Vernal Hanging Parrot
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| Loriculus vernalis Sparrman, 1787 |
The Vernal Hanging Parrot (Loriculus vernalis) is a small parrot which is a resident breeder from India eastwards to Southeast Asia. In Sri Lanka, it is replaced by the very similar endemic Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, (L. beryllinus). It undergoes local movements, driven mainly by the availability of the fruit, seeds, buds and blossoms that make up its diet.
Vernal Hanging Parrot is a bird of dry jungle and cultivation. It nests in holes in trees, laying 2-4 white eggs.
This is a small, mainly green hanging parrot, only 14 cm long with a short tail. The adult has a red rump and bill, and blue throat patch.
Immature birds have a duller rump, and lack the throat patch.
Vernal Hanging Parrot is less gregarious than some of its relatives, and is usually in small groups outside the breeding season. Its flight is swift and direct, and the call is a raucous chattering.
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Loriculus vernalis. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- Birds of India by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6
