DISTRIBUTION
Timor and the surrounding Lesser Sunda islands of Tanimbar, Wetar, Babar Damar and Romang (Indonesia).
DESCRIPTION
Smallest of the parrot finches, 9 to 10 cm total length. Dimorphic.
Adult male has a deep cobalt blue head and breast, royal blue on
the edges. The back is bright green as are the wings but with some
black edging. The upper-tail coverts are red fading somewhat to the
end of the short tail. The beak is black. The hen is similar but the
colours are duller, in particular the blue of the breast.
HABITAT
The edges of the eucalyptus forest, grassland and bamboo thickets
at elevations from sea level to 1500 m.
BEHAVIOUR
Very little is known at this point about its habits in the wild.
It appears to be uncommon. Seen usually in pairs or in small
family groups. It appears to nest high near the tops of palm trees.
It feeds near the edges of forests to benefit from the abundance of
grass seeds and the proximity to tree cover which is required for
security and for nesting.
DIET
Its diet comprises mostly of the seeds of herbaceous plants.
The seeds are de-husked and only the nutritious inside is
consumed.
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