Blue-rumped Parrot

Overview

The blue-rumped parrot (Psittinus cyanurus) is a small parrot species listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. It was formerly considered the only member of the genus Psittinus before the Simeulue parrot was recognised as a distinct species.

Identification

• Small parrot measuring approximately 18 cm in length.
• Primarily green plumage with bright red underwing coverts, a reddish shoulder patch, and yellowish margins on the wing coverts.
• Sexually dimorphic: males possess a blue head and rump, a black mantle, and a red upper mandible, whereas females have a grey-brown head.

Habitat

Found in the very southern tip of Myanmar, peninsular Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, and nearby islands, including the Mentawai Islands. It inhabits lowland forests generally below 700 m elevation, extending to open woodland, orchards, plantations, mangroves, dense scrub, and coconut groves.

Diet

This species feeds on seeds, fruit, and blossoms.

Did you know?

The species was historically classified as the sole member of its genus until taxonomic revisions split the subspecies abbottii into the distinct Simeulue parrot.