The yellow-capped pygmy parrot is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae mainly found throughout western New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest. Like many parrots, this pygmy parrot is affectionate to its mate. It is currently unknown if they remain monogamous for life like many bigger parrots because of their isolated location, which is difficult to reach.
Region
Western New Guinea and nearby Maluku islands
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in western New Guinea (Indonesian Papua) with populations on nearby islands, favoring moist lowland and hill forests, mangroves, and forest edges. It forages primarily in the mid-story and canopy where lichen and moss growth is abundant. It also utilizes secondary growth and coconut groves where suitable bark substrates exist. The species is generally scarce and easily overlooked due to its small size and cryptic habits.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
One of the smallest parrots on Earth, this pygmy parrot spends much of its time clinging to bark like a nuthatch, gleaning tiny foods from tree trunks and branches. It is elusive and poorly studied due to remote habitats and its quiet, fast movements. Its specialized diet and behavior make it extremely difficult to keep in captivity. Pairs are often close and affectionate, though long-term monogamy has not been confirmed.
Male; illustration by Keulemans
Temperament
secretive and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief undulating dashes
Social Behavior
Most often seen in pairs or small family groups, moving swiftly along trunks and branches. Nests are believed to be in cavities or soft, decayed wood where they excavate short tunnels. Pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging and show mutual preening.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high, thin tseet notes and rapid twittering, often given while foraging. Calls are soft and easily lost in forest background noise.
Plumage
Compact, predominantly green plumage with a distinct bright yellow crown; back and wings rich green with a slightly bluish wash on the rump and tail. Underparts are paler green. Tail is very short and stubby, typical of pygmy parrots.
Diet
Specializes in scraping lichens, mosses, and fungi from bark, supplemented by seeds and tiny arthropods such as larvae. It uses its bill to pry and its feet to brace while gleaning the surface of trunks. Occasional nectar or fruit pulp may be taken when available, but it is primarily a bark-gleaner.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on tree trunks, limbs, and larger branches in forest interior and edges. Also forages in mangroves and semi-cultivated areas with mature trees and lichen growth.
