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The Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot is a small, vibrant parrot species native to Southeast Asia. Known for its predominantly green plumage and the distinctive blue crown on the male, it exhibits a unique 'hanging' behavior, often roosting upside down. These parrots are highly arboreal and play an important ecological role as pollinators and seed dispersers.
Size & lifespan
- Length
- 12-13 cm
- Wingspan
- Approximately 20-22 cm
- Weight
- 28-32 g
- Lifespan
- Up to 10-15 years in the wild, longer in captivity
- Diet
- Frugivore/Nectarivore
Physical characteristics
- Plumage
- Predominantly bright green. Males have a vivid blue crown patch, a red throat patch, and a red rump. Females lack the blue crown and red throat patch, having a duller green head and a smaller, less intense red rump. Both sexes have yellow underwing coverts and a short, pointed red tail.
- Beak shape
- Small, hooked, and reddish-orange.
- Eye color
- Pale yellow to whitish iris.
- Leg color
- Orange-flesh colored.
- Distinguishing features
- The small size, bright green plumage, and the male's prominent blue crown and red throat patch are key. The habit of hanging upside down is also a strong identifier.
- Juvenile appearance
- Juveniles resemble adult females but have a duller overall plumage, a less intense red rump, and a brownish-orange beak. The blue crown and red throat patch are absent in young males, developing with maturity.
- Seasonal changes
- No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round.
- Sexual dimorphism
- Pronounced. Males possess a distinct blue crown and a bright red throat patch, which are absent in females. Females have a duller green head and a less extensive red rump.
How to identify
- 1
Size and Shape
Look for a very small, stocky parrot with a short, pointed tail. Its small size is often the first clue.
- 2
Plumage Color
Observe the overall bright green body. Pay close attention to the head and rump for diagnostic colors.
- 3
Male Head Markings
For males, identify the distinct, vivid blue patch on the crown and the bright red patch on the throat. These are unmistakable.
- 4
Rump Color
Both sexes have a red rump, but it is more extensive and brighter in males. This is often visible in flight.
- 5
Behavior
Watch for its characteristic habit of hanging upside down from branches while feeding or roosting. This behavior is unique among parrots in its range.
- 6
Vocalizations
Listen for its high-pitched, sharp 'tsit-tsit' calls, especially when it flies overhead or is foraging in dense foliage.
Habitat & range
- Biomes
- Tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, secondary forests, forest edges, plantations, and gardens.
- Geographic range
- Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and various smaller adjacent islands. Specifically found in southern Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo, and some smaller islands like Bangka, Belitung, Natuna, Anambas, and Riau Archipelago).
- Elevation range
- Typically found from sea level up to 1,300 meters (4,265 feet), occasionally higher.
- Preferred environments
- Prefers areas with abundant fruiting and flowering trees, often near water sources. They are highly arboreal and rarely descend to the ground.
Behavior
- Activity time
- Diurnal, most active during early morning and late afternoon.
- Feeding habits
- Feeds primarily on nectar, soft fruits (especially figs), berries, and small seeds. They use their brush-tipped tongues to extract nectar and pollen. They are important pollinators and seed dispersers.
- Social behavior
- Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming larger flocks at abundant food sources or communal roosts. They are generally shy and inconspicuous despite their bright coloration.
- Flight pattern
- Fast, direct, and undulating flight, often accompanied by rapid wing beats. They fly in small, tight flocks.
- Migration pattern
- Resident throughout its range; no significant migratory patterns are observed.
- Territoriality
- Pairs or small groups may defend feeding territories, especially during the breeding season, though specific territorial displays are not well-documented.
Song & calls
- Song
- Not known for a complex song. Their vocalizations are generally short, sharp, and high-pitched.
- Call
- Calls include a series of high-pitched, sharp 'tsit-tsit-tsit' or 'tseet-tseet' notes, often given in flight or while feeding. They also produce softer chattering sounds when perched.
- When they vocalize
- Most vocal during flight and while foraging, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon.
Breeding & reproduction
- Breeding season
- Varies geographically, but generally between February and July in most parts of its range, coinciding with periods of abundant food.
- Nesting habits
- Nests in tree cavities, often old woodpecker holes or natural crevices in dead or living trees. They line the nest cavity with wood dust and other soft plant material.
- Clutch size
- 2-4 eggs.
- Egg description
- Typically lays small, white, elliptical eggs.
- Incubation period
- Approximately 18-20 days.
- Fledging period
- Chicks fledge around 30-35 days after hatching.
- Parental care
- Both parents participate in incubation and feeding of the young. The female primarily incubates, while the male brings food to her and later to the chicks.
Where to find
Primary and Secondary Forests
Look in the canopy and sub-canopy layers of mature and regenerating forests.
Forest Edges and Plantations
Often found at the edges of forests, in fruit orchards, and rubber or oil palm plantations where food sources are abundant.
Gardens and Parks
In some urban or suburban areas with mature trees and flowering plants, they can be seen in large gardens and parks.
Field tips
- Look Up. These birds spend almost all their time in the tree canopy. Scan the upper branches of fruiting and flowering trees.
- Listen Carefully. Their calls are high-pitched and can be easily missed. Learn their 'tsit-tsit' call to locate them, especially when they are hidden by foliage.
- Observe Feeding Behavior. They are often found feeding on nectar from flowers or small fruits. Look for movement in flowering or fruiting trees.
- Patience is Key. Despite their bright colors, they can be surprisingly difficult to spot due to their small size and tendency to blend with foliage. Remain still and observe for extended periods.
Similar species
Vernal Hanging Parrot
Loriculus vernalis
The Vernal Hanging Parrot (found further north in Southeast Asia) lacks the blue crown and red throat patch of the male Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot. Males have a blue wash on the crown but not a distinct patch, and no red throat. Females are very similar to female Blue-crowned but generally have a less extensive red rump.
Philippine Hanging Parrot
Loriculus philippensis
The Philippine Hanging Parrot has a more extensive red on the face and throat, and a different distribution (Philippines). The blue crown is also absent or less defined in most subspecies.
Quick facts
- Size:
- Small (12-13 cm)
- Color:
- Bright green with red rump; males have blue crown and red throat
- Habitat:
- Tropical forests, forest edges, plantations
- Diet:
- Nectar, fruit, berries, seeds
- Behavior:
- Arboreal, often hangs upside down
- Conservation Status:
- Least Concern
Fun facts
- The 'hanging' in their name refers to their unique habit of roosting and sometimes feeding while suspended upside down from branches, much like bats.
- They are important pollinators for many tropical plants due to their nectar-feeding habits and brush-tipped tongues.
- Despite their vibrant plumage, they are often difficult to spot in the dense canopy due to their small size and ability to blend in with the green leaves.
- The Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot is one of several species in the genus Loriculus, all known for their small size and similar 'hanging' behavior.
Scientific classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Loriculus
- Species
- Loriculus galgulus
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