Vernal hanging parrot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Vernal hanging parrot |
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| Male in Karnataka, India | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Loriculus
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| Species: |
vernalis
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The Vernal Hanging Parrot (Loriculus vernalis) is a small, bright green parrot. It lives in the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. These parrots move around to find their favorite foods. They eat fruits, seeds, and the buds and blossoms of plants. They especially love fruit from banyan trees and nectar from plantain flowers.
This parrot is quite small, only about 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) long. It has a short tail. Adult male parrots have a red bottom (rump) and a red beak. They also have a blue patch on their throat. Female parrots have a green patch on their throat instead.
Vernal Hanging Parrots live in dry jungles and farmed areas. They build their nests in holes inside trees. They usually lay 2 to 4 white eggs. Young parrots look a bit duller and do not have the throat patch yet. These parrots are not as social as some other parrots. They usually fly in small groups when it's not breeding season. They fly fast and straight, and their call sounds like a loud chattering.
In Sri Lanka, you will find a very similar parrot called the Sri Lanka hanging parrot (L. beryllinus). This parrot is found only in Sri Lanka.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Vernal Hanging Parrots make their nests inside holes in trees. They line their nests with small pieces of leaves. A female parrot usually lays three white eggs at a time.
The mother parrot sits on the eggs for about 20 days until they hatch. After the chicks hatch, they stay in the nest for around 33 days. Then, they are ready to leave the nest and fly on their own.
Images for kids
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In Konkan, Maharashtra, India
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Loriculus vernalis - MHNT
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A male feasting on guava.
