The West Papuan lorikeet is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Western New Guinea Highlands
Typical Environment
Occupies montane and cloud forests, favoring mossy ridges, forest edges, and flowering trees in the canopy. It uses old-growth forest but also visits secondary growth and high-elevation gardens when nectar is abundant. The species forages mainly in the upper canopy but will descend to mid-story along fruiting or flowering shrubs. Local movements track blooms across elevations and ridgelines.
Altitude Range
1000–3500 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This highland lorikeet has a brush-tipped tongue adapted for sipping nectar and pollen from flowers. It shows strong sexual dimorphism, with males bearing striking red-and-black plumage while females are greener overall. It often makes local altitudinal movements to follow flowering trees and can gather in noisy groups at abundant nectar sources.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, fast-moving groups, sometimes forming larger noisy flocks at flowering trees. Nests in tree cavities lined with wood dust or chips. Pairs are attentive and may defend nectar-rich trees against other lorikeets.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are sharp, high-pitched screeches and buzzing chatters delivered in rapid bursts. In flight it gives piercing contact calls; at feeding sites it adds chattering trills and scolds.
Plumage
Males are glossy black on the head and upper breast with vivid scarlet mantle and underparts; wings are green and the tail is long and tapered with pale tips. Females are predominantly green with red highlights on the face and underparts and a shorter-looking, still tapered tail. Both sexes show a sleek, long-tailed silhouette typical of lorikeets.
Diet
Specialized for nectar and pollen from a variety of flowering trees and shrubs, using a brush-tipped tongue. Also consumes soft fruits, buds, and occasionally seeds. Will take small invertebrates incidentally while foraging among blossoms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of montane and cloud forests and along forest edges. Frequently visits flowering trees in clearings, ridges, and high-elevation gardens.
