The Painted Tiger-parrot (Psittacella picta) is endemic to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Description
They average 19 cm or 7.5 to 7.6 inches in length (including the tail).
The plumage is generally green; breast and abdomen more yellowish-green; head brownish-red, more greyish-brown on cheeks and ear-coverts; narrow yellow band to sides of neck, in most birds forming a collar; chin, throat and upper breast suffused with blue; back green, each feather edged in black; lower back and upper tail-coverts brownish-red; under wing-coverts yellowish-green; under tail-coverts red; tail underside dirty grey; narrow periophthalmic ring black; iris orange; upper beak is light bluish-grey with pale tip.
Female looks like male, but her breast black with each feather edged with yellow; yellow band to sides of neck absent; cheeks blue.
Immatures as female, but head brown with green edging to feathers.
Distribution
They can be found in the Wharton and Owen Stanley mountain ranges in southeast New Guinea … CITES II – Endangered Species
Species Names
Scientific: Psittacella picta picta … English: Painted Parrot … Dutch: Bruinkoptijgerparkiet … German: Gemalter Bindensittich, Braunscheitelpapagei … French: Psittacelle de peindre à crète rouge brune
Sub-species (including nominate)
Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta picta – Rothschild 1896)
Mayr’s Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta excelsa – Mayr und Gilliard 1951)
Lorentz’s Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta lorentzi – van Oort 1910)
Sub-species
Mayr’s Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta excelsa – Mayr und Gilliard 1951)
Description
The average length (including tail is 19 cm or 7.5 inches. It looks like nominate species, but the entire head is dark olive-brown. The narrow yellow band restricted to sides of head and not forming collar.
Female look like the nominate hen, but the head is olive-brown; the cheeks are darker blue and the breast is more strongly washed with blue.
Distribution
They are found in central New Guinea from Ok Tedi area and Star Mountains east to Mount Michael.
Lorentz’s Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta lorentzi – van Oort 1910)
Description
They average 20 cm (8 ins) in length (including tail).
They look like the nominate species, but are on average slightly larger. The crown and nape (back of the neck) is olive-brown. The sides of the head are bluish-green. The throat is suffused with blue. The lower back and upper tail-coverts are black with yellow edging.
Female as male, but her breast is black, each feather being edged in yellow. They lack the yellow band to the sides of neck and the cheeks are blue.
Distribution
They are found in the Snow Mountains, Irian Jaya, in Indonesia, in montane forest areas; secondary vegetation and grassy clearings mainly from 2,450 m (8,100 ft) to 3,680 m (12,250 ft). In Ok Tedi they occur at 1,700 m (5,700 ft). In Efogi at only 1,370 m (4,600 ft).
They are rare throughout, only common in localities.
They are usually seen in singly or in pairs. Occasionally, in small groups of up to 6 birds. They prefers foraging in low trees or bushes or on the ground in grassy clearings.
They red plumage is very conspicuous during flight. They appear lethargic when perched up in the trees. They are usually not shy and are approaching when feeding.
Their flight is straight and relatively fast.
Vocalization
They are quiet and are seldom heard. Occasionally a tschi-ziddd sound is heard, but not very loud.
Diet / Feeding
Their natural diet consists of small hard seeds, fruits and berries. They have been observed on Dacrydium conifers.
Huon Parrots
Psittacella / Tiger Parrots
Description:
As Madarasz’s Parrots (madaraszi), but crown with yellowish-brown tinge. Female as madaraszi, but edging to back of crown and nape green; black edging to back and rump not so distinct. … Length: 14 cm (5.5 ins), wing length 91 – 94 mm (3.5 – 3.75 ins)
Distribution:
They can be found in the Huon Peninsula in Papua New Guinea … CITES II – Endangered Species
Species Names:
Scientific: Psittacella madaraszi huonensis aka Psittacella modesta huonensis … English: Huon Parrot … Dutch: Huon Tijgerparkiet … German: Huon Bindensittich … French: Psittacelle de Huon)
Lorentz’s Painted Tiger Parrots
As Painted Parrots (picta), but crown and nape olive-brown; sides of head bluish-green; throat suffused with blue; lower back and upper tail-coverts black with yellow edging; on average slightly larger.
Female as male, but breast black, each feather edged in yellow; yellow band to sides of neck absent; cheeks blue.
Length: 20 cm (8 ins)
Distribution:
They can be found in the Snow Mountains, Western New Guinea … CITES II – Endangered Species
Species Names:
Scientific: Psittacella picta lorentzi … English: Lorentz’s Painted Parrot … Dutch: Lorentz’s Bruinkoptijgerparkiet … German: Lorentzs Gemalter Bindensittich … French: Psittacelle de peindre de Lorentz
Hallstrom’s Parrots
Description:
As Madarasz’s Parrots(madaraszi), but generally slightly darker; crown, back of crown and nape with narrow yellow streaking.
Female as madaraszi, but crown feathers black with broader green edging becoming dark orange on back of crown and nape.
Immatures as female, but edging to back of head and nape paler and narrower; faint yellow and brownish edging to breast; black edging to back and rump not so distinct; iris brownish-yellow.
Distribution:
They can be found in the central highlands and Hindenburg Range …CITES II– Endangered Species
Species Names:
Scientific: Psittacella madaraszi hallstromi aka Psittacella modesta hallstromi … English: Hallstrom’s Parrot … Dutch: Hallstroms Tijgerparkiet … German: Hallstroms Bindensittich … French: Psittacelle de Hallstrom
Mayr’s Painted Tiger Parrots
The Mayr’s Painted Tiger Parrots (Psittacella b. excelsa) are indigenous to the mountains of Central Highlands of New Guinea.
This species is endangered in its natural habitat due to habitat destruction.
Description:
This parrots looks similar to the Painted Parrots (picta), but entire head dark olive-brown. The narrow yellow band is restricted to sides of head and is not forming collar.
The female also looks like the Painted Parrot, but her head is olive-brown, her cheeks darker blue; and her breast more strongly washed with blue.
Species Names
Scientific: Psittacella b. excelsa … English: Mayr’s Painted Parrot … Dutch: Mayrs Bruinkoptijgerparkiet … German: Mayrs Gemalter Bindensittich … French: Psittacelle de peindre Mayr
Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta)
The Painted Tiger-parrot (Psittacella picta) is endemic to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Description
They average 19 cm or 7.5 to 7.6 inches in length (including the tail).
The plumage is generally green; breast and abdomen more yellowish-green; head brownish-red, more greyish-brown on cheeks and ear-coverts; narrow yellow band to sides of neck, in most birds forming a collar; chin, throat and upper breast suffused with blue; back green, each feather edged in black; lower back and upper tail-coverts brownish-red; under wing-coverts yellowish-green; under tail-coverts red; tail underside dirty grey; narrow periophthalmic ring black; iris orange; upper beak is light bluish-grey with pale tip.
Female looks like male, but her breast black with each feather edged with yellow; yellow band to sides of neck absent; cheeks blue.
Immatures as female, but head brown with green edging to feathers.
Distribution
They can be found in the Wharton and Owen Stanley mountain ranges in southeast New Guinea … CITES II – Endangered Species
Species Names
Scientific: Psittacella picta picta … English: Painted Parrot … Dutch: Bruinkoptijgerparkiet … German: Gemalter Bindensittich, Braunscheitelpapagei … French: Psittacelle de peindre à crète rouge brune
Sub-species (including nominate)
Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta picta – Rothschild 1896)
Mayr’s Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta excelsa – Mayr und Gilliard 1951)
Lorentz’s Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta lorentzi – van Oort 1910)
Sub-species
Mayr’s Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta excelsa – Mayr und Gilliard 1951)
Description
The average length (including tail is 19 cm or 7.5 inches. It looks like nominate species, but the entire head is dark olive-brown. The narrow yellow band restricted to sides of head and not forming collar.
Female look like the nominate hen, but the head is olive-brown; the cheeks are darker blue and the breast is more strongly washed with blue.
Distribution
They are found in central New Guinea from Ok Tedi area and Star Mountains east to Mount Michael.
Lorentz’s Painted Tiger Parrot (Psittacella picta lorentzi – van Oort 1910)
Description
They average 20 cm (8 ins) in length (including tail).
They look like the nominate species, but are on average slightly larger. The crown and nape (back of the neck) is olive-brown. The sides of the head are bluish-green. The throat is suffused with blue. The lower back and upper tail-coverts are black with yellow edging.
Female as male, but her breast is black, each feather being edged in yellow. They lack the yellow band to the sides of neck and the cheeks are blue.
Distribution
They are found in the Snow Mountains, Irian Jaya, in Indonesia, in montane forest areas; secondary vegetation and grassy clearings mainly from 2,450 m (8,100 ft) to 3,680 m (12,250 ft). In Ok Tedi they occur at 1,700 m (5,700 ft). In Efogi at only 1,370 m (4,600 ft).
They are rare throughout, only common in localities.
They are usually seen in singly or in pairs. Occasionally, in small groups of up to 6 birds. They prefers foraging in low trees or bushes or on the ground in grassy clearings.
They red plumage is very conspicuous during flight. They appear lethargic when perched up in the trees. They are usually not shy and are approaching when feeding.
Their flight is straight and relatively fast.
Vocalization
They are quiet and are seldom heard. Occasionally a tschi-ziddd sound is heard, but not very loud.
Diet / Feeding
Their natural diet consists of small hard seeds, fruits and berries. They have been observed on Dacrydium conifers.
Huon Parrots
Psittacella / Tiger Parrots
Description:
As Madarasz’s Parrots (madaraszi), but crown with yellowish-brown tinge. Female as madaraszi, but edging to back of crown and nape green; black edging to back and rump not so distinct. … Length: 14 cm (5.5 ins), wing length 91 – 94 mm (3.5 – 3.75 ins)
Distribution:
They can be found in the Huon Peninsula in Papua New Guinea … CITES II – Endangered Species
Species Names:
Scientific: Psittacella madaraszi huonensis aka Psittacella modesta huonensis … English: Huon Parrot … Dutch: Huon Tijgerparkiet … German: Huon Bindensittich … French: Psittacelle de Huon)
Lorentz’s Painted Tiger Parrots
As Painted Parrots (picta), but crown and nape olive-brown; sides of head bluish-green; throat suffused with blue; lower back and upper tail-coverts black with yellow edging; on average slightly larger.
Female as male, but breast black, each feather edged in yellow; yellow band to sides of neck absent; cheeks blue.
Length: 20 cm (8 ins)
Distribution:
They can be found in the Snow Mountains, Western New Guinea … CITES II – Endangered Species
Species Names:
Scientific: Psittacella picta lorentzi … English: Lorentz’s Painted Parrot … Dutch: Lorentz’s Bruinkoptijgerparkiet … German: Lorentzs Gemalter Bindensittich … French: Psittacelle de peindre de Lorentz
Hallstrom’s Parrots
Description:
As Madarasz’s Parrots(madaraszi), but generally slightly darker; crown, back of crown and nape with narrow yellow streaking.
Female as madaraszi, but crown feathers black with broader green edging becoming dark orange on back of crown and nape.
Immatures as female, but edging to back of head and nape paler and narrower; faint yellow and brownish edging to breast; black edging to back and rump not so distinct; iris brownish-yellow.
Distribution:
They can be found in the central highlands and Hindenburg Range …CITES II– Endangered Species
Species Names:
Scientific: Psittacella madaraszi hallstromi aka Psittacella modesta hallstromi … English: Hallstrom’s Parrot … Dutch: Hallstroms Tijgerparkiet … German: Hallstroms Bindensittich … French: Psittacelle de Hallstrom
Mayr’s Painted Tiger Parrots
The Mayr’s Painted Tiger Parrots (Psittacella b. excelsa) are indigenous to the mountains of Central Highlands of New Guinea.
This species is endangered in its natural habitat due to habitat destruction.
Description:
This parrots looks similar to the Painted Parrots (picta), but entire head dark olive-brown. The narrow yellow band is restricted to sides of head and is not forming collar.
The female also looks like the Painted Parrot, but her head is olive-brown, her cheeks darker blue; and her breast more strongly washed with blue.
Species Names
Scientific: Psittacella b. excelsa … English: Mayr’s Painted Parrot … Dutch: Mayrs Bruinkoptijgerparkiet … German: Mayrs Gemalter Bindensittich … French: Psittacelle de peindre Mayr
Brehm’s Parrots
Brehm’s Tiger Parrot, Psittacella brehmii, is also known as Brehm’s Ground Parrot and is found in the highlands of New Guinea, generally from 1,500-2,600m (but up to 1,100-3,800m).
These parrots are usually found singly or in pairs. These generally shy birds are quite approachable when feeding, but are usually difficult to detect in trees and bushes as their green-brown plumage and slow movements present an effective camouflage in the foliage of the tries. They prefer lower branches.
They are generally quiet, only soft, plaintive peep sound are occasionally heard. Their flight is fairly slow.
Brehm’s Parrots are not common and are mostly found in unpopulated areas.
Description:
This small parrot averages 24 cm (9.5 ins) in length (including tail). The wing length is 118 – 124 mm (4.5 – 5 ins).
Males: The plumage is mainly green with a dull olive brown head, yellow and black bars on the mantle, back and rump, and red undertail coverts. The males have a distinctive yellow crescent on the side of the neck.
Females have a darker head, lack the yellow crescent (although some may have variable yellowing tinge to the nape. Hens also have a barred breast.
Young (immature) birds look like hens, but the green breast is narrowly edged with yellow.
Their flight is slow with rapid, noisy wing beats.
There are four subspecies (including nominate species) occurring in three distinct populations:
- Brehm’s Parrot (P. b. brehmii) – Nominate Species; Range: Vogelkop, Irin Jaya.
- Mount Goliath Parrot (Psittacella b. intermixta )
- Range: Central highlands of New Guinea.ID: Underparts and barring on back more yellowish-green. Larger than nominate form.
- Range: South-east highlands of New Guinea.
- ID: Like nominate but narrower bill
- Range: Huon peninsula (NE New Guinea).ID: Paler head, less yellowish-green. Smaller than nominate form.
- Mount Goliath Parrot (Psittacella b. intermixta )
Diet / Feeding:
They feed on seeds (sprouted and unsprouted), fruits – including berries – in the sub-canopy or near ground level.
Breeding:
Little is known about their breeding habits. The breeding season probably commences in February until June. There is only one report of one nest being discovered in Wahgi Valley, Snow Mountains, which held two chicks. One was close to being completely feathered, while the younger one was still in down.
Aviculture:
These quiet parrots are rarely found in aviculture and there have been no recorded breeding successes. They are extremely susceptible; rarely surviving more than 2 to 3 months in captivity. They usually die within hours of showing discernible symptoms. Possible causes are stress and incorrect diet. The inclusion of pine and grass seeds, as well as plenty of fruits and proper supplementation might increase successes.
Minimum aviary dimensions: 2.5 x 1 x 2 m (8 x 3 x 6 ft). Temperature should be regulated to be within the range found in their natural habitat (not too high, not too low).
Calls / Vocalization:
Generally quiet – these parrots are rarely heard. They make harsh, dissyllabic calls, followed at half-second interval by nasal tone
Species Names:
Scientific: Psittacella modesta modesta … English: Modest Parrot … Dutch: Kleine Tijgerparkiet … German: Kleiner Bindensittich … French: Petit psittacelle de Modest
Sub-species:
Mount Goliath Parrot (Psittacella b. intermixta – Hartert 1930)
Distribution:
They are endemic to Snow Mountains, Weyland Mountains and Mount Goliath, West Irian Jaya, in Indonesia.
Description:
Males look like the nominate species featured above, but the breast and abdomen are much more yellowish. The head is paler and the back, rump and upper tail-coverts are black, each feather with a broad yellowish-green edging. They are also larger than the nominate species.
Female look like the female of the nominate form, but the breast is black with a pale yellow edging to each feather. They lack the yellow band to the sides of neck. The abdomen is more yellowish than can be seen in the nominate form.
Average Length:
- From top of the head to tip of the tail: 26 cm (10 ins)Wing length: 125 – 138 mm (5 – 5.5 ins)
Mayr’s Parrots (Psittacella b. harterti – Mayr 193)
Distribution:
Huon Peninsular, Papua New Guinea.
Description:
Males look like the nominate species featured above, but head pale dark olive-brown. They tend to be smaller than the nominate species. The bill is also smaller than that of the nominate form (brehmii).
Female look like the female of the nominate form, but edging to breast feathers paler yellow and narrower; abdomen less yellowish than in nominate form. The bill is smaller than that of the nominate form (brehmii).
Average Length:
- From top of the head to tip of the tail: 23 cm (9 ins)Wing length: 112 – 123 mm (4.5 ins)
Paler Brehm’s Parrots (Psittacella b. pallida – Meyer 1886)
Distribution:
Schrader Mountains, Hindenburg Mountains east to mountains of southeast New Guinea.
Description:
Males look like the nominate species featured above, but the plumage is generally much more yellowish, particularly on breast and abdomen – although this varies from bird to bird. Some males have a bluish tinge to the abdomen. The bill is narrower than that of the nominate form (brehmii).
Female look like the female of the nominate form, but the plumage is generally much more yellowish. The yellow edging to the breast extends to the sides of body and down to the thighs. The bill is narrower than that of the nominate form (brehmii).
Young (immature birds) look like females, but the edging to the breast and back is narrower and duller. The under tail-coverts are orange-red with yellowish-green tips. Their irides (= plural of iris) are yellowish-brown.
Average Length:
- From top of the head to tip of the tail: 24 cm (9.5 ins)Wing length: 112 – 130 mm (4.5 – 5 ins)
Paler Brehm’s Parrots
As Brehm’s Parrots (brehmii), but plumage generally much more yellowish, particularly on breast and abdomen however this varies from bird to bird; some birds with bluish tinge to abdomen; bill narrower than brehmii.
Female as brehmii, but plumage generally much more yellowish; yellow edging to breast extends to sides of body and down to thighs; bill narrower.
Immatures as female, but edging to breast and back narrower and duller; under tail-coverts orange-red with yellowish-green tips; iris yellowish-brown.
Length: 24 cm (9.5 ins), wing length 112 – 130 mm (4.5 – 5 ins)
Distribution
They can be found in the Schrader Mountains, Hindenburg Mountains east to mountains of southeast New Guinea … CITES II – Endangered Species
Species Names:
Scientific: Psittacella brehmii pallida … English: Paler Brehm’s Parakeet … Dutch: Bleke Tijgerparkiet … German: Blasser Brehms Bindensittich … French: Psittacelle regle jaune de Brehm
