Royal parrotfinch

Royal parrotfinch
Illustration (below) with Erythrura cyaneovirens
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Estrildidae
Genus:	Erythrura
Species:	E. regia
Binomial name
Erythrura regia (Sclater, PL, 1881)

The royal parrotfinch (Erythrura regia) is a species of estrildid finch endemic to Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean. It is found commonly at mid-altitudes on the larger islands such as Espiritu Santo, above 300 m., but it also can be found at small sea-level islands in fruiting figs in forest edge in Emae and Tongoa. This species is usually found in singles, pairs or small groups feeding on figs in the forest canopy. Clements has lumped this bird into the red-headed parrotfinch.

Identification

The royal parrotfinch is approximately 11 cm long. This species is a multicoloured finch. Male royal parrotfinches have a bright red head and tail, blue breast and turquoise-green upperparts, while females are greener in colour. Young royal parrotfinches are duller with a dull blue head. This species has a high, thin voice and trilling song.

Threats

This species is threatened by commercial logging which has removed its natural habitat. There are also reports of small-scale cage-bird trade of royal parrotfinchs. The IUCN has classified the species as being vulnerable.

Conservation measures

It was suggested to implement a captive conservation breeding programme on Lake Letas Reserve, Gaua. It was also proposed to investigate any cage-bird trade, especially on Tongoa and Emae. The suggestion was to reduce commercial logging to conserve forest reserves, supporting the natural habitat of Lake Letas Reserve.

External links

• Species factsheet - BirdLife International