Bird of the Week – Cape parrot
The Zulu name is isiKhwenene and in Afrikaans die groot papegaai of woud papegaai.
An uncommon endangered species found in only a few evergreen and riverine forests plus well developed woodlands of eastern South Africa.
Found usually in flocks of up to 12 birds. They roost in montane forests 900m above altitude.
They may fly over 100kms to feeding areas usually in lower-lying coastal forests.
They have set flight paths calling in flight with a shrill high pitched zzkeek or zeek often with variations which are harsh and piercing.
These parrots forage by clambering about high in the trees. Food is berries, kernels of fruit, nectar and figs. The breeding season is September to December and May. The nest is a hole in a tree usually very high and inaccessible.
A clutch of two to four glossy white round eggs are laid. Incubation is 24 to 28 days by both sexes and incubation an average of 69 days.
The Zulu name is isiKhwenene and in Afrikaans die groot papegaai of woud papegaai.
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