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The Cape parrot is a medium sized bird with a generally dull olive green plumage. The head is a light olive-brown, and the mantle a dark green which contrasts with the bright green rump and underparts. Both sexes have orange-red shoulders, but only the female has an orange-red forehead. Often heard before being seen, the Cape parrot has a high-pitched shriek, typically parrot-like, uttered continuously while flying.
This species is a strict Afromontane forest inhabitant, feeding primarily on Yellowwood fruit (Podocarpus falcatus & P. latifolius). There are approximately 1 500 birds in South Africa, occurring in the forests around Hogsback and Stutterheim, Weza, Ngeli, Karkloof and Creighton. However, the most accessible site to see the Cape parrot is at Marutswa Forest Boardwalk near Bulwer. The best time for a sighting is at dawn or dusk when the flock is either leaving or arriving back at the forest. However, if the birds are breeding (they breed all year, with a peak in the summer months), they return to the nest regularly throughout the day.
The Cape parrot has been listed as Endangered.
The turn-off to Marutswa Forest Boardwalk is on the outskirts of Bulwer at 29°55'27.23"S, 29°51'36.10"E. Travel down a gravel road for a few hundred metres and turn right, following the signs to the parking area (29°48'28.88"S, 29°47'02.38"E). Take the path that starts at the lower end of the forest, walking the trail anti-clockwise, and in the tall, dead trees at the start of the trail (29°48'28.27"S, 29°47'05.54"E), look for the parrots.
| GPS Coordinates | ||
| Description | Latitude | Longitude |
| Turnoff from tar road | 29°55'27.23"S | 29°51'36.10"E |
| Parking lot | 29°48'28.88"S | 29°47'02.38"E |
| Dead Eucalypts trees | 29°48'28.27"S | 29°47'05.54"E |