Blue-naped parrot

The blue-naped parrot, also known by various names such as the blue-crowned green parrot, Luzon parrot, Philippine green parrot, and locally as pikoy, is a vibrant bird species native to the Philippines. Originally described in 1760 by Mathurin Jacques Brisson as Psittacus lucionensis, it was subsequently included by Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work, Systema Naturae. Currently, the species is classified under the genus Tanygnathus and comprises four subspecies.

This medium-sized parrot, measuring approximately 31 cm in length, is primarily green but is distinguished by striking blue markings on its crown, nape, lower back, and rump. In addition to the Philippines, these parrots can also be found on the Talaud Islands and some islands off the northern and eastern coasts of Borneo. They thrive in secondary forests, forest edges, and plantations, up to elevations of 1,000 meters. Typically, these birds are observed in small flocks of fewer than a dozen individuals. Their diet consists of a variety of fruits and seeds, including mangoes, berries, nuts, and grains, and they commonly nest in tree cavities.

Unfortunately, habitat loss and trapping have significantly reduced their populations in many areas, with some exceptions such as the islands of Mindoro and Palawan. The Katala Foundation has raised concerns about the increasing illegal trade of these birds in Palawan, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts.