Red-capped Parrot Purpureicephalus spurius: Moult, Age and Sex Determination

Abstract

Descriptions of the plumage and soft parts, the timing and duration of moult and some morphometrics of wild-caught and captive Red-capped Parrots Purpureicephalus spurius were recorded so that age and sex could be detemined. Plumage characteristics of adults and immatures were very different while those of males and females within age classes were very similar. Presence or absence of a wing-stripe allowed some, but not all, birds within age classes to be sexed. The sequence of flight feather moult was clearly defined and the period of body moult continued throughout the year in all age classes.