| Cape Parrot Working Group |
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| Correct
identification of Cape Parrots and Grey-headed Parrots in trade and
captive situations is critical, both in terms of conservation status
and market value. In the wild identification is relatively easy as Cape Parrots are habitat specialists occupying the Afromontane (Yellowwood) forests of southern KZN and the E.Cape, with a small relic population in the Haanertsburg region of Limpopo Province. Grey-headed Parrots have a much wider range from northern South Africa through central to west Africa covering dry woodland habitats. At the present time there is widespread confusion concerning the correct identification of Cape Parrots and Grey-headed Parrots of both sub-species. Cape Parrots are sometimes referred to as Knysna Parrots. Grey-headed Parrots are occasionally referred to as Brown-necked Parrots, Brown Parrots or Zambezi Greens. Any confusion with the Brown-headed Parrots P.cryptoxanthus is readily avoidable owing to differences in size and colouration. Distinction of hybrid Cape X Grey-headed Parrots is also important, to ensure each species is bred in pure form. Age & Sex
Differences in Cape Parrots |
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| Colouration Differences • The major distinction between Cape Parrots and Grey-headed Parrots is in the head and neck colouration: • Cape Parrots have a golden (olive-yellow, olive-brown, ‘butterscotch’) head and neck with dusky centres to the feathers; • Grey-headed Parrots have a silver-grey head and neck, occasionally with a feint pink wash. • Grey-headed Parrots also have a bluer, rather than the bright green rump of the Cape. Underparts show individual variation from yellowish-green through matt grass-green to a slightly glossy bluish green. • Aberrant yellow feathers may occasionally found on either species. Below is a picture of a poster developed by the Cape Parrot Working Group to show the differences between the Cape Parrot and Grey-headed Parrots. |
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