Diet of the Cape Parrot, Poicephalus robustus, in Afromontane forests in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Cape Parrots, Poicephalus robustus, occur in Podocarpus (yellow-wood) Afromontane forest patches from the Eastern Cape to southern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. They are food nomadics moving locally between forest patches in search of food, and occasionally make long foraging forays. Cape Parrots are dietary specialists feeding primarily an endocarps of Podocarpus species, but also occasionally feed on other forest fruits. Seasonal changes in food species eaten reflected the changing availability of fruits.