Platycercini
Platycercini·Psittaculidae·small to medium
Platycercini, commonly known as broad-tailed parrots, comprise approximately 35-40 species of small to medium-sized parrots. These parrots are primarily native to Australasia, with a significant presence in Australia, as well as New Zealand, New Caledonia, and surrounding islands. They are distinguished by their broad, flat tails and diverse plumage, often featuring vibrant colors.
Key Facts
- ›Belong to the tribe Platycercini, also referred to as broad-tailed parrots.
- ›Encompass about 35-40 distinct species.
- ›Native to Australasia, predominantly Australia, but also found in New Zealand and New Caledonia.
- ›Range from small to medium in size.
- ›Include well-known species like rosellas, parakeets, and ringnecks.
- ›The budgerigar is not a member of this tribe, despite historical classification.
Broad-Tailed Parrots
Australasia, Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia
Broad, Flat Tails
About Platycercini
Platycercini: The Broad-Tailed Parrots
The Platycercini, commonly known as broad-tailed parrots, represent a diverse tribe of approximately 35 to 40 parrot species. These birds are characterized by their small to medium size and their distinctive broad, flat tails.
Geographic Distribution and Habitat
Platycercini parrots are native to Australasia, with their primary range encompassing Australia. They are also found in New Zealand, New Caledonia, and various nearby islands. While specific habitat details vary among species, they generally inhabit a range of environments within these regions.
Taxonomy and Species
The tribe Platycercini includes several well-recognized genera, such as Prosopeia (shining parrots), Eunymphicus (horned parakeets), Cyanoramphus (parakeets), Platycercus (rosellas), and Barnardius (Australian ringneck). Historically, the budgerigar was sometimes placed within this tribe, but current understanding places its closest relatives as lories and lorikeets.
Extinct Members
Sadly, the Platycercini tribe has seen the extinction of several species. Among these are the Black-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus zealandicus), the Society parakeet (Cyanoramphus ulietanus), the Lord Howe parakeet (Cyanoramphus subflavescens), the Macquarie parakeet (Cyanoramphus erythrotis), and the Paradise parrot (Psephotellus pulcherrimus), which disappeared in the late 1920s.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are broad-tailed parrots?
Broad-tailed parrots are a group of approximately 35 to 40 species belonging to the tribe Platycercini. They are characterized by their small to medium size and their native range across Australasia.
Where are Platycercini parrots found naturally?
The natural geographic origin of Platycercini parrots is Australasia. This includes Australia as their primary region, but also extends to New Zealand, New Caledonia, and nearby islands.
What are some of the genera within Platycercini?
The tribe Platycercini includes several genera, such as Prosopeia (shining parrots), Eunymphicus (horned parakeets), Cyanoramphus (parakeets), Platycercus (rosellas), and Barnardius (Australian ringneck).
Are there any extinct species within Platycercini?
Yes, there are several species within the Platycercini tribe that are now extinct. These include the Black-fronted parakeet, Society parakeet, Lord Howe parakeet, Macquarie parakeet, and the Paradise parrot.
What distinguishes Platycercini parrots from other parrots?
Platycercini parrots are generally distinguished by their broad, flat tails, which give them their common name. They also exhibit a wide range of sizes and often vibrant plumage colors.