Let's Get to know Pesquet's Parrot from Wamena

Female Pesquet's Parrot

Summary

Newly erected family containing this species and the Madagascan/Mascarene Coracopsis black parrots, split from parrots on basis of genetic differences denoting great antiquity. Broad-winged and large-headed.

The Pesquet's Parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus), also known as the vulturine parrot (leading to easy confusion with pyrilia vulturina from Brazil), is the only member of its genus, and its genus is the only member of the subfamily Psittrichadinae. It is endemic to hill and rainforest in New Guinea.

Endemic to New Guinea. Monotypic. Occurs from lowlands to hills through NG, being more widespread in hills at 400-1200 m, but locally to 1800 m. Declining, and classified as Vulnerable owing to hunting pressure for skins, which are widely used for ceremonial purposes in highland, also local losses due to logging.

The Pesquet's Parrot is a large parrot with a total length of approximately 46 cm (18 in) and a weight of 680-800 g (24-28 oz). Its plume is black, with greyish scaling to the chest, and a red belly, uppertail coverts and wing-panels. The adult male has a red spot behind the eye, which is not seen in the adult female. Compared to most other parrots it appears unusually small-headed, in part due to the bare black facial skin and the relatively long, hooked bill. This rather vulture-like profile is the reason behind its alternative common-name.

Behaviour
Distinctive flight, with three or so flaps followed by a glide. Seen singly, in pairs or in a small flocks, rarely up to 20 birds in more remote areas. Vocal characteristic loud, raucous tearing repetitive series, vaguely reminiscent of cockatoo but louder, more raspy, often given by several birds together. They highly specialised frugivore, feeding almost exclusively on a few species of figs. Flower and nectar have also been reported. At least in parts of its range, it is seasonally nomadic in response to the availability of fruits. The bare part of the head is presumably an adaptation to avoid feather-matting from sticky fruits. Little known about its breeding habits in the wild, but the two eggs are laid in a nest in a large, hollow tree.


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