Vernal Hanging Parrot

Taxobox
name = Vernal Hanging Parrot
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Psittaciformes
familia = Psittacidae
genus = "Loriculus"
species = "L. vernalis"
binomial = "Loriculus vernalis"
binomial_authority = Sparrman, 1787The Vernal Hanging Parrot ("Loriculus vernalis") is a small parrot which is a resident breeder from India eastwards to Southeast Asia. In Sri Lanka, it is replaced by the very similar endemic Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, ("L. beryllinus"). It undergoes local movements, driven mainly by the availability of the fruit, seeds, buds and blossoms that make up its diet.

Vernal Hanging Parrot is a bird of dry jungle and cultivation. It nests in holes in trees, laying 2-4 white eggs.

This is a small, mainly green hanging parrot, only 14 cm long with a short tail. The adult has a red rump and bill, and blue throat patch.

Immature birds have a duller rump, and lack the throat patch.

Vernal Hanging Parrot is less gregarious than some of its relatives, and is usually in small groups outside the breeding season. Its flight is swift and direct, and the call is a raucous chattering.

Breeding

Vernal Hanging Parrots nest in tree cavities. There are usually three eggs in a clutch. The female incubates the eggs for 20 days and the chicks leave the nest about 33 days from hatching.cite book |first = David| last = Alderton | title = The ultimate encyclopedia of caged and aviary birds | isbn = 184309164X |pages= p. 215| publisher = Hermes House |location = London, England | year = 2003]

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

* "Birds of India" by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp, ISBN 0-691-04910-6