Double-eyed Fig-Parrot
Cyclopsitta diophthalma
Tiny rainforest-dwelling parrot. Male has red cheeks. Primarily green with varying levels of red and blue on the face depending on the subspecies. Typically flies quickly overhead or feeds inconspicuously in rainforest canopies. From Little Lorikeet by pale underwings (Little Lorikeet has dark wings), and yellow line near the folded wing (lacking on Little Lorikeet). Its call, usually heard in flight, is a distinctive metallic ‘tzeet-tzeet’. Excavates hollows in softwood rainforest trees.
Identification
The double-eyed fig parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma), also known as the blue-faced fig parrot, red-faced fig parrot, dwarf fig parrot, and the two-eyed fig parrot, primarily inhabits forests on New Guinea and nearby islands, but is also found in isolated communities along the tropical Australian coast, east of the Great Dividing Range. With an average total length of about 14 cm (5+1⁄2 in), it is the smallest parrot in Australia. Most subspecies of the double-eyed fig parrot are sexually dimorphic, with males having more red (less silvery and blue) to the face than the females. It is predominantly green with a very short tail, a disproportionately large head and bill, and red and blue facial markings. Its name is derived from a blue spot on the lores, which in New Guinean birds is roughly the same size as the eyes. Although assessed as of Least Concern by the IUCN, certain subspecies are under threat. Coxen's fig parrot (C. d. coxeni) is of one Australia's rarest and least known birds, having been recorded on fewer than 200 occasions since being described by Gould in 1866. It is classified as Endangered in Queensland (Nature Conservation Act 1992), New South Wales (New South Wales Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995), and also nationally in Australia (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) as it has declined due, at least in part, to the clearing of lowland subtropical rainforest over its range.
Taxonomy
Genus: Cyclopsitta; Family: Psittaculidae; Order: Psittaciformes.
- Scientific name
- Cyclopsitta diophthalma
- Authority
- (Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Cyclopsitta
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Nomadic
Behavior
Migration pattern: Nomadic.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Oriental Pratincole
Glareola maldivarum
Twisting and turning on long, angular wings, this relative of the sandpipers and plovers gives a swallowlike impression in flight. Adults are brown overall with an elegant black necklace and pale yellow throat. When in flight, note dark flight feathers, chestnut underwing coverts, bright white trailing edge to the wings, and a flashing white rump. Juveniles are a mottled gray-brown above and lack the adult's necklace. Flight call a harsh “tarrack.”
Green Racquet-tail
Prioniturus luconensis
A rare medium-sized parrot of lowland and foothill forest on Luzon. The two central tail feathers have extended shafts ending in a racket shape. Overall green in color, slightly darker on the back, with paler head and underparts and a pale bill. Male is more yellowish-green in color. Overlaps geographically with Luzon Racquet-tail, but Green is found at lower elevations and lacks the brownish back. Also overlaps with Blue-naped Parrot, but has a pale rather than red bill. Voice consists of ringing metallic squawks.
Barred Cuckooshrike
Coracina lineata
Medium-sized slender bird with a short, pointed bill and bold yellow eye. Slaty gray except for white lower belly and undertail with fine gray barring. Usually seen high up in fruiting trees (often fig trees). Inhabits rainforest in New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and tropical and subtropical east coast of Australia.
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