Ultramarine Lorikeet |
|
|
Also known as: Marquesas Lory, Goupil's Lory, Te Pihiti (Marquesas)
Did You Know?
The Ultramarine Lory is one of only two small parrot species that are blue.Programs & Projects
WPT has worked with numerous partners to help save this species. Learn moreAcademic Research
Related publications: Vini ultramarinaSpecies Profile
Genus: Vini | Species: ultramarina
Size:
18cm (7 in)
Weight:
35g (1.2 oz)
Subspecies including nominate:
one
Colour Adult:
Both adults small, mainly blue parrots, two-toned in colour; crown dark blue; upperparts dull blue, underparts white with dark blue mottling; dark blue/purple band across chest; thighs and undertail purple/blue; tail pale blue tipped with white. Bill orange tipped with black. Eye yellow/orange.
Colour Juvenile:
As in adult but with underparts dark blue; paler sides and flanks; ear covers grey/white. Bill black. Eye dark brown.
Call:
High-pitched short notes given in flight and at rest. Also described as strong screech or sharp whistle.
Listen NowVideo Links:
Video 1 | Video 2 | Video 3More Information:
Content Sources:
CITES
BirdLife International
Cornell Lab of Ornithology/Birds of the World
A Guide to Parrots of the World, Juniper and Parr, 1998
xeno-canto Ultramarine Lorikeet, Mark, Todd, XC74574
Parrots: Status Survey and Conservation Plan 2000-2004, Snyder, McGowan, Gilardi and Grajal, 2000.
Vanished and Vanishing Parrots, Forshaw, 2017.
Parrots of the World, Forshaw and Cooper, 1989.
Parrots of the World, Forshaw, 2006.
Parrots in Aviculture, Low, 1992.
Did You Know?
The Ultramarine Lory is one of only two small parrot species that are blue.Programs & Projects
WPT has worked with numerous partners to help save this species. Learn moreAcademic Research
Related publications: Vini ultramarinaSpecies Care
Captive Status:
Extremely rare.
Longevity:
Not recorded.
Housing:
Small, planted area or house heated to 15C or 60F.
Diet:
Nectar - commercial type for small species, or a mixture of baby cereal (lactose-free) and honey, malt extract or molasses, mixed with filtered water, made fresh once or twice daily; fruits such as: pear, apple, cactus fruits, pomegranates, kiwi, papaya.
Enrichment:
Not recorded.
Nest Box Size:
Not recorded.
Clutch Size:
2
Incubation Time:
Probably 25 days.
Fledging Age:
About 8 weeks.
Hatch Weight:
Not recorded.
Peak Weight:
Not recorded.
Weaning Weight:
Not recorded.
Did You Know?
The Ultramarine Lory is one of only two small parrot species that are blue.Programs & Projects
WPT has worked with numerous partners to help save this species. Learn moreAcademic Research
Related publications: Vini ultramarinaSpecies Wild Status
World Population:
About 2000, decreasing.
IUCN Red List Status:
Critically Endangered
CITES Listing:
Appendix I
Threat Summary:
Restricted-range species, endemic to Marquesas Islands Endemic Bird Area. The only extant population is found on Ua Huka, a small island of 82 km². All islands where the lorikeets were formerly found have been devastated by overgrazing and fire. Introduced black rats were the main cause of the species' extirpation. Other invasive species that might be a threat include birds that may transmit diseases and ants.
Range:
Restricted to Ua Huka, French Polynesia.
Habitat:
Found above 700m (2296 ft), montane forest. Also has been seen in mixed forest plantations with coconut, hibiscus, banana, mango, breadfruit, and others.
Wild Diet:
Diet consists of flowers and/or their products, including coconut and banana, buds, fruits of breadfruit Artocarpus altilis, mango Mangifera indica; also aphid, leafhopper or cicada adults and grubs.
Ecology and Behaviour:
Noisy and conspicuous in spite of low numbers; not as confiding as other Vini sp. Stays at or near top of forest canopy, constantly fluttering from tree to tree.
Clutch and Egg Size:
2 rounded eggs, 22.5 x 18.5mm (0.9 x 0.7 in).
Breeding Season:
June-August, possible September. Nest is in tree hollow or still-hanging old coconut.
Related Links:
Did You Know?
The Ultramarine Lory is one of only two small parrot species that are blue.Programs & Projects
WPT has worked with numerous partners to help save this species. Learn moreAcademic Research
Related publications: Vini ultramarinaMembers Only Resources
Please log-in now to find more research, resources and tools.
Not a Member?
Find more great information:
Gain exclusive access to 600+ pages of additional research, seminars and podcasts, specialists to ask your toughest questions, and dozens of other fun resources - when you become a WPT member.
Join Today >>
Already a Member?
Encyclopedia
