A pretty princess parrot
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (338434)
Rockingham, Australia
November 2, 2021 12:32am CST
While we were walking through one of the bird enclosures at the Bunbury Wildlife Park, there was a flutter of wings in my ear and a princess parrot (Polytelis alexandrae) landed on my shoulder. It chatted away in my ear for a while then was happy to be transferred to Vince’s arm.
The name was given in honour of Princess Alexandra of Denmark. She married the Prince of Wales, Edward VII in 1863. The birds may live as long as 30 years and are popular with aviculturalists and as pets because of their looks and personality
The birds are mostly green with a pink throat, bluish crown and rump and bright green shoulders. I think ‘mine’ might be a male as they have a coral-red beak.
Males also have a longer, projecting extension from the third flight feather on each side. This is called a spatula or spatula and only occurs in mature males. I didn’t know about that detail so didn’t think to look for it.
21 people like this
22 responses
@DaddyEvil (137248)
• United States
2 Nov 21
It's a very pretty bird, whether male or female... and apparently, very friendly.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338434)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Nov 21
@DaddyEvil I'm psychic. I can read you like a book - one with big print and not much in it. 
1 person likes this
@DesirousDreamer (34776)
• Peoria, Arizona
2 Nov 21
They are so pretty! They kind of remind me of bigger version of the Rosy-cheek, Peach-face, I like calling them peach-cheek lovebirds we have here. We have a whole colony that I think they escape from a pet store many many years ago, they lived just 3 miles away and at the beginning of this year they started moving over to my area and I get such joy seeing them. I know they are invasive, but seeing the pretty green colors and peach faces bring so much joy haha
2 people like this
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
5 Nov 21
Such a beautiful bird. I would say that the fuzzies are interested in knowing more, but they are too busy investigating the hotel room to be bothered with birds. 
1 person likes this
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
7 Nov 21
@JudyEv We had to go somewhere for a few days to take care of some things. The cats always travel with us. The girl is a seasoned traveler, and the boy is learning to travel. Although, he hates being put into the carrier; he goes a bit wild cat when I try to stick him into his carrier. His sister generally admits defeat pretty quickly and walks in.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338434)
• Rockingham, Australia
10 Nov 21
@wilsongoddard We've seen in caravans with leads on them and they are perfectly at home wherever they happen to spend the night.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (89736)
• Arvada, Colorado
2 Nov 21
Well now what a lovely blessing Judy
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338434)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Nov 21
@RebeccasFarm We would have a lot of fun together. 
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@LindaOHio (176191)
• United States
2 Nov 21
How cool! I love parrots and would love to have a bird; but they are soooo messy. Great pictures of the two of you and the bird.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (176191)
• United States
2 Nov 21
@JudyEv It's a shame too because they can be very affectionate and learn to talk, etc.
1 person likes this
@oahuwriter (26777)
• United States
3 Nov 21
It's pretty & very friendly. Do they train these parrots or was it just a little luck, the parrot landed on your shoulder?
1 person likes this
@oahuwriter (26777)
• United States
4 Nov 21
@JudyEv
So nice that it's friendly. Glad you had a nice time.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54402)
• United States
2 Nov 21
Parrots are amazing - beautiful birds. Love the pictures of the two of you!!!!
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54402)
• United States
2 Nov 21
@JudyEv they are awesome the way they are
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@allknowing (134992)
• India
3 Nov 21
These birds are kind of trained. While on holiday in Singapore we had visited the park there and noticed how friendly the birds were. No they did not perch on my shoulder though
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (338434)
• Rockingham, Australia
3 Nov 21
It would be used to haveing lots and lots of people going through the enclosure that's for sure.
@RasmaSandra (79231)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
3 Nov 21
A very beautiful parrot so colorful,
1 person likes this
