Hartert's Orange-fronted Hanging Parrots
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The Hartert's Orange-fronted Hanging Parrot (Loriculus aurantiifrons meeki) is endemic on the islands of Goodenough and Fergusson in D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago, as well as southeastern New Guinea from east coast westwards along northern coast to Huon Peninsular and along southern coast to Lake Kutubu.
Description:
The Hartert's Orange-fronted Hanging Parrot averages 4.25 inches (about 11 cm) in length. The general plumage is green. The breast, abdomen and under tail-coverts are yellowish-green. The forehead is a rich golden yellow. They have a red throat patch to throat. The edge of the wing, lower back and upper tail-coverts are red. The sides to the lower back are yellow. The underside of the flight feathers is greenish-blue. The upperside of the tail is green with greenish-yellow tips. The underside of the tail is greenish-blue. They have a black bill, pale yellowish-white irises and brownish feet.
They distinguish themselves from the nominate species (the Orange-fronted Hanging Parrot) by virtue of being slightly larger and the golden yellow is limited to the forehead - while the golden-yellow in the nominate species also extends to the forecrown.
The female looks like the male, but her forehead and forecrown are bluish-green with a red base to the feathers. Her cheeks are have a strong blue hue. The throat patch in most females only consists of a few red flecks. Her irises are brown.
Young birds look like hens, but without a throat patch. The bill is horn-colored.
Diet:
Their natural diet consists of nectar, fruits, buds, flowers and seeds.
In captivity, their diet should include plenty of fruits, such as figs, pear, apple, banana, and vegetables. They are also fed a seed mix of various millets, canary grass seed, some niger and oats (including sprouted); millet spray; as well as softened rusk, eggfood and meal worm larvae for rearing.
- Please refer to this webpage for additional information on feeding your hanging parrots.
Aviculture:
Captive breeding has not yet been achieved. This is a pleasant, yet shy parrot. It is quiet with a melodic voice that can mostly be heard in the evenings.
This parrot is susceptible to fungal infections, therefore strict hygiene is necessary. It enjoys bathing. Adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or GSE in its bathing water will help in preventing infections. Also provide regular supply of fresh branches.
- Click here for information on the benefits of bathing and recommendations.
It should be provided a planted, preferably indoor or well-sheltered aviary (unless it is kept in temperate climates) of 6 x 3 x 6 ft (2 x 1 x 2 m) dimensions or larger. It needs to be protected from cold, wet conditions and should not be exposed to temperatures below 68F (20° C) - and not less than 77°F (25°C) during the acclimatization period.
- Please refer to this webpage for additional information on housing and breeding your hanging parrots.
Taxonomy:
Species: Scientific: Loriculus aurantiifrons meeki ... English: Hartert's Orange-fronted Hanging Parrot ... Dutch: Harterts Oranjebuikhangparkiet ... German: Harterts Goldstirnpapageichen ... French: Loricule de Meek
CITES II - Endangered Species
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots (Scroll down to no. 3 for information on this species - click on link to view photo)
Care and Feeding:
Please refer to the following websites for information:
- Sources for Purchasing or Adopting your Companion or Aviary Birds
- Optimal nutrition to keep your bird healthy
- Housing your bird / Fun & Safe Toys
- Caring for your companion bird
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