The Sula hanging parrot is a small species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to forest and nearby habitats on the Banggai and Sula Islands in Indonesia.
Region
Wallacea (eastern Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Sula Islands of Indonesia, where it occupies lowland and foothill forests. It frequents primary and secondary rainforest, forest edges, and wooded plantations such as coconut and fruit groves. The species also visits village gardens and mixed agroforestry mosaics when flowering or fruiting trees are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This tiny parrot roosts and often rests upside-down like a bat, which gives hanging parrots their name. It is swift and inconspicuous in dense foliage, usually detected by its high, tinkling calls. Subtle differences between males and females are easiest to see at close range, with males typically showing brighter red patches.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, loose groups, often high in the canopy. Pairs maintain close contact while foraging and may join mixed-species feeding aggregations at fruiting trees. Nesting is in natural tree cavities or decayed stumps, with the pair defending a small area around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, tinkling notes given in rapid series, often while in flight. Contact calls are sharp and metallic, carrying well above the canopy.
Plumage
Compact, predominantly bright green with a contrasting red rump; males show a small red throat patch and slightly brighter tones. Underparts are yellowish-green with a clean, glossy texture; flight feathers can show a bluish wash. Females are generally duller with reduced red on the throat.
Diet
Feeds mainly on soft fruits, berries, figs, nectar, and pollen. It also takes buds and blossoms and may ingest small quantities of soft seeds. Occasional consumption of tiny invertebrates may occur incidentally while feeding on flowers.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the upper and mid canopy, visiting flowering and fruiting trees. Frequently uses forest edges and cultivated areas where nectar and fruit are abundant.
