The Moluccan Hanging-parrot (Loriculus amabilis) is endemic to the Moluccan islands of Halmahera and Batjan, in the northern Moluccas / Maluku Islands, Indonesia (please refer to below distribution map).
Its natural habitat includes subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest areas.
Description:
This Hanging Parrot averages 4.5 inches (11 cm) in length, with a wing length of 2.75 – 3.3 inches (70 – 84 mm).
The plumage is mostly green. The breast, abdomen and under tail-coverts are yellowish-green. The crown and the back of its head are red. There is a red patch to the throat and upper breast. The edge of the wing, lower back and upper tail-coverts are dark red. The back has a golden orange tinge. The flight feathers are green and the under sides are greenish-blue. The upperside of the tail is green with yellowish tips. The underside is greenish-blue. The bill is black; the irises are yellowish-white; and the feet are orange.
Hens look like males, except they lack the red head markings; although frequently, some reddish feathers to the forehead can be seen. The throat patch is occasionally reduced to few small red spots. Hens have brown irises.
Young birds look like females, but the breast patch is yellow instead of red. The edge of the wing is greenish-yellow and the bill is horn-colored. Immature birds have pale brown irises and yellowish-brown feet.
Aviculture:
This is a pleasant, yet shy parrot. It is quiet with a melodic voice that can mostly be heard in the evenings.
This parrot is susceptible to fungal infections, therefore strict hygiene is necessary. It enjoys bathing. Adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or GSE in its bathing water will help in preventing infections. As an additional benefit, GSE also has good anti-parasitic properties.
Also provide regular supply of fresh branches.
It should be provided a planted, preferably indoor or well-sheltered aviary (unless it is kept in temperate climates) of 6 x 3 x 6 ft (2 x 1 x 2 m) dimensions or larger. It needs to be protected from cold, wet conditions and should not be exposed to temperatures below 68F (20° C) – and not less than 77°F (25°C) during the acclimatization period.
- Please refer to this webpage for additional information on housing and breeding your hanging parrots.
Diet:
Their natural diet consists of nectar, fruits, buds, flowers and seeds.
In captivity, their diet should include plenty of fruits, such as figs, pear, apple, banana, and vegetables. They are also fed a seed mix of various millets, canary grass seed, some niger and oats (including sprouted); millet spray; as well as softened rusk, eggfood and meal worm larvae for rearing.
- Please refer to this webpage for additional information on feeding your hanging parrots.
Taxonomy:
Species:Scientific: Loriculus amabilis amabilis … English: Moluccan Hanging Parrot … Dutch: Molukse Hangparkiet … German: Zierfledermauspapageichen … French: Loricule de Halmahera Moluccan Hanging Parrot Loriculus amabilis
CITES II – Endangered Species
Sub-Species / Races Including Nominate: amabilis (nominate species featured above); below: catamene, sclateri, ruber
Sub-species:
Peling Hanging Parrots (Loriculus amabilis ruber)
Distribution:
Peling Hanging-Parrots are endemic to the islands of Peling and Banggai in the Sulawesi (formerly known as Celebes) – part of the Maluku island group in Indonesia Group, Indonesia.
Description:
They look like the nominate form described and featured above — except their upper back is scarlet and they are a little larger, averaging 5 inches (12.5 cm) in length.
Females look like males, but lack the red patch to the forehead, crown and back of the head. The throat patch is reduced to a few red spots. Her irises are brown.
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Loriculus amabilis ruber … English: Peling Hanging Parrot … Dutch: Peling Hangparkiet … German: Peling Zierfledermauspapageichen … French: Loricule d’ile Peling
CITES II – Endangered Species
Sclater’s Hanging Parrots (Loriculus amabilis sclateri)
Distribution:
The Slater’s Hanging-Parrots can be found on the Sula Islands – a group of islands in the Malukus in Indonesia. Its three main islands are Mangole, Sanae and Taliabu.
Description:
They look like the nominate form described and featured above — except the Slater’s Hanging Parrot is a little larger, averaging 5 inches (13 cm) in length. The forehead, crown and the back of the head are green. The forehead has a reddish-brown base to the feathers. The upper back is orange, often with scattered red feathers.
Hens look alike, except the throat patch is reduced to a few red feathers, and their irises are brown.
Young birds look like females, but lack the throat patch. The edge of the wing is greenish yellow and the irises of immature birds are pale brown.
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Loriculus amabilis sclateri … English: Sclater’s Hanging Parrot … Dutch: Sclaters Hangparkiet … German: Sclaters Zierfledermauspapageichen … French: Loricule de Sclater
CITES II – Endangered Species
Sangihe Hanging Parrots (Loriculus catamene aka Loriculus amabilis catamene)
