Geelvink Pygmy-Parrot
Micropsitta geelvinkiana
A tiny parrot of forest on Biak and Numfor Islands. Typical pygmy-parrot shape with green body, yellow under the tail and brown face. Male has yellow mark down the center of the underparts and a yellow spot behind the crown. Numfor birds have a blue crown and males a blue cheek. Nuthatchlike behavior, foraging for lichens and fungus. As with other pygmy-parrot species, makes a nest in arboreal termitaria. The only pygmy-parrot in range. Call, a high-pitch twittering.
Identification
It has a brown head, blue crown, light blue ear covert, yellow breast, green body and blue tail. It has red eyes. The female has less brown than the male.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Micropsitta geelvinkiana
- Authority
- (Schlegel, 1871)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Micropsitta
Range and habitat
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Pacific Robin
Petroica pusilla
A small, attractive robin with a bright crimson chest and belly. Varies across range, but male is mostly dark above and on head except for bright white forehead and pale wingbar. Base of undertail white. Female mostly brown above but red below. Generally unique and unmistakable within range. Inhabits forested areas at a range of elevations. Voice varies across range but is generally a mix of high-pitched tinkling, sweet high-pitched tweeting, and whistling.
Mayr's Swiftlet
Aerodramus orientalis
A grayish-brown swiftlet, paler beneath, darker above with a faintly bluish tinge, with a variably grayish rump. Very poorly known from a few specimens and field observations. Generally occurs between 900-1200 meters of elevation, but has been seen at sea level. Very similar to White-rumped Swift, but has a darker gray rump and is much larger. Vocally unknown.
Natal Spurfowl
Pternistis natalensis
A medium-size brownish francolin with distinctive yellow nostrils and a bright orange-red bill and legs. The back is mottled brown, and the underpart feathers are edged brown and white, giving it a marbled scaled appearance. Juveniles are similar to adults, with duller legs and bill. It is common in savanna, preferring thicker understory. The call is a loud raucous “kak-kreek” that variably accelerates and decelerates. Red-billed Francolin differs from Natal Francolin by having barred (not scaled) underparts and a yellow eye-ring. Swainson’s Francolin differs from Natal Francolin by having red facial skin and dark blackish legs.
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