The Philippine hanging parrot, also commonly known as the colasisi from its local Tagalog name "kulasisi", is a small psittaculid parrot species endemic to the Philippines. It includes about 9 subspecies but formerly included the Camiguin hanging parrot and the Black-billed hanging parrot which have seen been recognized as distinct species. While it is listed as Least Concern in IUCN, some subspecies, such as L. p. chyrsonotus of Cebu and L. p. siquijorensis of Siquijor, may already be extinct. The species is threatened by habitat loss, but a bigger threat is trapping for the illegal wildlife trade; wild-caught birds are often sold as pets in streets and online selling groups.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Philippine archipelago, occurring on many islands from Luzon through the Visayas to Mindanao and outlying islands. It inhabits primary and secondary lowland forests, forest edges, and scrub, and often visits coconut groves, orchards, and gardens. The species tolerates moderately disturbed habitats where fruiting and flowering trees persist. It also uses mangroves and hill forests locally and may reach lower montane zones. Nesting typically occurs in tree cavities within wooded areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the colasisi (from Tagalog kulasisi), this tiny parrot often hangs upside down while feeding or roosting, a hallmark behavior of hanging parrots. It comprises multiple island subspecies with notable plumage differences; some insular forms may already be extinct. Although the species is assessed as Least Concern overall, trapping for the pet trade and habitat loss remain significant threats.
A Philippine postal stamp depicting a female (left) and male (right. While not specified, this depiction is likely of the apicalis subspecies.
L. p. bonapartei which has now been split into the Black-billed hanging parrot
A male L. p. philippensis eating fruit at Subic Bay, Luzon, Philippines.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
swift, direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small, noisy groups that move between fruiting and flowering trees. Nests in natural tree cavities, often lining the chamber with soft plant material; clutch sizes are small, and both parents tend the young. Known to roost and feed while hanging upside down, especially when accessing flowers.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin chatter and tinkling notes, often rendered as rapid tsit-tsit series. In flight it gives sharp contact calls; perched birds produce softer twitters and squeaks.
