Loriculus – Hanging parrots

A delightful group of tiny, colorful parrots found across South and Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka through the Philippines and Indonesia. But what they lack in size, they make up for with dazzling green plumage, splashes of red, orange, or blue, and, of course, the quirky habit that gives them their name. Unlike other parrots that perch upright, hanging parrots often sleep and rest upside down, dangling from branches like little feathered bats.

Their upside-down lifestyle is just one of the many things that make Loriculus parrots so endearing. These birds are playful, acrobatic, and energetic, moving nimbly through the canopy as they feed on nectar, fruits, and flowers. They are particularly fond of blossoms, often getting their faces dusted with pollen as they feed, making them important pollinators for their forests. Their diet also includes soft fruits and berries, which help spread seeds, giving them another crucial role as tiny forest gardeners.

Unlike the loud, raucous flocks of larger parrots, hanging parrots are relatively quiet and discreet. Their calls are high-pitched and tinkling, more like little chimes than the harsh squawks many associate with parrots. They often travel in small groups or pairs, zipping quickly from tree to tree. Their small size and green plumage make them hard to spot, but when they flash their bright red rump or blue tail patches in flight, they sparkle like flying jewels in the canopy.

Their upside-down roosting habit is not just funny—it helps them stay hidden from predators by breaking up their outline. Some locals affectionately call them “bat-parrots” because of this habit. Watching them dangle in clusters during the day or before roosting is a comical sight, as if someone hung up a bunch of parrot ornaments on a tree.