Poicephalus

Abstract: Parrot populations in Africa and Madagascar are declining and the need for conservation actions to address threats is increasingly recognised. Effective conservation requires a robust knowledge base on which decisions over appropriate actions can be made, yet at present there is no current and readily accessible synthesis of the status of populations, the threats they face and knowledge gaps. Here we begin to address this shortfall for the larger species in the region belonging to the genera Coracopsis, Poicephalus, Psittacus and Psittacula. We review developments since the production of the IUCN Parrot Action Plan published in 2000, identify areas where critical knowledge is lacking and highlight opportunities to address them. While advances have been made over the last decade, progress has not been evenly spread, with a strong bias towards populations in southern Africa. To date much research has focused on describing aspects of ecology and behaviour and there remains a need for studies determining the current status of populations and the factors limiting distributions and abundance. This review aims to provide a basis upon which progress towards an improved understanding of the conservation needs of the larger parrots of Africa and Madagascar can be made.

Abstract: The Greyheaded Parrot, Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus, feeds on at least 25 tree species through its range. In Northern Province, South Africa, it was recorded feeding on the fruit of six tree species during the non-breeding season (August–December) and eight species during the breeding season (April–August). It was also recorded feeding on the bark of three additional species during the breeding season. Competition with other avian frugivores was low as Greyheaded Parrots were specialist feeders, accessing the kernel of unripe fruit, which other species are unable to do. Energy content of food species ranged from 15.72 MJ kg–1 (Gmelina arborea, an exotic) to 31.18 MJ kg–1 (Sclerocarya birrea), and protein from 8.75% (G. arborea) to 39.81% (Melia azaderach, an exotic). Feeding choice reflected seasonal fruit availability, and during any one month feeding occurred on few tree species.

Abstract: The Greyheaded Parrot breeds in Northern Province, South Africa and south-east Zimbabwe (the southern limit of its range) from April to August, yet further north breeds in other months of the year. Egg laying between monogamous pairs is synchronous and 2-4 eggs are laid in natural cavities in Baobabs ( Adansonia digitata ). Post-breeding seasonal movements occur into regions where nest sites are scarce or possibly absent. Males provision the female in the nest cavity during incubation and the early stages of nestling development. Attendance at the nest by the female is reduced once fledglings are able to thermoregulate on their own. By the end of the fledging period visitation rates to the nest site by the male and the female are reduced to twice a day (mid-morning and late-afternoon). Nest sites are possibly limiting, with interspecific competition for nest sites occurring. Intraspecific competition for nest sites in areas where populations have declined has possibly been reduced. Removal of chicks from nests by humans threatens populations outside protected areas. The conservation of this species in the southern limit of its range is thus highlighted.

Abstract: Daily activity and flocking behaviour patterns of the Greyheaded Parrot Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus Reichenow 1898 were studied during the nonbreeding (August-December) and breeding (March-August) season in Northern Province, South Africa. Correcting for sunrise and sunset, similar patterns of peak flight activity were observed at two sites for both seasons. Flock size of Greyheaded Parrots in flight differed significantly between the breeding season (Makuya: 2.1 ± 0.1) and non-breeding season (Levubu: 4.7 ± 0.2). For different flight activities, flock size differed between seasons, yet was the same within each season. Early morning activity was characterized by overland flights to predictable morning activity centres where birds fed, socialised and drank. Thereafter, birds moved to feeding trees where they rested quietly during the heat of the day. Late afternoon movements were characterized by the return of birds to roost sites. The number of Greyheaded Parrots recorded in a day was different ove...