Parrotfinch

Taxobox
name = Parrotfinches

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image_width = 240px
image_caption = Red-throated Parrotfinch ("Erythrura psittacea")
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Passeriformes
familia = Estrildidae
genus = "Erythrura"
genus_authority = Swainson, 1837
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = 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.

pecies list

There are 10-12 species of parrotfinch. The Gouldian Finch ("Chloebia gouldiae" or "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 (cyaneovirens) pealii"
** Royal Parrotfinch, "Erythrura (cyaneovirens) regia"
* Pink-billed Parrotfinch, "Erythrura kleinschmidti"

References

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

External links

* [http://users.skynet.be/fa398872/navfram.en.htm Erythrura website]