Princess Parrot
(Polytelis alexandrae) 		 

Family: Psittacidae, and a member of the sub-family Psittacinae. The Princess parrot is one of the three members of the genus Polytelis that have extremely long, gradational tails.

Range: wide but scattered distribution in interior of western and central Australia

 Range Map

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Habitat
sandy desert, arid woodland and scrublands		 Size
adults are 15.7-18.9 inches (40-48 cm) in length and weigh 3.9-4.2 ounces (110-120 g)		 Description
P. alexandrae is a medium to large parrot with much pastel coloration; females have a duller coloration. Males have light blue or blue-gray colors on their heads, breast and abdomen. Contrasting this are a pink throat and neck, with pink and blue-tinted thighs. The back and wings of males are olive-green with lime-green wing coverts. The underwing coverts are blue-violet. The tail feathers of males are green with blue, gray and pink tones. The bill is red, while the feet are dark gray. Females are smaller and weigh less than males. Additionally, females differ from males in that they have a shorter and greener tail and a gray-lavender crown.		 Life Span
thought to be as long as 20 - 30 years

Diet
eats mainly seeds of grasses and herbaceous plants, especially spinifex, but also blossoms and leaves.

Vulnerable but difficult to assess, given large range and very scattered populations with nomadic movement. Listed as near threatened on CITES II, with a wild population estimate of 5,000 individuals.

Fascinating Facts

  • The Princess parrot acquired its name in the mid-19th century, a period with many discoveries and when it was popular to name new species after royalty!
  • These birds are also called the Alexandra parrot, Queen Alexandra parrot (or parakeet), Princess of Wales parakeet, rose-throated parakeet and spinifex parrot!
  • Princess parrots have been seen “mobbing” predators by circling, harassing and even pursuing them. Mobbing is unusual with parrots!

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