Charmosynopsis pulchella
The Fairy Lorikeet (Charmosynopsis pulchella) is a dazzlingly small and slender parrot, primarily vivid green, distinguished by striking patches of bright red on its face, crown, nape, lower back, and flanks. Its underwing coverts flash a brilliant yellow-orange in flight, complemented by purple or blue on the rump, which can vary subtly between subspecies. Measuring a mere 13-18 cm (5-7 inches) and weighing 20-30 grams, it is among the smallest lorikeets, known for its swift, direct flight a...
Inhabits montane and submontane primary and secondary forests, forest edges, and disturbed areas across New Guinea, typically found at elevations between 300 to 2300 meters.
Primarily consumes nectar and pollen from a variety of flowering trees and shrubs, supplemented with small soft fruits, berries, and occasionally insect larvae, foraging with its specialized brush-tipped tongue.
This diurnal lorikeet is highly active and remarkably agile, constantly flitting through the canopy. It forages acrobatically for nectar, pollen, small fruits, and insects within flowering trees, often hanging upside down. Fairy Lorikeets are not strongly territorial, instead forming small, fast-...
The Fairy Lorikeet is endemic to the large island of New Guinea, a region politically shared by Indonesia (Western New Guinea) and Papua New Guinea. Its distribution spans the entire length of the central mountain ranges, including notable areas like the Arfak Mountains in the west and the Owen S...
Least Concern
- One of the smallest lorikeets in the world, often weighing less than an ounce. - Possesses a specialized brush-tipped tongue, perfectly adapted for extracting nectar and pollen from flowers. - Capable of incredibly swift, direct flight, often appearing as a green blur as it darts through the fo...