Birds of Singapore
by the Bird Society of Singapore
Loriculus galgulus
Family: Old World Parrots · Status: Common resident · Size: 12–14.5 cm · Conservation: Least Concern
Resident from southern Thailand and Myanmar south through the Thai-Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Borneo, and western Java.
Male has vivid green plumage with a dark blue crown spot that is tricky to observe, bright red throat patch, yellow patch on the mantle, yellow rump band, and bright red uppertail-coverts. Female resembles male but lacks the red throat patch, with smaller crown spot and duller yellow on mantle. Immature is duller green or more olive-green overall, with orangey bill (all black in adults) and lacking any red throat patch or blue crown spot.
Forest and forest edges, secondary growth, parks and gardens. Has become well-adapted to urban environments and been observed nesting in tree cavities within urban areas.
Forages on fruits, flowers, nectar, flowers, in the mid-storey and canopy layers, often observed feeding upside down. Usually seen flying overhead and calling.