Description

The Pink-billed parrotfinch is a small bird measuring up to 11cm from the beak to tail. Its colouring makes it look like a miniature parrot; with its black face, bluish crown and nape, striking red rump and olive green feathers. It looks similar to the Fiji parrotfinch which is not so much a forest bird being more common in the open areas, including our backyards and lawns. The Pinkbilled parrotfinch is slightly larger than the Fiji parrotfinch, has a dark facial mask which contrasts with a conspicuously large, glossy pink bill; dull pink legs and feet; and a golden to red-brown iris.

Distribution

This beautiful little bird is found only in the forest of Viti Levu.

Habitat Ecology and Behaviour

Generally considered to be restricted to undisturbed mature forest, at any elevation, it has, however, been found to be common in one area of secondary forest scrub, and it nested unsuccessfully in this location. The Pink billed parrotfinch is strongly insectivorous and feeds in a manner reminiscent of the shrikebills. They actively move up and down tree trunks and vines, using its heavy bill as a lever to probe likely caches and to crush dead twigs and stems. It also feeds on flower buds and fruit, and has been noted as gouging off soft bark either to access the underlying tissue or to find scale insects. Pink billed parrotfinches frequently join the mixed-species feeding flocks of forest birds. The only nest recorded was domed with a side entrance, similar to those of the Fiji parrotfinch, an untidy globular structure but composed of dead leaves, small twigs, lichens and bamboo leaves. The Pinkbilled parrotfinch has a very high pitched cheeew which is usually given in flight, and a clicking sound has also been reported.

Threats

The most serious threat to this species is almost certainly rats which are known to use Parrotfinch nests as their own nests, and the Black Rat (Rattus rattus) which is common in our forests is the most serious predator of birds. Forest destruction and fragmentation is also a threat. The Pinkbilled parrotfinch may well be a naturally rare bird, and there is no evidence of a rapid population decline, however, the rate of forest loss and degradation on Viti Levu which is 0.5-0.8 % per year is still ongoing.

Conservation Status

Until 2006, this species was categorised as Endangered in the IUCN Redlist, but has now been re-categorised as Vulnerable after some concerted field research showed that it to be more widespread than originally thought, and not restricted to old-growth forest. However, the Pinkbilled parrotfinch can be found in only four of Fiji’s 14 Important Bird Areas (IBAs). These IBAs are areas that were identified to be important for the survival and conservation of Fiji’s globally threatened birds. Birdlife International estimated that there were 2500 – 10, 000 individuals left within Fiji’s dense forests in 2006. The conservation of the Fiji’s IBAs will provide some measure of protection for this species.

Remarks and Cultural Significance

Until 2006, this species was categorised as Endangered in the IUCN Redlist, but has now been re-categorised as Vulnerable after some concerted field research showed that it to be more widespread than originally thought, and not restricted to old-growth forest. However, the Pinkbilled parrotfinch can be found in only four of Fiji’s 14 Important Bird Areas (IBAs). These IBAs are areas that were identified to be important for the survival and conservation of Fiji’s globally threatened birds. Birdlife International estimated that there were 2500 – 10, 000 individuals left within Fiji’s dense forests in 2006. The conservation of the Fiji’s IBAs will provide some measure of protection for this species.

References

Masibalavu and Dutson (2006);
Watling (2004).

Front Page Photo:  Guy Dutson, BirdLife International