| Duchess lorikeet | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Psittaciformes |
| Family: | Psittaculidae |
| Tribe: | Loriini |
| Genus: | Charmosynoides Joseph et al, 2020 |
| Species: | C. margarethae |
| Binomial name | |
| Charmosynoides margarethae (Tristram, 1879) | |
Theduchess lorikeet (Charmosynoides margarethae) is a species ofparrot in the familyPsittaculidae. It is the only species placed in the genusCharmosynoides. It is found throughout theSolomon Islands archipelago. Its naturalhabitats aresubtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical moistmontane forest, andplantations. It is threatened byhabitat loss.[1]
The duchess lorikeet wasformally described in 1879 by the English clergyman andornithologistHenry Baker Tristram from a specimen collected at Makira Harbour,San Cristoval,Solomon Islands. Tristam coined thebinomial nameCharmosyna margarethae. The specific epithet was chosen to honourPrincess Louise Margaret of Prussia who became the Duchess of Connaught and Strathearn when she marriedQueen Victoria's sonPrince Arthur in 1879.[2] The lorikeet was moved to its own genus,Charmosynoides, based on amolecular phylogenetic study published in 2020.[3][4][5] The nameCharmosynoides is a combination of the genus nameCharmosyna with theAncient Greek-oides meaning "resembling".[4]
The duchess lorikeet is 20 cm (8 in) in length, and weighs 40–60 g (1.4–2.1 oz). An adult is mainly bright red, with purple to black hindcrowns and yellow-orange eyes. It has an orangebill and a wide yellow chest band along with a thin yellow collar on themantle bordered by a purple or black line. It has a dull mauve to black lower breast, with dull yellow underwings. Its tail are red, with green uppertail coverts and yellow tips. Females look the same as males, but additionally have yellow patches on the side of the rump.
Juvenile lorikeets have black markings on the head and underparts, along with a dusky black patch on theocciput. The breast band is a faint yellow and the yellow collar on the mantle has a dusky wash. They have a brown to black bill, with grey eyes.[6]
The species is found only onBougainville Island and 6 islands in theSolomon Islands. It is a localised species that is absent from large areas of habitat in its range that are potentially suitable for it. It is most often found in lower montane forest and in coconut plantations. It is found from sea level to an elevation of 1,350 m (4,430 ft) asl. It may be nomadic and inhabit habitats at different altitudes.[7]
The calls of the duchesslorikeet are generally more squeaky than that of other species of lorikeets. Their flight calls are loud and high-pitched, while high-pitched screek notes are made while feeding.[8]
The lorikeet mostly feed on nectar, pollen, and small fruits, especiallySchefflera.[7]
Much of the lowland forest in its range is scheduled to be logged, although it could survive at higher altitudes. Another threat to the species is the possibility of large scale pet trade.[7]
It was featured on a stamp for theSolomon Islands made in 1975.[9]
The species is widespread and relatively common through its range, but the population may decline rapidly in the future if large scale pet trade begins. The species is considered to be ofLeast Concern byBirdLife International and theIUCN.[7]
The species is traded in thepet trade, but there is an export quota of 60 birds per year to avoid population decline.[7]
