The yellow-cheeked lorikeet is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to Sulawesi in Indonesia. It is generally common.
Region
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Typical Environment
Occurs across Sulawesi in primary and secondary evergreen forests, forest edges, and wooded plantations. It favors flowering trees in the mid- to upper canopy and often visits gardens and agroforestry areas with abundant blossoms. The species can persist in moderately disturbed habitats provided mature nectar sources remain. Local movements track the timing and location of flowering events.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This lorikeet has a brush-tipped tongue adapted for lapping nectar and pollen, making it an important pollinator of flowering trees. It travels widely between blooming trees and can gather in noisy groups when food is abundant. Although generally common, its local presence can fluctuate with flowering cycles. It adapts to forest edges and plantations but depends on access to flowering canopy trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy flocks, sometimes joining mixed-species feeding aggregations at flowering trees. Nests in tree cavities, with strong pair bonds and cooperative defense of nest sites. Breeding is often timed to coincide with peak flowering.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are energetic, with sharp chattering and screeching contact calls given in flight. At feeding sites and roosts they produce a constant, buzzy chatter with occasional harsher squawks.
