Ultramarine Lorikeet
Vini ultramarina
A mostly blue-and-white lorikeet with a bright ultramarine upperside and darker blue thighs, chest band, and crown. Chest, throat, cheek, and belly are white with dark flecking. Unique within its range. Common call is a high-pitched buzzing “tzeet.”
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Vini ultramarina
- Authority
- (Kuhl, 1820)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Vini
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Vini ultramarina feeds on a large variety of nectar, pollen, and flowers from various flowering trees. It seems to prefer flowers of the coconut palm and Hibiscus tilliaceus. The bird's diet also includes multiple fruits and insects. The ultramarine lorikeet nests in tree cavities, especially in Artocarpus altilis, Pometia pinnata, Pandanus tectorius, and Hibiscus tilliaceus. Little else is little known about this rare species.
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
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American Pygmy Kingfisher
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Tiny kingfisher of shady forest streams and mangroves. Often darts away when disturbed, but can be confiding if approached quietly and usually perches fairly low over the water. About half of the size of Green Kingfisher, and easily distinguished by rusty underparts and poorly contrasting pale neck collar (bright white on Green Kingfisher). Female has a narrow green breast band, lacking on male.
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Pseudoseisura cristata
Unmistakable. Large ovenbird with uniform cinnamon plumage, bushy crest, and yellow eyes. Occurs in dry forests (caatinga) and scrub, often near human habitations. Mostly forages on the ground. Builds a large thorny stick nest. Sings in a duet: the male emits an accelerating series which finishes in a rattle, and the female gives continuous buzzy “zjeep” notes.
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