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Doug J | all galleries >> Birds, Birds, Birds >> Non-passeriformes Gallery > Pesquet's Parrot
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Pesquet's Parrot

Scientific name: Psittrichas fulgidus
Order: Psittaciformes

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The Pesquet's Parrot, also known as the Vulturine Parrot (leading to easy confusion with Pyrilia vulturina from Brazil), is the only member of its genus, and its genus is the only member of the tribe Psittrichadini. It is endemic to hill and montane rainforest in New Guinea.

The Pesquet's Parrot is a highly specialised frugivore, feeding almost exclusively on a few species of figs. Flowers and nectar have also been reported. At least in parts of its range, it is seasonally nomadic in response to the availability of fruits. The bare part of the head is presumably an adaption to avoid feather-matting from sticky fruits. Little is known about its breeding habits in the wild, but the two eggs are laid in a nest in a large, hollow tree. It is typically seen in pairs or groups up to 20 individuals. In flight it alternates between rapid flapping and short glides.

Canon EOS 30D ,Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
1/125s f/5.6 at 280mm (EF 70-200mm + EF 1.4x TC) ISO 400 full exif

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comment
Doug J15-May-2008 14:57
Thanks for the ID!
Guest 15-May-2008 12:23
Vulturine Parrot from New Guinea