Psittacellinae
Psittacella·Psittaculidae·24·94-120
Psittacellinae, commonly known as tiger parrots, are a genus of small, green parrots found exclusively on the island of New Guinea. They are distinguished by the distinctive tiger-like striping on their backs. The genus contains four species, all endemic to their island home.
Key Facts
- ›Tiger parrots belong to the genus Psittacella, the sole genus within the subfamily Psittacellinae.
- ›All species within this genus are endemic to the island of New Guinea.
- ›They are named for the characteristic tiger-striped pattern on their backs.
- ›The genus was established by Hermann Schlegel in 1871.
- ›The four recognized species are Madarasz's tiger parrot, Modest tiger parrot, Painted tiger parrot, and Brehm's tiger parrot.
Tiger Parrots
New Guinea
Tiger-Striped Backs
Seeds, Berries
About Psittacellinae
Psittacellinae: The Tiger Parrots
The Psittacellinae, commonly known as tiger parrots, represent a distinct genus, Psittacella, within the Psittaculidae family. These small parrots are characterized by a notable tiger-like striping pattern adorning their backs, a feature that lends them their common name. Established by Hermann Schlegel in 1871, the genus Psittacella is comprised of four species, all of which are endemic to the island of New Guinea.
Species and Characteristics
The four recognized species within the tiger parrot genus are Madarasz's tiger parrot (Psittacella madaraszi), the Modest tiger parrot (Psittacella modesta), the Painted tiger parrot (Psittacella picta), and Brehm's tiger parrot (Psittacella brehmii). Among these, Brehm's tiger parrot stands out as the largest species in the genus. It typically measures around 24 cm in length and possesses a weight range of 94 to 120 grams. The plumage of Brehm's tiger parrot is predominantly green, a common color among the species.
Diet and Habitat
The natural diet of tiger parrots, particularly noted for Brehm's tiger parrot, consists primarily of seeds and berries. While specific habitat details for all species are not extensively documented, their endemic status to New Guinea suggests an association with the island's diverse forest ecosystems. Their diet indicates a reliance on plant-based food sources available within their native environment.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are tiger parrots known for?
Tiger parrots are primarily known for their distinctive tiger-striped backs, which give them their common name. They are also notable for being exclusively found on the island of New Guinea.
Where are tiger parrots found?
All species of tiger parrots are endemic to the island of New Guinea. This means they are naturally found only in this specific geographic location.
How many species of tiger parrots are there?
There are four recognized species within the Psittacella genus, commonly referred to as tiger parrots. These include Madarasz's tiger parrot, Modest tiger parrot, Painted tiger parrot, and Brehm's tiger parrot.
What is the largest species of tiger parrot?
The Brehm's tiger parrot is the largest species within the Psittacella genus. It measures approximately 24 cm in length and weighs between 94 and 120 grams.
What do tiger parrots eat?
The diet of tiger parrots primarily consists of seeds and berries. This suggests a granivorous and frugivorous feeding habit in their natural habitat.
Related Parrot species
Australian king parrot
The Australian king parrot is a striking parrot species native to the humid, forested eastern regions of Australia. It is distinguished by the vibrant red plumage of the adult male, contrasting with the predominantly green female. These parrots are known for their relatively quiet nature and devotion to their human companions when kept as pets.
Australian ringneck
The Australian ringneck is a medium-sized parrot native to Australia, found in diverse environments except for extreme tropical and highland regions. It is characterized by a green basic plumage, a distinctive yellow ring around its hindneck, and variations in color across its four subspecies. This gregarious bird is known for its varied vocalizations and is generally not considered a threatened species, though some subspecies face local competition.
Bald parrot
The bald parrot, scientifically known as Pyrilia aurantiocephala, is a medium-small parrot species endemic to the east-central Amazon of Brazil. It is distinguished by its striking bald, brownish-orange head and red underwing coverts, which are conspicuous in flight. This species inhabits tropical moist lowland forests and is considered near threatened due to extensive deforestation in its native range.