About Psittinus cyanurus (J.R.Forster, 1795)
Taxonomic Identity
The blue-rumped parrot, with the scientific name Psittinus cyanurus, is a small parrot species that reaches approximately 18 cm in length.
Geographic Range
Its range covers the extreme southern tip of Myanmar, peninsular Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, and nearby islands.
General Plumage
Its primary body color is green, with distinct bright red underwing coverts, a reddish shoulder patch, and yellowish margins along the wing coverts.
Sexual Dimorphism
This species shows clear sexual dimorphism. Females have a grey-brown head, while males have a blue head and blue rump, a black mantle, and a red upper mandible.
Genus Classification History
Psittinus cyanurus was previously classified as the sole species in the genus Psittinus. However, BirdLife International reclassified the subspecies abbottii as a separate full species called the Simeulue parrot, and the International Ornithological Congress later adopted this split, recognizing the Simeulue parrot as a distinct species.
Recognized Subspecies
Two subspecies of Psittinus cyanurus remain recognized: P. c. cyanurus, which is found in the Malay peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo; and P. c. pontius, which is found in the Mentawai Islands south of Siberut, and grows larger than the nominate subspecies.
Elevation Range
Blue-rumped parrots live in lowland habitats generally found below 700 meters elevation.
Habitat Types
Their habitats include closed forest, open woodland, orchards, plantations, mangroves, dense scrub, and coconut groves.
Behavior and Diet
They form flocks that can reach up to 20 individuals, and feed on seeds, fruit, and blossoms.
