About Loriculus stigmatus (S.Muller, 1843)
Common Name and Size
Loriculus stigmatus, the Sulawesi hanging parrot, is a small parrot with a total length of approximately 15 cm, making it the largest species of hanging parrot.
Subspecies Taxonomy
This species was traditionally considered monotypic, but recent research has re-validated two additional subspecies: L. s. croconotus from Muna and Buton Island, and L. s. quadricolor from the Togian Islands.
Nominate Subspecies Range
The nominate subspecies is found only on Sulawesi itself.
Nominate Subspecies Plumage
The plumage of the nominate subspecies is overall green, with an indistinct yellowish tinge on the mantle, and red markings on the chin, leading edge of the wing, rump, and crown.
Female Nominate Plumage
Female nominate parrots lack the red crown marking.
L. s. croconotus Plumage
Compared to the nominate subspecies, L. s. croconotus has slightly paler wings and tail, and a more distinct yellowish tinge to the mantle.
L. s. quadricolor Plumage
L. s. quadricolor has a clear orange-yellow patch on the mantle, a smaller red chin spot, and a slightly brighter red rump.
Diet
The Sulawesi hanging parrot feeds on fruits such as papaya, as well as lichen.
