The Sula lorikeet is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to the Sula Islands in Indonesia. It is found in forest and woodland at altitudes up to 2400 m. It is generally common.
Region
Wallacea, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Endemic to the Sula Islands, it occupies a range of wooded habitats including primary and secondary forest, forest edge, and wooded farmland. It readily visits village gardens, coconut groves, and flowering trees in plantations. Birds travel widely to track blooms and fruiting events and may gather where resources are abundant. The species tolerates moderate habitat alteration if flowering trees remain available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Sula lorikeet is a nectar- and pollen-feeding parrot with a brush-tipped tongue, making it an important pollinator of flowering trees. It is typically noisy and conspicuous, moving in small flocks between fruiting and flowering trees. Although generally common on its native islands, it can be sensitive to habitat loss and trapping pressure. Its bright colors and rapid, direct flight are characteristic of Trichoglossus lorikeets.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fast, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy flocks that commute between flowering trees. Nests are placed in natural cavities in tall trees; clutch size is typically two eggs. Breeding timing likely follows peaks in flowering and fruiting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Loud, high-pitched chattering and screeches carry over long distances. Calls accelerate during flight and when flocks gather at feeding trees.
Plumage
Predominantly bright green with a rusty to orange-red breast and belly tones, and yellow highlights on the underwing and flanks. Upperparts are green with a slightly paler green nape; the tail is mostly green with yellowish edges. In flight, the underwing shows yellowish panels contrasting with darker flight feathers.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar and pollen using a brush-tipped tongue. Also consumes soft fruits such as figs and berries, flower buds, and occasionally small insects for protein. Diet shifts seasonally based on flowering cycles, and birds may concentrate where trees are in heavy bloom.
Preferred Environment
Canopy and mid-story of forest, forest edge, and plantations with abundant flowering trees. Frequently visits coconut palms, Syzygium, and other nectar-rich trees in villages and along roads.
