The Cape or (Brown Necked Parrot)---Poicephalus robustus

The following information is a portion of an article written by Eric D. Hilton.

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This is the largest bird in the Poicephalus group, similar to the nominate Jardine in build, stature and coloring except for the head which is silver with greenish to yellowish flecking, sometimes with a reddish frontal band. It is larger than the Jardine and is easily identifiable by its massive beak. There are three accepted subspecies, these being:

• Poicephalus robustus robustus: the nominate species originating from south eastern Africa, The Cape Province to Natal, western Zululand, Swaziland and eastern Transvaal. Whose head and neck are a greenish to yellowish brown.


• Poicephalus robustus suahelicus: This bird originates from Mozambique, Zimbabwe across to Angola and central Tanzania and can be differentiated from the nominate by having a silvery grey head and neck


• Poicephalus robustus fuscicollis: This is unusual in that its area is far from the other two being in Western Africa from Gambia Senegal Ghana and Togo and maybe for that reason it is sometimes not included with the other two It is similar to robustus suahelicus but has a more bluish green tinge to its body feathers.

Habitat: Mountain forest and moist woodland according to the subspecies. The nominate and suahelicus inhabit the mountain forests, the nominate preferring to nest above 1000 meters. The West African fuscicollis subspecies inhabits the moist woodland. The birds have been seen to feed on a variety of forest fruits discarding the flesh for the seed, having very large beaks even large nuts present no problem to these birds. When food is scarce they have also been seen to take the seed and fruit of cultivated crops such as black acacia, eucalyptus, pecan, apples, plums, apricots and peaches etc.

I should imagine that hand reared examples of these birds would make very good pets but at present should not be looked upon as a potential pets. But for those with the funds available, definitely a worthwhile breeding project.

Breeding in captivity: Until recently not many breeders had the privilege to own these birds. But as captive breeding successes improve and the recent imports of P.r.suahelicus from Tanzania. more pairs are being held Therefore hopefully more captive bred birds will be available in the near future. Keepers / breeders of these birds not only in the U.K. but also in Europe, have provided me with their breeding information .The nest box sizes seem to range from 20"x10"x10" up to 35"x14"x14" containing either shavings or a peat and shavings mix, or rotted tree bark. One notable point is, that from the results I have received successful breeding has only been achieved by breeders using aviaries and not by the ones keeping their birds exclusively in inside suspended cages. But I must point out that the number of returns was very small. Also from the information I received, some breeders are experiencing the mutilation of chicks mainly of the feet, This cannot be explained, if anyone has any ideas on this please contact the Poicephalus Section and we will pass on your comments.

Feeding: A good quality seed mix along with a variety of fruit, vegetables, sprouted pulses and large nuts.

Sexing: The hen can be identified by a pinkish red forehead and crown care must be taken as young cock birds can also display these markings. The only sure way with youngsters is by surgical / DNA sexing.