Mindanao lorikeet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mindanao lorikeet |
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| At London Zoo, England | |
| Conservation status | |
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| Genus: |
Saudareos
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| Species: |
johnstoniae
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The Mindanao lorikeet (also called the Mount Apo lorikeet) is a type of parrot. Its scientific name is Saudareos johnstoniae. This colorful bird belongs to the parrot family, Psittaculidae. There are two kinds of Mindanao lorikeets, and both are only found on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines.
These lorikeets live in warm, wet montane forests. These are forests that grow on mountains. Sadly, the Mindanao lorikeet is in danger. Their homes are disappearing because of habitat loss, and some people try to catch them illegally. Experts believe there might be as few as 1,500 of these birds left. They have even disappeared from some places where they used to live.
Meet the Mindanao Lorikeet
The Mindanao lorikeet is a small, beautiful bird. It grows to be about 20 centimeters (8 inches) long. Most of its body is green, but it has bright, colorful parts too!
What Does It Look Like?
- Its face is a bright red color.
- It has a dark purple stripe on its head.
- Under its wings, it has many pretty colors.
- Its feet are gray, and its beak is orange.
- The area around its eyes is dark gray, and its eyes have red irises.
Boy and girl lorikeets look exactly the same. Young lorikeets look a little different. They have less red on their faces. Instead of the purple stripe, they have brown behind their eyes. Their eyes are gray, their irises are brown, and their beaks are dark brown.
What Do They Eat?
Mindanao lorikeets enjoy eating small insects. They like to snack on things like fireflies and spiders.
Where Do They Live?
There are two slightly different types of Mindanao lorikeets. They live in different parts of Mindanao:
- One type lives in central and southeast Mindanao.
- The other type lives in western Mindanao.
