The leaf lorikeet (Trichoglossus weberi), also known as the Flores lorikeet or Weber's lorikeet, is a species of parrot that is endemic to the Indonesian island of Flores. It was previously considered a subspecies of the rainbow lorikeet,[2] but following a review in 1997,[3] it is increasingly treated as a separate species.[4][5]

Leaf lorikeet
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittaculidae
Genus: Trichoglossus
Species:
T. weberi
Binomial name
Trichoglossus weberi
(Büttikofer, 1894)

Description edit

Unlike all other members of the rainbow lorikeet group, the leaf lorikeet has an overall green plumage, with only a paler lime green chest and collar.[2] With a total length of approximately 23 cm (9 in), it is the smallest member of the rainbow lorikeet group.[6]

Habitat and conservation edit

It inhabits the edge of primary forest, secondary forest, woodland and plantations at altitudes up to 1,400 m (4,600 ft).[7] It remains fairly common,[7] but its relatively small distribution could give cause for future concern. As well, its population is believed to be decreasing, with fewer than 20,000 mature individuals believed to be in the wild.[8]

References edit

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2017). "Trichoglossus weberi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T22726309A111146327. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T22726309A111146327.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b Juniper, T., & M. Parr (1998). A Guide to the Parrots of the World. Pica Press. ISBN 1-873403-40-2
  3. ^ Schodde, R. & I. J. Mason (1997). Zoological Catalogue of Australia, Volume 37, Part 2: Aves (Columbidae to Coraciidae). Australian Biological Resources Study. ISBN 0-643-06037-5
  4. ^ Dickinson, E. C. (editor) (2003). The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. 3d edition. Christopher Helm. ISBN 0-7136-6536-X
  5. ^ Gill, F., M. Wright, & D. Donsker (2009). IOC World Bird Names. Version 2.1. Accessed 20-06-2009
  6. ^ Lexicon of Parrots, online version. Arndt Verlag. Accessed 20-06-2009
  7. ^ a b Coates, B. J., & K. D. Bishop (1997). A Guide to the Birds of Wallacea. Dove Publications Pty. Ltd. ISBN 0-9590257-3-1
  8. ^ International), BirdLife International (BirdLife (2016-10-01). "IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Trichoglossus weberi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved 2021-05-12.

External links edit