Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot

 

Loriculus beryllinus

Identification - Endemic to Sri Lanka, smallest parakeet in Sri Lanka has a short tail, small light orange down curved bill, greater part of the body is light green, red crown and rump, yellow nape, light blue throat and has light orange feet. The iris of the adults eye is white and the area of the lens is black. Male is more brighter and has a bright blue throat. Female is paler than males and the blue throat patch is also pale. Immature birds do not have the red crown has a yellow crown, they are much more paler than the females, has yellow bill and the feet and the eye is completely black. 

Immature Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot.

Can be seen in small flocks in thick wet zone forests. Very hard to notice because of the green colour. Some times feeds and rests hanging down from tree branches. Mostly seen on fruity trees hanging down eating small fruits. 

Nesting - Nest in tree cavities.

Distribution - Low country wet zone up to the hills. 

Places to see - Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanic Gardens.

                        Sinharaja Rain Forest.

                                                                                  

                                                                                                             Lovindu Kuruppu