Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot

The Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot, known scientifically as Micropsitta bruijnii, is a diminutive and vibrant member of the Psittaculidae family. This species is the smallest genus of all parrots, measuring a mere 8 cm (3 inches) in length. Its plumage is a testament to nature's palette, with a notable red breast that gives the species its common name.

Identification Tips

When observing these tiny parrots, look for their jerky movements, which are quite distinctive and reminiscent of nuthatches. They have a proclivity for clinging close to the bark of trees, a behaviour that aids in their identification in the wild.

Habitat

The Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot thrives in a variety of forested environments, including boreal forests, subtropical or tropical dry forests, and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Distribution

This species is endemic to the Maluku Islands and Melanesia. Among the pygmy parrots, the Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot is known to inhabit higher altitudes.

Subspecies

There are five recognized subspecies of the Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot, each adapted to different island environments:

• M. b. bruijnii - mountains of New Guinea
• M. b. buruensis - Buru
• M. b. necopinata - New Britain and New Ireland
• M. b. pileata - Seram
• M. b. rosea - Bougainville, Guadalcanal, and Kolambangara in the Solomon Islands

Behaviour

These parrots exhibit a unique behaviour, using trees as breeding sites rather than the arboreal termite nests favoured by other pygmy parrots. Their search for food is a meticulous process, as they scour the trees for lichens, which form the bulk of their diet.

Diet and Feeding

Lichens growing on trees are the primary component of their diet.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Red-breasted Pygmy Parrot as Least Concern. However, it is important to note that they are considered common to uncommon, with their populations potentially threatened by deforestation and habitat loss within their limited range. Observations suggest that these birds do not fare well in captivity, thus emphasizing the importance of conserving their natural habitats.