The Vernal Hanging Parrot (Loriculus vernalis) – also known as Indian Hanging Parrot, Indian Lorikeet, Indian Hanging Lorikeet or Green Hanging Parrot – is relatively common in its territory from South-western India eastwards to Southeast Asia.
In Sri Lanka, it is replaced by the very similar endemic Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, (L. beryllinus). Local movements within its territory have been observed, depending on availability of food.
Outside the breeding season, these parrots areusually seen in small groups. Its flight is described as swift.
- Please also refer to: Green Hanging Parrots (Loriculus exilis)
Diet:
Its natural diet consists of fruit, seeds, buds and blossoms.
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.
Description:
This is a small, mainly green hanging parrot that is very well camouflaged by the foliage. It is only 5 inches (~13 to 14 cm) long with a short tail, and averages 1 oz (28g) in weight. Adults have soft red bills.
Males: The adult has a distinctive red rump and bill, and blue throat patch.
Females: Look similar to the male, except the blue on the throat is less visible or entirely absent.
Young / immature birds: Have duller rumps and lack the throat patch. The forehead and cheeks are dull grey/green. The rump is dull red washed with green. The bill is pale orange and the eyes are brown.
Breeding
Vernal Hanging Parrots nest in tree cavities. There are usually two to three white eggs in a clutch, which are incubated by the female for about 20 days. The young fledge when they are about 33 days old.
Aviculture:
This parrot is susceptible to fungal infections, therefore strict hygiene is necessary. A shallow pan of cool water should always be available for bathing and drinking. These parrots generally enjoy bathing and there are multiple reasons both for their health and well-being to provide them with daily bathing opportunities. Adding a few drops of GSE or hydrogen peroxide in its bathing water will help in preventing infections. As an additional benefit, GSE also has good anti-parasitic properties
- Bird Grooming – information on the benefits of bathing (SAFELY) and recommendations.
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.
Call / Song:
Its call sounds like a raucous chattering, squeaky and high-pitched in flight or at rest; with the occasional sharp and shrill notes. While feeding, they are usually quiet except for the occasional soft chuckling.
Taxonomy:
Species:Scientific: Loriculus vernalis aka Loriculus vernalis phileticus … English: Vernal Hanging Parrot … Dutch: Indische Hangparkiet, Lente-papegaaitje … German: Frühlingspapageichen … French: Loricule de printemps
CITES II – Endangered Species
