Sunset Lorikeet

Sunset Lorikeet
Conservation status
Not recognized (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Tribe: Lorini
Genus: Trichoglossus
Species: T. forsteni
Binomial name
Trichoglossus forsteni
Bonaparte, 1850
Synonyms

Trichoglossus haematodus forsteni

The Sunset Lorikeet (Trichoglossus forsteni), also known as the Scarlet-breasted Lorikeet or Forsten's Lorikeet, is a species of parrot that is endemic to the Indonesian islands of Bali, Lombok Sumbawa, Tanahjampea (between Sulawesi and Flores), and Kalaotoa (between Sulawesi and Flores). It has often been considered a subspecies of the Rainbow Lorikeet,[1] but following a review in 1997,[2] it is increasingly treated as a separate species.[3][4]

In addition to the nominate subspecies from Sumbawa, it includes the subspecies mitchellii ("Mitchell's Lorikeet") from Bali and Lombok, djampeanus ("Djampea Lorikeet") from the small island Tanahjampea, and stresemanni ("Stresemann's Lorikeet") from the small island Kalaotoa.[3]

It is the darkest and arguably most strongly marked member of the Rainbow Lorikeet group, with a dark bluish head that contrasts strongly with a lime green nape and a deep scarlet (most subspecies) or deep orange (subspecies stresemanni) breast, that again contrasts strongly with the dark bluish belly.[1]

It inhabits forest, woodland and plantations at altitudes below 1200 m. on Sumabwa, but up to 2150 m. on Lombok.[5] It has not been rated by BirdLife International and IUCN, where still included in the Rainbow Lorikeet, but its small range combined with extensive habitat destruction and capture for the parrot trade gives cause for serious concerns. It remains fairly common on Sumbawa, but is scarce or rare elsewhere.[1][5]

References

  1. ^ a b c Juniper, T., & M. Parr (1998). A Guide to the Parrots of the World. Pica Press. ISBN 1-873403-40-2
  2. ^ Schodde, R. & I. J. Mason (1997). Zoological Catalogue of Australia, Volume 37, Part 2: Aves (Columbidae to Coraciidae). Australian Biological Resources Study. ISBN 0643060375
  3. ^ a b Dickinson, E. C. (editor) (2003). The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. 3d edition. Christopher Helm. ISBN 071366536X
  4. ^ Gill, F., M. Wright, & D. Donsker (2009). IOC World Bird Names. Version 2.1. Accessed 20-06-2009
  5. ^ a b Coates, B. J., & K. D. Bishop (1997). A Guide to the Birds of Wallacea. Dove Publications Pty. Ltd. ISBN 0 9590257 3 1