The dusky-cheeked fig parrot is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is found in southern New Guinea and the Aru Islands. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
New Guinea and Aru Islands
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests in southern New Guinea and the Aru Islands. It favors fig-rich primary forest but also uses secondary growth, riverine forest edges, and swamp forest where fruiting trees are abundant. The species is highly arboreal, foraging in the mid- to upper canopy and moving between fruiting trees. It may also visit forest margins and small clearings when figs are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A tiny, bright-green fig parrot with a characteristic dusky cheek patch, it spends much of its time high in the canopy following fruiting fig trees. It often goes unnoticed due to its small size and swift, direct flight. Fig parrots frequently excavate their own nest cavities in soft or decayed wood rather than relying solely on existing holes.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short, rapid wingbeats with fast, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, loose groups, especially around fruiting trees. It nests in cavities that it often excavates in decayed branches or soft trunks, lining them minimally. Breeding pairs are attentive and defend the immediate nest vicinity, but flocks remain generally tolerant while feeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched, thin squeaks and rapid twittering notes, often given in flight. Vocalizations are brief and repetitive, helping flock-mates keep contact in dense canopy.
Plumage
Compact, mostly bright green plumage with a dusky-grey to blackish cheek patch and small contrasting facial highlights. Crown often shows a bluish tinge, and the face may have red or orange ear-coverts depending on subspecies. Underparts can have a yellowish wash with clean green flanks.
Diet
Feeds primarily on figs, also taking other soft fruits, berries, and occasionally seeds. It may supplement with nectar and small invertebrates when available. Foraging is meticulous, with birds picking at ripe fruit clusters and moving swiftly between trees as resources change.
Preferred Environment
Most often feeds in the forest canopy at fruiting fig trees. It also uses edges, river corridors, and secondary forest where pioneer figs and other fruiting species are common.
