Great-Billed Parrot
Description
The great-billed parrot (Tanygnathus megalorynchos) also known as Moluccan parrot or island parrot, is a medium-sized, approximately 38 cm long, green parrot with a massive red bill, cream iris, blackish shoulders, olive green back, pale blue rump and yellowish green underparts. The female is typically smaller than the male, but otherwise the sexes are similar.
The great-billed parrot is found in forest, woodland and mangrove in the south-east Asian islands of Maluku, Raja Ampat, Talaud, Sangir, Sarangani, the Lesser Sundas, and nearby small islands. The diet consists mainly of fruits.
It remains widespread and locally fairly common, and consequently has been rated as least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Scientific Name
Tanygnathus Megalorhynchos
Country Of Origin
Indonesian Islands
Size
16 inches
Life Expectancy
50-plus years
Noise Level
Quiet
Talk / Trick Ability
Excellent talkers; less interested in performing tricks
Characteristics
The great-billed parrot has an enormous beak (hence the name); however, they do not use their beaks for biting — they are known to be gentle parrots. They need a lot of things to chew on to exercise their beak, though. Although they are more reserved by nature, they might allow their owners to give them a kiss on the beak or back, or to gently stroke their feathers. They tend to want to be where their owners are, and enjoy time out with the family.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Great-billed parrots are known to be great eaters – their digestive systems are good at absorbing all of the nutrition from their food. Pelleted diets can be too rich for them and they have problems with over nutrition. They do well on a diet of fresh vegetables, fruit, cooked or sprouted grains and beans, as well as seed mix and nuts, but confirm with your avian veterinarian on the best diet for your great-billed parrot. Although great bills are generally quiet, they can be loud when excited and during breeding season. Because their large beaks can be destructive to objects around them, it is important to keep close watch on them when they are out of the cage and to provide them with sufficient branches and toys to chew when they are inside of the cage.
Expert Advice
“Great-billed parrots are extremely intelligent and very social pets. They are a more mellow parrot with the potential for a large vocabulary. While the beak may seem intimidating, great-billed parrots are extremely loving, gentle birds.”
Lisa Bell, Breeding Dreams Ranch, Fallbrook, Calif.