West Papuan Lorikeet
Charmosyna papou
A large, very long-tailed lorikeet of mid and upper montane forest. Has a red head and chest, yellow on the side of the chest and lower flanks, green wings, dark patch on the belly, and green base to the tail and yellow tail tip. Like other lorikeets, nomadic following the flowering of trees. Similar to Josephine’s Lorikeet, but Papuan is distinctly larger with long tail streamers, and yellow patches on the sides. Call, a high-pitch, ringing “srik!” note.
Identification
The West Papuan lorikeet (Charmosyna papou) is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is found in New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.
Taxonomy
Genus: Charmosyna; Family: Psittaculidae; Order: Psittaciformes.
- Scientific name
- Charmosyna papou
- Authority
- (Scopoli, 1786)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Charmosyna
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
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