Discovering parrot species is only as small as a thumb

The world's smallest parrot, the size of the adult's thumb, was first discovered in Papua New Guinea.

Tiny bird - scientific name is Micropsitta pusio - less than 9 cm high and weighs 11.5 grams. They are even smaller than some insects that live in the forest.

(Photo: BBC)

An expedition to film for the BBC's " Lost Volcanic Region " program has captured images of micro-parrots in lowlands throughout Papua New Guinea.

Males and females look alike but females have fewer highlights at the beginning. They have yellowish green hair in the breast area while the cheeks, face and head are brown in cowhide. Micro parrots nest in mounds, use mines and claws to dig holes before the female lays eggs in it.

These parrots do not eat fruits and nuts but eat lichen and mushrooms. However, scientists do not yet understand their eating habits, so it is difficult to breed this bird in a cage.