From the Reise der österreichischen Fregatte Novara [...] Zoologischer Theil, A. Pelzeln, "Vögel": "The following specimens were shot in February and March 1858:

• A female on 8 March in Ulala Bay on Kamorta by Baron Wüllerstorf.
• One male by Baron Pöckh.
• One female on Kar Nicobar by Frigate Lieutenant Count Kielmannsegge.
• One female by Mr Bordcommissär Basso.
• One young male and one female by Mr Schiffsfähnrich Jacobi.
• One female and one specimen without designation of sex by Mr Zelebor.
• A male shot on 24 February in the Koko forest in the southern gorge of Kar Nicobar showed the iris white, the bill blood-red above, black below, the feet lead-grey, yellow on the horny shields. Total length 18", wingspan 22". –– Much more common than Palaeornis caniceps, and widespread over all the islands of the Nicobar group. The Nicobarese keep these parrots on perches in their huts and feed them a mash of grated coconut and the like. Zlbr. [Zelebor]" (pp. 97-98).