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
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Agelastes meleagrides
Small, long-tailed, mostly black guineafowl with a white ruff around the neck and a bare red head. Found on the ground in lowland rainforest. Generally rare and local. Usually in groups, which range from small to fairly large. The common call is a repeated, agitated “kyeek.” Also gives a descending trilled call. Similar to other guineafowl, but easily separated by the white neck.
Grayish Miner
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Mountain Wren-Babbler
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This small mouse-like undergrowth inhabitant can be difficult to spot in the tangled, well-shaded montane forest ravines, gullies, and streams it favors. Listen for its song, a series of high, distinct piping whistles: “hi-hee-hu-huh-hi” or variants thereof. Can be quite inquisitive, allowing close approach; look for a small chunky brown bird with elegant pale eyebrows, an overall brown body with strong streaking, and a contrasting pale throat. Eyebrowed Wren-Babbler overlaps marginally in range but averages lower in elevational preference; it also has white spots on the wings and a different song.
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