Rüppell’s Parrot
General Description
| Common Name | Rüppell’s Parrot (Rueppell’s Parrot) |
| Latin Name | Poicephalus rueppellii |
| Family | Psittacidae • African Parrots |
| Adult Size | 22–25 cm (8.6–9.8 in) |
| Weight | 121–156 g |
| Life Span | 20–30+ years in captivity |
| Sexual Maturity | 3–4 years |
| Clutch Size | 2–4 eggs |
| Gender Difference | Strongly sexually dimorphic. Adult females have bright blue lower back, rump, and upper tail coverts. Males show only a dull blue suffusion on the rump and undertail coverts. Both sexes have yellow on the bend of the wing and thighs; males often show more silvery-grey on the head and ear coverts. |
| Natural Habitat | Arid savanna, dry woodland, riverine acacia belts, and semi-desert areas with scattered trees. |
| Origin / Range | Endemic to south-western Africa: central Namibia to south-western Angola. |
| Care Level | Intermediate • Active, needs space and enrichment; relatively quiet |
SOUTH-WESTERN AFRICAN POICEPHALUS • SEXUALLY DIMORPHIC
Subspecies & Plumage
Until recently considered monotypic, two subspecies are now recognised. They differ primarily in the extent and intensity of blue on the female’s rump and lower back, as well as subtle variations in overall darkness and head coloration. Both sexes share an overall slate-brown to dark brownish plumage, silvery-grey ear coverts, yellow on the bend of the wing, carpal edge, and thighs, and orange-red eyes in adults.
• P. r. rueppellii (Nominate)
Occurs in central and southern parts of the range (central Namibia). Males show a dull blue suffusion on the brown rump and undertail coverts. Females display a more restricted or duller blue on the lower back and rump compared to the other subspecies.
• P. r. mariettae
Found in north-western Namibia and south-western Angola. Females exhibit more extensive and brighter blue on the lower back, rump, and upper tail coverts. Males are generally similar to the nominate but may show slight differences in grey tones on the head.
Key Plumage Features: The overall dark brownish-grey appearance with yellow flashes on the wings and thighs gives this species a subdued yet elegant look. Females are easily distinguished by their vivid blue rump — a feature absent or much reduced in males. Juveniles resemble duller versions of females with dark eyes that gradually turn orange-red. The silvery-grey highlights on the head and ear coverts are particularly noticeable in good light.