Dusky-cheeked Fig Parrot (Cyclopsitta melanogenia)
You gaze up into the dark green canopy of the rainforest, scanning the branches until a flash of crimson catches your eye. A parrot with a bright red cap and green wings alights on a nearby tree, soon joined by another with a blue-tinged back and tail. These colorful birds are dusky-cheeked fig parrots, aptly named for the striking black masks and red foreheads that distinguish them.
As you observe these 10 inch long parrots, their social nature is evident as they chatter and preen each other. Dusky-cheeked fig parrots are endemic to the lowland rainforests of New Guinea, found only on this island that houses some of the world’s most unique plants and animals.
Fig parrots have adapted to feed almost exclusively on the fruits of strangler figs and other trees native to their tropical habitat. Their bright colors likely serve to camouflage them within the rainforest’s flowers and fruits.
You may count yourself lucky to catch a glimpse of them, as dusky-cheeked fig parrots numbered only 1,000 to 2,500 individuals in the wild as of 2020. Deforestation and the pet trade threaten these uncommon birds, whose conservation status is classified as vulnerable. Read on to learn more about the traits and behaviors that enable these specialized parrots to thrive in New Guinea’s forests.
History and Taxonomy
The dusky-cheeked fig parrot was first described scientifically in 1828 by the French naturalist René Primevère Lesson, who named it Psittacus melanogenys. Its genus was later changed to Cyclopsitta, derived from the Greek words for “circular” and “parrot” in reference to the facial rings common in these parrots.
The common name “dusky-cheeked fig parrot” refers to the sooty black feathers on the cheeks and throat that stand out against the bright red forehead and forecrown. “Fig parrot” indicates this species’ strong association with fig fruits that comprise the major part of its diet.
“Their dark masks and vibrant crowns lend dusky-cheeked fig parrots a striking appearance befitting their tropical homeland.”
Today, the dusky-cheeked fig parrot is classified as:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittaculidae Genus: Cyclopsitta Species: C. melanogenys
It is one of three species contained in the genus Cyclopsitta, along with the double-eyed fig parrot and red-breasted fig parrot, both also found in New Guinea. These parrots are believed to have evolved specialized adaptations for living and feeding in tropical rainforests.
Physical Appearance
The dusky-cheeked fig parrot is a relatively small parrot, measuring about 10 inches (25 cm) long and weighing 2.5-3 ounces (70-85 grams).
Its plumage is primarily green on the back, wings, throat, breast and flanks, with some blue tinging on the lower back and tail. The most striking features are the bright red patch on the forehead and forecrown, bordered by fuzzy black “sideburns”, and the large black mask that covers the lores, cheeks and ear coverts. The black chin connects to a loose black neck collar. The iris is dark brown while the bill, legs and feet are greyish.
Sexual dimorphism exists in this species, meaning males and females differ somewhat in appearance. The male dusky-cheeked fig parrot has more vibrant red and black facial markings, an all-green neck, and more blue to the lower hindneck and uppertail covert feathers. Meanwhile the female shows duller facial hues, a darker green neck with some black barring, less blue to the lower hindneck, and more olive coloring on the flanks.
Juvenile birds resemble adult females but with duller plumage overall, lacking strong facial markings. After their first molt around nine months old they begin to show some red on the forehead and more distinctive patterning. Adult appearance and colors are attained after two years.
Bright plumage notwithstanding, dusky-cheeked fig parrots blend remarkably well into the tropical foliage when at rest, likely a useful camouflage from potential predators. Their green wings can appear almost one dimensional amidst a canopy of leaves.
Habitat and Distribution
The dusky-cheeked fig parrot is endemic to the island of New Guinea, found only in the lowland rainforests along the south and southeast coast. Its range extends approximately 156 miles (250 km) from the Cyclops Mountains in the west to the Kemp Welch River in Papua New Guinea to the east.
Within this region, these parrots mainly inhabit primary lowland rainforest up to altitudes of 3,000 feet (914 meters). They seem to prefer older forest with a dense canopy and an abundance of strangler figs and other fruiting trees. Tall emergent trees are also used for roosting and nesting.
Dusky-cheeked fig parrots may also forage at forest edges or venture into wooded gardens with sufficient fruit trees near native forest. But they avoid open grasslands and agricultural areas.
Across their limited island range, these parrots are generally uncommon at population densities of only 1-4 birds per square kilometer even in optimal habitat. Their global population is estimated to number from 1,000 to 2,500 mature individuals.
“Restricted to lowland rainforest in New Guinea, the dusky-cheeked fig parrot contends with widespread deforestation across its limited range.”
Endemic species like these parrots that exist only in certain regions are more vulnerable to habitat loss and extinction. Protecting New Guinea’s remaining old growth rainforest is crucial for ensuring the future of this unique species.
Diet and Feeding
The dusky-cheeked fig parrot is highly specialized to feed almost exclusively on the fruits of strangler figs (genus Ficus) and, to a lesser degree, other trees that bear fleshy fruits. Figs comprise 60-90% of their overall diet.
They favor the fruits of several epiphytic strangler fig species which grow around other trees up to heights of 130 feet (40 meters). Their strong claws and beaks allow them to cling to vertical trunks and branches while foraging. To access the fruits embedded deep within strangler figs, the parrots chew through woody walls that may be over 3 inches (8 cm) thick.
This species also occasionally feeds on berries and fruits from trees in the Moraceae and Myrtaceae families, as well as flowering plants such as orchids and mistletoe. Part of their adaptation involves a digestive system that deals effectively with excess sugars from ripe fruits.
Dusky-cheeked fig parrots feed steadily throughout the day, alternating between periods of eating fruit and insect larvae they extract from trees. Sources differ on whether the insects primarily provide additional nutrition or aid in digestion.
These parrots show Nomadic movements between regular feeding grounds, traveling up to 18 miles (30 km) in search of fruiting trees. But they usually remain in the forest canopy, not descending to the ground. Even drinking water is obtained from rainwater collected in bromeliads or tree hollows. Such adaptations exemplify the dusky-cheeked fig parrot’s reliance on tropical rainforests.
Breeding and Reproduction
Dusky-cheeked fig parrots reach sexual maturity between 2-4 years old. They are monogamous breeders, paired mate bonds lasting across multiple seasons.
The breeding season runs from September through December coinciding with peak fruiting of strangler figs. This ensures an abundant food source to feed chicks after hatching.
Nest sites are usually chosen in the hollows of tall rainforest emergent trees, either in old woodpecker cavities or decayed trunks, at heights up to 130 feet (40 meters). Both sexes participate in preparing the nest cavity by chewing off wood to enlarge the hollow. No nesting materials are used.
Typical clutch size is 2-3 white eggs which are incubated by the female for about 24 days while the male provides food. The chicks are altricial, hatching naked and helpless with eyes closed. Both parents feed and care for the young, regurgitating fruit pulp directly into their mouths.
The chicks fledge at 8-9 weeks old but remain closely associated with the parents for 3-4 months as they learn to forage on their own. Juveniles may remain with the parents for an extended period before dispersing.
Productivity is naturally low for this species, successfully rearing only one chick per season on average. Their lifespan in the wild can reach 15-25 years. Captive birds may live over 50 years, but breeding success is lower outside their native habitat. Protecting nest sites and food resources in New Guinea’s rainforests remains key for conservation.
Behavior and Ecology
Dusky-cheeked fig parrots exhibit highly social behavior, foraging and roosting in small flocks of 6 to 12 individuals. Larger groups of up to 30 birds may congregate at abundant food sources. Flocks usually consist of mated pairs alongside some juveniles and subadults.
Vocalizations play a prominent role in communication between flock members. These parrots utilize a variety of loud, far-carrying calls including metallic chattering sounds, high pitched squeaks, and whistling contact calls to maintain group cohesion, especially when in flight. Their ability to vocalize almost continuously even while eating may facilitate flock bonding.
Roosting occurs in Emergent canopy trees, often alongside fruit bat colonies. Up to 100 birds may gather at a communal roost site, possibly as an anti-predator strategy. Social preening is common before sleeping.
Despite their small size, dusky-cheeked fig parrots show some aggression in competing for prime nest hollows and food resources. Their strong bills can inflict damage during conflicts over territory.
Seasonal movements are primarily nomadic in nature, traveling up to 18 miles between regular feeding grounds in search of ripe strangler fig fruits. But these parrots appear reluctant to venture beyond the lowland rainforest habitat they are adapted to.
Their specialized ecology is thus restricted to tropical forests with adequate fruit supplies to sustain small populations. This reliance on isolated fragments of habitat greatly impacts conservation.
Conservation Status
The dusky-cheeked fig parrot is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its population is estimated to number only 1,000-2,500 mature individuals based on surveys in 2020.
Major threats stem from ongoing deforestation across their lowland rainforest habitat in New Guinea. Logging, agricultural expansion, and mining interests have caused severe fragmentation and degradation of suitable habitat. Over 50% of forest cover has already been lost in areas the fig parrots once inhabited.
The rapid spread of invasive species like the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) also threatens native biodiversity. Nest competition from mynas has impacted breeding success.
Additionally, live capture of dusky-cheeked fig parrots for the pet trade occurs at low levels despite legal protection. The Alcedo Sanctuary has recorded over 90 illegally traded birds from 2009-2019. Removing birds from small wild populations is extremely detrimental.
Urgent conservation action is still required to curb deforestation in protected areas like the Brown River and Morehead River Wildlife Management Areas that preserve valuable rainforest tracts used by the parrots. Ecotourism focused on these endemic species could also boost motivation for habitat protection.
Targeted monitoring of population trends along with community education can further help secure the future for these specialized parrots in their native forests.
Cultural Significance
The dusky-cheeked fig parrot does not seem to hold any major significance in the mythology or folklore of indigenous tribes in New Guinea. This may be due to the parrot’s remote rainforest habitat having limited interaction with traditional human settlements.
However, some cultural use is made of these colorful parrots as living adornments. Tribal communities in New Guinea traditionally keep dusky-cheeked fig parrots as pets, although their export is now illegal.
Historically, native hunters may have used the red feathers as decorations on headdresses or weapons. Various fig parrot feathers are still used in local ceremonial dress but likely originate from more common species captured. There is no evidence of significant hunting of dusky-cheeked fig parrots specifically.
This species has appeared infrequently in artwork or literature focused on New Guinea’s biodiversity. Some contemporary artists do incorporate the parrot’s unique mask-like facial pattern in various media including wood carvings sold locally. But its cultural status remains limited relative to its extremely restricted habitat.
Ecotourism connected to birdwatching has more potential to elevate awareness of endemic species like the dusky-cheeked fig parrot. Tour guides educated about these birds can share such knowledge with visitors eager to glimpse a rare rainforest-dwelling parrot. This hands-on approach may resonate more than artwork alone with outside cultures.
Conclusion
The dusky-cheeked fig parrot stands out as a highly unique and specialized rainforest species endemic to the island of New Guinea. Its colorful plumage and distinctive facial markings seem almost too vibrant for a canopy-dwelling parrot.
Yet these small parrots remain little-known globally due to their remote and inaccessible lowland forest habitat largely isolated from human settlements. Their very limited range and close ecological association with strangler figs and other fruiting trees make the species vulnerable, however.
With an estimated population under 2,500 mature individuals threatened by ongoing deforestation across southeast New Guinea, the dusky-cheeked fig parrot is currently classified as Vulnerable. Targeted conservation plans to sustain protected wildlife areas will be crucial for preserving enough intact rainforest to support these fig parrots into the future.
Meanwhile, greater scientific study and documentation is still needed to fully understand the behavior and population distribution of such an uncommon tropical endemic. Ecotourism may aid by highlighting its uniqueness while providing an economic incentive for habitat protection.
The next time you walk through a steamy New Guinea rainforest, listen closely for the rattling call of the dusky-cheeked fig parrot feeding high overhead. This little-known species deserves appreciation and stewardship to ensure its specialized forest niche endures. With dedicated ongoing conservation, their bright plumage should continue to flash through the ancient trees they rely on for generations to come.
