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Regent Parrot
(Polytelis anthopeplus)
: "Black-tailed Parrot", "Rock Pebbler", "Smoker", "Marlock Parakeet",
"Mountain Parrot"
 Aboriginal name(s): Race "anthopeplus": "wookonga", "yalop"
Size: 38-40 cm
Weight: 150-200 g
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Similar
species |
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Physical description |
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 Click here for a physical description
Regent Parrots are medium-sized parrots with a very long tail.
Their plumage is
dimorphic, i.e.
males and
females
are different.
Male
Regent Parrots have an all-yellow head and front (throat,
chest, belly, vent) and also rump. On the nape of the neck
the colour transitions to to the olive-green of the mantle
and upperwings. The upperwings have prominent yellow and
red patches, with black-blue flight feathers. The tail is
dark-blue.
Female
Regent Parrots have no such bright yellow on them, but are
yellowish-green where the males are yellow. The brightest
yellowish-green tint is found on the wing patches;
otherwise the colouring is relatively dull. The mantle and
upperwing feathers are otherwise like the males'. The tail,
in contrast, is dark-green.
Both sexes have dark irises, orange bills (where the
females'
are a bit duller) and dark-grey legs and feet.
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Taxonomy, classification |
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See Regent
Parrot at Wikipedia  .
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Range, habitat, finding this species |
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Click here for information on habitat
and range
The overall distribution of this species can be assessed, and
specific locations where birds have been spotted can be found,
based on individual sighting reports submitted by birdwatchers to
ebird.org
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The global distribution of the Regent Parrot is available
HERE
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There are two races of Regent Parrots, both of which are endemic
to the southern part of the Australian continent.
Nominate race "anthopeplus"
is found in a narrow
strip in south-western WA, spanning from about Perth, WA, to
Eucla, WA, excluding the southern coastal fringe. After good
inland rainfall, when seeds become available in the semi-arid
interior, they can extend their range far inland, to
beyond Kalgoorlie, WA, and farther North than Geraldton, WA.
Race "monarchoides" is found in a very restricted range in
the border region of SA with VIC, along parts of the Murray,
Darling and Wimmera Rivers. They are found from just East of
Adelaide, SA, via Mildura, VIC, to Echuca, VIC, and as far
South as Horsham, VIC. Their range normally only grazes the
south-western fringe of NSW, on the northern side of the Murray
River, but also this race can move farther inland after good
rainfall.
The eastern population is found in River Red Gum, in
riverine
floodplains,
woodland and
in mallee.
The western population is found in open forest and
woodland,
especially in one particular species of eucalypt, the "Salmon Gum"
(Eucalyptus salmonophloia).
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Sightings |
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Click here for sighting information
Race "anthopeplus"
M. Eaton reports spotting Regent Parrots, nominate race
"anthopeplus" in Margaret River, WA, in April 2019.
All sighting and photographic information presented on this
page has kindly been contributed by M. Eaton.
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Photos |
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Race "anthopeplus"
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ADULT |
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MALE |
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Lateral/ventral view of a male Regent Parrot; note the
bright yellow underparts
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Margaret River, WA, April 2019]
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FEMALE |
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Frontal/ventral view of a female Regent Parrot
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Margaret River, WA, April 2019]
Near-frontal/ventral view of a female Regent Parrot
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Margaret River, WA, April 2019]
Lateral view of a female Regent Parrot
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Margaret River, WA, April 2019]
Dorsal view of a female Regent Parrot
(photo courtesy of M. Eaton)
[Margaret River, WA, April 2019]
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Food, Diet |
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Regent Parrots are seed-eaters.
These pages are largely based on our own observations and those of our
contributors.
The structure of these bird pages is explained HERE. For more salient facts on any bird species
please refer to a field guide.
Breeding
Nest
Eggs
Behaviour
Call/s
