The vernal hanging parrot is a small parrot which is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent and some other areas of Southeast Asia. It undergoes local movements, driven mainly by the availability of the fruit, seeds, buds and blossoms that make up its diet. They frequent the banyan tree for the fruit and plantain trees for the nectar from the flowers.
Region
South Asia and Mainland Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Indian subcontinent east through Bangladesh and Myanmar to Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and parts of Vietnam and Peninsular Malaysia. It inhabits evergreen and moist deciduous forests, forest edges, plantations, orchards, and well-wooded gardens. The species is especially attracted to fruiting figs (banyan) and flowering trees such as plantains. It tolerates human-modified landscapes provided large trees remain for feeding and nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A tiny, bright-green parrot that often sleeps and roosts hanging upside down—hence the name "hanging parrot." It makes short local movements tracking flowering and fruiting trees. Females commonly carry nesting material tucked into their rump feathers to line tree-cavity nests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; fast, direct flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small, chattering flocks, often high in the canopy. Nests in natural tree cavities, which the pair cleans and lines with plant fibers; the female incubates while the male often feeds her. Roosts communally and frequently hangs upside down when resting or sleeping.
Migratory Pattern
Resident with local seasonal movements
Song Description
High, thin, squeaky notes and sharp, metallic tsee-tsee calls, especially in flight. Vocalizations are rapid and repetitive, carrying well over the canopy but not melodious.
Plumage
Compact, bright grass-green plumage with a short, square tail; rump shows a distinct red patch. Flight feathers are darker green; underparts are yellowish-green. Bill is stout and orange-red.
Diet
Feeds mainly on soft fruits such as figs (banyan), berries, and other small fruits, along with flower buds and tender leaf shoots. Frequently takes nectar from plantains and other flowering trees. Will also nibble seeds within soft fruits and occasionally pollen.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the upper canopy of fruiting and flowering trees in forests, plantations, and large gardens. Often visits banyans, plantains, and other nectar-rich trees in semi-urban areas.
