Great-billed parrot

The great-billed parrot also known as Moluccan parrot or island parrot, is a medium-sized, approximately 38 cm long, green parrot with a massive red bill, cream iris, blackish shoulders, olive green back, pale blue rump and yellowish green underparts. The female is typically smaller than the male, but otherwise the sexes are similar.

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Distribution

Region

Wallacea and New Guinea region

Typical Environment

Occurs across parts of eastern Indonesia, especially the Moluccas and nearby island groups such as Seram, Buru, Obi, the Sula Islands, Tanimbar, Kai, and Aru, with occurrences extending to islands fringing New Guinea. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland forests, forest edges, mangroves, and coastal woodlands. It adapts to disturbed habitats and sometimes visits plantations and village trees. Birds typically roost in tall emergent trees and range locally in search of fruiting trees.

Altitude Range

0–1000 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size35–38 cm

Wing Span50–60 cm

Male Weight0.45 kg

Female Weight0.4 kg

Life Expectancy20 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Also known as the Moluccan or Island Parrot, it is notable for its massive red bill used to crack hard seeds and fruit stones. It is often most active around dawn and dusk and is usually seen in pairs or small groups. While still fairly widespread on several islands, it can be affected locally by habitat loss and trapping.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and crepuscular-active

Flight Pattern

strong direct flight with steady wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups; larger loose flocks may form at abundant food sources. Nests in natural tree cavities, with the female incubating while the male feeds her. Clutch size is small, typically 2–3 eggs, and pairs maintain close contact year-round.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are loud, harsh squawks and repeated, carrying calls, often given in flight. At roosts and feeding sites, it produces chattering notes and sharp contact calls, especially around dawn and dusk.

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Identification

Leg Colorgrey

Eye Colorcream

Plumage

Mostly green with blackish shoulders, olive-green back, pale blue rump, and yellowish-green underparts; feathers are smooth and glossy. Sexes are similar, with females slightly smaller.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily eats fruits, figs, and seeds, using its strong bill to open hard drupes and nuts. It also takes buds and flowers and will exploit seasonally abundant native and cultivated fruits. Foraging is mostly in the canopy but extends to mid-story when following fruiting trees.

Preferred Environment

Feeds in lowland rainforest, riverine forest, mangroves, and at forest edges. It readily visits secondary growth and agroforestry areas such as coconut and mixed-fruit plantations.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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