Pink-billed Parrotfinch

Taxobox
name = Pink-billed Parrotfinch
status = VU | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Passeriformes
familia = Estrildidae
genus = "Erythrura"
species = "E. kleinschmidti"
binomial = "Erythrura kleinschmidti"
binomial_authority = (Finsch, 1878)

The Pink-billed Parrotfinch "Erythrura kleinschmidti" is a species of estrildid finch found in island of Viti Levu, Fiji. Commonly found at undisturbed mature forest in the centre and east of Viti Levu, E.g. Joske's Thumb near Suva. This species is found at mid-height along tree-trunks and branches, usually alone or in pairs but also joining mixed-species flocks, feeding primarily on insects, but also flower buds and fruits.

Identification

The Pink-billed Parrotfinch is approximately 11 cm long. This species is a greenish finch with outsized bill. It has olive-green with black face, bluish crown and nape and red rump. This species is easily seen with a large, glossy-pink bill. Its young is similar in color but duller, having orange-horn bill with black tip. It has high-pitched chee-chee voice and a clicking sound.

Threats

The Pink-billed Parrotfinch is threatened by logging and clearance for agriculture which destroy its natural habitat. The species population is restricted to a single subpopulation on the island of Viti Levu, thus facing population decline.

Conservation measures

The Pink-billed Parrotfinch is protected under Fijian law. It is being conserved in the protected watershed forest near Suva. It was proposed to find more suitable areas for Pink-billed Parrotfinch conservation, and preserve the watershed forest habitat near Suva.

References

* [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=8694&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet]