Geoffroyus geoffroyi (Bechstein, 1811)

Species Identification

This species is the red-cheeked parrot, with the scientific name Geoffroyus geoffroyi (Bechstein, 1811).

Plumage and Body Shape

Both male and adult red-cheeked parrots have predominantly bright green plumage, a stocky body, and a short tail.

Eye Color

All red-cheeked parrots have yellow eyes.

Adult Male Plumage and Bill

Adult males have pink-tinged red cheeks and face, a blue-mauve back of head and crown, chestnut wing coverts, blue under wings, and a coral-pink upper mandible.

Adult Female Plumage and Bill

Females have a brown head, more olive-brown cheeks and throat, and an entirely brown-grey bill.

Juvenile Plumage

Juveniles also have an olive tinge, but their heads are mostly green.

Beak Structure and Function

The beaks of this species are structured for eating seeds and fruit.

Flight Pattern

Red-cheeked parrots have a distinct swift, direct flight pattern that is similar to the flight of a starling.

Vocalization

Their call is described as metallic.

Body Measurements

Typical body measurements for the species are: height 250 mm (9.8 in), length 203 mm (8.0 in), and wing span 135 to 155 mm (5.3–6.1 in).

Geographic Distribution

The red-cheeked parrot is distributed across Cape York Peninsula (Australia), Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and several other regional islands.

Habitat Types

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.

Microhabitat

Red-cheeked parrots live along streams and within forests.