Brehm's tiger parrot
Brehm's tiger parrot is a small, primarily green parrot native to the highlands of New Guinea, distinguishable by its barred back and rump, and red undertail coverts. Named after German collector Alfred Brehm, this species is the largest within its genus, Psittacella, and exhibits subtle sexual dimorphism in its plumage.
Key Facts
- ›Found in the highlands of New Guinea, typically between 1,500-2,600 meters elevation.
- ›The largest species in the genus Psittacella, measuring approximately 24 cm in length.
- ›Characterized by its predominantly green plumage, dull olive-brown head, and distinctive yellow and black bars on its back and rump.
- ›Males have a yellow stripe on the sides of their neck and an unbarred green breast, while females have a barred breast and lack the neck stripe.
- ›Feeds on seeds and berries, often found singly or in small groups in the sub-canopy or near the ground.
- ›Rarely kept in aviculture and extremely susceptible to environmental changes, with limited success in captive breeding.
Brehm's Ground Parrot
New Guinea
Highland Forests, Sub-Canopy, Near Ground Level
- Transverse yellow and black bars on the back and rump
- Red undertail coverts
- Male yellow neck stripe
- Barred breast in females
Seeds, Berries
Extremely Susceptible In Captivity
About Brehm's tiger parrot
Brehm's tiger parrot (Psittacella brehmii) is a small parrot species native to the highlands of New Guinea. Named in honor of the German collector Alfred Brehm, it is the largest member of the genus Psittacella and is characterized by its predominantly green plumage, a dull olive-brown head, and distinctive transverse yellow and black bars across its back and rump. Red feathers adorn its undertail coverts, and its irises are a striking red.
Habitat and Distribution
This species is found in the montane regions of New Guinea, typically inhabiting altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,600 meters, though they have been observed at extremes from 1,100 to 3,800 meters. They are often encountered singly or in small groups, foraging for seeds and berries within the sub-canopy or near the forest floor. Four subspecies are recognized, each occupying distinct geographical areas within New Guinea and exhibiting minor variations in plumage and bill morphology.
Description and Dimorphism
Brehm's tiger parrot measures approximately 24 cm in length and weighs between 94 and 120 grams. A notable sexual dimorphism exists in their plumage. Males possess a yellow stripe on the sides of their neck and an unbarred green breast. In contrast, females lack the yellow neck stripe and exhibit a breast that is barred with yellow and black. Juveniles resemble adult females but have yellowish-brown irises and more subdued barring on their breast.
Aviculture and Conservation
Brehm's tiger parrots are rarely kept in aviculture and are known for their extreme susceptibility to captivity, often surviving only for a few months. Successful captive breeding has not been recorded. Due to their specialized habitat requirements and rarity in collections, specific conservation status information is not readily available from this text.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Brehm's tiger parrot?
Brehm's tiger parrot is a species of small parrot native to the highlands of New Guinea. It is characterized by its predominantly green plumage, barred back, and red undertail coverts.
Where does Brehm's tiger parrot live?
This parrot is found in the highlands of New Guinea, typically inhabiting elevations between 1,500 and 2,600 meters. It can be found in various parts of the island, including the Bird's Head Peninsula and the central and southeastern highlands.
What are the key physical characteristics of Brehm's tiger parrot?
Brehm's tiger parrot is the largest in its genus, measuring about 24 cm in length. It has a dull olive-brown head, yellow and black bars on its back and rump, and red undertail coverts. Its irises are red, and its beak is blueish-grey.
How do male and female Brehm's tiger parrots differ?
Males have a distinctive yellow stripe on the sides of their neck and a green breast without barring. Females lack this yellow neck stripe and possess a breast with yellow and black barring.
What do Brehm's tiger parrots eat?
Their diet primarily consists of seeds and berries. They forage for food in the sub-canopy or near ground level.
Are Brehm's tiger parrots easy to keep as pets?
Brehm's tiger parrots are rarely found in aviculture and are extremely susceptible to captivity. They often do not survive for more than two to three months, and there are no recorded successes in captive breeding.
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