Red-throated parrotfinch

Erythrura psittacea

Photo by Trisha Shears (Wikipedia)

Common name:

red-throated parrotfinch (en); diamante-de-garganta-vermelha (pt); diamant psittaculaire (fr); pinzón loro de garganta roja (es); rotkopf-papageiamadine (de)

Taxonomy:

Order Passeriformes

Family Estrildidae

Range:

The red-throated parrotfinch is endemic to New Caledonia.

Size:

These birds are 12 cm long and weigh 11-12 g.

Habitat:

This species is mostly found in tropical and subtropical lowland moist forests and scrublands, also occurring in plantations, grasslands, road sides and rural gardens.

Diet:

Red-throated parrotfinches mostly look for seeds on the ground, generally preferring grass seeds.

Breeding:

These birds can breed all year round. They nest in holes in rocks, trees, bushes and even in the recesses and beams of buildings, building a semi-open nest using dry leaves, grass stalks, and coconut fibers. There the female lays 4-6 eggs which are incubated by both sexes for 14 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 20-22 days after hatching, but will continue to receive food from the parents for another 2-3 weeks.

Conservation:

IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)

This species has a restricted breeding range, but is described as widespread and fairly common. Although this species is often targeted by the pet trade, the population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.