Moluccan king parrot

The Moluccan king parrot (Alisterus amboinensis), sometimes referred to as the Ambon king parrot, is a species of parrot native to the Indonesian islands of Peleng, Maluku, and West Papua. This striking bird inhabits rainforests, though it can occasionally be found in adjacent plantations and gardens. Its diet consists of fruits, berries, seeds, and buds.

Taxonomy and Description

First described by Mathurin Jacques Brisson in 1760 and later named Psittacus amboinensis by Carl Linnaeus in 1766, the Moluccan king parrot is now classified in the genus Alisterus. It is one of three species collectively known as king parrots found in the region. Six subspecies are recognized, each with subtle variations in their geographic range and appearance. Adult Moluccan king parrots measure approximately 35–40 cm in length. They are characterized by a predominantly red head and chest, with wings that are dull green, though one subspecies, A. a. hypophonius, possesses blue wings. The mantle, lesser wing coverts, and tail coverts are a dark purple-blue, and the tail itself is a darker blackish blue. Their irises are orange, legs are dark grey, and their bill is typically orange-red with a blackish tip, though this can vary among subspecies.

A notable characteristic of the Moluccan king parrot is the absence of sexual dimorphism; males and females appear very similar in plumage. Juvenile birds can be identified by their dark-brown bill with a paler tip, a greenish mantle, dark brown irises, and red tips on their lateral tail feathers. Birds reach sexual maturity within one year.

Behavior and Habitat

In their natural environment, Moluccan king parrots are typically encountered alone or in pairs, and occasionally in small groups. They tend to frequent dense cover within the lower and mid-levels of the forest. The species is generally inconspicuous and quiet, becoming more vocal mainly when in flight. They can be found at altitudes up to 2100 m, but are more commonly observed below 1200 m in New Guinea and 1600 m in Maluku.

Breeding

Nesting for the Moluccan king parrot occurs in tree hollows. While breeding has not been extensively observed in the wild, captive breeding records indicate that the breeding season can begin in February and March. Captive clutches typically consist of two eggs, which are incubated for approximately 19 days. The chicks are ready to fledge, meaning they can fly, about nine weeks after hatching.

Conservation and Aviculture

The Moluccan king parrot is generally considered uncommon due to habitat loss and capture for the parrot trade. However, it remains locally common on islands such as Sula, Halmahera, and Buru. The species is listed as 'Least Concern' by BirdLife International and the IUCN, as it is not believed to be in immediate danger. Like most parrots, it is also listed in Appendix II of CITES, which regulates international trade. Historically, subspecies A. a. amboinensis and A. a. hypophonius were most common in aviculture, but other subspecies are now also present, particularly in zoos. The species has demonstrated success in captive breeding programs.