Red-capped Parrot

Natural Shelter

Red-capped Parrots nest in tree hollows of old gum trees. Keep and maintain mature trees in your garden as they provide habitat and shelter for local parrots.

Novel Shelter

Below is a template and some important considerations regarding nest boxes for Red-capped Parrots.

• Install the box on a tall tree close to the main trunk or a thick horizontal limb five meters or higher.
• Position nest boxes away from direct afternoon sun.
• Nest boxes are a long-term commitment and need maintenance and repair over time.
• Never use metal wire inside a box. A wooden ladder or notches in the timber is much more suitable and won’t damage claws or talons.
• Chipboard boxes degrade quickly and require replacement after a year of use.
• Hardier untreated timber (Jarrah) is less prone to attack by fungi, bacteria, and microorganisms.
• Do not use treated timber as this can emit fumes toxic to wildlife and their young.
• Maintenance is critical to ensure any resident wildlife and their offspring remain safe.

Providing natural sources of food

Red-capped Parrots eat seeds, fruits, flowers, and insects. They spend most of their time feeding in the canopy of large gum trees. They occasionally descend to the ground to forage for seed and fallen fruits. Red-capped Parrots are fond of large gum trees including Marri, Jarrah, and Tuart.

Gardens with native grasses, groundcovers, and shrubs including grevillea, banksia, hakea, and wattles can provide foraging habitat for native parrots. Large trees can provide additional foraging habitat and refuge around the garden.

It is not recommended to offer birdseed to wild parrots. This can impact their health, attract pest species, and spread weeds around the neighbourhood. Visit Birdlife Australia if you are still interested in feeding native parrots.

Providing sources of water

Red-capped Parrots prefer to live close to water and visit bird baths regularly.