Tanygnathus everetti
The Blue-backed Parrot (Tanygnathus everetti) is a striking medium-sized parrot, endemic to the Philippines, measuring approximately 30-31 cm (12 inches) in length. Its plumage is predominantly vibrant green, but its most distinguishing feature is the bright blue upper back and rump, often extending to the crown and nape, contrasting beautifully with its emerald body. The wings are dark green with deep blue primaries, and it possesses a remarkably large, bright red bill and piercing yellow ey...
Primarily inhabits primary and secondary lowland forests, forest edge, disturbed wooded areas, plantations, and cultivation, from sea level up to 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) in elevation.
Feeds primarily on a variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, and possibly flowers, foraging mainly in the canopy and sub-canopy layers of the forest.
A diurnal species, the Blue-backed Parrot is typically observed in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming larger, loose flocks when food sources are abundant. They are largely arboreal, spending most of their time high in the forest canopy, often detected by their distinctive vocaliza...
The Blue-backed Parrot is endemic to the Philippines, with a wide but fragmented distribution across many islands. Its range includes major islands such as Luzon, Polillo, Catanduanes, Mindoro, Ticao, Masbate, Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Mindanao, and the Palawan group. It is a resident species, ...
Least Concern
- The scientific name *Tanygnathus* means "long jaw," a direct reference to the parrot's impressively large and strong bill. - It is named after Alfred Everett, a 19th-century British naturalist and administrator who worked extensively in Southeast Asia. - Despite its relatively widespread distri...