The Diets of Three Species of Parrots in the South of Western Australia.

Abstract

The 3 species of parrot studied during 2 years in south Western Australia fed mainly on the seeds of introduced pasture plants, weeds and trees. All ate insects, particularly in the breeding season. Red-capped parrots (Purpureicephalus spurius) ate some apple seeds and fruit and Port Lincoln parrots (Barnardius zonarius) picked up oats and wheat from among stubble and around sheds. Both species were seen to take nectar. The 3rd species was the western rosella (Platycercus icterotis).