The buff-faced pygmy parrot is a very small green parrot found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest in New Britain and New Guinea.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Found across lowland and foothill rainforests of New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago, including New Britain. Prefers humid primary and mature secondary forest with lichen-covered trunks and branches. It also forages along forest edges, in cocoa and coconut groves, and occasionally in well-wooded gardens. Typically remains in the midstory to canopy and is most frequently detected by its thin, high calls.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Among the smallest parrots in the world, the buff-faced pygmy parrot spends much of its time creeping along tree trunks and branches like a nuthatch. It specializes on lichens and fungi growing on bark and often nests in soft, rotten wood or arboreal termite nests. Its short, stiff tail helps brace it against bark while climbing. This species fares poorly in captivity and is rarely, if ever, kept successfully.
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties that move quickly along trunks and branches. Monogamous pairs likely maintain small territories centered on feeding trees. Nests are placed in soft, decayed wood or arboreal termite nests, with both adults participating in excavation and care of young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tseet and see-see notes, often in rapid sequences while foraging. Vocalizations are soft and easily lost in forest background noise, serving mainly as contact calls within pairs and small groups.
