Kuhl's Lorikeet
Vini kuhlii
Luminous, short-tailed parrot with a cherry-red throat and breast, green upperparts, and finely hooked orange bill. Also note the spiky feathers making up the green-and-blue crown. Endemic to the Polynesian Cook Islands, where it is native to Rimatara and introduced (or reintroduced) to others, including Atiu, where it occurred historically. Forages in a variety of wooded island habitats, including coconut plantations. Gives a variety of high-pitched calls, including a gratingly shrill and garbled screech.
Identification
It is a fast flying lorikeet with vibrant plumage; a green back, wings and crown, a blue nape and legs and bright red undersides and cheeks. The average length is 19 centimetres (7.5 in) and the average weight is 55 grams (1.9 oz).
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Vini kuhlii
- Authority
- (Vigors, 1824)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Vini
Range and habitat
The Kuhl's lorikeet's habitat is natural tropical moist lowland forests and plantations. Like all Vini lorikeets it is a nectarivore, and has a brushy tongue to acquire the nectar. In islands denuded of native forests and covered with extensive coconut plantations it is found exclusively in those areas. It was once present in the Cook Islands but is now restricted to islands of French Polynesia (Only found on the island of Rimatara) and has been introduced in Kiribati. It was reintroduced to Atiu, in the Cook Islands in 2007.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
Studies of fossils have shown that it once had a widespread distribution from the Cook Islands to French Polynesia. Its range contracted greatly after the arrival of humans, until the only surviving natural population was on Rimatara in the Austral Islands of Southern French Polynesia. Like many island species, Kuhl's lorikeet is threatened by introduced black rats. Its colourful feathers have also meant that the species was regularly hunted. The species was also introduced to several islands in Kiribati. The last native population was protected by a tapu or taboo by Queen Tamaeva V of Rimatara around 1900. In 2007 a population was reintroduced to the black-rat-free island of Atiu in the Cook Islands by the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust and numerous conservation bodies, including the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. In 2008, the introduced population was found to be reproducing. In 2019, successful reproduction resulted in an estimated population of over 400 individuals on the island of Atiu.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Gracula religiosa
Glossy black myna with bright yellow head wattles. Also note bright candlewax-orange bill and white wing patches that are most apparent in flight. A species of mature humid forest and forest edge, often seen in pairs or small flocks flying between or perched up in tall trees. Famed for its wide repertoire: gives a myriad of screams, squeaks, chirps, and whistles. Threatened by its popularity in the cage bird trade.
Paddyfield Warbler
Acrocephalus agricola
Warm brown above and pale below; strong dark eyestripe contrasts with white eyebrow. Smallish reed warbler with long and strongly rounded tail, short bill with dark tip, and short primary projection. Difficult to separate visually from other small Acrocephalus warblers, especially Blunt-winged Warbler; note Paddyfield’s more prominent pale eyebrow which strengthens behind the eye, as well as longer-winged appearance. Also compare with Iduna warblers. Breeds in extensive reed beds; in nonbreeding season found in marshes, but also more scrubby areas. Distinctive, melodious song.
Colonist Kingfisher
Todiramphus colonus
A recently recognized species with a dark greenish back, brighter bluish-green wings, a dark face-mask, a greenish cap, a white collar, and a buffy-orange spot in front of the eye. Bill relatively weak and thin. Found in most habitats, but mainly coastal, preferring mangroves. Very similar to Pacific and Sacred Kingfishers but smaller, with a straighter, less curved bill than both. Lacks buffy underparts of Sacred Kingfisher. Voice little known, but presumably similar to Pacific Kingfisher’s.
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