Edward's Lorikeet

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scientific name

Trichoglossus haematodus capistratus

size

Length. 11 in
Wing: 5.3 - 5.9in
Tail: 3.6 - 4.6 in
Beak: 0.75- 0.9 in

characteristics

Head: dark-bluish-violet with lighter blue streaking on the forecrown and greenish streaking on the rear-crown
Throat: has some green
Breast: : bright yellow with red flecking
Belly: has green patch
Thighs: yellow with some green barring
Nape: bright yellowish-green
Back and Wings: bright green
Beak: orange-red
Eye: iris orange-red
Legs: gray

Behaviour: Form small noisy groups that feed acrobatically in the canopy " Frequently in mixed flocks with other parrots " form communal roost at night with hundreds of birds " Vocalization: sharp rolling screech at regular intervals in flight, shrill chattering while feeding, soft twittering at rest, loud clear musical call.

reproduction/life span

Nest in isolated pairs in high, unlined tree hollow " courtship display includes wing fluttering to reveal under wing pattern, swing upside-down, head-bobbing, tail-fanning and bill-fencing " 2-3 eggs laid " incubation 25 days " fledging 7-8 weeks " breeding recorded in most months.

diet

Wild: Mainly nectar and pollen but also fruit such as figs, citrus, papaya and mangos opened by fruit bats, moth pupae and insects
Zoo: 30% nectar, 30% fruit & vegetables (kale, grapes, apples, cantaloupe etc&), 30% bird of paradise pellets, 10% plants flowers and other novelty items.

habitat/range

Habitat: Most common in lowlands below 1640 ft. " Found in wide variety of habitats including settlements to forest, coconut plantations, savanna, and mangroves
Range: Timor Island, east Indonesia in Lesser Sundra islands.

status

CITES App. II

other

Previously referred to as rainbow lorikeets actually a distinct sub-species " Important pollinator for coconut species.

oregon zoo exhibit

Lorikeet Landing

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