Skip to content
THE PARROT SPECIES FIELD GUIDE · Psittacidae

Cape Parrot

Poicephalus robustus

Meet the cape parrot: its taxonomic place, natural range and conservation record.

Cape Parrot — Poicephalus robustus
Cape Parrot
SPECIES NOTES

A closer look.

Scientific names follow AviList v2025b. Read the taxonomy and source notes for changes in classification.

About this species

The Cape parrot (Poicephalus robustus) or Levaillant's parrot is a large, temperate forest dwelling parrot of the genus Poicephalus endemic to South Africa. It was formerly grouped as a subspecies along with the savanna-dwelling brown-necked parrot (Poicephalus fuscicollis) and grey-headed parrot (P. f. suahelicus), but is now considered a distinct species.

Where it occurs

Southern and eastern South Africa (Eastern Cape and southern KwaZulu-Natal; isolated population at Woodbush forest, Limpopo).

Conservation record

AviList v2025b records this species as vulnerable. Assessments and taxonomy can change; follow the source checklist for updates.

Sources & image credit

Names, family, range and conservation record: AviList Core Team (2026), AviList v2025b, CC BY 4.0. Species summary: Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0. Length, weight and longevity when listed: World Parrot Trust species account.

Image: Dave Brown. Original file and full credit · CC0. Display size and encoding adjusted.