Lilac-tailed parrotlet

Touit batavicus

Photo by Cesar Villalba (Flickr)

Common name:
lilac-tailed parrotlet (en); apuim-de-sete-cores (pt); touit à sept couleurs (fr); cotorrita sietecolores (es); siebenfarbenpapagei (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is patchily distributed from northern Colombia, along northern Venezuela, and into Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana and possibly marginally across the border into Amapá, in extreme northern Brazil.

Size:
These birds are 14 cm long and weigh 52-72 g.

Habitat:
The lilac-tailed parrotlet is mostly found in mountain cloud forests, but also in lowland rainforests and rural gardens. They occur from sea level up to an altitude of 1.700 m.

Diet:
They feed on flowers, nectar, buds, berries, seeds and fruits.

Breeding:
Lilac-tailed parrotlets possibly breed in November-March. They nest in large, arboreal termite mounds, or in tree cavities including old woodpecker nests. The female lays 5-6 white eggs, which she incubates alone for about 19 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 4-5 weeks after hatching, but may continue to receive food from the parents for another 3-4 weeks.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is described as fairly common. the lilac-tailed parrotlet is suspected to lose 8% of suitable habitat within its range over the next 15 years, based on a model of Amazonian deforestation, which given its susceptibility to hunting and trapping suggests they are likely to suffer a small decline in the near future.

Red-cheeked parrot

Geoffroyus geoffroyi

Photo by Mehd Halaouate (Internet Bird Collection)

Common name:
red-cheeked parrot (en); papagaio-de-faces-vermelhas (pt); perruche de Geoffroy (fr); lorito carirrojo (es); rotkopfpapagei (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in New Guinea and in other islands of eastern Indonesia including the Moluccas, the Lesser Sundas and Timor. There is also a population in the Cape York Peninsula in northern Queensland, Australia.

Size:
These birds are 21-27 cm long and weigh 130-180 g.

Habitat:
The red-cheeked parrot is found in lowland rainforests, mangroves, swamp forests, dry tropical forests, scrublands, pastures, plantations and second growths. They occur from sea level up to an altitude of 800 m, and occasionally up to 1.400 m.

Diet:
They feed on seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, flower buds and blossom.

Breeding:
Red-cheeked parrots can probably breed all year round, varying among different parts of their range. They nest in a hole excavated by the female on a rotting tree limb, where she lays 2-4 eggs. There is no available information regarding the incubation and fledging periods.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is reported to be common to abundant, with a global population possibly above 1 million individuals. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Yellowish-breasted racquet-tail

Prioniturus flavicans

Photo by Simon van der Meulen (Oriental Bird Images)

Common name:
yellowish-breasted racquet-tail (en); papagaio-de-raquetes-amarelado (pt); palette de Cassin (fr); lorito-momoto amarillento (es); flaggenschwanzpapagei (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is endemic to Indonesia, only being found in the Minahasa Peninsula, in northern Sulawesi, and in nearby islands including the Togian Islands.

Size:
These birds are 37 cm long.

Habitat:
The yellowish-breasted racquet-tail is found in primary, lowland rainforests, from sea level up to an altitude of 1.000 m. Occasionally, they may also use stands of trees near the forest edge.

Diet:
Although there is information on their diet, these birds are known to forage among flocks of fruit-eating birds.

Breeding:
Yellowish-breasted racquet-tails breed in December-March. They nest on cavities in the root balls of arboreal epiphytic ferns, where the female lays 3 eggs. The female incubates the eggs alone for 30-33 days while the male brings her food. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 44-48 days after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - NT (Near-Threatened)
This species has a relatively large breeding range and the global population is estimated at 45.000 individuals. The population is suspected to have declined recently at a moderately rapid rate, owing to current rates of habitat destruction, degradation and fragmentation caused by deforestation.

Pileated parrot

Pionopsitta pileata

(Photo from Instituto Rã-bugio)

Common name:
pileated parrot (en); cuiú-cuiú (pt); caïque mitré (fr); lorito carirrojo (es); scharlachkopfpapagei (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in south-eastern Brazil, along the coast from south-eastern Bahia to Paraná, west to southern Paraguay and south to Rio Grande do Sul and extreme north-western Argentina.

Size:
These birds are 22 cm long and weigh 98-120 g.

Habitat:
The pileated parrot is mostly found in moist tropical forests, also using Araucaria stands, second growths and even in rural and suburban gardens. They occur from sea level up to an altitude of 2.100 m.

Diet:
They feed on the fruits and seeds of wild plants such as Podocarpus, Solanum mauricianum, Myrcia, Gochnatia polymorpha, and also cultivated such as guava and kaki persimmon.

Breeding:
Pileated parrots are monogamous and pair for life. They breed in November-February and nest in tree holes. The female lays 3-4 eggs, which she incubates alone for 24-25 days while the male brings her food. The chicks fledge 47-54 days after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is described as uncommon. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Rosy-faced lovebird

Agapornis roseicollis

Photo by Alastair Rae (Wikipedia)

Common name:
rosy-faced lovebird (en); inseparável-de-faces-rosadas (pt); inséparable rosegorge (fr); inseparable de Namibia (es); rosenköpfchen (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found from south-western Angola, through Namibia and into north-western South Africa. There are also feral populations introduced into Puerto Rico and Arizona.

Size:
These birds are 15-18 cm long and have a wingspan of 23-28 cm. They weigh 43-63 g.

Habitat:
The rosy-faced lovebird is mostly found in dry savannas, usually near permanent standing water, also using dry scrublands and rocky areas. They occur from sea level up to an altitude of 1.500 m.

Diet:
They feed on the seeds of various grasses and trees such as Albizia and Acacia, as well as buds and leaves of several plants.

Breeding:
Rosy-faced lovebirds breed in February-June. They are monogamous and nest in a rock crevice, or use the large, communal nests of sociable weavers Philetairus socius and white-browed sparrow-weavers Plocepasser mahali. The female lays 4-6 white eggs, which she incubates alone for 23 days while the male brings her food. The chicks are fed by the female while the male continues to bring food to the nest. They fledge 5-6 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is described as locally common or even abundant near water. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to unsustainable levels of exploitation.

Pygmy lorikeet

Charmosyna wilhelminae

(Photo from Loromania)

Common name:
pygmy lorikeet (en); lóri-pigmeu (pt); lori de Wilhelmina (fr); lori pigmeo (es); elfenlori (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is endemic to New Guinea, being found along the central mountain range from Vogelkop to the Owen Stanley range.

Size:
These birds are 12,5-13 cm long and weigh about 20 g.

Habitat:
The pygmy lorikeet is found in mountain rainforests and moist savannas, at altitudes of 1.000-2.200 m.

Diet:
They feed on polen and nectar, namely of Eucalyptus, Castanopsis oaks, and Elaeocarpus.

Breeding:
Little is known about their reproduction. The clutch size is 2 eggs and incubation lasts for about 23 days.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range, but is reported to be generally uncommon. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Blue-crowned hanging-parrot

Loriculus galgulus

Photo by Lip Kee Yap (Wikipedia)

Common name:
blue-crowned hanging-parrot (en); lorículo-de-coroa-azul (pt); coryllis à tête bleue (fr); lorículo coroniazul (es); blaukrönchen (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found from southern Thailand and Malaysia to northern Indonesia in Borneo, Sumatra and adjacent islands.

Size:
These tiny parrots are 12 cm long and weigh 22-35 g.

Habitat:
The blue-crowned hanging parrot is found in moist tropical forests and forest edges, in mangroves, peat swamps and riverine forests, scrublands, plantations and rural gardens. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.300 m.

Diet:
They feed on various fruits, namely those of figs such as Ficus caulocarpa, F. virens, F. delosyce, and F. pisocarpa.

Breeding:
These birds breed in January-August. They nest in natural cavities in dead or living trees, including palms and rubber trees. The female lays 3-4 eggs which she incubates alone for 20 days. The chicks fledge 5 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and is reported to be common to very common and widespread throughout all of its range, with the exception of Singapore. Despite being very popular as cage birds, the population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Alexandrine parakeet

Psittacula eupatria

Photo by Michael Schmolz (Internet Bird Collection)

Common name:
Alexandrine parakeet (en); piriquito-de-Alexandre (pt); perruche alexandre (fr); cotorra alejandrina (es); Alexandersittich (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found from Pakistan and eastern Afghanistan, through India and Nepal and into Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, southern Laos, Cambodia and southern Vietnam.

Size:
These birds are 50-62 cm long and weigh 200-260 g.

Habitat:
The Alexandrine parakeet is found in various forest habitats, including both moist and dry tropical forests, riverine forests, mangroves, degraded evergreen forests and coconut plantations. They also use both moist and dry scrublands and hot deserts. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.600 m.

Diet:
They feed on various wild and cultivated seeds, flowers, flower buds, nectar, grain, fruit and vegetables, namely guavas Psidium guajava, and the nectar of Salmalia, Butea and Erythrina.

Breeding:
Alexandrine parakeets breed in November-April. They nest in tree cavities, palms, and very rarely buildings, where the female lays 2-4 eggs which are incubated for 24-28 days. The chicks fledge about 7 weeks after hatching, but only become fully independent at 3-4 months of age.

Conservation:
IUCN status - NT (Near-Threatened)
This species has a very large breeding range. There is no reliable estimate of the global population size, but the species is reported to be of variable abundance across its range. The population is suspected to be in moderately rapid decline overall, owing to on-going habitat destruction and unsustainable levels of exploitation. This species is widely captured and traded as a cage-bird, namely in Cambodia, Thailand and Pakistan, while destruction of nest-sites is also a problem in Pakistan. Loss of lowland forests and large-scale conversion to agriculture is a widespread and severe problem in many parts of their range. The Alexandrine parakeet is listed in the CITES agreement against wildlife trade and some of its habitat receives protection.

Musk lorikeet

Glossopsitta concinna

Photo by Doug Janson (Wikipedia)

Common name:
musk lorikeet (en); lóri-almiscarado (pt); lori à bandeau rouge (fr); lori almizclero (es); moschuslori (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is endemic to south-eastern Australia, being found from south-eastern Queensland to Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. It also occurs in Tasmania.

Size:
These birds are 20-23 cm long and weigh 50-90 g.

Habitat:
The musk lorikeet is found in open Eucalyptus woodlands, riverine woodlands, plantations, and rural and sub-urban gardens.

Diet:
They feed on nectar, pollen and blossoms, especially of Eucalyptus, flowers, young shoots and buds such as those of Callistemon citrinus and Grevillea, small fruits and occasionally insects. They may also take cultivated crops and grapes.

Breeding:
Musk lorikeets breed in August-January. They nest in a hollow limb or hole in a tree, lined with chewed or decayed wood, and usually located high up in an Eucalyptus near water. The female lays 2 white eggs, which she incubates alone for 22-24 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge about 50 days after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and the global population is estimated above 100.000 individuals and described as very common. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Dusky lory

Pseudeos fuscata

Photo by Greg Hume (Wikipedia)

Common name:
dusky lory (en); lóri-sombrio (pt); lori sombre (fr); lori sombrío (es); weißbürzellori (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found throughout the island of New Guinea and in the nearby islands of Sulawata and Yapen.

Size:
These birds are 24-27 cm long and weigh 140-190 g.

Habitat:
The dusky lory is found in a wide range of habitats including rainforests, mangroves, moist savannas, scrublands, second growths, plantations, rural gardens and even urban areas. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 2.400 m.

Diet:
They feed on seeds, fruits, buds, nectar, pollen and unripe grain.

Breeding:
Dusky lories breed in August-November. They nest in a hole high up on a tree, where the female lays 2-3 white eggs. The eggs are incubated for 24 days and the chicks fledge 10 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is is reported to be common and highly gregarious. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Red-rumped parrot

Psephotus haematonotus

Photo by Duncan McCaskill (Wikipedia)

Common name:
red-rumped parrot (en); piriquito-de-uropígio-vermelho (pt); perruche à croupion rouge (fr); perico dorsirrojo (es); singsittich (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in south-eastern Australia, in southern Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and eastern South Australia.

Size:
These birds are 26-28 cm long and weigh 55-85 g.

Habitat:
The red-rumped parrot is mostly found in dry grasslands and open, sry savannas and forests, especially along rivers and streams, also using mangroves, dry scrublands, farmland and urban parks. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.100 m.

Diet:
They forage mostly on the ground, usually in pairs or small flocks, taking seeds, grass leaves, shoots,fruits and flowers.

Breeding:
Red-rumped parrots breed in August-January. They are monogamous and mate for life. The nest is a hollow in an Eucalyptus tree, or sometimes on a fence post or nest box. The female lays 3-8 eggs, which she incubates alone for 19-21 days while being fed by the male. The chicks fledge 4-5 weeks after hatching, but continue to receive food from the parents for some time afterwards.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and is reported to be common to abundant throughout this range. The population is suspected to be increasing as ongoing habitat degradation is creating new areas of suitable habitat. These birds are often hit by cars when feeding by roads, and hunted by domestic pets, especially cats.

Double-eyed fig-parrot

Cyclopsitta diophthalma

Photo by Carl Stow (Wikipedia)

Common name:
double-eyed fig-parrot (en); papagaio-do-figo-de-cara-azul (pt); psittacule double-œil (fr); lorito dobleojo (es); maskenzwergpapagei (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in New Guinea and neighbouring islands, as well as along the north-eastern coast of Queensland, in Australia.

Size:
These tiny parrots are 14-16 cm long and weigh 39-55 g.

Habitat:
The double-eyed fig-parrot is found in moist tropical forests, mangroves, second growths, forests edges, riverine forests and occasionally dry forest and open eucalypt woodland. In Australia, they also use rural gardens and parks within urban areas. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.600 m.

Diet:
They feed on seeds, mainly Ficus seeds, which they take from ripe or near-ripe fruits.

Breeding:
These birds breed in March-December. The nest is a hole excavated mainly by the female on a rotten tree trunk or a dead limb in a living tree, some 12 m above the ground. There the female lays 2 white eggs, which she incubates alone for 18-21 days while the male brings her food. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 27-52 days after hatching, but only become fully independent about 10 days later.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and a global population estimated at 100.000 individuals. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Papuan lorikeet

Charmosyna papou

Photo by Phil Palmer (Bird Holidays)

Common name:
Papuan lorikeet (en); lóri-da-Papua (pt); lori papou (fr); lori rabilargo (es); Papualori (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is endemic to the island of New Guinea, being found both in Indonesia and in Papua-New Guinea.

Size:
These birds are 25 cm long and weigh 90-115 g.

Habitat:
The Papuan lorikeet is mostly found in Nothofagus-Podocarpus mountain rainforests, also using second growth areas. They are present at altirudes of 1.500-3.500 m.

Diet:
They feed on nectar, pollen, possibly flowers, flower buds, fruits and small seeds.

Breeding:
Papuan lorikeets breed in August-November. They nest on tree hollows, where the female lays 2 eggs which are incubated by both parents for 26-28 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 56-64 days after hatching, but only become fully indepedent 4-6 week after fledging.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is reported to be fairly common throughout this range. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

Timneh parrot

Psittacus timneh

(Photo from Flickr)

Common name:
timneh parrot (en); papagaio-cinzento-ocidental (pt); perroquet timneh (fr); loro timneh (es); timneh-graupapagei (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is only found in West Africa, from Guinea-Bissau and southern Mali to Liberia and the Ivory Coast.

Size:
These medium-sized parrots are 28-33 cm long and weigh 275-275 g.

Habitat:
Timneh parrots is found in moist tropical forests and neighbouring savannas, also using forets clearings, gallery forests, mangroves, cultivated areas and even gardens. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 2.200 m.

Diet:
They feed on seeds, nuts, berries and fruits, including oil-palm fruits.

Breeding:
The timneh parrot breeds in January-July. They nest in a tree hollow, typically high up on a tall tree, where the female lays 2-3 eggs. The eggs are incubated for 28-30 days and the chicks fledge 11-12 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - VU (Vulnerable)
This species has a large breeding range but the global population is estimated at just 100.000-500.000 individuals. The population is estimated to decline by 30-50% over the next 5 decades, mostly due to the massive level of capture for the illegal bird trade and high levels of forest loss in parts of the range. Despite international efforts to prohibit trade, thousands of birds are likely being illegally exported every year. Deforestation is still a very serious problem within the timneh parrot range, with 77% of the original forest cover already being lost.

Great-billed parrot

Tanygnathus megalorhynchus

Photo by Mehdhala Ouate (Internet Bird Collection)

Common name:
great-billed parrot (en); papagaio-de-bico-grande (pt); perruche à bec de sang (fr); loro picogordo (es); schwarzschulterpapagei (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in Indonesia, from East Nusa Tenggara to Maluku and North Maluku, and also in East Timor and in the southernmost islands of the Philippines.

Size:
These birds are 38-41 cm long and weigh 260 g.

Habitat:
The great-billed parrot is found in primary and tall secondary rainforest, forest edges, mangroves and also coconut plantation. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.000 m.

Diet:
They feed on fruits, flowers, berries and nuts, namely breadfruit. They are also known to damage cultivated areas.

Breeding:
Great-billed parrots breed in August-March. They nest in a tree hollow, where the female lays 2 eggs. She incubates the eggs alone for 25-28 days. The chicks fledge 60-65 days after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a relatively large breeding range and a global population estimated at 110.000 individuals. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction and unsustainable levels of exploitation for the cage bird trade.

Black-capped lory

Lorius lory

Photo by Doug Janson (Wikipedia)

Common name:
black-capped lory (en); lóri-tricolor (pt); lori tricolore (fr); lori tricolor (es); frauenlori (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is endemic to New Guinea, including several offshore islands.

Size:
These birds are 31 cm long and weigh 200-260 g.

Habitat:
The black-capped lory is found in rainforests, dry tropical forests, including forests edges and nearby second growths. Also in swamps and swamp forests. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.000 m.

Diet:
They feed on fruits, flower, nectar, pollen and sometimes also insects.

Breeding:
The black-capped lory breeds in May-October. They nest in tree hollows, where the female lays 1-2 white eggs. The eggs are incubated for 24-25 days and the chicks fledge 9-10 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a large breeding range and is reported to be generally common but not abundant throughout its range. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

White-crowned parrot

Pionus senilis

Photo by Nick Athanas (Antpitta)

Common name:
white-crowned parrot (en); maitaca-de-testa-branca (pt); pione à couronne blanche (fr); loro senil (es); weißkopfpapagei (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in Central America, from eastern and southern Mexico to western Panama.

Size:
These birds are 23-25 cm long and weigh 220 g.

Habitat:
White-crowned parrots are mostly found in mountain rainforests, but also use rainforests in lowland areas, forest edges, dry savannas, second growths, cocoa plantations and arable land. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 2.300 m.

Diet:
They forage in small flocks in the forest canopy, taking fruits, seeds and nut of various plants including Leguminosae, Araliaceae and Arecaceae. They also eat domestic crops such as maize, sorghum and commercial fruit plantations.

Breeding:
The white-crowned parrot breed in January-July. They nest in natural tree cavities, or in hollow palm stubs, where the female lays 3-6 white eggs. The eggs are incubated for 24-26 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 8-12 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This specie has a large breeding range and a global population estimated at 50.000-500.000 individuals. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction, but the white crowned parrot is not considered threatened at present.

Rainbow lorikeet

Trichoglossus haematodus

Photo by Ian Colley (PBase)

Common name:
rainbow lorikeet (en); lóri-arco-íris (pt); loriquet à tête bleue (fr); lori arco iris (es); allfarblori (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in Australia, from south-eastern South Australia, through Victoria and eastern New South Wales, and in eastern and northern Queensland, in the Northern Territories and in north-eastern Western Australia, and also in southern Indonesia from Bali to Timor, in New Guinea and in Polynesia as far east as New Caledonia.

Size:
These birds are 25-32 cm long and have a wingspan of 45-50 cm. They weigh 100-155 g.

Habitat:
The rainbow lorikeet is found in a wide range of forested habitats, including rainforests, swamp forests, mangroves, woodlands, plantations and wooded parks within urban areas, but also use scrublands, marshes and bogs. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 700 m.

Diet:
They feed mainly on nectar and pollen of Eucalyptus, Pittosporum, Grevillea, Spathodea campanulata and Cycas, but also eats fruits, seeds and some insects.

Breeding:
Rainbow lorikeets breed in June-January. They nest on a tree cavity, usually a hollow limb of a eucalypt tree, where the female lays 1-3 eggs. She incubates the eggs alone for 23-25 days. The chicks fledge 45 days after hatching. They reach sexual maturity as 2 years of age.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and is described as common to abundant on New Guinea and surrounding islands, abundant in northern Australia, common on Timor and Flores and rare on Bali, Sumbawa and Tasmania. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to unsustainable levels of exploitation for both food and the cage bird trade.

Monk parakeet

Myiopsitta monachus

Photo by Juan Emilio (Wikipedia)

Common name:
monk parakeet (en); caturrita (pt); conure veuve (fr); cotorra argentina (es); mönchssittich (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species originates from southern Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina, but it has been introduced to several areas outside their native range, including several cities in the eastern United States, in Mexico, in the Caribbean, in southern Europe and in western Europe.

Size:
This birds are 28-33 cm long and have a wingspan of 45-50 cm. They weigh 80-120 g.

Habitat:
The monk parakeet is mostly found in open savannas and degraded tropical forests, but also tropical moist forests, palm groves, pastures, arable land, rural gardens and parks within urban areas. They are present from sea level up to an altitude of 1.000 m.

Diet:
They eat a wide variety of seeds, fruits, blossoms, buds and also some insects.

Breeding:
Monk parakeets breed in July-December. They build a stick nest on a tree or a man-made structure, sometimes breeding colonially with a single large nest with separate entrances for each pair. The female lays 5-11white eggs which are incubated by both parents for 25-31 days. The chicks fledge 6-7 weeks after hatching.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a very large breeding range and is described as common.  The population is suspected to be increasing as ongoing habitat degradation is creating new areas of suitable habitat.

Brown lory

Chalcopsitta duivenbodei

(Photo from Free Per Wallpapers)

Common name:
brown lory (en); lóri-castanho (pt); lori de Duyvenbode (fr); lori pardo (es); braunlori (de)

Taxonomy:
Order Psittaciformes
Family Psittacidae

Range:
This species is found in the northern lowlands of New Guinea, both in Papua-New Guinea and in Indonesia.

Size:
These birds are 26-33 cm long and weigh 200-230 g.

Habitat:
The brown lory is found in lowland primary rainforests and in some tall secondary forests, from sea level up to an altitude of 200 m.

Diet:
They feed on nectar and fruits.

Breeding:
Brown lories nest in a tree hollow, where the female lays lays 2 eggs.The eggs are incubated for 22-26 days and the chicks fledge 7-8 weeks after hatching. They reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age.

Conservation:
IUCN status - LC (Least Concern)
This species has a relatively large breeding range and is described as uncommon to fairly common, with a global population estimated to be over 50.000 individuals. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.