Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot

1. Bird Name
The bird under study is the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, scientifically known as Loriculus beryllinus.

2. Appearance
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrots are small birds characterized by the green plumage across their bodies. A blue tinge on the crown and nape characterizes mature males. Their upper chest and throat area are usually red. Occasionally, a bright red throat patch can be found in males. This bird species has a short red, sharply pointed beak and orange irises in their eyes. Both males and females look similar, but females tend to have fewer red markings.

3. Size
An average Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot measures approximately 13 cm (or 5 inches) in length. Their weight typically ranges from 30 to 34 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
The Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot is native to Sri Lanka, though it has also been observed in India’s western Ghats. These birds have been known to prefer humid forests, plantations, gardens, and even populated cities at altitudes up to 1,500 meters above sea level.

5. Interesting Facts
These parrots have evolved to sleep upside down, explaining why they are named ‘Hanging’ Parrots. They are usually seen in pairs or small groups with a fast and direct flight. Sri Lanka’s Hanging Parrots are also reputed to be silent birds, except when nesting.

6. Diet
The diet of Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot consists primarily of fruits, nectar, and blossoms. Occasionally, they have been known to feed on seeds and insects.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrots are known for their peculiar upside-down sleeping behavior. They produce soft twitters during feeding and flight, and a range of other sounds such as a shrill ‘tsii’ or a sharp ‘kee’ when under threat. In courtship, males perform a bobbing dance to impress females.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot is currently of least concern as the species seem to be stable, with no significant threat at the moment.

9. Lifespan
On average, the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot can live between 15-20 years both in the wild and in captivity, with some known to exceed this average lifespan.

10. Additional Notes
Locally, they are known as Pol Girawa in the Sinhalese language and Pachachundan in Tamil. They play an essential role in natural seed dispersal, thereby aiding the proliferation of the plant species they feed on. Despite living close to human habitations, they are usually not kept as pets due to their delicate health and specific dietary requirements.

The Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, with its unique sleeping habit and intriguing plumage, remains an exciting component of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity. Its contribution to the local ecosystem, particularly in seed dispersal, cannot be overstated. However, their population requires constant monitoring to ensure its preservation amid rapid urbanization and habitat modification.