Finsch's pygmy parrot, also known as the emerald pygmy parrot and green pygmy parrot, is a member of parrot family Psittaculidae inhabiting tropical rainforest regions of islands in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and the Bismarck Archipelago.
Region
Melanesia
Typical Environment
Found in tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea (including the Bismarck Archipelago) and the Solomon Islands. It occupies primary and secondary lowland forest, forest edges, and coconut groves, and occasionally ventures into gardens near forest. The species forages mostly on trunks and larger limbs within the mid-story to canopy. It is adapted to interior forest but can persist in lightly disturbed habitats where large trees remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Among the smallest parrots in the world, Finsch's pygmy parrot spends much of its time creeping along tree trunks and branches like a nuthatch or woodpecker. It braces with stiff tail feathers while scraping lichens and fungi from bark. The species is shy, canopy-dwelling, and easily overlooked despite its bright green color. It does very poorly in captivity and is rarely kept.
Temperament
shy and cryptic
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, moving quietly along trunks and branches. Nests in small cavities, often in decayed wood, where the pair may excavate or enlarge soft holes. Both parents attend the nest, and pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twittering notes and soft squeaks given frequently while foraging. Calls are brief and easily lost in insect noise, with occasional rapid chittering bursts during contact or alarm.
Plumage
Tiny, compact parrot with mostly emerald-green plumage; feathers appear smooth and close-fitting. Underparts slightly paler with a yellowish wash; rump and undertail often brighter. Face may show a bluish or turquoise tinge, especially on the crown and cheeks. Tail is short and stiff, often used as a prop against bark.
Diet
Specializes in scraping and gleaning lichens, fungi, and mosses from bark surfaces. Also takes small arthropods and their larvae found within bark crevices. Will supplement with small seeds or fruit when available. Uses its stout bill and acrobatic movements to probe and pry at bark while bracing with the tail.
Preferred Environment
Forages on tree trunks and larger branches in the mid-story to canopy of humid forest. Also uses coconut palms and other large trees in forest edge and garden areas. Rarely descends to the ground.
