Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot
Last Updated on 30 July 2023
The Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots (Loriculus galgulus) are a species of parrots that are native to Singapore and other countries in the surrounding region. They can often be found in our urban parks and gardens. Despite their frequent high-pitched calls resonating throughout the neighborhood, they are not easily spotted due to their small size and excellent camouflage among the tall green leaves.
The male Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot is primarily adorned in vibrant green feathers, except for a blue crown resembling brushstrokes, patches of orange on the back, and a touch of red on the breast. Adding to this artistic display, it appears as if the male parrot’s tail was dipped into a can of bright red paint.
The female has a similar appearance to the male but with less vivid colors overall and lacks the red breast patch. Juveniles of this species have a lighter bill compared to the adults.
Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots are known for their acrobatic skills and their ability to hang upside down while foraging for food. They primarily feed on fruits, flowers, nectar, and occasionally small insects.
In addition to mangoes, we have also witnessed them indulging in the fruits of palm trees…
…rambutan trees…
…and Champaca trees (Magnolia champaca).
The Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots are social birds and can be found in small flocks or pairs.
These parrots typically nest in tree cavities or hollows, where the female lays 2 to 3 eggs. The incubation period lasts for about 18 to 19 days, and both parents take part in raising the chicks. After hatching, the young birds remain in the nest for several weeks before fledging.
During one of our hikes at Jurong Lake Gardens (Lakeside Garden), we came across a female Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot engaging in an interesting activity.
Initially, we assumed it was simply feeding on guava leaves…
…but upon closer examination, we discovered that it was actually collecting torn-off leaf fragments and inserting them into its plumage.
This behavior is quite common among small parrot species like hanging parrots. They have been observed gathering leaves from fruit trees such as mango or guava trees and utilising them as nesting material.
This unique approach allows them to transport a larger amount of nesting material compared to carrying it in their beaks, which is the typical method employed by many other bird species. Truly, this bird’s resourcefulness and ingenuity are remarkable!
