Papuan Lorikeet

Wild male Papuan Lorikeet
© Patty McGann | Flickr [CC BY-SA 2.0]

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Did You Know?

Three out of the four races of this species have melanistic (dark) phases. The nominate has no dark colouration.

Academic Research

Related publications: Charmosyna papou

Species Profile

Genus: Charmosyna | Species: papou

Size:

25cm (9.75 in)

Weight:

90-115g (3.1-4 oz)

Races including nominate:

four: C.p.papou, C.p. stellae, C.p. goliathina, C.p. wahnesi

Colour Adult:

C.p. papou: Both adults in general red; dark green mantle and wings; pale blue streaked in front of black patch on rump; thin black band across hindneck; blue patch on rump and upper tail coverts; lower flanks and sides of breast have yellow patches; black thighs and abdominal band with purple shine; red underwing coverts; green tail tipped with yellow. Bill orange/red. Eye yellow/orange.
C.p. stellae: (Has melanistic phase, where red is replaced with black) male-black patch reaching from occiput to hindneck and streaked in front with purple/blue; black lower flanks, yellow absent; yellow on sides of breast absent; centre tail feathers elongated and widely tipped with yellow/orange. Female-as in male but lower back and sides of rump yellow.
C.p. goliathina: (Has melanistic phase) both adults as in stellae, but with long central tail feathers widely tipped with yellow.
C.p. wahnesi: (Has melanistic phase) both adults as in stellae, but with broad yellow band across upper abdomen.

Colour Juvenile:

C.p. papou: In general duller than adults; with black margins on feathers of neck and breast; duller blue patch on rump less extensive; yellow underwing band in varying proportions; central tail feathers considerably shorter. Bill brown/orange tipper with black. Eye dark brown.
C.p. stellae: In general duller than adults; with black margins on feathers of neck and breast; yellow underwing band in varying proportions; elongated tips to central tail feathers absent.
C.p. goliathina: As in adults.
C.p. wahnesi: As in adults.

Call:

Are described as distinctive; in flight are loud and slurred in upward inflection; also quieter, mellower screech. When feeding or at rest emits a nasal, long note increasing in volume.

Video Links:

More Information:

Avibase
National Geographic Photo Ark
Handbook of Birds of the World

Content Sources:

Wild male Papuan Lorikeet
© Patty McGann | Flickr [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Photos

View in Gallery

Did You Know?

Three out of the four races of this species have melanistic (dark) phases. The nominate has no dark colouration.

Academic Research

Related publications: Charmosyna papou

Species Care

Captive Status:

Uncommon

Longevity:

15+ yrs

Housing:

Aviary with concrete, sloping floor towards drain, or suspended enclosure over concrete base.

Diet:

Nectar, either a commercial type or homemade from baby cereal (lactose-free), honey and malt extract or molasses, mixed with filtered water and made fresh daily; fruit (once or twice daily) such as: apple, pear, banana, orange, cactus fruits; vegetables such as: carrot, fresh corn on the cob or unsalted tinned sweet corn, green leaves such as Swiss chard, lettuce or dandelion; rearing food made from hard-boiled egg, wholegrain bread and carrot, all ground to a crumbly consistency.

Enrichment:

Avid bathers, provide water bowls or spray misters once a day; socialization; large enclosure for daily flights. Also provide swings, ladders and other toys, all easy to clean, to appeal to the acrobatic nature of this species.

Nest Box Size:

Vertical box 6" x 6" x 12" (15.2cm x 15.2cm x 30.5cm).

Clutch Size:

2

Incubation Time:

26 days or more

Fledging Age:

60 days

Hatch Weight:

4g (0.14 oz)

Peak Weight:

Not recorded.

Weaning Weight:

Not recorded.

Specialist Club:

The Lory Link

Wild male Papuan Lorikeet
© Patty McGann | Flickr [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Photos

View in Gallery

Did You Know?

Three out of the four races of this species have melanistic (dark) phases. The nominate has no dark colouration.

Academic Research

Related publications: Charmosyna papou

Species Wild Status

World Population:

Unknown, stable.

IUCN Red List Status:

Least Concern

CITES Listing:

Appendix II

Threat Summary:

Hunting for feathers which are sought after for tribal head-dresses and capture for the wild bird trade are not thought, at this time, to be factors affecting population size.

Range:

C.p. papou: Vogelkop Mountains, W Irian Jaya.
C.p. stellae: Mountains of E Papua New Guinea, west to Angabunga River and Herzog Mountains.
C.p. goliathina: Mountains of western and central New Guinea, from head of Geelvink Bay, Irian Jaya, east to C Papua New Guinea.
C.p. wahnesi: Mountains of Huon Peninsula, N Papua New Guinea.

Habitat:

Found up to 3500m (11,480 ft) in Nothofagus-Podocarpus forest.

Wild Diet:

Feeds on nectar, pollen, possibly flowers, flower buds, fruits and small seeds.

Ecology and Behaviour:

Usually seen in pairs or groups. Very active and agile. Moves through trees with jerky movements flicking their long tails.

Clutch and Egg Size:

2 eggs, 24.5 x 22.5mm (0.9 x 0.8 in)

Breeding Season:

Possibly August, with young birds seen in October and November.

Related Links:

Wikipedia

Wild male Papuan Lorikeet
© Patty McGann | Flickr [CC BY-SA 2.0]

Photos

View in Gallery

Did You Know?

Three out of the four races of this species have melanistic (dark) phases. The nominate has no dark colouration.

Academic Research

Related publications: Charmosyna papou

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