The Orange-fronted Hanging-parrot (Loriculus aurantiifrons) is found on the island of Misool (Maluku Province) in western Papuan Islands in Indonesia, as well as in the independent state of Papua New Guinea.
Description:
The Orange-fronted Hanging Parrot averages 4 inches (about 10 cm) in length. The general plumage is green. The breast, abdomen and under tail-coverts are yellowish-green. The forehead and forecrown are a rich golden yellow. They have a red throat patch to throat. The edge of the wing, lower back and upper tail-coverts are red. The sides to the lower back are yellow.
The underside of the flight feathers is greenish-blue. The upperside of the tail is green with greenish-yellow tips. The underside of the tail is greenish-blue. They have a black bill, pale yellowish-white irises and brownish feet.
The female looks like the male, but her forehead and forecrown are bluish-green with a red base to the feathers. Her cheeks are washed strongly with blue. The throat patch in most females only consists of a few red flecks. Her irises are brown.
Young birds look like hens, but without a throat patch. The bill is horn-colored.
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Loriculus aurantiifrons aurantiifrons … English: Orange-fronted Hanging Parrot … Dutch: Schlegels Hangparkiet, Oranjebuikhangparkiet … German: Goldstirnpapageichen … French: Loricule à tête d’or
CITES II – Endangered Species
Sub-Species:
Orange-fronted Hanging Parrot (aurantifons – featured above)
Bismarck’s Hanging Parrots aka the Green-fronted Hanging-parrot, Coryllis Des Bismark, or Lorículo De Las Bismarck (Loriculus aurantiifrons tener)
Hartert’s Orange-fronted Hanging Parrots (Loriculus aurantiifrons meeki)
Stresemann’s Orange-fronted Hanging Parrots (Loriculus aurantiifrons batavorum): Both adults look like the nominate species described above, but the male has less yellow on his forehead and forecrown.
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.
Aviculture:
Captive breeding has not yet been achieved. 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.
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.
Hanging Parrots General Info and Species Listing … Photos of the Various Hanging Parrot Species for Identification
