The great hanging parrot, also called Celebes hanging parrot, Sulawesi hanging parrot and maroon-rumped hanging parrot, is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to Sulawesi and nearby smaller islands in Indonesia, where it occurs in forest, secondary growth and tall mangrove.
Region
Sulawesi and nearby islands (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
It inhabits lowland and hill rainforests, tall secondary growth, and tall mangrove stands around Sulawesi and adjacent islets. The species is commonly seen along forest edges, riverine corridors, and in mixed-agroforestry where flowering and fruiting trees are abundant. It also forages in coconut groves and village orchards, especially when native food sources are scarce. Despite tolerance for modified habitats, it remains most numerous in intact forest mosaics.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Hanging parrots are named for their habit of roosting and feeding while hanging upside down, bat-like. The great hanging parrot helps pollinate flowering trees as it visits blossoms for nectar and pollen. Males show a red throat patch absent in females, aiding quick sex identification in the field. It adapts well to forest edges and mangroves, and may visit gardens with fruiting or flowering trees.
Nominate subspecies L. s. stigmatus in Sulawesi
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually occurs in pairs or small, noisy parties that move quickly through the canopy. Nests in tree cavities, often in soft or decayed wood, and lines the nest with plant material. Courtship includes mutual preening and food-sharing. Roosts communally and often hangs upside down while resting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched, thin squeaks and sharp chits, frequently delivered in rapid series while in flight. When perched, it emits soft chattering and twittering notes. Overall vocalizations are bright and penetrating, carrying well over the forest canopy.
Plumage
Compact, predominantly bright green plumage with a glossy sheen; rump and undertail coverts distinctly maroon. Male typically shows a small red throat/chin patch; wings with darker green flight feathers and a bluish tinge near the tail. Underparts are lighter green, with a short, squared tail.
Diet
Feeds mainly on soft fruits such as figs and berries, as well as nectar and pollen from a variety of flowering trees. It also takes buds and occasionally seeds, and may ingest small invertebrates incidentally while foraging among blossoms. Seasonal movements within the home range track flowering and fruiting peaks.
Preferred Environment
Most foraging occurs high in the canopy, especially in flowering trees and fruiting figs. It also visits mangrove blossoms and edges of secondary forest, and may enter gardens with coconut or other fruit trees.
