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.