The Yellow-throated Hanging-parrots, Coryllis À Gorge Jaune, or Lorículo De Java (Loriculus pusillus) are endemic to the islands of Java and Bali in Indonesia. Its numbers have declined drastically in West Java where this parrot is now relatively uncommon.
Hanging Parrots General Info and Species Listing … Photos of the Various Hanging Parrot Species for Identification
The Yellow-throated Hanging-parrot, Coryllis À Gorge Jaune, or Lorículo De Java (Loriculus pusillus) is endemic to the islands of Java and Bali inIndonesia.
Its numbers have declined drastically in West Java where this parrot is now relatively uncommon. This Yellow-throated Hanging Parrot seems to tolerate better the heavily degraded forest areas on the island of Bali, as long as some tall trees still remain. If the destruction in the lowlands of Java and Bali continues as in recent years, the survival of this species is at risk. Its decline has been slowed considerably by this species’ ability to tolerate degraded habitats and to persist at higher elevations, where forest destruction has been less severe.
The Yellow-throated Hanging Parrot is found in lowland, swamp, forest and wooded areas up to 6,500 ft (~2,000 meters), as well as gardens and cultivated areas.
Outside the breeding season, they are usually seen in family groups and small flocks. At times, larger gatherings occur in good feeding areas, on flowering and fruiting trees.
This species is well camouflaged by its green plumage and easily missed in foliage. Mostly, they can be seen in flight. Their flights are swift with whirring wing-beats; and theircalls are sharp and shrill.
Description:
This hanging parrot averages 4.5 inches (12 cm) in length. Its plumage is mostly yellowish-green, with a yellow patch on its throat. The lower back and upper tail-coverts are red. The back has a faint yellowish tinge. The wings are green and the underside of the flight feathers is greenish-blue. The upperside of the tail is green, and the underside is greenish-blue. The bill is pale red with yellowish tips. Theirises are yellowish-white, and the feet are brownish-flesh colored.
Females look similar, except they have a duller yellowish tinge to the back and the throat patch is much smaller.
Young birds have green feathers interspersed on their lower backs. The bill is paler and the irises are brown. Their feet are brownish.
Diet:
Their natural diet consists of nectar, fruits (especially wild figs), 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 rarely been achieved. This is a pleasant, yet initially shy parrot. It is quiet with a melodic voice that can mostly be heard in the evenings.
Its breeding season commences in April or May. These parrots usually nest in dead palms or tree ferns – frequently taking advantage of deserted nesting holes of barbets or other birds. As the breeding season commences, the female is seen carrying nesting material into the nest; specifically pieces of bark, leaves and other plant material are carried in her rump feathers into the nest and then are used to line the nest with. A clutch usually consists of 2 eggs which are incubated by the hen.
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.
Also provide ivy and other leafy plants during the breeding season. Pairs bite off the leaves and carry them to nestbox in their rump feathers. Appropriate dimensions for a nestbox would be 5 x 5 x 24 inches (12 x 12 x 60 cm) with an entrance hole of ~1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter. A clutch usually consists of up 2 eggs that are laid at two-day intervals. An egg measures ~ 0.76 x 0.60 ins (19.3 x 15.2 mm). Initially, the hen tends to cover the eggs with pieces of leaf /plant material. She incubates the eggs for about 23 to 24 days and the young fledge 35 days after hatching. The hen roosts outside the nesting box when the young are about 5 to 6 days old.
Housing: 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 (20C) – and not less than 77F (25C) during the acclimatization period.
- Please refer to this webpage for additional information on housing and breeding your hanging parrots.
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Loriculus pusillus … English: Yellow-throated Hanging Parrot, Javan Parrot … Dutch: Dwerghangparkiet … German: Elfenpapagei … French: Loricule à gorge jaune
CITES II – Endangered Species
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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