Talking Bird Parrot

The King’s flight call is a scratchy brassy ‘Chack! Chack!’ and only the male lets out a long drawn out ringing ‘creee’ or sweee’. Both the male and female let out a harsh screeching alarm call if predators are around or if they get a scare. These are shrill double notes and a high pitched shriek. Despite this, these parrots are not noisy and can be peacefully kept in a suburban backyard. This is in stark contrast to other similarly sized parrots, particularly those from South America.

As well as their unmarked bright scarlet red head and body, a particular feature that I look for in a King Parrot are the “zeds” (iridescent light green stripes) that appear on their wings. These provide a great contrast in the wing colour and I endeavour to obtain and breed Kings that display this attractive marking larger than normal. These “zeds” are most prevalent in the cock bird, however, a number of my hens also show this striking feature. Another aspect of the King’s appearance is that some have a flatter shaped head than the more rounded head which is much more appealing to the eye.

Parrot Jungle Island in Miami was the brain child of Franz Scherr. Scherr moved to America from Austria in 1911 and worked as a carpenter throughout the country. He always loved nature and when the opportunity to move to Homestead, Florida during the land boom of the 1920’s came along he and his family moved and began living off the land. Eventually Franz bought a feed and supply store and he began to collect a few birds in the store. He grew to love the friendly nature of the birds and an idea was born.

The birds are obviously the biggest draw to Parrot Jungle Island but it’s not just parrots anymore. One of the most unexpected creatures that you’ll see at Parrot Jungle Island are the African Penguins. These cute little guys are not cold weather birds and are incredible swimmers and divers. In addition to the African Penguins you’ll also see Blue and Gold Macaws, Black Palm Cockatoos, Double-Wattled Cassowaries, Chinese Silky Chickens, Eclectus Parrots, Emus, Caribbean Flamingos, Hyacinth Macaws, Lories, Sarus Cranes, Scarlet Macaws, Yellow-Naped Amazons, King Vultures, Great Horned Owls, Andean Condors and more. There are food dispensers throughout the park and most of the birds enjoy being fed by visitors. Make sure to stop and take advantage of this opportunity.

In keeping with Franz Scherr’s love of all nature the park doesn’t only feature birds, the native and imported plants are an important part of the experience in the park. One of the more interesting plants on the island is the Sausage Tree, its fruit looks a lot like really big sausages hanging down by strings. The fruit is woody and not good to eat but it can be used to ferment beer, cure snake bites and some skin problems. In addition to seeing the Sausage Tree you’ll get to see Bo Trees, Cycads, Coconut Palms, Red Bougainvillea, Calabash Trees, Bromeliads, Bananas, Crotons, Banyan Trees, Platycerium, and Crodia Lutea among many, many more.

But Parrot Jungle Island is more than a walk in the wild, the park has grown and now serves a variety of different age groups, interests and activity levels. La Playa is a private beach at Jungle Island that is open to guests to the park. Relax on the beach or play in Biscayne Bay. Let your kids go wild on the water slides, bouncy house and swim area. Or enjoy a tropical drink and snack from the snack bar. One thing to remember is that La Playa requires footwear at all times, so if you don’t have aquatic shoes you’ll need to pick up a pair at the Island treasures and Gifts Shop.

Believe it or not, that is not all the Parrot Jungle Island has to offer. In addition to the incredible birds, the beautiful flora and the private beach at La Playa there are a number of exhibits and events that are open to visitors and happen throughout the day.
Tiger tales is a brief 10 minute instruction and discussion on the proper care and handling of the exotic tigers on the island, led by a trained professional who works with these magnificent creatures daily.