Psittaculinae
Psittaculinae·Psittacidae
Psittaculinae is a subfamily of parrots that encompasses three distinct tribes: Polytelini, Psittaculini (Asian psittacines), and Micropsittini (pygmy parrots). This diverse group includes a wide array of species found primarily in Asia and Australasia, known for their varied sizes, vibrant plumage, and often social behaviors.
Key Facts
- ›Consists of three tribes: Polytelini, Psittaculini, and Micropsittini.
- ›Includes genera such as Alisterus, Aprosmictus, Polytelis, Psittinus, Geoffroyus, Prioniturus, Tanygnathus, Eclectus, and Psittacula.
- ›The Psittaculini tribe is also referred to as Asian psittacines.
- ›The Micropsittini tribe comprises the pygmy parrots.
- ›Some genera within Psittacula are debated due to genetic studies suggesting it may be paraphyletic.
- ›Includes both living and extinct species.
Old World Parrots
Asia, Australasia
About Psittaculinae
The subfamily Psittaculinae, commonly referred to as Old World parrots, represents a significant division within the parrot family Psittacidae. This classification encompasses a broad array of species that are primarily distributed across Asia and Australasia.
Tribal Divisions and Genera
Psittaculinae is organized into three distinct tribes, each containing various genera:
- Micropsittini: This tribe is characterized by the pygmy parrots, a group known for their diminutive size. The genus Micropsitta falls under this tribe.
- Polytelini: This tribe includes genera such as Alisterus, Aprosmictus, and Polytelis. Species within these genera are often referred to as king parrots or similar descriptive names.
- Psittaculini: Also known as Asian psittacines, this tribe features genera like Psittinus, Geoffroyus, Prioniturus, Tanygnathus, Eclectus, and Psittacula. The genus Psittacula itself has been subject to ongoing taxonomic debate due to genetic research suggesting it may be paraphyletic.
Diversity and Extinct Species
The subfamily includes a wide range of species, from the small pygmy parrots to larger parakeets and eclectus parrots. The text also notes the existence of several extinct or prehistoric species within Psittaculinae, including species within the genera Eclectus, Psittacula, Lophopsittacus, Necropsittacus, and Mascarinus. The inclusion of these extinct taxa highlights the historical breadth of this parrot subfamily.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main tribes within the Psittaculinae subfamily?
The Psittaculinae subfamily is divided into three main tribes: Polytelini, Psittaculini (commonly known as Asian psittacines), and Micropsittini (which includes the pygmy parrots).
Which genera are part of the Psittaculinae subfamily?
The subfamily includes a variety of genera such as Alisterus, Aprosmictus, Polytelis, Psittinus, Geoffroyus, Prioniturus, Tanygnathus, Eclectus, Psittacula, and the extinct genera Lophopsittacus, Necropsittacus, and Mascarinus.
Are all species within Psittaculinae currently living?
No, the subfamily includes some extinct species. Examples of extinct or prehistoric species mentioned are the Oceanic eclectus (Eclectus infectus), Seychelles parakeet (Psittacula wardi), Newton's parakeet (Psittacula exsul), Mascarene grey parakeet (Psittacula bensoni), Broad-billed parrot (Lophopsittacus mauritianus), Rodrigues parrot (Necropsittacus rodricanus), and Mascarene parrot (Mascarinus mascarinus).
What is the significance of the genus Psittacula within this subfamily?
The genus Psittacula is a prominent part of the Psittaculini tribe and is often referred to as Asian psittacines. However, recent genetic studies have raised questions about its taxonomic classification, suggesting it might be paraphyletic.