Charmosyna papou
The West Papuan Lorikeet (*Charmosyna papou*) is a breathtakingly vibrant parrot, instantly recognizable by its striking crimson plumage, contrasting black cap, and vivid blue nape, making it a prized sight for any birder exploring New Guinea's highlands. Measuring approximately 42 cm (16.5 inches) in length, including its two dramatically elongated central tail feathers, and weighing around 60-80 grams, it is a relatively slender yet conspicuous lory. Its wings are typically green, often ado...
This species primarily inhabits montane forests, cloud forests, and forest edges, typically found at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 3,500 meters above sea level.
Primarily nectar and pollen extracted from flowering trees and shrubs, supplemented with small fruits, blossoms, and occasionally small insects. Foraging is typically done by probing flowers with their specialized brush-tipped tongues.
The West Papuan Lorikeet is a highly arboreal and diurnal species, typically observed in pairs or small, active flocks of up to 20 individuals, occasionally gathering in larger numbers at abundant flowering trees. They are known for their acrobatic foraging techniques, deftly clambering through b...
The West Papuan Lorikeet is endemic to the mountainous regions of New Guinea, distributed across the central cordillera from the Vogelkop Peninsula in West Papua, Indonesia, eastward throughout the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Its primary range includes significant mountain ranges such as the S...
Least Concern
- The West Papuan Lorikeet's scientific name, *papou*, refers to Papua, the region of New Guinea where it is endemic. - Its two dramatically elongated central tail feathers can account for over half of its total body length. - Despite its vibrant red body, there's a subspecies (*Charmosyna papou ...