Birdsong field guide
Black-winged Lory
Trichoglossus cyanogenius
A striking red parrot endemic to Indonesian islands, easily identified by its contrasting black wings and violet-blue ear patches.
What it sounds like
Harsh, repetitive screeches and high-pitched, piercing whistles typical of the genus Eos.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- It is endemic to a very small range, specifically the islands of Biak, Numfor, and Supiori in Cenderawasih Bay.
- The species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, primarily threatened by the illegal bird trade and localized habitat loss.
- Possesses a specialized tongue with tiny hair-like structures called papillae used to lap up nectar and pollen from flowers.
- Unlike many other lories, the upper surfaces of its wings are almost entirely black rather than green or red.
- They are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or noisy communal groups moving between foraging sites.
Habitat
Lowland forests, coastal coconut plantations, and occasionally degraded woodland areas.
Range
Biak, Numfor, Manam, and Mios Num islands of West Papua, Indonesia.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Biak LorikeetTrichoglossus rosenbergiiBlue-eared LoryTrichoglossus semilarvatusBlue-streaked LoryTrichoglossus reticulatusCoconut LorikeetTrichoglossus haematodusIris LorikeetTrichoglossus irisLeaf LorikeetTrichoglossus weberiMarigold LorikeetTrichoglossus capistratusMindanao LorikeetTrichoglossus johnstoniae
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