The double-eyed fig parrot, also known as the blue-faced fig parrot, red-faced fig parrot, dwarf fig parrot, and the two-eyed fig parrot, primarily inhabits forests on New Guinea and nearby islands, but is also found in isolated communities along the tropical Australian coast, east of the Great Dividing Range. With an average total length of about 14 cm, it is the smallest parrot in Australia.
Region
Australasia
Typical Environment
Occurs across New Guinea and nearby islands, extending to coastal and subcoastal northeastern Australia, particularly in Queensland east of the Great Dividing Range. It favors lowland and foothill rainforest, gallery forest, and edges, and readily follows fruiting fig trees into secondary growth and gardens. Birds typically remain in the canopy and subcanopy but will descend to mid-levels where figs and other fruits are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Australia’s smallest parrot, it measures only about 14 cm and spends much of its time high in fruiting fig trees. Face colors vary by subspecies, giving rise to names like red-faced and blue-faced fig parrot. They often excavate nest cavities in soft, decaying wood or arboreal termite mounds and are fast, buzzing fliers that can be hard to spot in dense canopy.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, fast-moving groups that track fruiting trees. Monogamous pairs nest in cavities they excavate in decayed wood or arboreal termite mounds. Both sexes attend the nest and defend a small area around it.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, sharp twittering calls and thin squeaks given in flight. While feeding, they emit soft chitters and brief buzzy notes that can be easily missed in canopy noise.
Plumage
Compact, bright green body with short tail and dense, glossy plumage; face shows vivid contrasting patches that vary by subspecies. Underparts are green with yellowish tones; underwing coverts can be yellowish.
Diet
Primarily consumes figs (Ficus) and other soft fruits and berries, often taking pulp and seeds. Also visits flowers for nectar and may ingest small seeds or occasional invertebrates incidentally with fruit. The stout, curved bill allows it to gouge into ripe figs efficiently.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the canopy of mature rainforest and along forest edges where fig trees are abundant. Also forages in riparian corridors, secondary growth, and sometimes orchards and gardens with fruiting trees.
