The Mindanao lorikeet or Mount Apo lorikeet is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is only found in the Philippines on the island of Mindanao. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forests. It is threatened by habitat loss and trapping for the illegal wildlife trade. IUCN estimates the population to be as low as 1,500 individuals with it going locally extinct in areas of its range.
Region
Mindanao, southern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in tropical moist montane and mossy forests on Mindanao, with strongholds around protected highland massifs such as Mount Apo and Mount Kitanglad. It frequents forest edges, ridgelines, and clearings with abundant flowering trees. Birds move through the canopy and along forest edges, sometimes visiting adjacent gardens or agricultural areas when trees are in bloom. The species’ distribution has become increasingly fragmented by deforestation and trapping.
Altitude Range
1000–2500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Mount Apo lorikeet, this small parrot is confined to the high mountains of Mindanao in the southern Philippines. It specializes on nectar and pollen using a brush-tipped tongue, and often reveals itself by sharp chattering as it zips between flowering trees. Habitat loss and trapping have caused severe declines, and it has vanished from parts of its former range.
A captive Mindanao lorikeet in London Zoo
A Philippine postal stamp from 1969 featuring this species
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small, fast-moving flocks that track flowering trees. Strong pair bonds are typical, and breeding occurs in tree cavities within montane forest. Flocks sometimes join mixed-species feeding aggregations at abundant blossoms.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched chatters and squeaky screeches, often delivered in quick bursts as birds move between crowns. In flight it gives piercing, repeated calls that carry over ridgelines.
Plumage
Mostly bright grass-green with slightly paler yellowish-green underparts; flight feathers edged darker with yellowish tips to the tail. In flight, shows reddish underwing coverts and golden-yellow flashes near the tail. Compact, short-necked lorikeet with a slender brush-tipped tongue and lively movements.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar and pollen from flowering trees, using a brush-tipped tongue to lap up floral resources. Also consumes soft fruits such as figs and berries and will occasionally take small invertebrates. Seasonal availability of blooms drives local movements and flocking. May visit cultivated trees near forest margins when in flower.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of montane and mossy forests, especially along edges, ridges, and clearings with abundant blossoms. Frequently moves between flowering trees in rapid, direct flights and pauses to feed in the upper foliage.
