The painted tiger parrot is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is mainly found in Papua New Guinea.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane and mossy cloud forests, forest edges, and dense secondary growth with abundant fruiting shrubs. It favors tangled understory and midstory strata where cover is thick. Birds often use bamboo and vine thickets and may visit forest clearings when trees are in fruit. Generally avoids lowland rainforest and open agricultural areas.
Altitude Range
1600–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, quiet parrot of New Guinea’s high montane forests, the painted tiger parrot is named for its fine, dark barring that gives a tiger‑striped look. It keeps to dense, mossy vegetation and is often overlooked despite being locally fairly common. Unlike many parrots, it moves deliberately and calls softly, blending into the understory.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups. Likely nests in tree cavities like most parrots, using natural holes or decayed trunks. Courtship and breeding behavior are discreet, often within dense vegetation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are soft and subdued, consisting of gentle whistles and short chatter. Calls are often given from cover and can be hard to locate.
Plumage
Compact parrot with finely barred (tiger‑striped) green plumage, especially across the back, breast, and flanks; undertail often shows warmer tones. Overall appearance is green with dark scalloping that can look dusky at a distance.
Diet
Feeds primarily on small fruits and berries of forest shrubs and trees, as well as seeds. It also takes buds and flowers when available. Foraging is methodical, with birds picking food quietly while perched within dense foliage.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory and midstory of mossy montane forest and along forest edges. Often uses vine tangles and bamboo clumps where fruiting plants are concentrated.
