Finsch's Pygmy Parrot

The Finsch's pygmy parrot, also known as the emerald pygmy parrot or green pygmy parrot, is a diminutive and vibrant member of the parrot family Psittacidae. This species is distinguished by its green head and neck, a unique feature among its genus Micropsitta. With an average length of 9.5 cm (3.7 in) and weighing around 12 g (0.42 oz), these birds are indeed pygmy-sized. Sexual dimorphism is present, with males and females exhibiting slight variations in coloration, such as differences in the hue of a patch around the lower beak.

Identification Tips

To identify the Finsch's pygmy parrot, look for the characteristic green plumage on the head and neck. Males of one subspecies display a blue patch near the lower beak, while females have a pink patch in the same area. The five subspecies vary in their range and gender-specific characteristics, with some exhibiting blue or orange patches on the crown or abdomen.

Habitat

These parrots are arboreal and thrive in tropical rainforests, up to elevations of 900 m (3,000 ft). They are often found in the forest interior and along river edge vegetation. Their nests are typically constructed within old arboreal ant or termite mounds, where they also roost.

Distribution

Finsch's pygmy parrot is native to the islands of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Bismarck Archipelago. Each of the five subspecies occupies a distinct range within these regions.

Behaviour

These parrots are known to be abundant within their habitats. They are often observed in pairs or small groups, which may include socially monogamous mating pairs for up to a year. Their breeding season spans from March to May, and they typically lay one or two eggs per clutch. Both parents are involved in caring for their altricial young, with extended parent-offspring interactions.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Finsch's pygmy parrot includes a series of repeated whistles, with each whistle comprising a "tweet-tweet" sound where the second "tweet" is elongated and higher in pitch. They also produce shrill squawks and chattering noises.

Diet and Feeding

These parrots forage by climbing vertically along tree bark or by hanging upside-down beneath branches, using their tail feathers as a prop against the tree surface. Their diet consists of fungi and lichens found on tree bark, as well as seeds from the casuarina tree. Some individuals may join slow-moving mixed bird flocks while foraging.

Conservation status

The Finsch's pygmy parrot is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.