Red-throated lorikeet

Charmosyna amabilis

Avilumen editorial team ·

Red-throated lorikeet
Photo: John Gerrard Keulemans · Public domain

The red-throated lorikeet is a critically endangered lorikeet endemic to Fiji. It is 18 cm (7.1 in) long and is bright green overall, with red cheeks, throat and thighs.

The red-throated lorikeet (Vini amabilis) is a critically endangered lorikeet endemic to Fiji. It is 18 cm (7.1 in) long and is bright green overall, with red cheeks, throat and thighs.

This bird has been found on the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. Ten specimens were collected in 1923, but it was last recorded in 1993, although it may also have been seen on Mount Tomanivi on Viti Levu in 2001. A search of Viti Levu in 2001-2 failed to find any birds, as did a second series of surveys in 2003. It continues to be threatened by habitat loss, the introduced black rat, as well as introduced feral cats and small Indian mongooses. It is known as the Kulawai in Fiji and is the bird found on the Fijian $5 bills.

Taxonomy

This species was formerly assigned to the genus Charmosyna. It was moved to the genus Vini based on a molecular phylogenetic study of the lorikeets published in 2020.

Text adapted from Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

Plumage colours

Taxonomy

Genus
Charmosyna
Conservation status
Critically endangered

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Care guide

Lory and Lorikeet Care Guide: Nectar Diet and Housing

How to care for lories and rainbow lorikeets: nectar and pollen diet, hygiene, cage setup, health, behavior and CITES legal status for lorikeet owners.

Read the guide →

Illustration gallery

6 illustrations of Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet) in different styles, true to its real plumage. Shown watermarked; the art pack includes the high-resolution originals, ready to print.

  • Watercolor illustration: Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet)
    Watercolor
  • Vintage plate illustration: Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet)
    Vintage plate
  • Ink illustration: Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet)
    Ink
  • Oil illustration: Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet)
    Oil
  • Realistic illustration: Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet)
    Realistic
  • Colored pencil illustration: Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet)
    Colored pencil

Illustrations based on the photograph by John Gerrard Keulemans (Public domain), from Wikimedia Commons.

Digital editions

HD Digital Art Pack — Red-throated lorikeet

Digital download: 6 high-resolution illustrations of the Red-throated lorikeet (Charmosyna amabilis), print-ready. This is a digital file; no animal or physical item is included.

$1.99

AI Avatar — Red-throated lorikeet

Generate an avatar fusing your face with the Red-throated lorikeet (Charmosyna amabilis). Delivered digitally in 8K, watermark-free. Digital product; no animals are sold or brokered.

$4.99

Instant download. No live birds are sold.

Frequently asked questions

Is Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet) endangered?
The IUCN Red List places Charmosyna amabilis, commonly known as the Red-throated lorikeet, in the «Critically endangered» category. «Critically endangered» is the highest threat level before extinction.
What family does Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet) belong to?
Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet) belongs to the family Psittacidae, in the order Psittaciformes.
What colour is Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet)?
The plumage of Charmosyna amabilis (Red-throated lorikeet) combines these colours: Green and Red.

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