Ceylon Hanging-Parrot

Loriculus beryllinus

13 cm.. length.

The Ceylon Hanging-Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus) has the crown red, merging into orange-yellow in the area of the nape; eyebrows, lores and the area in front of the eyes light green (lightly bathed in pale blue); sides of the front of the crown red. Mantle green, Bañado de slightly reddish and yellowish orange color in the Center; back green; rump and uppertail-coverts, red. Wings green up, with the exception of vane inner of the blackish flight feathers ; undertail, the wings bright turquoise color with the exception of coats and axillary green. The underparts bright green, paler and more yellowish which the upperparts and light blue marking in the throat. above the tail green color; Turquoise below.

Bill orange red, paler at the tip; irises off-white; legs dark yellow.

Female as the male, but most off and only a trace of blue in the throat.

The young birds they are even duller, the crown reddish-tinged, the patch blue of the throat absent, the rump with some green feathers, the bill paler, the iris and the legs brown; the face nude in the fledglings.

• Sound of the Ceylon Hanging-Parrot.

Seen in a range of habitats, from sea level to 1.600 m, reaching the highest areas according to seasonal conditions. The species is found in forests of coconut trees, Evergreen and deciduous forests, semicultivadas areas, open woodland and around the dwellings.

birds are not shy, and is usually found in pairs or family groups, although outside the breeding season larger flocks congregate high up in flowering trees. They are active and acrobatic feeding.

Observations, they have registered the male approaching his partner upright, with the high peak, swollen throat, extended tail and rump feathers erect, while emitting a screeching chirp. Wiggles head in courtship period have also been observed.

The breeding begins in January and although the main nesting period is between March and May, a second litter is, sometimes, until September. The nest is located in a hollow branch filled with fragments of vegetation that the female carefully cuts with her beak and carries to the nesting sites tucked between her rump feathers.. Only two to four white eggs she incubates, sitting firmly, screeching and creating a 'thumping' sound’ Yes is the annoying. The young Chick has the face exposed, presumably to avoid getting dirty by liquid food.

Feed on fruits such as Ficus figs and guava (Psidium guajava); berries; flowers, including Erythrina, Salmalia and eucalyptus; seeds, including Casuarina. Poisonings have been reported after drinking Palm wine collected pots attached to the trunks of the trees.

Endemic to Sri Lanka, where most records come from the South, Although there have been North of Trincomalee and should be observed in suitable habitats throughout the country. Records include proximities of Colombo, around Kandy, Yala and National parks Gal Oya, the district Welimada, and to the South of Galle and Hambantota, on the coast.

• Current IUCN Red List category: Least concern

• Population trend: Stable

The size of the world's population has not been quantified, Although it is estimated at 10.000 specimens. The species is qualified as widespread and abundant in the South-West and almost absent in the North of its distribution area (pit et to the. 1997).

The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence of any reduction or substantial threats, However, the bird trade is judged as a potential threat.

Rare.

– Ceylon Hanging-Parrot, Ceylon Hanging Parrot, Ceylon Lorikeet, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Sri Lanka Hanging-Parrot, Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot (ingles).
– Coryllis de Ceylan, Coryllis du Sri Lanka (French).
– Ceylonpapageichen, Ceylon Papageichen (German).
– Loriculus beryllinus (Portuguese).
– Lorículo de Ceilán, Lorículode Ceilán (español).

– Order: Psittaciformes
– Family: Psittaculidae
– Scientific name: Loriculus beryllinus
– Genus: Loriculus
– Citation: (Forster,JR, 1781)
– Protonimo: Psittacus beryllinus

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“Ceylon Hanging-Parrot” (Loriculus beryllinus)

Sources:

– Sounds: Tero Linjama (Xeno-canto)