Coconut Lorikeet

Scientific Name: Trichoglossus haematodus
Malay Name: Bayan-Madu Pelangi Biasa
Chinese Name: 椰果鹦鹉

Range:
Breeding Range: (AU) s Moluccas, w New Guinea, e to Loyalty Islands

Taxonomy:
Polytypic. Subspecies are: haematodus, caeruleiceps, micropteryx, flavicans, nigrogularis, nesophilus, massena, deplanchii.

Size: 25-30 cm

Identification:
Both sexes similar. Bill red, head dark blue, nape yellow-green, rest of upperparts and tail green. Underparts generally green with undertail coverts yellow and underwings bright red. Breast is barred with red and blue. Call is thinner, brighter and more shrill compared to the other parakeets in Singapore.

Similar looking species: Red-breasted Parakeet, Long-tailed Parakeet

Habitat: Species most frequently encountered in open woodland habitat such as parks. Generally avoids closed forest but has been recorded on the outskirts of the nature reserves. 

Behaviour/Ecology: Seen most frequently in small flocks. This species is unique amongst our local parrots in being especially specialised at consuming nectar. 

Local Status: Uncommon introduced resident.

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2018)

Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Clementi forest, Ulu Pandan Park Connector, Southern Ridges. 

Coconut Lorikeet at Sungei Ulu Pandan. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Coconut Lorikeet at Bidadari. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Coconut Lorikeet at Gymkhana Ave. Photo credit: Francis Yap

Coconut Lorikeet at Bukit Drive. Photo credit: Francis Yap