Charmosyna stellae
The Stella's Lorikeet (Charmosyna stellae) is a striking, medium-sized parrot endemic to the montane forests of New Guinea, measuring 30-34 cm in length, including its exceptionally long, graduated tail, and weighing approximately 40-60 grams. Its plumage is predominantly emerald green, contrasted by a distinctive long tail with red inner webs and bright yellow tips, creating a vivid flash in flight. Key field marks include a black band on the nape, often bordered or streaked with red or yell...
Found primarily in high-altitude montane and cloud forests, ranging from 1,500m to 3,500m, occasionally extending into forest edges or subalpine grasslands.
Mainly nectar and pollen from flowering trees and shrubs, supplemented with small soft fruits (berries) and possibly tiny insects.
Stella's Lorikeets are highly diurnal and active birds, typically encountered foraging energetically during daylight hours, often in pairs or small family groups, though larger congregations can form at abundant food sources. They navigate the dense montane canopy with exceptional agility, clambe...
Endemic to the montane forests of New Guinea, the Stella's Lorikeet exhibits a wide, though disjunct, distribution across the island's central mountain ranges. Its breeding range spans from the Arfak Mountains on the Bird's Head Peninsula in Indonesian West Papua, eastward through the Snow Mounta...
Least Concern
- The Stella's Lorikeet is one of the highest-altitude lorikeets in New Guinea, specialized for life in montane cloud forests. - Its scientific name, *stellae*, honors Stella, daughter of British explorer Albert S. Meek, who collected the type specimen in 1894. - This species possesses a speciali...