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Blue-crowned lorikeet

Blue-crowned lorikeet

Wikipedia

The blue-crowned lorikeet, also known as the blue-crowned lory, blue-crested lory, Solomon lory or Samoan lory, is a parrot found throughout the Lau Islands (Fiji), Tonga, Samoa, Niue and adjacent islands, including: ʻAlofi, Fotuhaʻa, Fulago, Futuna, Haʻafeva, Niuafoʻou, Moce, Niue, Ofu, Olosega, Samoa, Savaiʻi, Tafahi, Taʻu, Tofua, Tonga, Tungua, ʻUiha, ʻUpolu, Varoa, Vavaʻu, and Voleva. It is a 19 cm green lorikeet with a red throat, blue crown, and belly patch shading from red at the top to purple at the bottom.

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Distribution

Region

Polynesia, South Pacific

Typical Environment

Occurs across the Lau Islands of Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Niue, and nearby small islands and islets. It frequents coastal and lowland forest, secondary growth, coconut plantations, village gardens, and edges where flowering trees are abundant. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes provided nectar sources remain available. It is generally absent from dense montane forest interiors but can range upslope along ridges and clearings.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size17–20 cm
Wing Span24–28 cm
Male Weight0.05 kg
Female Weight0.045 kg
Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

This small lorikeet has a brush-tipped tongue specialized for sipping nectar and pollen from flowers. It is highly active and noisy around flowering trees and plays an important role in pollination across many Polynesian islands. Its vivid blue crown, red throat, and purplish belly patch make it easy to pick out against the green canopy.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with fast, direct flight

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy parties that move quickly between flowering trees. Breeding pairs nest in tree cavities, including coconut palms, and may defend small territories around nest sites. They often roost communally and forage cooperatively at rich nectar sources.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched screeches and chattering calls, especially in flight. At feeding sites they emit rapid, buzzy chatter and thin whistles used to keep contact with flock mates.

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