Brown-headed parrot

The brown-headed parrot, scientifically known as Poicephalus cryptoxanthus, is a species of parrot native to southeastern Africa. Its general plumage is green, leading Sinclair et al. (1993) to describe it as "the greenest parrot of the sub-region." A distinctive feature is the bright yellow of its underwing coverts, from which its specific name derives, with 'kryptos' meaning hidden and 'xanthos' meaning yellow in Greek. The rump is a very bright, almost metallic green, and the margins of the feathers on the underparts become more pronounced towards the vent and thighs. The neck is grey-brown, transitioning to brown on the head, while the mantle is greener.

Some individuals may exhibit random yellow feathers on their head, neck, and wings, the cause of which is not fully understood, though over-vigorous preening by parents has been suggested. The tail is edged olive-brown and tipped green. Its iris is greenish-yellow or yellow, and its legs and feet are blackish grey. The bill is dark, almost black on the upper mandible and lighter below. Immature birds are typically duller than adults and appear more yellowish underneath. Their flight is noted as fast and direct.

Historically, three subspecies were recognized, though the existence of P. c. zanzibaricus, confined to Zanzibar and Pemba islands, is now doubted due to a lack of significant size differences from mainland birds and potential interbreeding. The other recognized subspecies are P. c. cryptoxanthus and P. c. tanganyikae, distinguished by plumage variations.

In terms of diet, brown-headed parrots are opportunistic generalists, adapting their food sources to availability. They commonly feed on berries, figs, shoots, flowers, fruit, and seeds, with a particular preference for the flowers and fruit of the Natal Mahogany tree (Trichilia emetica) and Acacia species, as well as lepidopteran larvae. Their sweet temperament and relatively quiet nature make them popular in aviculture, often considered suitable for apartment living.