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Pygmy parrot
Pygmy parrot
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Pygmy parrot
M. pusio
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittaculidae
Subfamily: Psittaculinae
Genus: Micropsitta
Lesson, 1831
Species

Micropsitta pusio
Micropsitta keiensis
Micropsitta geelvinkiana
Micropsitta meeki
Micropsitta finschii
Micropsitta bruijnii

Pygmy parrots are the smallest members of the parrot order. The six species of pygmy parrots are all in the genus Micropsitta, which is the only genus in the Micropsittini tribe.[1]

Pygmy parrots are native to the forests of New Guinea and nearby islands. They are tiny birds, fast-moving, and mostly green with bright highlights. A pygmy parrot spends a good deal of time climbing through foliage, using its large feet and beak, and stiffened tail feathers. At a little over 8 cm (3.1 in) long, the buff-faced pygmy parrot is the smallest parrot species.

Pygmy parrots are also among the few species in the order (other examples include Pyrilia and Nannopsittaca species) that have never been successfully kept, let alone bred, in captivity. All attempts to do so have resulted in the quick deaths of the little birds. Stress and dietary deficiencies are probably to blame.[2] Pygmy parrots are among the few birds that feed on fungi and lichens, which play a major role in their diet.[3] Their precise dietary needs are poorly understood.[citation needed]

Description

[edit]

Pygmy parrots are the smallest parrots and range is size from about 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in). They have long toes and long, curved claws. The shafts of their tail feathers are stiff and form projections at the end of the tail. The cere is prominent. The external appearance of the adult males and adult females differ to varying extents in different species. Juveniles are duller.[4]

Taxonomy

[edit]

The genus was defined by French naturalist René-Primevère Lesson in 1831. The name Micropsitta is derived from the Greek mikros meaning small and psitta for parrot.[5]

The pygmy parrots consist of six species and several subspecies:[6]

Genus: Micropsitta Lesson 1831 (pygmy parrots)

Genus Micropsitta Lesson, 1831 – six species
Common name Scientific name and subspecies Range Size and ecology IUCN status and estimated population
Red-breasted pygmy parrot

Micropsitta bruijnii
(Salvadori, 1875)

Five subspecies
  • M. b. bruijnii (Salvadori 1875)
  • M. b. buruensis Arndt 1999
  • M. b. necopinata Hartert 1925
  • M. b. pileata Mayr 1940
  • M. b. rosea Mayr 1940
the Maluku Islands and Melanesia. Size:

Habitat:

Diet:
 LC 


Finsch's pygmy parrot


Micropsitta finschii
(Ramsay, EP, 1881)

Five subspecies
  • M. f. aolae (Ogilvie-Grant 1888)
  • M. f. finschii (Ramsay, EP 1881)
  • M. f. nanina (Tristram 1891)
  • M. f. tristrami (Rothschild & Hartert 1902)
  • M. f. viridifrons (Rothschild & Hartert 1899)
Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Bismarck Archipelago.
Map of range
Size:

Habitat:

Diet:
 LC 


Geelvink pygmy parrot]


Micropsitta geelvinkiana
(Schlegel, 1871)

Two subspecies
  • M. g. geelvinkiana (Schlegel 1871)
  • M. g. misoriensis (Salvadori 1876)
Biak and Numfoor islands in Western New Guinea Size:

Habitat:

Diet:
 LC 


Yellow-capped pygmy parrot

Micropsitta keiensis
(Salvadori, 1876)

Three subspecies
  • M. k. chloroxantha Oberholser 1917
  • M. k. keiensis (Salvadori 1876)
  • M. k. viridipectus (Rothschild 1911)
western New Guinea Size:

Habitat:

Diet:
 LC 


Meek's pygmy parrot


Micropsitta meeki
Rothschild & Hartert, 1914

Two subspecies
Papua New Guinea. Size:

Habitat:

Diet:
 LC 


Buff-faced pygmy parrot


Micropsitta pusio
(Sclater, PL, 1866)

Four subspecies
  • M. p. beccarii (Salvadori 1876)
  • M. p. harterti Mayr 1940
  • M. p. pusio (Sclater, PL 1866)
  • M. p. stresemanni Hartert 1926
New Britain and New Guinea. Size:

Habitat:

Diet:
 LC 



References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Pygmy parrots, comprising the Micropsitta, represent the smallest parrots in the world, with adults typically measuring 8–10 cm in length and weighing 10–16 g across the six recognized . These diminutive birds are characterized by their predominantly green plumage accented by vibrant facial or ventral markings, such as buff faces, yellow caps, or red breasts, depending on the . Native exclusively to the tropical forests of , the , and nearby islands in and , they inhabit lowland to montane forests, , and forest edges up to elevations of 2,300 m. Unlike most parrots, pygmy parrots exhibit - and nuthatch-like foraging behaviors, climbing along tree trunks and branches to extract lichens, bark fungi, , small seeds, fruits, and flowers from crevices, often feeding upside down in small pairs or groups of up to 30 individuals. They are generally inconspicuous and silent while foraging but produce high-pitched "tsit" or "tsee" calls during flight or territorial displays. Nesting occurs in arboreal mounds or tree cavities, where females lay 2–4 eggs during the breeding season, typically from to May, with incubation handled primarily by the female. All six species—Buff-faced (M. pusio), Finsch's (M. finschii), Geelvink (M. geelvinkiana), Meek's (M. meeki), Red-breasted (M. bruijnii), and Yellow-capped (M. keiensis)—are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, though populations are suspected to be decreasing due to habitat loss from and . They are listed under Appendix II to regulate international trade, reflecting minor threats from pet collection but no immediate risk of . Conservation efforts focus on protecting their forest habitats within protected areas in and .

Taxonomy and systematics

Classification history

The genus Micropsitta, comprising all six of pygmy parrots, was established by Primevère Lesson in 1831 within the family . The first in the genus were described by Tommaso Salvadori in the mid-1870s, including Micropsitta bruijnii in 1875 and Micropsitta keiensis in 1876, based on specimens from and adjacent islands. These early descriptions highlighted their diminutive size and distinct morphology, leading to initial placements within broader parrot classifications, though their precise relationships remained unclear due to reliance on limited morphological data. Pygmy parrots were recognized as forming a distinct group warranting status as Micropsittinae, with Micropsitta as the sole , owing to shared derived traits such as specialized tongue structure and behaviors, though debates persisted on their separation from other subfamilies like . Early taxonomic discussions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries questioned whether their unique traits indicated a more primitive position or convergence with non-parrot groups, prompting proposals to elevate them to family level in some schemes. However, by the mid-20th century, classifications stabilized them within as Micropsittinae, supported by anatomical studies emphasizing their affinities. Molecular phylogenetic analyses from the early 2000s onward confirmed Micropsittinae as a monophyletic within Psittacoidea, occupying a basal position sister to other lineages such as Polytelini and Psittaculini. DNA sequence data, including multilocus studies, estimated their divergence from Cacatuoidea around 35.9 million years ago (Mya), with diversification within Micropsittinae beginning approximately 27.6 Mya (95% CI: 19.8–32.6 Mya), and a crown age of 4.1 Mya indicating substantial ancient extinction events. These findings, building on seminal work like Joseph et al. (2012), resolved prior morphological uncertainties and reinforced their early divergence within Psittaciformes. Subsequent taxonomic revisions have focused on subspecies delimitation, often based on plumage variations and geographic isolation, with no major splits or lumps at the species level in recent phylogenomic syntheses. For instance, Harry C. Oberholser described Micropsitta keiensis chloroxantha in 1917, distinguishing it by greener underparts, while Ernst Mayr proposed Micropsitta pusio harterti in 1940 based on size and coloration differences across populations. Across the six species, approximately 20 are currently recognized, reflecting ongoing refinements informed by both morphological and genetic evidence.

Species and distribution

The pygmy parrots comprise six in the genus Micropsitta, all endemic to the islands of and , including , the , the , and adjacent island groups, where their distributions are shaped by the region's fragmented island geography promoting isolation and . These species are the Buff-faced pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio), Finsch's pygmy parrot (M. finschii), Yellow-capped pygmy parrot (M. keiensis), Red-breasted pygmy parrot (M. bruijnii), Geelvink pygmy parrot (M. geelvinkiana), and Meek's pygmy parrot (M. meeki).
SpeciesScientific NamePrimary DistributionNotable Subspecies
Buff-faced pygmy parrotMicropsitta pusioNorthern and eastern New Guinea lowlands, Bismarck Archipelago (including New Britain and associated islets), D'Entrecasteaux Islands, and Louisiade Archipelago.M. p. beccarii (northern New Guinea and nearby islands); M. p. pusio (eastern New Guinea and parts of Bismarck Archipelago); M. p. harterti (Fergusson Island); M. p. stresemanni (Misima and Tagula Islands).
Finsch's pygmy parrotMicropsitta finschiiBismarck Archipelago (New Ireland group, including New Hanover, Djaul, Tabar, and Lihir Islands) and Solomon Islands (from Buka and Bougainville southward to Rennell and Makira).M. f. viridifrons (Bismarck Archipelago); M. f. nanina (northern Solomon Islands); M. f. tristrami (western-central Solomon Islands); M. f. aolae (east-central Solomon Islands); M. f. finschii (southeastern Solomon Islands).
Yellow-capped pygmy parrotMicropsitta keiensisSouthern and northwestern New Guinea lowlands (Vogelkop and Onin Peninsulas), West Papuan Islands (Waigeo, Salawati, Misool), Aru Islands, and Kai Islands.M. k. keiensis (Kai and Aru Islands); M. k. chloroxantha (West Papuan Islands and northwest New Guinea); M. k. viridipectus (southern New Guinea).
Red-breasted pygmy parrotMicropsitta bruijniiMontane forests of New Guinea (from Vogelkop Peninsula to Huon Peninsula and Owen Stanley Range), southern Moluccas (Seram and Buru), Bismarck Archipelago (New Britain and New Ireland), and select Solomon Islands (Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Kolombangara).M. b. pileata (southern Moluccas); M. b. bruijnii (New Guinea mountains); M. b. necopinata (Bismarck Archipelago); M. b. rosea (Solomon Islands). Possible undescribed forms in northern Moluccas (Obi) and western New Guinea (Ok Tedi region).
Geelvink pygmy parrotMicropsitta geelvinkianaLowland forests on Biak and Numfor Islands in Geelvink Bay, off northwestern New Guinea.M. g. geelvinkiana (Numfor Island); M. g. misoriensis (Biak Island).
Meek's pygmy parrotMicropsitta meekiAdmiralty Islands (Manus, Rambutyo, Lou) and St. Matthias Islands (Mussau, Eloaua, Emirau) in the Bismarck Archipelago.M. m. meeki (Admiralty Islands); M. m. proxima (St. Matthias Islands).
The isolated island distributions of these species reflect the geological history of the region, with many restricted to single archipelagos or island pairs, contributing to their endemism.

Physical description

Size and morphology

Pygmy parrots (genus Micropsitta) represent the smallest parrots in the world, typically measuring 8–10 cm in length and weighing 10–16 g across species. For example, the buff-faced pygmy parrot (M. pusio) averages 8 cm long and 10–15 g, while the yellow-capped pygmy parrot (M. keiensis) reaches 9 cm and 11–14 g. These parrots possess a compact body with a short featuring modified, strengthened shafts that aid in and foraging on tree trunks. Their rounded wings support agile, maneuverable flight in dense environments. The bill is hooked but reduced in size, suited to soft foods like lichens and fungi rather than hard . Zygodactyl feet, with two toes directed forward and two backward, combined with long, curved claws, facilitate gripping bark during arboreal activities, though these feet are weaker and less developed in juveniles. Skeletal features include a compact and overall lighter bone structure relative to larger parrots, which helps maintain their minimal body mass while supporting flight and climbing. is minimal, primarily in plumage.

Plumage and coloration

Pygmy parrots in the genus Micropsitta exhibit predominantly green plumage across their body, which provides effective in the dense canopies of their New Guinean habitats by blending with foliage and reducing visibility to predators. This green coloration is accented by species-specific markings that distinguish them within their genus. For instance, the buff-faced pygmy parrot (M. pusio) features a distinctive buff to brown face and forehead, with a darker blue crown that is less prominent in females, while the underparts show a yellowish tone. The red-breasted pygmy parrot (M. bruijnii) displays a striking red to orange breast and underparts in males, contrasted by a deep blue and buff-orange throat, whereas females lack the red markings and have a paler, off-white face. Similarly, the yellow-capped pygmy parrot (M. keiensis) has a bright yellow crown and dusky forehead, with some subspecies like M. k. chloroxantha showing an orange-red central breast patch in males only. Many species also possess iridescent highlights, particularly on the wings and tail, where arises from microstructure, creating subtle sheen effects visible in certain lights. Tail s often feature central green- gradients with black tips, and wing coverts may include edging on secondaries and greater coverts. Sexual differences in are generally subtle but notable in some taxa; for example, male Finsch's pygmy parrots (M. finschii) exhibit an orange-red patch on the center and around the lower base, features absent in females, who instead show pinkish tones in those areas. Juvenile pygmy parrots display duller greens and less vibrant markings compared to adults, with reduced intensity in species-specific colors such as a greener crown in young M. pusio instead of blue, and paler facial tones overall. They undergo their first molt to adult plumage, a common in small parrots where juveniles replace contour feathers and develop full coloration. This transition enhances the vibrancy needed for maturation. The coloration in pygmy parrots plays a key role in species recognition and displays, where bright accents like breasts or caps signal identity and mate quality amid the green-dominated , facilitating pair formation in their arboreal environments.

Distribution and

Geographic range

Pygmy parrots of the Micropsitta are endemic to the , with their core distribution centered on the island of , including both its mainland and numerous offshore islands such as , Supiori, Numfor, Aru, and Kai. The extends westward to the North Moluccas, where species occur on islands like Gebe, , Salawati, and in the Raja Ampat archipelago. This range reflects the biogeographic isolation of and , where the parrots have evolved in relative seclusion from continental influences. Further eastward, the distribution incorporates the , encompassing islands such as , New Ireland, the (including Manus and Rambutyo), and Umboi, as well as extending to the , where populations are recorded on Bougainville, Choiseul, Santa Isabel, , and . No pygmy parrots occur outside this insular network, resulting in a highly fragmented overall range shaped by island , with individual species largely confined to specific archipelagos or elevational zones on . This fragmented pattern has promoted among the six recognized species, with minimal overlap in distributions; for instance, montane forms like the red-breasted pygmy parrot (M. bruijnii) occupy highland areas of and adjacent islands, while lowland species such as the buff-faced pygmy parrot (M. pusio) are restricted to northern and southeastern lowlands. Historical records indicate range stability, with no evidence of significant expansions or contractions in recent decades, as populations remain tied to stable forest ecosystems across these islands.

Habitat requirements

Pygmy parrots (genus Micropsitta) inhabit lowland to montane forests up to 2,300 m elevation, varying by , across and adjacent islands, favoring tropical moist environments with dense canopies that support abundant trees and populations essential for their sustenance. These habitats typically feature high humidity and annual rainfall ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 mm, conditions prevalent in primary and secondary rainforests but absent in drier or more arid regions. Lowland species generally occur below 1,000 m, while montane species such as the red-breasted pygmy parrot extend to higher elevations. Within these forests, pygmy parrots exhibit specific microhabitat preferences, foraging primarily in the upper strata and subcanopy layers, where they climb trunks and limbs to access , lichens, fungi, and small . Nesting occurs in arboreal mounds or hollows within old-growth , structures that provide and proximity to sources. Their strong reliance on mature, undisturbed forests for these elements renders them particularly sensitive to degradation, such as from , which diminishes fig availability and insect habitats while fragmenting nesting opportunities.

Behavior and ecology

Diet and foraging

Pygmy parrots of the genus exhibit a specialized diet dominated by lichens and fungi scraped from bark, making them unique among parrots for their heavy reliance on these substrates as primary food sources. Stomach analyses across species reveal additional consumption of small seeds, fruit pulp, flowers, nectar, and , including and scale insects, though these constitute a smaller proportion of their intake. This dietary specialization reflects their adaptation to forested habitats where epiphytic growth is abundant. Foraging occurs primarily in the upper branches and trunks of trees, where individuals employ a woodpecker-like technique of climbing vertically or upside down, using stiffened tail feathers as a prop against the bark for support. They methodically glean by pecking and flaking off pieces of , , and , often spending extended periods in a single tree. Observations indicate occasional hovering or short flights to access patches, with some species joining mixed-species bird flocks to exploit resources. These parrots typically in pairs or small groups of 3–9 individuals, which facilitates coordinated searching and may enhance detection of food patches or predators. Limited data suggest no pronounced seasonal shifts in diet, though and consumption could vary with availability in their tropical range. By ingesting and dispersing from , pygmy parrots contribute modestly to regeneration, complementing their role in controlling fungal and populations on trees.

Reproduction and breeding

Pygmy parrots (genus Micropsitta) typically form socially monogamous pairs that last for the breeding season or up to a year, with biparental care during reproduction. The breeding season varies by species and location, generally spanning March to October for many in and nearby islands, though some like the Buff-faced breed from September to May, often aligning with periods of increased fruit availability to support reproductive demands. Nesting occurs in small cavities, with lowland species excavating holes in arboreal mounds (such as those of Microcerotermes biroi) about 2–4 m above ground, while highland forms may use natural tree holes or dead stumps. Entrance holes to mound nests are characteristically oval and oriented horizontally. Clutch sizes vary from 1–4 white eggs, measuring approximately 16 × 14 mm, laid in unlined cavities. Incubation is primarily by the female in some species, with both parents sharing in others; the duration is poorly documented but estimated at 18–22 days based on observations of similar small parrots. The altricial chicks are fed regurgitated food, primarily figs supplemented with during rearing. Nestlings remain dependent on parents post-hatching, fledging after several weeks, and stay with the family group for a few months to learn foraging skills. In some cases, such as the red-breasted pygmy parrot, nests may be attended by a male and multiple females, suggesting possible . Their low reproductive output, with small clutch sizes, contributes to their vulnerability to habitat loss and predation. No successful has been recorded for any Micropsitta species.

Social structure and vocalizations

Pygmy parrots of the genus Micropsitta typically exhibit a that is primarily solitary or paired, reflecting their small size and specialized habits in dense canopies. However, they occasionally form loose flocks of up to 30 individuals during activities, particularly in like the Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot (M. pusio), where such groups enhance efficiency in locating food resources such as lichens and fungi on tree trunks. Some individuals or pairs may also associate with mixed- bird flocks while feeding, allowing opportunistic access to disturbed bark or without forming tight-knit groups. has been observed in certain populations, suggesting limited social bonding outside of breeding pairs, though remains minimal compared to larger due to their inconspicuous . Their daily activity patterns are diurnal, with individuals actively clambering and foraging on tree trunks and branches throughout the day, often in a rapid, hopping manner that minimizes exposure to predators. Observations indicate peak foraging and movement between 9 a.m. and noon in some locales, though they remain alert and mobile across daylight hours. Vocalizations play a key role in maintaining these dynamics, serving as primary means of contact within pairs or small flocks; birds are generally silent while feeding but emit occasional high-pitched notes to coordinate positions. Vocalizations are characteristically high-pitched and rapid, consisting of short notes such as "tsit" or "tsee" for general contact, often combined into brief phrases like "tsee-tsi-tsit" or "see-sit" when perched. In flight, they produce continuous "ssii…ssii" or "tseet-tseet" calls to maintain group cohesion during quick movements between trees. Alarm calls are harsher and repetitious, such as "szeeei…szeeei," alerting others to potential threats like raptors. These sounds facilitate mate attraction and territory defense around sites, though specific territorial vocal displays during breeding are less documented. Display behaviors are subtle, including mutual within pairs and soft calling during , with occasional synchronized flights observed in some species to strengthen bonds.

Conservation

Status and threats

The pygmy parrots of the genus Micropsitta are all classified as Least Concern on the , reflecting their relatively widespread distributions and stable or slowly declining populations across and associated islands. Population sizes remain unquantified for most , though they are described as common to uncommon in suitable forest habitats, with no estimates falling below thresholds for higher threat categories. The primary threats to pygmy parrots stem from habitat degradation and loss in lowland forests, driven by commercial logging, , and conversion to oil palm plantations across . In , these activities resulted in a 4.2% reduction in tree cover from 2001 to 2022, with ongoing fragmentation particularly affecting lowland areas where most occur. On smaller islands, introduced mammalian predators such as black rats (Rattus rattus) pose additional risks by preying on eggs and nestlings in tree cavities. Climate change exacerbates these pressures through potential shifts in forest ecosystems and altered availability of key food resources like lichens and fungi, though specific impacts on pygmy parrots remain understudied. Monitoring is challenged by the remote, densely forested habitats, limiting comprehensive post-2020 surveys and leading to data gaps on localized declines in fragmented landscapes.

Conservation efforts

All species of pygmy parrots in the genus Micropsitta are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates international trade to prevent overexploitation and requires export permits to ensure sustainability. This listing aims to curb the pet trade, though illegal capture and trade persist, particularly for species like the buff-faced pygmy parrot (M. pusio), which shows high prevalence in monitored international markets. Several pygmy parrot species benefit from inclusion in protected areas across their range in and surrounding islands. For instance, the Geelvink pygmy parrot (M. geelvinkiana) occurs within the Biak-Utara (110 km²) and Pulau Supiori (420 km²) in , which help safeguard lowland forest habitats. Similarly, the pygmy parrot (M. finschii) is found in four Important and Areas (IBAs)/Key Areas (KBAs) totaling over 3,255 km², with about 27% of its range under some form of protection. In , community-based forest management initiatives, such as the Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area, support parrot populations including pygmy parrots by involving local communities in habitat preservation and sustainable resource use. Research and monitoring efforts are led by organizations like , which conducts ornithological surveys to estimate trends and use for pygmy parrots, though systematic long-term programs remain limited. The World Parrot Trust supports regional studies in and on parrot and trade impacts, including data collection to update conservation statuses and inform anti-trafficking measures. Future recommendations emphasize expanding forest protection, enhancing monitoring through repeated surveys, and strengthening enforcement against illegal trade via community patrols and collaboration. Initiatives like those from the World Parrot Trust promote reforestation with native tree species to restore degraded habitats and explore opportunities in endemic areas to provide economic incentives for local conservation.

References

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