Finsch's Pygmy Parrot

Overview

Finsch's pygmy parrot, also known as the emerald or green pygmy parrot, is a member of the parrot family Psittaculidae. It inhabits tropical rainforest regions of islands in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Bismarck Archipelago. The species is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Typically 9.5 cm in length with an average weight of 12 g, featuring a unique green head and neck among the genus Micropsitta.
• Plumage varies by subspecies, with some adults displaying blue patches on the crown or face, and males occasionally having blue patches around the lower beak.
• Song consists of a series of repeated whistles, specifically a "tweet-tweet" where the second note is prolonged and higher in pitch, alongside shrill squawking and chattering.

Habitat

The species resides in tropical rainforests up to an elevation of 900 m, primarily within the forest interior and river edge vegetation. It is found across islands in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Bismarck Archipelago. These birds are arboreal and are often abundant in their habitats.

Diet

Finsch's pygmy parrots forage by climbing tree bark vertically or hanging upside-down along the bottom of branches, using their tail feathers as a prop. They feed on fungi, lichens found on tree bark, and seeds from casuarina trees. Some individuals associate with slow-moving mixed bird flocks.

Did you know?

These birds nest in old arboreal ant or termite mounds, constructing a tunnel into the structure which they also utilise as a roost. They often form socially monogamous pairs for up to a year and breed between March and May.