The Pohnpei lorikeet ( Trichoglossus rubiginosus), known as serehd in Pohnpeian,[Steadman D, (2006). Extinction and Biogeography in Tropical Pacific Birds, University of Chicago Press. ]
Description
The Pohnpei lorikeet is long and weights around . Its
plumage is mainly reddish-maroon with vague approximately striations of darker maroon. The head a slightly darker maroon. The
and tail are olive-yellow. Its legs are grey. The male has an orange beak and yellow-orange irises, while the female has a yellow beak and light grey irises. The juveniles have brown beaks and brown irises.
[Forshaw (2006). plate 13.]
Habitat and behaviour
Its natural
habitat is tropical moist lowland
and plantations. The diet is composed of nectar and pollen from
and also fruit and insect larvae. It nests in a hole in a tree, laying a single egg. The species is common and not considered threatened.
In human culture
The "Designation of State Bird Act" established the Pohnpei lorikeet as the state bird of Pohnpei, and simultaneously protected the bird from being hunted or killed; those disobeying the law can be fined or imprisoned.
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