Blue-fronted fig parrot

The blue-fronted fig parrot (Nannopsittacus gulielmitertii) is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae.

It is found in Salawati and the Bird's Head Peninsula in New Guinea.

Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Taxonomy

The specific epithet gulielmitertii is in honour of William III, King of the Netherlands, and is derived from the Medieval Latin Guilelmus, meaning William, and Latin tertius, meaning third. Alternative names for the species include William's fig parrot and King of Holland fig parrot. The blue-fronted fig parrot is monotypic: no subspecies are recognised.

Description

The blue-fronted fig parrot is primarily green with a black bill, white face with a black patch. Males have orange breasts while females have orange patches on their faces.

Distribution and habitat

It inhabits lowland forest on New Guinea, the Bird's Head Peninsula and Salawati. It is generally found at elevations of 0–300 m (0–984 ft), but can be found up to elevations of 1,100 m (3,600 ft).

Behaviour and ecology

The blue-fronted fig parrot typically stays in small flocks of 6-10 individuals. It mainly inhabits the canopy, but can also be found in lower stories.

Diet

Mainly feeds on fig seeds, but also on seeds of Glochidion and Acacia auriculaeformis. It also eats the flower heads of Poikilospermum plants.

Breeding

It breeds from December to June. The nest is typically a hole made in an arboreal termite mound, but may also be made in epiphytes. In captivity, clutches are usually of 2 eggs, although they may be from 1-3 eggs, and the incubation period is 20-22 days, with a nestling period of 35-42 days.

Status

The blue-fronted fig parrot is listed as least-concern by the IUCN.