip. The bill and eyes are red and the legs are grey.”

Females

• Duller green plumage with little to no black on back
• Paler blue on lower back and rump
• Smaller red wing patches mixed with pink
• Dark brown irises
• Bluish legs

Juveniles resemble adult females but have yellowish beaks and lighter brown eyes that darken with maturity. Young males start exhibiting adult plumage at around two years old.

The two subspecies show subtle variances in size and coloration as well. A. e. coccineopterus averages a bit smaller than it’s northern cousin A. e. erythropterus. It’s red wing patches also tend more toward reddish-orange. Even seasoned birders find the subspecies tricky to differentiate in the wild though.

Habitat and Distribution

Red-winged Parrots occupy a broad swath of northeastern Australia and New Guinea. Their range extends across northern Australia from Western Australia through the Northern Territory and Queensland over to New South Wales. Smaller populations frequent southern New Guinea as well.

Within Australia, you’re most likely to encounter these parrots in coastal and sub-coastal areas. However, inland sightings do occur, especially along watercourses and wetlands. Red-winged Parrots reside in a variety of habitats including:

• Open eucalyptus woodlands
• Acacia and coastal scrublands
• Tropical savannas and grasslands
• Agricultural areas
• Riverine forests lined with mangroves or paperbark trees

These adaptable parrots inhabit altitudes ranging from sea level up to approximately 2,000 feet (600 meters). Populations congregate wherever blossoms and seed-bearing trees occur, though they show a particular fondness for forests rich in eucalyptus.

Nomadic by nature, Red-winged Parrots wander widely in search of the best feeding grounds. Their movements likely follows the flowering and fruiting cycles of favorite tree species. Some populations residing in arid habitats like the Australian Outback may traverse hundreds of miles when drought hits an area.

In recent decades, habitat loss has impacted some populations in Australia and New Guinea. However, deforestation has also created new open woodlands that the birds eagerly occupy. For now, conservationists consider their future secure across most of their range.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of Red-winged Parrots revolves around herbivorous fare like seeds, fruits, nectar, and blossoms. Their strong curved beaks and muscular tongues are adapted for prying into seed pods and flower heads. Their dexterous toes also let them grasp and manipulate food items.

Some favorite wild foods include:

• Eucalyptus seeds and nectar
• Acacia seeds
• Mistletoe berries
• Fig and quince fruits
• Tree blossoms (melaleuca, grevillea)

Red-winged Parrots supplement their fruit and seed staples with protein-rich insects and larvae when breeding. Some occasional treats include fungi, soft bark, or mineral-rich clay licks.

These highly social birds use strong, rolling calls to communicate foraging locations to their flock-mates. Feeding occurs mainly in treetops within flocks of 15 birds or less. More abundant food sources, like mass-fruiting fig trees, may attract gatherings of 50-100 birds at a time.

In captivity, Red-winged Parrots relish:

• Fortified seed mixes
• Pellets and vegetable matter
• Chopped fruits and greens
• Live mealworms and other insects
• Nuts, berries, sprouted seeds

Their durable curved beaks make short work of hulls and rinds. Owners should provide lots of novelty toys and puzzles too in order to occupy their agile minds and feet.

Breeding and Reproduction

The breeding habits of Red-winged Parrots align with the seasonal flowering and fruiting of food plants across their range. Most mating activity takes place from August through February. However, timing varies across Australia and New Guinea.

These cavity-nesting birds seek out hollows in the broken limbs and trunks of towering eucalyptus and acacia trees. Nest hollows are usually situated around 33-36 feet (10-11 meters) high up, possibly to deter predators. The inside chamber where eggs are laid measures around 11-12 inches (28-30 cm) wide.

Pairs mate for life and collaborate to raise young. The female lays between 3-6 eggs per clutch. The small rounded white eggs measure approximately 1.2 inches long by 1 inch wide (31 x 26 mm). Only the female handles incubation duties, which last 18-21 days.

During this time, the male regularly feeds his partner. He also guards the nest hollow and stands watch for aerial threats. Once the naked, helpless hatchlings emerge, both parents supply food. By 5-6 weeks old, the noisy youngsters are ready to take their first flights and leave the nest.

Juvenile coloration resembles adult females initially. Young males take up to two years to acquire their flashy adult plumage. In the wild, Red-winged Parrots may live upwards of 20-30 years. Their longevity in captivity can extend even longer with proper care.

Behavior and Ecology

Red-winged Parrots exhibit very social behaviors across all phases of life. Mate pairs bond closely, as do family groups while rearing young. Juveniles and single adults gather in flocks of up to 15 birds that roam and feed cooperatively.

Roosting occurs communally each night in the upper branches of dense trees. Flocks break apart into smaller foraging units with the dawn light. Loud contact calls echo between subgroups to signal feeding locations or approaching trouble.

While feeding, Red-winged Parrots display intriguing food handling techniques and physical adaptions:

• Strong beaks pry into seed pods and woody fruits
• Fleshy tongues manipulate food bits
• Swift feet grasp branches and place directional pressure on food items
• Prehensile tail feathers provide extra support while climbing

Aggressions between flock members is rare thanks to the species name Aprosmictus, meaning “unsociable.” Yet Red-winged Parrots mingle freely with other parrots species when clustering around abundant food sources.

Nesting pairs grow more territorial as they invest energy into raising chicks. Vigilant males defend nest hollows while their mates incubate eggs inside. Both parents exhibit alarm calls and distraction displays, like feigning injury, in response to potential threats.

As with many parrot species, Red-winged Parrots are long-lived and slow to reproduce. This makes habitat conservation critical to sustain wild populations. Their ecological flexibility helps them adapt to some landscape changes, but protecting old growth nesting trees remains an ongoing need across their range.

Conservation Status

Wild populations of Red-winged Parrots face localized threats in Australia and New Guinea, but experts currently consider them secure as a species. Deforestation and agricultural expansion affect certain habitats, yet new growth forests and farmlands also provide expanded food sources that the birds exploit.

Accounting for regular movement across their broad range complicates estimating exact population sizes. The availability of nesting hollows limits breeding more than food availability. Experts suspect the total global population numbers well over 10,000 mature individuals, likely substantially higher.

The Red-winged Parrot’s ability to occupy diverse habitats—from dry scrublands to tropical rainforests, sea level up into montane regions—lends resiliency against environmental disruptions. Their mobile flocking lifestyle enables shifting to locations with better conditions when issues like drought, fire, or storms strike one area.

This adaptability has allowed Red-winged Parrots to thrive as humans transform landscapes. However, conservation actions aim to preserve sufficient habitat mosaics to sustain functioning, genetically robust populations. Priorities include protecting old growth trees that provide essential nesting hollows. Responsible management of exotic predators like cats and rodents around sensitive breeding areas is also needed in places.

While technically still abundant overall today, Red-winged Parrots are considered a threatened species in the state of Victoria. Continued habitat protections and responsible practices—like mandatory checkups and microchipping of any pets or captive birds—remain important everywhere to ensure the species’ future across all current ranges.

Cultural Significance

The vivid colors and acrobatic nature of Red-winged Parrots captivate people wherever they occur. Aboriginal groups across Australia incorporated these birds into myth tales and clan totems. Some associated them with fire and flame imagery. Their bright tails were occasionally used to decorate shields or headdresses reserved for ritual ceremonies.

Today, Red-winged Parrots remain sought after as an exotic pet species. Trapping wild birds for illegal trade occurs but at relatively low, sustainable levels currently. Far more concerning is when owners release unwanted pets that may carry diseases or compete with local fauna. Experts advise extreme caution for both buyers and sellers of birds to avoid fueling black market activities.

On a more positive side, avian enthusiasts around the world admire Red-winged Parrots for their beauty and intelligence. Breeders produce some color mutations like yellow-tinged birds, but conservation breeding focuses on maintaining robust genetic stock of wild-type birds. Zoos showcase specimens as part of educational exhibits on Australia’s unique animals. And everyday nature lovers delight in spotting a splash of red winged color brightening neighborhood trees.

Conclusion

The Red-winged Parrot stands out as one of Australia’s most dazzling avian gems. It’s fiery shoulder patches and lime-colored body illuminate forests across northeastern Australia and New Guinea. These social, long-lived parrots fill their habitats with chatter and color.

Centuries of observations have revealed the natural history and behaviors that enable Red-winged Parrots to thrive. Taxonomists have honed their scientific name as Aprosmictus erythropterus, meaning “unsociable red-winged one”. Two subspecies spangle the landscape, exhibiting subtle distinctions in size and plumage.

Red-winged Parrots make their living primarily as seed and fruit harvesters. Their strong beaks and feet are adapted to manipulate food from blossoms to seed pods. While nesting, mated pairs work cooperatively to protect eggs and feed helpless hatchlings until they fledge around six weeks old.

Habitat loss poses the largest threat currently to local populations. Old growth trees with nesting hollows require particular protection. However, the species has proven resilient to some landscape changes thanks to an ecological flexibility to occupy diverse settings. Responsible stewardship of these dazzling parrots across Australia and New Guinea should keep their colors glowing for centuries to come.

So next time you admire a red-winged ambassador alight near you, consider it an privilege as well as an reminder of the interwoven bonds between all who dwell in their forest home.