The Camiguin hanging parrot is a hanging parrot endemic to the Philippine island of Camiguin, where its habitat is diminishing. The taxonomy of this population of parrots on Camiguin is uncertain. While it has yet to be assessed by the IUCN Red List, it is believed that this species is threatened and is declining primarily due to the cagebird trade.
Region
Southern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Camiguin, a small volcanic island just off northern Mindanao. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland and montane rainforest, forest edges, and fruiting/flowering trees in coconut groves and mixed-agriculture mosaics near forest. Birds are often encountered in the canopy but will descend to feed on flowering shrubs and garden trees. Nesting is in natural cavities of dead or living trees. Habitat loss from agriculture and development has fragmented suitable forest, confining the species largely to protected and less accessible uplands.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small parrot is restricted to Camiguin Island in the southern Philippines and may represent a distinct species or a highly distinctive island form of the Philippine hanging parrot. Both sexes are reported to look very similar, unusual among hanging parrots, and individuals are often trapped for the cagebird trade. Like other hanging parrots, it can sleep roosting upside down and carries nesting material tucked into its feathers.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, fast-moving groups that keep to the canopy and upper midstory. Breeds in tree cavities; like other hanging parrots, the female carries nesting material tucked in the rump feathers to line the nest. Courtship includes soft calls, mutual preening, and short chase flights. Roosting often occurs communally in dense foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, thin, and squeaky, often a rapid series of sharp contact notes given in flight. When feeding, it gives softer twittering and chattering that can be hard to detect over insect noise.
