Pygmy parrot inspection

Correction 10 September 2009: Since the Lost Land of the Volcano programme was broadcast on Tuesday 8 September, we've learnt that this parrot may have been mis-identified. Ornithologist Dr Jack Dumbacher now believes the parrots filmed may be yellow-capped pygmy parrots (Micropsitta keiensis), not buff-faced pygmy parrots (Micropsitta pusio). At an average height of 9 to 9.5cm, the closely-related yellow-capped pygmy parrots are slightly taller than buff-faced pygmy parrots.

Weighing in at just half an ounce a buff-faced pygmy parrot, is the smallest species of parrot in the world, found only in the forests of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. It has been caught by the scientists in camp so they can extract some DNA, and its diminutive size is more apparent while it is held in Gordon's hands.