Geelvink Pygmy Parrot (Micropsitta geelvinkiana)

The elusive Geelvink Pygmy Parrot (Micropsitta geelvinkiana) is easy to find on the island of Biak but hard to see.  Why?  They and the other members of the Pygmy Parrot family are the smallest parrots in the world at 9cm (3.5 in) and 13-17g (0.45-0.6 oz) and they are well-camouflaged in the trees.  My guide found several of them in a tree and did his best to call them out but they stayed deep within the foliage and I could only get glimpses of them through the leaves.

Find the hidden Geelvink Pygmy Parrots!

Find the hidden Geelvink Pygmy Parrots!

 

On a previous trip, Mehd Halaouate from the World Parrot Trust managed to get a nice shot of a nesting pair.   I have to agree with the WPT description. “Usually seen in groups of 4-5 birds. Very shy. Will associate with other birds in low lying shrubbery.”  Thy are endemic to the island of Biak but not rare as they are estimated at over 10,000 birds.