The Sangihe hanging parrot is a small parrot endemic to the small island of Sangihe, north of Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Sangihe Island, where it uses remaining primary forest on ridges and montane slopes, as well as secondary growth, forest edges, gardens, and coconut groves. It forages in the canopy and along flowering and fruiting trees in village margins. The species tolerates some habitat alteration but depends on patches of mature trees for nesting cavities. Most observations come from the Sahendaruman massif, which holds the island’s largest block of forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This tiny parrot is confined to Sangihe Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, where it frequents forests, edges, and fruiting trees. Like other hanging parrots, it often sleeps and feeds while hanging upside down. It is an important local pollinator and seed disperser. Ongoing habitat loss on Sangihe makes the species a conservation concern.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, fast-moving parties that commute between fruiting and flowering trees. Nests in natural cavities in mature trees, with pairs defending small territories around nest sites. Uses hanging postures for resting and preening and may roost communally outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin tinkling notes and rapid twittering trills. In flight it gives sharp, piercing seee or tsee calls that carry over the canopy.
Plumage
Compact, mostly bright green with a glossy sheen; males show a small red throat patch and bright red rump. Wings are green with bluish edges and the undertail is yellowish. Bill is orange-red and the plumage appears clean and unbarred.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar, soft fruits (such as figs and other small berries), and flower buds. Also takes pollen and occasionally small invertebrates while probing blossoms. It moves quickly between flowering trees and may feed in mixed-species flocks when resources are abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of primary and secondary forest, as well as along edges, gardens, and coconut plantations. Frequently visits flowering trees in village areas and forest margins.
