The Pohnpei lorikeet, known as serehd in Pohnpeian, is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to the island of Pohnpei and the nearby Ant Atoll in Micronesia. Historically the species also occurred on Namoluk Atoll near Chuuk, and the species may once have had a wider distribution throughout Micronesia than it does today.
Region
Micronesia, Caroline Islands
Typical Environment
Found primarily on the high volcanic island of Pohnpei and the nearby Ant Atoll. It occupies native rainforest, secondary growth, agroforestry mosaics, and coastal vegetation, frequently visiting flowering trees and coconut plantations. The species forages from canopy to midstory and readily uses gardens with nectar-rich plants. Historical records suggest a wider distribution on surrounding atolls in the past, but it is now concentrated in Pohnpei’s forests and human-modified habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Locally called 'serehd', this lorikeet is restricted to Pohnpei and nearby atolls in Micronesia. It has a brush-tipped tongue specialized for feeding on nectar and pollen, making it an important pollinator of native and cultivated plants. Its small island range makes it sensitive to habitat changes and invasive predators. Pairs are often conspicuous around flowering coconut and pandanus stands.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight between feeding sites
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, sometimes forming loose flocks at abundant food sources. Pairs maintain close contact calls while foraging and defend favored flowering trees. Nesting is in tree cavities, with both parents involved in care. Territorial intensity increases around nesting and peak blooming periods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched screeches and chattering trills, often given in flight. While feeding, birds produce softer conversational warbles and contact calls. Alarm notes are louder, rasping screeches.
Plumage
Mostly deep maroon to rusty-brown body with contrasting green wings and tail; plumage appears smooth and glossy. Underparts are predominantly maroon, with green edging on flight feathers. The bill is bright orange and the iris reddish, giving a vivid facial contrast.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar and pollen, using a brush-tipped tongue to sweep flowers. Also takes soft fruits such as pandanus and breadfruit and occasionally laps juices from overripe fruit. It may ingest small amounts of plant matter and incidental insects while foraging among blossoms. Coconut, Hibiscus, and Freycinetia are frequent food sources around villages and forest edges.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the canopy and upper midstory of native forest, secondary woodland, and coconut groves. Often visits gardens, plantations, and roadside flowering trees where nectar is plentiful. Foraging is concentrated at trees in peak bloom.
