Prosopeia splendens
The Crimson Shining Parrot, *Prosopeia splendens*, is an exquisitely colored species native to the South Pacific, a true jewel of the Fijian archipelago. Measuring approximately 45 cm (18 inches) in length, including its long, elegant tail, this parrot is easily identified by its striking crimson-red head, breast, and belly. Contrasting sharply, its back and wings are a vibrant green, with the flight feathers and tail exhibiting a deep, iridescent blue. A distinctive blackish bill, coupled wi...
This parrot thrives in humid lowland forests, including forest edges, disturbed secondary growth, plantations, and even garden environments, from sea level up to the highest elevations of its island homes.
Its diet consists predominantly of a variety of native fruits, seeds, nectar, and flowers, foraged directly from the canopy of forest trees and cultivated plants.
Active primarily during daylight hours, the Crimson Shining Parrot typically forages and moves in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming slightly larger, loose flocks. Its foraging strategy involves agile movements through the canopy, using its strong beak to pluck fruits, seeds, and ...
The Crimson Shining Parrot has an extremely restricted geographic distribution, being entirely endemic to the Kadavu Group of islands within Fiji. Its primary range encompasses Kadavu Island itself, the fourth largest island in Fiji, and the smaller adjacent island of Ono. Within these islands, i...
Least Concern
- The Crimson Shining Parrot is entirely endemic to just two islands in the Fiji archipelago: Kadavu and Ono. - Its scientific name, *splendens*, perfectly describes its splendid and vivid coloration of crimson, green, and blue. - Unlike many parrot species, the male and female Crimson Shining Pa...