Cyclopsittini
Small Australasian parrots named for their fig-based diet.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
The Cyclopsittini, commonly known as fig parrots, are a tribe of small Australasian parrots within the family Psittaculidae. They comprise seven species in two genera, Cyclopsitta and Nannopsittacus, and are found on and around the island of New Guinea, within the territories of Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and tropical Australia. First proposed in 1891 at family rank as Cyclopsittacidae, the group was later downgraded to tribe status and included into Psittaculidae.
- classification
- Tribe Cyclopsittini, family Psittaculidae
- species_count
- 7 species in 2 genera (Cyclopsitta and Nannopsittacus)
- range
- New Guinea, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, tropical Australia
- habitat
- Tropical and subtropical rainforests
- diet
- Fruit (especially figs), berries, nectar, pollen, insects, larvae
- distinctive_feature
- Proportionately large, broad bills and smooth tongues
Lore & Background
Fig parrots are small, stocky, arboreal birds with short, wedge-shaped tails. They possess proportionately large, broad bills and smooth tongues. Sexual dimorphism is typically pronounced, except in Coxen's fig parrot (Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni). Those in the genus Cyclopsitta are generally smaller than those in Psittaculirostris. They can usually be seen flying swiftly in straight lines, well above the tree canopy.
Reader's Guide
The fig parrot tribe Cyclopsittini represents a distinct lineage of Australasian parrots specialized for a frugivorous diet, particularly figs. Their ability to detect fig syconia implanted with growing fig wasps and target them for extra nutrition highlights a unique ecological niche. Molecular phylogenetic studies support grouping fig parrots with budgerigars (Melopsittacini) and lories and lorikeets (Loriini) within the subfamily Loriinae, though relationships between the tribes and within the genera Cyclopsitta and Psittaculirostris remain to be studied in detail. Their significance lies in their role as seed dispersers in tropical rainforests and as a model for studying coevolution with fig wasps.
Did You Know?
- Fig parrots are named for their diet, which consists mainly of figs.
- They can detect fig syconia that have been implanted with growing fig wasps and target these for extra nutrition.
- Coxen's fig parrot (Cyclopsitta diopthalma coxeni) is an exception to the typically pronounced sexual dimorphism in the tribe.
- The tribe was first proposed in 1891 at family rank as Cyclopsittacidae.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Cyclopsittini?
The Cyclopsittini are a small tribe of Australasian parrots, popularly known as fig parrots, that sit within the family Psittaculidae. They were first described as their own family in 1891 before being reclassified down to tribal rank.
How many species belong to the Cyclopsittini tribe?
There are seven species in total, divided between two genera: Cyclopsitta and Nannopsittacus. Both genera represent small parrots restricted to the Australasian region.
Where do Cyclopsittini live in the wild?
They inhabit tropical and subtropical rainforests on and around New Guinea, spanning Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and tropical Australia. Their entire range is essentially confined to that island and its immediate surroundings.
What is the diet of the fig parrots?
Figs form the backbone of their feeding, but they also consume berries, nectar, pollen, and the occasional insect or larva. Their smooth tongues and broad bills are well adapted to handling this varied, fruit-heavy menu.
What physical feature distinguishes Cyclopsittini from other small parrots?
They possess proportionately large, broad bills combined with notably smooth tongues, a pairing that sets them apart from most other parrot lineages. These traits are generally linked to their specialized fruit-foraging lifestyle.
More in Bird tribes 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record