Fun Pygmy Parrot Facts For Kids

Pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio) is green in color and is the smallest parrot species native to Papua New Guinea. They are small in size and move very fast as compared to the other species. They are among the very few species in the order of the parrot family. Their toes are long and their claws are curved. A Pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio pusio) habitats in islands and forests where they forage food and involve in other activities without any worries. Populations of these birds can be found across the Louisiade Archipelago, Misima and Tagula Islands, D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago, West Papua New Guinea, Fergusson Island, New Britain Island, and the Bismarck Archipelago along with some regions of the United Kingdom.

This parrot species draws its common name from the buff-colored cheeks, face, and crown. The upper bill is hinged with the skull, offering great flexibility. Here are some interesting facts about the pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio) from Papua New Guinea, which you will certainly enjoy. Afterward, do check our other articles on least tern and tawny eagle.
 

What type of animal is a pygmy parrot?

A buff faced pygmy parrot is a type of bird which is small in size and is green in color with bright highlights on their body. Pygmy is the smallest member of the parrot family. This species was initially given the name nasiterna pusio by the famous English naturalist Philip Lutley Sclater.

What class of animal does a pygmy parrot belong to?

The yellow-capped pygmy parrot species belongs to the class of birds. They can be found in the forests or near the islands across the world where they can be found hanging upside down on the sides of the tree trunks. This bird is green with bright highlights at the top with yellow underparts, dark blue center tail feathers, pale yellow bill, and a long tail.

How many pygmy parrots are there in the world?

There is no accurate and rough number as to how many buff-faced pygmy parrot birds there are all over the world as the population of a buff-faced pygmy parrot keeps on changing based on different factors such as the availability of food and habitat. As per IUCN, these birds are at present of least concern in terms of conservation status as their population is stable all across the world.

Where does a pygmy parrot live?

Pygmy parrots prefer to live in the lowland forests where they can eat insects and fungi present in tree trunks which is a part of their diet.

What is a pygmy parrot's habitat?

The subfamily members of the pygmy parrot’s habitat include a region of islands and sections of lowland forests or a gallery forest where they get to eat their food.

Who does a pygmy parrot live with?

Some of the common members of buff-faced pygmy parrots (Micropsitta pusio) live in groups with the other macaw parrots whereas some pygmy parrots prefer to live alone rather than staying in a group. buff faced pygmy parrot comes together only during the process of mating.

How long does a pygmy parrot live?

A pygmy parrot's (Micropsitta pusio) lifespan is about 15 years which depends on other factors that determine their lifespan and life cycle as well. Pygmy parrots can live for up to 20-30 years in the wild when they get the proper food that is needed for them. However, they do not do well when kept in captivity. Therefore, they live for a while in the wild as compared to their life in captivity.

How do they reproduce?

The reproductive organs of the male and the female Micropsitta pusio are contained internally and then there is an opening in their vent area just like a female. In order to start the mating process, the male buff-faced pygmy parrot climbs on the top of the female’s back and then their openings are pressed together. This is how pygmy parrots reproduce.

What is their conservation status?

The population size and conservation status of buff-faced pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio) are of Least Concern at present by the IUCN Red List of Threatened species. Their survival is therefore facing no questions at all.

What do pygmy parrots look like?

Pygmy parrots are green in color with faded head markings and are tiny in size as compared to the other species of parrots. They are mostly found in the forests and in the nearby islands. They are tiny birds and have the ability to move very fast and have bright highlights on their body. The buff-faced pygmy parrot is the smallest parrot in the species of parrots.

*Please note that this is an image of a Rainbow Lorikeet, not a Pygmy Parrot specifically. If you have an image of a Pygmy Parrot , then please let us know at [email protected]

How cute are they?

They are not only cute but are adorable also. They look cute because of their size and color. Buff-faced pygmy parrot is small in size which makes them look even cuter. Therefore, they are cute as well as adorable. This holds true even for their images, which you can download from the internet easily.

How do they communicate?

Pygmy parrots communicate with the use of voice and body language. They use different vocalizations in order to communicate with each other through the use of different voices.

How big is a pygmy parrot?

The buff-faced pygmy parrot genus is very small in size and the buff-faced Pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio subspecies) is the smallest among the species of parrots. Therefore, pygmy parrots are very small in size as compared to others and their size range has been measured at around 3.1-3.9 in (7.8-10 cm).

How fast can a pygmy parrot move?

There is no accurate speed so as to how fast subspecies of buff-faced pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio) from pusio genus can move. They are known as fast-moving and are tiny birds. Pygmy seem to move faster when they see the predator approaching them.

How much does a pygmy parrot weigh?

Pygmy parrot's weight is very less as they are quite small in size. Their range of weight is around 0.4 oz (11.3 g) according to their body size and structure, about 10 times lighter than a kea parrot and 60 times smaller than an Amazon parrot. The weight of this small macaw depends on the habitat conditions and availability of food.

What are the male and female names of the species?

There is no specific and particular name for the female and the male species of pygmy parrots. They are known as male pygmy parrots and female-male pygmy parrots only.

What would you call a baby pygmy parrot?

There are different names for a baby buff-faced pygmy parrot Micropsitta. They are called chicks, baby parrots, hatchlings, younglings, nestling, juvenile, or nestlings.

What do they eat?

Pygmy parrots eat lichens, insects such as grasshoppers, seeds, fruits, and fungi. They live in forests where they get their food to eat.

Are they poisonous?

No, pygmy parrots are not poisonous, but there are chances that they might bite you. Pygmy parrots can bite humans, in case they are threatened or confused, so it is advised that the bird should be kept in a cage around small children.

Would they make a good pet?

No, buff-faced pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio) does not make good pets as they are largely due to their unusual diet of fungi and lichens that are found in the bark. There are earlier records that keeping them as pets have resulted in the early death of the bird. Therefore, pygmy parrots do not make good pets and it is advised that they should not be kept as pets.

Did you know...

The buff-faced pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio) is known as the world’s smallest parrot. There are six different species of pygmy parrots and they use their beak and large feet in order to climb through the foliage.  The smallest of the species is known to be the buff-faced pygmy parrot. This species draws its name from the buff coloration in the face and crown regions.

Can pygmy parrots talk?

Yes, pygmy parrots can talk when they are properly socialized. Though they are not recognized for their ability to talk, they can always learn to speak a few words in a much lesser volume than the other large parrots of the species. Therefore, pygmy parrots talk when they are taught about different words.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these little bee-eater facts and umbrellabird facts for kids.

You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable pygmy parrot coloring pages.