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Kuhl's Lorikeet  (Vini kuhlii)

Also Known As: Kuhl's Lory, Kuhl's Ruffed Lorikeet, Ruby Lorikeet, Scarlet-breasted Lorikeet, Rimatara Lorikeet
 
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Kuhl’s Lorikeet

Credit: © Peter Odekerken | http://www.parrotimages.com.au
 
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Did You Know?
Rats are a major threat to the Kuhl's Lorikeet, eating their eggs, young and the often the adults themselves.

Status in the Wild
World Population:
<2000

Range: Rimatara and possibly Tubuai, or Austral Islands, C Polynesia. Introduced to Washington, Fanning and Kiritimati Islands in the Line Group, Kiribati. Recently reintroduced to Atiu in the Cook Islands.

Habitat:
Found in mixed horticultural woodland, forested valleys growing coconuts, and ground habitation. On Teraina (Washington) Island it is confined to coconut plantations.

Threat Summary:
Exploitation for this species' red feathers is the reason for its prehistoric extinction on the Cook Islands. A significant modern threat on other islands is the black rat, Rattus rattus.

IUCN Rating:
Endangered

Wild Diet:
Feeds on nectar and pollen, preferring coconut palms.

CITES Rating:
Appendix II

Ecology:
Prefers being in pairs or small flocks; is often seen flying above tree tops. Prefers to feed in coconut palms.

Clutch and Egg Size:
Not available

Breeding Season:
January-March

Project Status (WPT):
WPT has recently (2007) provided funds through its Action Grants Programme for the conservation of this bird.
See: http://www.parrots.org/index.php/ourwork/kuhls_lory/

Links to Other Project(s):
http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-news/latest-bird-news/kuhls-lorikeet-project.aspx

http://www.lorysociety.com/kuhls.htm

More Info Sites:
http://cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/species.asp?id=8851

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rimatara_Lorikeet