Madarasz's tiger parrot is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae native to New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Found in subtropical and tropical moist montane forests across the central and eastern highlands of New Guinea, including mossy cloud forests and forest edges. Prefers dense understory with abundant epiphytes, fruiting shrubs, and bamboo thickets. Often remains at mid to lower levels of the forest, moving quietly through foliage. Occurs both inside primary forest and along regrowth margins where food plants are available.
Altitude Range
1200–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after the Hungarian ornithologist Gyula Mádarász, this small, elusive parrot lives in the cool, mossy montane forests of New Guinea. Its fine, dark barring on the underparts gives the group the name “tiger parrots.” It forages quietly in the understory and is more often heard as soft calls than seen. The species is generally uncommon but not considered globally threatened.
Temperament
quiet and elusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Nests are presumed in tree cavities like many parrots, with breeding timed to local fruiting peaks. Generally keeps low in the canopy and understory, moving deliberately while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Soft, thin whistles and subdued chirps delivered from cover, often easily overlooked. Calls are spaced and unobtrusive rather than continuous, aiding its cryptic behavior.
Plumage
Compact green parrot with fine, dark barring across the breast and belly; plumage appears mossy with subtle olive tones. Upperparts are mostly green, tail short and stubby, and underparts distinctly barred giving a ‘tiger-striped’ look. Bill is short and hooked.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries, supplemented by seeds and tender buds. Will take figs and other canopy fruits when available but often selects understory shrubs. Occasional nectar sipping may occur when flowers are in season.
Preferred Environment
Forages in dense understory and along forest edges with fruiting shrubs and bamboo. Also visits mossy branches and epiphyte-laden trees where fruiting resources are concentrated.
