Vini australis
The Blue-crowned Lorikeet (*Vini australis*) is a gem of the Polynesian islands, a small, vibrant parrot measuring approximately 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length and weighing around 30-47 grams. Its striking plumage features a brilliant deep blue crown, extending from the forehead to the nape, contrasting sharply with its grass-green upperparts and vivid scarlet underparts from the throat to the undertail coverts, often with a patch of yellow on the flanks or underwing coverts. Distinctive fie...
This lorikeet primarily inhabits tropical and subtropical lowland forests, including secondary growth, coastal thickets, and frequently visits cultivated areas such as coconut and banana plantations, typically found from sea level up to moderate elevations.
Predominantly nectivorous, their diet primarily consists of nectar and pollen from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented with soft fruits, berries, and occasionally small insects or their larvae, all gathered using their specialized brush-tipped tongue.
Blue-crowned Lorikeets are highly social and diurnal, often observed in noisy, fast-flying flocks of up to 20 individuals, though they can congregate in larger numbers at abundant food sources. They spend their days actively foraging within the forest canopy, employing their specialized brush-ton...
The Blue-crowned Lorikeet is endemic to the central Polynesian islands, with a fragmented but relatively widespread distribution across several archipelagos. Its primary breeding and year-round range includes the larger islands of Samoa (both American Samoa and Western Samoa), Tonga, Fiji, Wallis...
Near Threatened
- The Blue-crowned Lorikeet possesses a unique brush-tipped tongue, perfectly adapted for mopping up nectar and pollen from flowers. - In ancient Polynesia, their vibrant red feathers, known as 'kura', were highly valued and used to adorn ceremonial cloaks, headdresses, and other items of high st...