The black-billed hanging parrot is a hanging parrot native to the Sulu Archipelago of the Philippines. It was formerly conspecific with the Philippine hanging parrot.
Region
Southeast Asia (Philippines)
Typical Environment
Occurs only in the Sulu Archipelago, inhabiting lowland and foothill evergreen forest, forest edge, and secondary growth. It also frequents coconut groves, fruiting trees in villages, and mangroves when flowering. The species uses tree cavities for nesting, including old woodpecker holes and soft palm stumps. It is typically most common where flowering and fruiting trees are abundant and disturbance is moderate.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This tiny parrot roosts and sometimes feeds while hanging upside down, a trademark behavior of hanging parrots. Its all-dark bill distinguishes it from many Philippine relatives with reddish or horn-colored bills. It is confined to the Sulu Archipelago and is threatened by habitat loss and trapping. Conservation attention to remaining lowland forests and community protection is important for its survival.
An illusration by John Gerrard Keulemans
A male L. p. philippensis eating fruit at Subic Bay, Luzon, Philippines.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy groups that move quickly between fruiting or flowering trees. Nests in natural cavities or soft palm trunks; the pair bonds are strong and birds are often observed close together. Clutches are small, and nesting sites are defended against intruders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin whistles and squeaky notes delivered in short bursts during flight and while feeding. Contact calls are sharp and repetitive, carrying well over the canopy.
