Stella's lorikeet is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to New Guinea, where Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occurs in subtropical to tropical moist montane and cloud forests, favoring mossy, flower-rich canopy and forest edges. It uses mature forest but will also visit secondary growth and high-elevation gardens when flowering trees and shrubs are abundant. Birds are typically seen in the upper canopy, sometimes descending to forest edges to feed. Local movements follow flowering phenology along ridges and valleys.
Altitude Range
1200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Stella's lorikeet is a small, fast-flying lorikeet of New Guinea’s montane cloud forests, often encountered in pairs or small, noisy groups high in the canopy. Like other lorikeets, it has a brush-tipped tongue specialized for harvesting nectar and pollen. It also follows seasonal flowering, moving locally to track blooms. Its alternate name is the Mount Goliath lorikeet.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; fast, direct flier
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small, vocal groups that move quickly between flowering trees. Monogamous pairs nest in tree cavities lined with wood dust. Clutch size is small, and breeding timing often coincides with peak flowering.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, high-pitched chattering and thin screeches, often given in flight. Perched birds produce rapid chatter and buzzy notes while feeding.
Plumage
Compact lorikeet with predominantly bright red body, contrasting dark cap, and green wings; small pointed tail. A bluish ear patch is often visible, with darker flight feathers and tail tips.
Diet
Primarily nectar and pollen taken from a variety of flowering trees, shrubs, and epiphytes, using a brush-tipped tongue. Also consumes soft fruits and occasionally ingests small invertebrates while foraging among blossoms. Feeds opportunistically, shifting areas as different species come into bloom.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy of montane forest and along flowering edges and clearings. Frequently visits flowering epiphytes and mistletoes and may descend to gardens with blooming ornamentals at high elevations.
