Scientific Name: Loriculus beryllinus

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Loriculus beryllinus is a compact-built energetic parrot found exclusively in Sri Lanka, boasting a green plumage, a short tail and red coloration in the bill and rump. The male of the species also has a crown in a bright rose red. The nape and upper back of Loriculus beryllinus is composed of a light orange hue. The iris surrounding the pupil of the Loriculus beryllinus is bright white in coloration and can be seen distinctly close-up.

Loriculus beryllinus is called the Sri Lankan hanging-parrot due to its common posture facing downwards – hanging – like the short arm of a clock at 6 PM. The parrot species is found as solitary members or in mating pairs in many wet zone canopy forests of Sri Lanka. The short tail distinguishes Loriculus beryllinus from other “larger” parrot species found all over our beautiful island.

A sharp whistle – twiwittwit..twitwitwit – packs the voice of the Loriculus beryllinus, while the diet of this rather shy and less gregarious species is made of flowers, nectar, buds and blossoms. Loriculus beryllinus is an arboreal species that is rarely seen venturing onto the ground cover and is an inhabitant of mostly open forests. A “zit-zit-zit” is a busy flight call that has been recorded for the topsy-turvy-loving endemic parrot species.

Documented to lay 2-3 eggs in hollow enclosures of trees, the female of Loriculus beryllinus provides the workmanship of nest building, while intimate supervision is provided by the gaze of the observant male of the species.

In the Sri Lankan culture, Loriculus beryllinus is known as Gira Malintha or Pol Girawa and is portrayed in the 1000 rupee bank note and forms the emblematic image of the 15 cent postage stamp.

References:

1. https://ebird.org/species/cehpar1
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sri_Lanka_hanging_parrot