BEHAVIOUR OF THE BLUE-CROWNED HANGING PARROT LORICULUS GALGULUS WITH COMPARATIVE NOTES ON THE VERNAL HANGING PARROT L. VERNALIS

摘要: Summary The maintenance activities of Loriculus galgulus and L. vernalis are described discussed, compared with the behaviour parrots genus Agapornis. Maintenance reveal some adaptations to genus-typical habit resting sleeping upside-down. A peculiar defaecation posture ensures that plumage hanging birds is not soiled. L. holds food either in foot or bill, but seems use feeding:there much regurgitation remastication food. Scratching indirect, as Agapornis species, though brought directly bill be preened. more ready bathe standing water than Agapornis, actually entering water, merely splashing from edge. There evidence rain-bathes upside down, does A. cana. Agonistic highly ritualized Loriculus:some actions identical those primitive species Threat displays described: so-called Super Display combines all agonistic one. three appeasement displays. Group upside-down pseudo-sleeping a response appearance potential predators frequent both species: it certain if this displacement reaction normal escape safety an inaccessible refuge. Little known about reproductive captivity even less wild. Pair formation appears occur late period attaining maturity, initiated maintained by courtship feeding: homosexual pairing unusual n flocks captive birds. Of displays, one-Strutting-seems common several species. Cutting nest material activity male female Loriculus. maturing learning process seen cutting little “bits” inexperienced immature birds, straight arcuate strips experienced. In galgulus, females were tuck nesting throat breast feathers, they have been reported into rump feathers also: oernalis tucked among only. Both investi- gated boxes, none nested. This study general reinforces ideas relationship genera data on other needed. At stage investigation behaviourally closest namely, cana, tarantu pullaria.