Blue-fronted Fig-Parrot
Nannopsittacus gulielmitertii
A small, short-tailed parrot of lowland forest, forest edge, and lush gardens. Mostly found at low elevations, and sometimes up into the hills. Green body with dark blue in the wing, black forecrown and cheek, and a pale line separating the cheek, crown and bill. Males have an orange breast, while females have orange behind the dark cheek patch. Usually found in small groups. Most similar to Double-eyed Fig-Parrot, but Blue-fronted has blackish instead of red forecrown and cheek, and an orange breast. Calls, a sharp, high-pitched “tsik!” or excited twittering which often betrays their present in a tree.
Identification
The blue-fronted fig parrot is primarily green with a black bill, white face with a black patch. Males have orange breasts while females have orange patches on their faces.
Taxonomy
The blue-fronted fig parrot is one of four species in the genus Cyclopsitta.<p>The generic name Cyclopsitta is from the mythical Cyclops and the Modern Latin psitta, meaning parrot. The specific epithet gulielmitertii is in honour of William III, King of the Netherlands, and is derived from the Medieval Latin Guilelmus, meaning William, and Latin tertius, meaning third. Alternative names for the species include William's fig parrot and King of Holland fig parrot.
- Scientific name
- Nannopsittacus gulielmitertii
- Authority
- (Schlegel, 1866)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Nannopsittacus
Range and habitat
It inhabits lowland forest on New Guinea, the Bird's Head Peninsula and Salawati. It is generally found at elevations of 0–300 m (0–984 ft), but can be found up to elevations of 1,100 m (3,600 ft).
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
The blue-fronted fig parrot typically stays in small flocks of 6-10 individuals. It mainly inhabits the canopy, but can also be found in lower stories.<p>Mainly feeds on fig seeds, but also on seeds of Glochidion and Acacia auriculaeformis. It also eats the flower heads of Poikilospermum plants.<p>It breeds from December to June. The nest is typically a hole made in an arboreal termite mound, but may also be made in epiphytes. In captivity, clutches are usually of 2 eggs, although they may be from 1-3 eggs, and the incubation period is 20-22 days, with a nestling period of 35-42 days.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Forest Rock-Thrush
Monticola sharpei
Chunky, mid-sized robin-like bird. Males are gray and orange, while females are brownish. There is regional variation: western birds are paler, and eastern rainforest birds more richly colored. Madagascar endemic that is found at middle and high elevations in the eastern rainforest, and very locally in dry, rocky habitats in the west. Perches for long periods, in the east in the forest mid-story, and in the west on rocks. Variable whistled song is easy to imitate. Darker than Littoral Rock-Thrush, with little or no overlap in range. Female similar to female Madagascar Magpie-Robin, but smaller and without white patch in the wing.
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
Large pale dove with a black crescent on the nape. Slightly smaller and paler than Rock Pigeon, with a proportionately longer, square-tipped tail. Favors farms and suburbs; avoids areas with extensive forests. Typically seen in pairs or small loose groups; forms larger flocks in winter. Widespread and common throughout much of Eurasia and northern Africa. Introduced to, and established in, much of North America, the Caribbean, and parts of Central America. Compare with African Collared-Dove, which may occur in small feral populations or as an escapee throughout Eurasian Collared-Dove’s range. Especially note tail pattern from below: mostly white, contrasting with the grayish undertail coverts, and with black extending down the outer edge of the tail feathers. Voice - a cooing “woop-WOOO!-woop” - is also helpful.
Red-bellied Grackle
Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster
Unmistakable Colombian endemic: large, long-tailed, and all-black with a bright red belly and piercing yellow eye. Sexes similar. Found in small flocks in the canopy of cloud forest from around 1,000–2,400 m, sometimes in mixed flocks with jays or caciques. Listen for loud shrieks and gurgles.
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