This bird is one of seven named in honour of the English naturalist Albert Stewart Meek, who collected many previously unknown birds and insects from Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific region.

[4] Meek's pygmy parrot has a cap, forehead, nape, and face of mid-brown with a yellow throat and underparts.

The remainder of the plumage is green, slightly darker on the back and wings, and paler on the belly.

They spend their day clambering about among the foliage of trees using their beaks, large feet, and stiffened tail feathers for support.

This may be due to the birds suffering from stress or to a lack of understanding of their dietary requirements.