Iris Lorikeet

Irislori ( Psitteuteles iris )

The Irislori ( Psitteuteles iris ) is a species of parrot from the genus of Grünloris ( Psitteuteles ) within the subfamily of Loris. It comes in three subspecies of the Lesser Sunda Islands and Timor Wetar.

Features

The Irislori reaches a length of 20 centimeters ( nominate ) to 22 centimeters ( Wetar subspecies ). The wing length for the nominate 112-120 mm, the Rubin Cap Irislori ( Psitteuteles iris rubripileum ) 110-121 mm and the Wetar - Irislori ( Psitteuteles iris wetterensis ) 121 to 132 mm. In the nominate the plumage is generally green. The forehead, the front top of the head and the supraorbital stripe are orange. The narrow strip turns into a reddish- violet color and extends to above the ear-coverts. The gray- blue back of the head is interspersed green. About the neck runs a yellow band. Chest and abdomen, under wing and under tail feathers are greenish - yellow. The breast feathers are greenish hems. The tail top is green, the underside of tail is olive-yellow. To the Iris runs a dark gray eye-ring. The beak is orange-red, with a yellow tip. The female looks similar to the male, but the front top of the head is green interspersed, and the cheeks are more yellowish- green. The immature birds resemble the female, but the young people dress can be seen blunt and it is only a narrow red band at the front top of the head. The beak base is dark, the iris is brown. When Rubin Cap Irislori the front top of the head and the hood are red. The mind is interspersed green. The ear-coverts are violet blue and contrary to nominate usually missing the greenish blue lacing underneath. When Wetar - Irislori the hood is red and strong violet blue interspersed. The ear-coverts are violet blue. The cheeks are darker green.

Dissemination

The nominate form is found in West Timor, the ruby ​​Cap Irislori in East Timor and the Wetar - Irislori on the island Wetar.

Habitat

The Irislori inhabited monsoon forests with secondary vegetation and the open Eucalyptus savanna at altitudes up to 1,500 m.

Way of life

The Irislori is an inconspicuous bird, which has been observed in flocks of four to ten birds. He's usually only noticeable by its loud call, which consists of high -pitched tones. When foraging chirping is heard. Its flight is quick and easy wavy. He prefers large trees. Its diet consists of nectar, flowers, fruits, pollen and insects. Through its reproductive behavior in nature is hardly anything known. The eggs measure 23.5 x 19.5 mm. In captivity the clutch consists of two eggs. The incubation period is 23 days and the rearing period 52 to 55 days. The young birds are three to four weeks after they have left the nest box fed by the parents.

Status

The Irislori is near threatened by the IUCN. He is often only locally, inventory figures are not available, however. The main hazards arise from the catcher for the cage bird trade and habitat loss. He is listed in Appendix II of the CITES Convention.