Alternative names: Pohnpei Lory; Ponape Lory
- Trichoglossus rubiginosus
Identification
24 cm. An unmistakable parrot.
- Rich maroon plumage with an olive wash to remiges and yellow outer webs of primaries
- Olive tail with yellow tip
- Some birds with very thin pale blue line around base of bill (although this could be the skin showing through worn feathers)
- Orange bill
- Deep golden eye
Sexes similar but females with yellowish bill and greyish white eyes. Immatures like adults.
Distribution
Endemic to Pohnpei , Federated States of Micronesia.
Common in its small range. State Bird of Pohnpei, so fully protected.
Taxonomy
This is a monotypic species.
Forms a superspecies with Olive-headed Lorikeet, Yellow-and-green Lorikeet, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet and Mindanao Lorikeet.
Habitat
Found from dense primary forest to plantations.
Behaviour
A rather tame species.
Diet
Feeds on nectar and pollen of coconut palms. Takes also fruit and fly larvae.
Breeding
Birds in breeding condition recorded in November. The nest is placed in a hole in a coconut palm or another large tree. Lays 1 egg.
Vocalisation
Rather more musical than other small parrots, fewer harsh, screeching notes.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, B.L. Sullivan, C. L. Wood, and D. Roberson. 2013. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: Version 6.8., with updates to August 2013. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Del Hoyo, J, A Elliot, and J Sargatal, eds. 1997. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 4: Sandgrouse to Cuckoos. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8487334221
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Pohnpei Lorikeet. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 4 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Pohnpei_Lorikeet
