Josephine's lorikeet is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is found in the highlands of New Guinea . Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest and subtropical or tropical moist montane forest.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs across the central cordillera of New Guinea, in both Papua New Guinea and Indonesian Papua. It frequents subtropical and tropical moist montane forest, mossy forest, and adjacent secondary growth and forest edges. The species may also visit lower montane foothills and occasionally tall lowland forest where flowers are abundant. It forages mainly in the canopy but will descend to flowering shrubs at forest margins. Local, elevation-following movements can occur in response to flowering cycles.
Altitude Range
500–2800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Josephine's lorikeet is a small, fast-moving parrot specialized for nectar feeding with a brush-tipped tongue. It inhabits the highlands of New Guinea and often travels in small, noisy groups between flowering trees. Pairs are strongly bonded and nest in tree cavities. Its reliance on seasonal blossoms can lead to local movements following blooms.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small, chattering groups moving quickly between flowering trees. Nests in natural tree cavities, with pairs defending the immediate nest area. Often associates loosely with other nectar-feeding birds when blossoms are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched, sharp chits and screeches delivered in rapid bursts during flight. When feeding, it gives softer, buzzy chatter and thin contact notes.
