Red-cheeked Parrot

Overview

The red-cheeked parrot (Geoffroyus geoffroyi) is a stocky, short-tailed parrot in the family Psittacidae found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the tip of northern Queensland, Australia. It exhibits significant sexual dimorphism, with the adult male displaying red cheeks and a mauve head, while the female has a brown head. The species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Predominantly bright green plumage with a stocky body and short tail.
• Adult males have pink-tinged red cheeks and a blue-mauve crown; females have a brown head and duller olive-brown cheeks.
• All individuals possess yellow eyes, while males have a coral-pink upper mandible and females have a brown-grey bill.
• Flight is swift, direct, and similar to that of a starling, accompanied by a metallic call.

Habitat

Found in subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, and mangrove forests across Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and Cape York Peninsula, Australia. These birds typically live along streams and within forested areas.

Diet

The diet consists primarily of seeds, fruits (mainly figs), blossoms, and nectar, including species such as Corymbia papuana, Casuarina papuana, and scaly ash. They forage by perching rather than walking, as their feet are not structured for terrestrial movement, and they gather in large, noisy groups when feeding.

Did you know?

Red-cheeked parrots are generally shy but become extremely conspicuous and noisy when feeding. During the breeding season, the female excavates her nest directly into a rotting tree limb.