Stephen's lorikeet, also known as the Henderson lorikeet or the Henderson Island Lorikeet, is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to Henderson Island in the Pitcairn Islands of the South Pacific.
Region
South Pacific (Pitcairn Islands)
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Henderson Island, where it occupies coastal scrub and interior evergreen thickets on the uplifted coral limestone plateau. It forages widely through flowering shrubs and trees, moving between patches as blooms appear. The species uses natural cavities in trees and dense vegetation for nesting and shelter. Its habitat is relatively undisturbed, but its extreme isolation means limited habitat diversity.
Altitude Range
0–33 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Stephen's lorikeet is confined to remote, uninhabited Henderson Island, a raised coral atoll in the Pitcairn Islands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like other lorikeets, it has a brush-tipped tongue adapted for sipping nectar and pollen from flowers. Its tiny range makes it vulnerable to invasive species and stochastic events, so ongoing protection of Henderson Island is crucial.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in small, noisy parties that move quickly between flowering trees. Breeds in cavities and dense vegetation; pairs are likely monogamous and defend nest sites. Flocks break into pairs during breeding and regroup when foraging resources are abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high-pitched series of sharp chattering notes interspersed with squeaky contact calls. In flight it gives rapid, scolding screeches; at rest the calls soften to twitters and trills.
Plumage
Predominantly green with a bright red face and throat, and touches of blue around the ear coverts; underwings show yellowish tones. Feathers are sleek and compact, giving a glossy, clean-edged appearance.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar and pollen, using a brush-tipped tongue to extract floral resources. Also takes soft fruits and occasionally small invertebrates for protein. It shifts foraging sites with flowering phenology and may follow daily routes between reliable trees. Seasonal and localized blooms strongly influence its diet composition.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the canopy and mid-story of flowering shrubs and trees, and along forest edges. Uses coastal scrub and interior thickets where blossoms are abundant.
