Red-throated Lorikeet

Rothöschen ( Charmosyna aureicincta )

The Rothöschen ( Charmosyna aureicincta ) is an extremely rare species of parrot from the genus of Zierloris ( Charmosyna ), which is endemic to the Fiji Islands.

Description

The Rothöschen reached a size of 18 cm. The plumage is generally green. The chest, the abdomen, the under wing-coverts and under tail-coverts are yellow-green. Cheeks, chin, and throat are lined with red reins. The throat is characterized by a narrow yellow ribbon. Around the eye is a dark gray ring. The iris is yellow. The ear covers are blue-green. The legs and beak are orange. The tail is on the upper side green with broad yellow tips and underside olive-yellow. The thighs are feathered dark red.

Occurrence and habitat

The Rothöschen inhabited rain forests at altitudes 120-1200 m in the Fiji Islands Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau and Taveuni.

Way of life

Little is known about the life of Rothöschens. It's either individually, to meet in pairs or in small groups 5-20 birds. It is difficult to observe because the plumage is a perfect camouflage in the green canopy. The diet consists of nectar, pollen and tree blossoms.

Endangering

With a population of probably less than 50 copies, the Rothöschen one of the rarest parrots in the world. In 1993 the species was last observed on Viti Levu and photographed. According to an unconfirmed sighting on Tomanivi on Viti Levu in 2001 there were 2001/2002, a search and rescue, but in no instance has been demonstrated. Habitat destruction and entrained house rats can collapse the stock. Only two reserves on Taveuni - the Ravilevu Nature Reserve and the Bouma National Heritage Park - designed to provide reasonable protection for the survival of the species between 2003 and 2008, several search expeditions conducted in all eligible reserves, but without success.