The large fig parrot, also known as flame-headed fig parrot and Desmarest's fig parrot, is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is found in the West Papuan Islands, Indonesia and in southern and western New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea and West Papuan Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforests of western and southern New Guinea and the West Papuan Islands. It favors mature forest canopies, forest edges, and riverine forest with abundant fig trees (Ficus). It may also visit secondary growth and gardens where fruiting figs are present. Usually keeps to the mid- and upper canopy, moving quickly between fruiting trees.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called Desmarest's or flame-headed fig parrot, it is a canopy-dwelling parrot specialized on figs and other soft fruits. It often nests in cavities it excavates in decayed wood or arboreal termite mounds. Males show brighter orange-red on the head than females, aiding quick sexing in the field. By consuming figs and passing seeds, it plays a role in forest regeneration.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct canopy flights
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small, loose groups, especially at fruiting trees. Courtship involves mutual preening and soft contact calls. Nests are placed in cavities within rotten trunks or in arboreal termite mounds, where both adults attend the nest. Territoriality is low away from nest sites but they can be assertive at fruit sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched twitters and metallic chattering notes given in quick series while flying. At fruiting trees they emit soft, nasal contact calls and brief whistles that help keep groups together in dense foliage.
Plumage
Compact, short-tailed parrot with bright green body and a contrasting, fiery forehead and crown. Cheeks show bluish tones with some yellow on the face; wings are darker green with bluish edges and primaries. Underparts are green with a clean appearance; tail is short and rounded.
Diet
Feeds primarily on figs (Ficus), supplemented by other soft fruits, berries, and occasionally seeds. It may take nectar and pollen from blossoms, especially when fruit is scarce. Birds swallow fig pulp and small seeds, aiding seed dispersal across the forest. Foraging is methodical, often hanging acrobatically to reach fruit clusters.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid- to upper canopy of lowland rainforest and along forest edges. Frequently visits river margins and village gardens where fig trees are abundant. Will track localized fruiting events and move between tree crowns.
