Great-Billed Parrot (Tanygnathus megalorhynchos )

Size: 14 to 16 inches (40 cm)

Country of Origin: 
Indigenous to Indonesia and New Guinean islands

Status: 2005 IUCN Red List Category "Least Concern"

During the last few years some breeders have had ongoing success with the Great Billed parrot and they have begun to appear in the pet market, as have the Phillipine Blue Nape.  Although they make beautifully elegant pets, with good talking ability, they are sometimes known as one of the touch-me-not parrots. Those kept as pets seem to thoroughly enjoy the company of their people but not much touching, an occasional kiss on the beak or back being more to their liking. They are typically very good eaters and enjoy a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds in their diet.   Since the dietary needs are yet unknown, it has been suggested by vets who have seen them over the years, to keep additives to a minimum, especially in the form of pellets containing added calcium and Vitamin D. Recent findings from an ongoing study by Dr. David Phelan of Texas A&M University also indicates that the Tanygnathus need more fat in their diet than previously thought and we have suggested that each bird receive at least one cup of a good seed mix daily, in addition 6-8 large nuts and approximately two cups of fresh fruits and vegetables. Problems encountered with female aggression when pairs are set up for breeding can be greatly lessened if pairs are provided large flights (recommend at least 4x4x10) with separate feeding stations for each bird. Some keeping Great Billed Parrots as pets have experienced problems with picking or plucking of feathers. It is felt if they are provided with a large cage (large Amazon or Macaw-sized) with many toys, consistent out-time on a large playpen, frequent baths, and a very good diet, this problem can be avoided. For anyone who has had the pleasure of keeping any of the Tanygnathus, these added considerations are well worth the effort.

 -- June Dinger, President of The Tanygnathus Society, 2003

Philippine Blue Nape Parrot (Tanygnathus lucionensis)

Size: 10 to 12 inches (30 cm)

Country of Origin: 
Indigenous to Indonesia and the Philippine Islands

Status: 2000 IUCN Red List Category "Lower Risk/Near threatened"

This species is the smallest of the Tanygnathus genus that is "commonly" kept in US Aviculture. They are found naturally occurring throughout the Philippines and the Talaud Islands, usually in secondary forests and forest edges.

The Blue-nape strongly resembles the great-billed parrot, but is smaller, has a obvious blue suffusion across the crown and nape, and not as defined pattern on the wing coverts. The differences between the male and female are not obvious.

The diet is the same as the great-bills and the Muller's, with a high concentration of seeds, nuts, and fruits in our sprout mix. I try to pick out the smaller, easier to shell almonds for the blue napes.

These outgoing little guys are very interactive and talkative. The males seem more able and willing to talk, but I have had females talking and vocalizing.  They can emit a sharp screech in alarm, but for the most part are not too loud.  They are generally very active, and require space, toys, and attention.

This is the one species of the Tanygnathus genus that does not exhibit as much female aggression.  Both of my pairs have slept in the nest-boxes together, and have worked out a harmonious relationship, sharing food bowls and space.  We have discovered , though, that the Philippine Blue Nape is probably the most weather sensitive of the Tanygnathus.

--Cathi Graham     Hill Country Aviaries

Müller's Parrots

Size: 10 to 12 inches (30 cm)

Country of Origin: 
Indigenous to Indonesia and the Philippine Islands

Status: 2005 IUCN Red List Category "Least Concern"

This medium sized member of the Tanygnathus genus is found naturally occurring in the islands of Sulewesi, Sangir, Talaud, and the Philippines. Their habitat is usually in the lowlands and lower montane forests. The Müller's Parrot is noticeably smaller than the Great Billed Parrot, but larger than the Philippine Blue Naped Parrot.  I would consider their size to be compared to the Lilac Crowned Amazon, weighing approximately 300 grams. 

These birds are not as colorful or patterned as the Great Billed or Blue-Naped Parrots.  But, the blue on their lower back, rump, and wing bend is pronounced, especially in the mature males. There is a distinct "lacing" of yellow-green on the wing coverts. The mature Müller's Parrots are sexually dimorphic, the bill of the male being orange-red, and the female being a horn color.  This difference in color is not evident until the birds are over a year old.

The young males begin to change bill color after 10 months old, with a gradual changeover to full red bills by about 18 months of age. The hens have a larger bare skin area around the eyes.

The diet of the Müller's Parrot is basically the same as the other Tanygnathus parrots, with a need for extra seed and nuts in their daily diet.  They don't seem as willing or able to crack the bigger nuts, but do relish the peanuts, almonds, and molucca nuts.  Although, there is pellet in our basic sprout mix, the percentage is low.

The Müller's Parrots usually mature between 3 and 4 years old.  The hen does have the tendency to be aggressive to the male.  There should be 2 bowls of food, so that the hen does not prevent the male from eating. Our proven pair does not show that behavior. I have never observed the male entering the nest box.  Generally, the hen will lay 2-3 eggs.  However, we have only ever had 2 live hatches per clutch. The incubation period is  25- 26 days. 

The babies are born with white fuzz. They generally wean in 3 1/2 to 4 months. At weaning, they are very playful and vocal, definitely responding to activity or noise around them. Although, we have not raised any of the babies to be pets, I feel that they could become interactive pet birds with some speaking ability. 

Every one of our Müller's parrots make distinct and different vocalizations... some being loud and harsh, but other sounds being almost comical.  I can not describe some of the sounds that the Müller's have made, but if there is a strange, unrecognizable sound  - I know that it is coming from one of the Müller's. The one other observation that we have noticed here on the farm, is that these little guys seem more resilient than the other Tanygnathus.

We are not sure if this is because there are so few of them to observe, or if they really are more hardy.  We have only experienced one case of mate aggression (they were separated before any real injuries occurred) and one of frostbitten toes.  I'm looking forward to many happy, healthy clutches of these little guys.

--Cathi Graham     Hill Country Aviaries