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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