New Article: Pygmy Parrots – Tiny Lichen-Eaters that move li

[findi]

Hi All,

I recently attended a fascinating lecture on Island Bird Diversity at the American Museum of Natural History. Two Pygmy Parrot species – the Red-Breasted (Micropsitta bruijni) and the Finsch’s (M. finschii) – drew the speaker to the Solomon Islands. In reflecting back on the talk afterwards, I realized that, despite my interest, I had yet to observe a live Pygmy Parrot. They’ve never been in the collection of the Bronx Zoo, where I worked for over 20 years, and only rarely appear in museums. Further research turned up one interesting field report, but it seems that we still know very little about these smallest and, arguably, most unusual of all parrots. Read article here: http://bitly.com/KXmASg

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Thanks, Frank

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[jusdeb]

Very rarely see anything about these birds here ...

http://www.avianweb.com/pygmyparrots.htm for anyone wanting to see more pics of them .

[Myzomela]

I was lucky enough to see them in Papua New Guinea in 1994; scurrying up & down the trunk of the lichen-covered tree that they were feeding on.
Tiny but the male red-breasted pygmy-parrot is a beautiful little gem!
I'd love to go back. maybe one day...

[Craig52]

[BluJay]

Interesting post, Findi, and parrot. Will be in New York for a couple weeks, this coming week. Have relative that is citi bank executive and will be staying with her, in Massapequa. Will have to see if she will take me to Bronx zoo, prior to my traveling to my home.

[findi]

I was lucky enough to see them in Papua New Guinea in 1994; scurrying up & down the trunk of the lichen-covered tree that they were feeding on.
Tiny but the male red-breasted pygmy-parrot is a beautiful little gem!
I'd love to go back. maybe one day...

Wow...one of "those moments" I'm sure; I hope you can repeat the experience, Best, Frank

[Myzomela]

Hopefully!

There was also an article in Australian Birdkeeper in the past about these guys but I can't even remember whether it was in the 90's or 00's...let alone which issue!! Hopefully somebody can find out (most of mine are in storage interstate).

[Diane]

ABK Vol 6 Issue 10. Aug-Sept 1993 Page 475-478 (Pygmy Parrot)
according to a page I found but for some reason it didnt have an address I could link
website was BirdCare.com.au

[Myzomela]

Thanks BB- legend!!

[Mortisha]

wow - lovely little birds.
If lichen is all they eat no wonder there is none in captivity.