The extent and shade of the red or orange plumage on its head, thighs, and bend of wings vary depending on the subspecies.

Black feathers on the head, neck, back, and wings have lighter green edges giving a scalloped appearance.

The amount of red or orange on the forecrown, the bend of the wing, and thighs varies in the three subspecies but is absent in all young birds – juveniles having a dark smokey appearance above a paler beak and brown irises.

[2] Sex determination of chicks is normally carried out by breeders using DNA analysis of a feather sample or by internal examination of the cloaca.

The parrot was brought back live from the Congo to the United Kingdom by Sir William Jardine's son on his return from a three-year cruise on HMS Favourite.

[6] They fly swiftly making noisy calls above the forest in pairs or small groups between their night-time roosts and feeding grounds.

They are not as "needy" as some companion species and so long as they are occupied, can be left alone for longer periods without emotional stress (allowing the owners to work for example).