The pygmy hanging parrot, red-billed hanging parrot or green hanging parrot (Loriculus exilis) is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae and is one of the smallest members of its genus. It is distinctive by its small size, orange bill and bright green plumage with a red throat. The bird is green all over. Its face consists of an orange bill and red throat. The tail is red. It is sometimes confused with the great hanging parrot due to their similar color but the pygmy hanging parrot is smaller and has a more red bill, green forehead, and uniform green mantle. It is endemic to forest, mangrove and other wooded habitats on the Indonesian island called Sulawesi.
Taxonomy The pygmy hanging parrot (Loriculus exilis) belongs to the order Psittaciformes which contains parrots, macaws, cockatoos and lories. It belongs to the family Psittaculidae which contains five subfamilies which span the Old World: Loriinae, Agapornithinae, Platycercinae, Psittacellinae and Psittaculinae. Loriculus exilis is placed in the subfamily Psittaculinae, which include Polytelini, Psittaculini, and Micropsittini (pygmy parrots). Micropsittini is a tribe of birds phylogenetically sister to Polytelini/Psittaculini and has a deep stem age of 27.6 million years ago. The species tree within this tribe is changing regularly due to the small number and quality of genomic samples currently available. Hanging parrots are a part of the genus Loriculus, which was historically placed within Loriinae, but more recent phylogenetic analyses have revised this classification, suggesting they are different subfamilies who experienced convergent evolution. Note that the name "pygmy hanging parrot" may be deceiving because pygmy parrots are classified within the genus Micropsitta, but this species is only called pygmy for its small size. This species is monotypic, meaning no subspecies are recognized. However, they form a species group with Loriculus pusillus and Loriculus flosculus, which all used to be grouped together as one species.
Description and Identification Parrots are generally defined by their bright colors, large hooked rostrum (upper beak), prominent cere (a featherless area dorsal to the upper beak), and relatively short tails. Pygmy parrots are small, typically weighing around 11 grams. Loriculus exilis is one of the smallest members of its genus, measuring 10–11 cm in length. Its plumage is mostly bright green with a slight tinge of yellow on its underparts. It has a bright red or orange beak, orange legs and a thin red mark on the throat bordered with a royal blue collar. Its upper side rump also has red feathers. The red throat patch can be a good indicator to further distinguish an individual: females have a reduced patch and even sometimes lack it completely, similarly to immature birds who do not have it at all. Immature individuals also have yellower legs then adults. In order to better climb and forage on tree trunks, they have evolved modified tail shafts stronger than average and long claws. Loriculus exilis can often be confused with other species, however it can be distinguished from other pygmy parrots by its brighter plumage, and from other hanging parrots by its smaller size. Its home range can also be very helpful in differentiating it from others due to its restricted habitat on Sulawesi and nearby islands. Vocalizations of the pygmy hanging parrot are described as short, high-pitched, insect-like notes. Recorded calls are often in sequences of two to four "tsi-tsi-tsik" sounds.
Distribution and habitat Loriculus exilis is mainly endemic to Sulawesi island in Indonesia, but can also be found on many small surrounding islands such as Buton, Kabaena, and Wawonii. Although previously thought to occur only in preserved, or primary lowland forest, the species has shown some tolerance to habitat degradation. This said, it inhabits a wide range of forested areas; primary and secondary lowland and hill forests, as well as mangroves and forest edge habitats. It has been said to fly or perch anywhere from sea level up to 1,000 meters, but recent records extend its elevation range to 1,320 m in the Mekongga Mountains. Its extent of occurrence, or total geographic range is estimated at 414,000 km². Since they are non-migratory, their geographic range is not expected to change in the next years.
Behaviour and ecology The habits of pygmy parrots are generally poorly known due to their small habitat range and small size making them difficult to survey. The species is generally inconspicuous, moving quietly and swiftly through the forest canopy. Observers have reported that they seem to be in a frenzy most of the time, hopping rather than walking and keeping their legs constantly crouched rather than standing straight like most other parrots.
Migration Loriculus exilis is non-migratory, but may be nomadic, following the flowering and fruiting of trees. Observations from Northern Sulawesi in the 19th century reported flocks appearing suddenly after periods of absence, possibly linked to food availability. This said, the pygmy hanging parrot is usually found singly or in pairs. They are most active after sunrise, often delaying foraging in overcast conditions—suggests finely balanced energy budgets typical of very small birds.
Breeding The pygmy hanging parrot has an average generation length of 3.8 years, meaning it takes ~3.8 years for an offspring to mature and have babies of its own. Breeding occurs in February and August. The clutch size is unknown, but eggs measured in captivity are approximately 19 × 15 mm. Nests are mostly made in holes in dead palms and stumps, but can occasionally be in arboreal termitaria (termite nests in trees), just like other species such as the buff-faced pygmy parrot (Micropsitta pusio). Cavities are used for both nesting and roosting. Their breeding is endemic and has 10 identified Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) or Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), which meet international criteria for sites that are essential for maintaining bird populations.
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