Parrotfinch

Parrotfinches
Red-throated parrotfinch (Erythrura psittacea)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Estrildidae
Genus:	Erythrura Swainson, 1837
Species
About 12, see text.

Parrotfinches are small, colourful passerine birds belonging to the genus Erythrura in the family Estrildidae, the estrildid finches. They occur from South-east Asia to New Guinea, northern Australia and many Pacific Islands. They inhabit forest, bamboo thickets and grassland and some can be found in man-made habitats such as farmland, parks and gardens. Several species are commonly kept as cagebirds.

They are 9 to 15 cm long. The plumage is usually mainly green. Most species have blue or red markings on the head and a red rump and tail. The tail is pointed and often fairly long.

Seeds, especially those of grasses, comprise the bulk of the diet. Some parrotfinches also feed on fruit and small insects. Many species forage in flocks, keeping in contact with high-pitched calls.

Three species, the green-faced, royal and pink-billed parrotfinches, are classed as vulnerable to extinction because of habitat loss and degradation.

Species list

There are 10-13 species of parrotfinch. The Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) is also often included in this genus.

• Tawny-breasted parrotfinch or green-tailed parrotfinch, Erythrura hyperythra
• Pin-tailed parrotfinch, Erythrura prasina
• Green-faced parrotfinch, Erythrura viridifacies
• Tricolored parrotfinch or three-coloured parrotfinch, Erythrura tricolor
• Blue-faced parrotfinch, Erythrura trichroa
• Red-eared parrotfinch or Mount Katanglad parrotfinch, Erythrura coloria
• Papuan parrotfinch, Erythrura papuana
• Red-throated parrotfinch, Erythrura psittacea
• Red-headed parrotfinch, Erythrura cyaneovirens
• Fiji parrotfinch, Erythrura pealii
• Royal parrotfinch, Erythrura regia
• Pink-billed parrotfinch, Erythrura kleinschmidti
• Gouldian finch, Erythrura gouldiae

References

• Clement, Peter; Harris, Alan & Davies, John (1993) Finches and Sparrows: An Identification Guide, Christopher Helm, London.

External links