Red-Browed Fig Parrot

The Red-browed Fig Parrot is primarily active during the early morning and late afternoon, foraging chiefly in the mid to upper canopy of tropical rainforests. It is often observed in pairs or small flocks of up to six individuals. Socially, these parrots exhibit strong pair bonds, frequently preening one another and vocalizing to maintain contact. Their flight is swift and direct, characterized by rapid wingbeats and short glides between perches. They produce high-pitched, shrill calls that carry through dense foliage. Outside of foraging, the parrots roost communally in tree hollows and dense foliage, where they engage in mutual preening and rest. Though adept at navigating forest interiors, they occasionally visit plantations and gardens adjacent to forest edges, demonstrating a degree of adaptability to modified landscapes.

The diet of the Red-browed Fig Parrot consists predominantly of ripe figs and other soft fruits, which it plucks directly with its sturdy bill. They also consume berries, seeds, and the nectar of flowering trees when available. Additionally, these parrots opportunistically feed on the larvae of wood-boring beetles and other small insect prey hidden in decaying branches. Foraging typically occurs in the canopy, where fruiting fig trees provide a reliable food source year-round. The combination of high-carbohydrate fruits and protein-rich insects ensures a balanced nutritional intake for energy and muscle maintenance. During the breeding season, increased consumption of insect larvae supports the higher protein demands of egg production and chick growth. Seasonal variations in fruit availability lead to temporary shifts in feeding to secondary food sources, such as wild berries and tree nuts.

Red-browed Fig Parrots form monogamous pairs that excavate nest cavities in decaying tree stumps and branches. During the breeding season, which spans from August to January, females lay clutches of three to four eggs. Both parents share incubation duties for approximately 18 to 20 days and later feed and protect the hatchlings. Chicks fledge around six weeks after hatching but remain with parents for several months before attaining full independence.

Although restricted to a relatively small range between Cooktown and Paluma in northern Queensland, the Red-browed Fig Parrot maintains stable local populations in suitable rainforest and woodland habitats. Exact global numbers are not quantified, but sightings suggest consistent presence. Habitat loss from deforestation and cyclone impacts pose occasional threats. Conservation measures, including habitat protection within national parks and private reserves, help preserve populations and ensure long-term stability of this woodland specialist.