Red-bellied Parrot

Poicephalus rufiventris East Africa • Dry Savanna & Woodland
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Red-bellied Parrot (Poicephalus rufiventris), also known as the African Orange-bellied Parrot, is a small, chunky member of the Poicephalus genus. It stands out for its striking sexual dimorphism: adult males display a vivid orange-red belly and underwing coverts, while females are much plainer with a greenish belly. With its ash-brown upperparts, pale blue rump, and bright orange-red eyes, this species adds vibrant colour and lively personality to aviaries. It is relatively quiet compared to other Poicephalus but remains intelligent and affectionate.

General Description

Common Name Red-bellied Parrot (African Orange-bellied Parrot)
Latin Name Poicephalus rufiventris
Family Psittacidae • African Parrots
Adult Size 22–25 cm (8.6–9.8 in)
Weight 113–142 g (approx. 140 g average)
Life Span 20–30 years in captivity
Sexual Maturity 2–4 years
Clutch Size 1–3 (usually 3) white eggs
Gender Difference Strongly sexually dimorphic. Males have bright orange-red lower breast, belly, and underwing coverts. Females have greenish or greyish-green underparts (sometimes with faint orange tinge) and a paler grey head.
Natural Habitat Dry savanna, semi-arid woodland, bushland, and acacia scrub.
Origin / Range East Africa: Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and north-eastern Tanzania.
Care Level Intermediate • Active, intelligent, and relatively quiet for a Poicephalus
Poicephalus rufiventris - Red-bellied Parrot
Poicephalus rufiventris • Male showing orange belly

EAST AFRICAN POICEPHALUS • STRONGLY DIMORPHIC

Subspecies & Plumage

Two subspecies are currently recognised. They differ mainly in overall paleness and the intensity of grey on the head and breast. Both show the same strong sexual dimorphism: males with bright orange-red underparts, females with greenish underparts.

• P. r. rufiventris (Nominate)

Distributed from central Ethiopia south to northern Tanzania. This is the more widespread and commonly kept form. Males show rich orange-red on the lower breast, belly, and underwing coverts, with ash-brown upperparts and a pale bluish rump. Females have greyish-green underparts and a paler grey head.

• P. r. pallidus

Found in eastern Ethiopia and north-western/south-western Somalia. Generally paler overall, with lighter grey tones on the head and breast compared to the nominate subspecies.

Key Plumage Features: Both sexes have greyish-brown upperparts, a pale blue rump (more prominent in males), orange-red irises in adults, and a dark grey bill. Males are easily identified by the large, vibrant orange-red patch on the belly and underwings. Females lack this bright colouration and appear much plainer. Juveniles resemble females but are duller, with dark irises that gradually turn orange-red as they mature.

Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Poicephalus Genus
East Africa
Dimorphic & Lively