Parrots are known for their bright plumage, curved beaks, and ability to mimic human speech. There are over 350 species of parrots divided into numerous genera. One of the most regal and recognizable is the genus Alisterus, commonly known as the king parrots. The king parrots belong to the scientific family Psittaculidae, along with lorikeets,…
Imagine yourself deep in the mountainous rainforests of New Guinea or the tropical islands of the Maluku archipelago. As you traverse along a ridge or winding forest trail, a flash of brilliant color suddenly flits past. Glancing up, you spot a tiny parrot, hardly larger than your hand, perched on a nearby branch. It’s vibrant…
Dotting the dense rainforest canopies of New Guinea and the Solomon Islands is one of the most colorful and charismatic miniature parrots in the world – the Finsch’s Pygmy Parrot. Though small in stature, this vibrant species packs huge personality into it’s bright plumage in shades of green, blue, yellow, and orange. The Finsch’s Pygmy…
As you explore the tropical forests of Papua New Guinea, keep an eye out overhead and in the trees for a pop of color zipping by. If you’re lucky, you may spot one of the world’s smallest parrots – the Meek’s Pygmy Parrot. Measuring just 10 cm long and weighing a mere 42 grams, these…
The Geelvink Pygmy Parrot is a tiny and colorful bird endemic to a few small islands in Indonesia. With an average body length of only 9-10 cm and weighing a mere 13-17 grams, it is one of the smallest parrots in the world. This diminutive parakeet exhibits beautiful plumage in shades of green, blue, yellow,…
The yellow-capped pygmy parrot (Micropsitta keiensis) is a tiny, vibrantly colored parrot native to New Guinea and it’s surrounding islands. Though small, it packs a lot of personality into it’s bright green, yellow, and blue plumage. These parrots reach only 9-10 cm in length but are brimming with energy and curiosity. They actively forage for…
Have you ever seen a parrot the size of a hummingbird? As incredible as it sounds, the buff-faced pygmy parrot is a real bird – and it just might be the world’s smallest parrot species. Measuring only around 3 inches long and weighing less than half an ounce, this tiny tropical parrot is truly miniature…
Have you ever seen a parrot the size of a ping pong ball? Weighing less than half an ounce and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand? Prepare to be amazed by the tiny titans of the parrot world – pygmy parrots! Found only in the dense rainforests of New Guinea and…
Have you ever heard of the Oceanic Eclectus Parrot? This extinct and elusive bird once called the Pacific islands of Tonga, Vanuatu, and possibly Fiji home. But human activity led to the demise of this unique island species thousands of years ago. Though gone, the Oceanic Eclectus Parrot remains fascinating. it’s bones provide clues to…
The brilliantly colored Sumba Eclectus Parrot is confined to a single remote Indonesian island, where deforestation and trapping threaten this species’ survival. As one of the most striking members of the parrot family, the Sumba Eclectus exhibits a spectacular visual dichotomy between the sexes. Read on to learn more about this endangered bird and why…
