BLUE-BACKED PARROT
Tanygnathus sumatranus
DESCRIPTION
Blue-backed Parrot (Tanygnathus sumatranus) is commonly known as the Sumatran Parrot and is characterized by its vibrant blue back and green underparts. This medium-sized parrot exhibits a playful and social behavior, often seen in pairs or small groups in its natural habitat. It primarily inhabits lowland forests and is known for its vocalizations, which include a variety of whistles and squawks.
FUN FACTS
- Blue-backed Parrots are known for their playful behavior, often engaging in acrobatics while hanging upside down from branches
- They are also highly social and can form strong bonds with their human caretakers in captivity, often mimicking sounds and words they hear
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight150-200 g
Average Length25-30 cm
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social StructureThey are typically found in pairs or small groups, often forming strong bonds with their mates.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-May)
- Habitat
- This species thrives in tropical and subtropical forests, particularly in lowland areas. It prefers dense foliage where it can find ample food and nesting sites.
- Biomes
- Tropical Rainforest
- Native Range
- The Blue-backed Parrot is native to the islands of Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia.
- Continent
- Asia
- Countries
- Indonesia, Malaysia
- Diet
- The Blue-backed Parrot primarily feeds on fruits, seeds, and nuts, foraging in the canopy of trees. It has a particular preference for soft fruits and is known to play a role in seed dispersal.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- fruits, seeds, nuts
- Social Structure
- They are typically found in pairs or small groups, often forming strong bonds with their mates.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 2-10
- Territorial
- 0
LC
150-200 g
Weight
25-30 cm
Length
- Coloration
- Vibrant blue back with green underparts and a yellowish-orange patch on the face.
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-4
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-May)
EN
Endangered
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Blue-backed Parrots is currently declining due to habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 10,000-15,000
- Population Trend
- Decreasing
- Endangered
- 1
- Threats
- Main threats include deforestation for agriculture and logging, as well as capture for the pet trade. These factors have significantly impacted their natural habitat and population numbers.
- Predators
- Natural predators include birds of prey and snakes, which may target eggs and young birds. Additionally, habitat destruction increases vulnerability to predation.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They rely on their ability to fly and camouflage to evade predators, often hiding among the foliage.
- Compatible Animals
- other small parrots, finches
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon