The guaiabero is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae, belonging to the monotypic genus Bolbopsittacus and closely related to the lovebirds and hanging parrots. It is endemic to the Philippines and locally known as bubutok. Its common name is derived from its reputation for eating guavas.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippines, occurring on major islands including Luzon and Mindanao, with records from surrounding smaller islands. It favors lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. The species regularly uses orchards, coconut groves, and village trees, especially where fruiting trees are abundant. It is most often seen in the canopy or along forest margins and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The guaiabero is the only member of the genus Bolbopsittacus and is closely related to lovebirds and hanging parrots. Its common name comes from its fondness for guava fruit, and it often visits orchards and village trees. Males show a distinct bluish patch on the forehead/face, while females are duller and more scalloped below. Despite habitat loss in parts of the Philippines, it adapts well to secondary growth and edges.
Subspecies B. l. intermedius, illustration by Keulemans, 1891
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small, noisy groups that move between fruiting trees. Nests in natural tree cavities, with both parents involved in rearing young. Often associates loosely with other small fruit-eating birds at abundant food sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched, chirpy twitters and nasal chattering, often given in quick series while in flight. Perched birds give soft contact notes and sharper squeaks when alarmed.
Plumage
Compact, stocky green parrot with a large head and stout bill; males show a bluish forehead/face and cleaner green underparts, females more yellowish-green with scalloping below.
Diet
Primarily eats fruits such as guava, figs, and other soft fruits; also takes seeds, buds, and flowers. It forages methodically in the canopy, often hanging to reach fruit clusters. When food is plentiful, small groups gather quietly to feed, moving on quickly once trees are depleted.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest edges, secondary growth, orchards, coconut plantations, and village trees. Prefers the mid to upper canopy where fruiting trees are concentrated.
