Orange-billed Lorikeet
Neopsittacus pullicauda
The Orange-billed Lorikeet (Neopsittacus pullicauda) is a rare old world parrot found in 2 countries, weighing about 33 g. The orange-billed lorikeet is a species in the Old World parrot family Psittaculidae.
About the Orange-billed Lorikeet
The orange-billed lorikeet is a species in the Old World parrot family Psittaculidae. First described by the German ornithologist Ernst Hartert in 1896, it is endemic to New Guinea, where it mainly inhabits cloud forest, forest edges, and cleared areas bordering forests at elevations of 2,100–3,800 m (6,900–12,500 ft). Adults are 18 cm (7.1 in) long on average and weigh 25–40 g (0.88–1.41 oz), and are mainly green in color, with a red underside and narrow yellow streaking on the cheeks. It looks similar to the closely related yellow-billed lorikeet, but is smaller in size, has more richly coloured plumage, and has a smaller, orange bill.
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How to identify it
The orange-billed lorikeet is a small species of lorikeet, with a length of around 18 cm (7.1 in) and a weight of 25–40 g (0.88–1.41 oz). Adults are mainly dark emerald green, with red underparts and narrow yellow streaking on the cheeks. The flanks and wings are also emerald green; the underside of the tail is a duller green, with a red patch at the base. The underwing is bright red and is especially prominent in flight. The iris and beak are orange, with a yellow tip to the latter, and the feet are dark grey. Voice: The species is very vocal and gives a variety of calls, including a high upslurred "tseet" and other, longer high-pitched calls. Although these calls are similar to those of the yellow-billed lorikeet, they tend to be softer, more high-pitched, and more musical.
Where it lives
When to see it
Best months: May, June, July, August, September, October, with peak activity in July. It is a winter visitor species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an Orange-billed Lorikeet?
- The orange-billed lorikeet is a small species of lorikeet, with a length of around 18 cm (7.1 in) and a weight of 25–40 g (0.88–1.41 oz). Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an Orange-billed Lorikeet?
- The Orange-billed Lorikeet is a small sized bird weighing about 33 g.
- Where can you see an Orange-billed Lorikeet?
- The Orange-billed Lorikeet occurs in 2 countries, including Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
- What birds look similar to an Orange-billed Lorikeet?
- The Orange-billed Lorikeet is most easily confused with the Yellow-billed Lorikeet.
- Is the Orange-billed Lorikeet endangered?
- The Orange-billed Lorikeet is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Orange-billed Lorikeet for real
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