Meek's pygmy parrot, also known as the yellow-breasted pigmy parrot, is a species of small parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea.
Region
Bismarck Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occupies lowland and foothill rainforests on islands of the Bismarck Archipelago, especially New Ireland and nearby islands. It favors primary forest but also uses secondary forest and tall coastal woodland where mature trees support abundant lichens and mosses. Often seen on trunks and large branches where it gleans food from bark. Occurs in pairs or small family groups within the forest interior and along edges.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the smallest parrots on Earth, Meek's pygmy parrot uses stiff, bristle-tipped tail feathers as a prop while climbing tree trunks, much like a woodpecker. It primarily scrapes lichens and fungi from bark using a short, strong bill. The species nests in cavities, often including arboreal termite mounds. It is notoriously difficult to maintain in captivity and is rarely, if ever, kept.
Temperament
skittish and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between trees
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small family parties that move quickly along trunks and branches. Nests in cavities, including arboreal termite mounds or soft rotten wood. Pairs maintain small territories and communicate with high, thin calls while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, thin squeaks and rapid twittering notes given while climbing or in short flights. Calls are brief and contact-oriented rather than melodic, often emitted in quick series.
Plumage
Tiny parrot with predominantly green upperparts and a distinctly yellow breast and belly; underparts can show olive-yellow blending toward the flanks. Tail is very short with stiffened tips. Overall appearance is compact with a short neck and strong legs adapted for climbing.
Diet
Feeds mainly on lichens and fungi scraped from bark, supplemented by mosses, spores, and small invertebrates. Will also take fine seeds and possibly scale insects or larvae found on tree surfaces. Uses the bill to pry and scrape, bracing with the stiff tail and strong zygodactyl feet.
Preferred Environment
Forages on trunks and large limbs of mature trees in humid forest. Often selects areas where lichen and moss growth is dense, including forest edges and old garden trees.
