# Blue-crowned hanging parrot > The blue-crowned hanging parrot (Loriculus galgulus) is a tiny green parrot that sleeps hanging upside down, and the identity animal of Riau province. Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/serindit-melayu/ _This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same data as the HTML page. Cite the HTML page URL and its update date._ **Review status:** Compiled and checked against the listed sources; not yet reviewed by a specialist. ## Quick answer The blue-crowned hanging parrot (*Loriculus galgulus*) is a bird in the family Psittacidae. Range in Indonesia: Sumatra and Borneo (Kalimantan). Diet: fruit, flowers and nectar; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018). | Fact | Value | |---|---| | Scientific name | *Loriculus galgulus* | | Indonesian name | Serindit melayu | | Group | Birds | | Family | Psittacidae | | Range in Indonesia | Sumatra and Borneo (Kalimantan) | | Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/), [Urban Habitats](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/urban/) | | Diet | Fruit, flowers and nectar | | Range in Indonesia | Sumatra and Kalimantan | | Key feature | Green, blue crown spot, red throat patch in males | | Provincial identity animal | Riau province | | Other names | Serindit melayu, serindit | | IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2479372) · checked 1 October 2026 | | Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 551 | | Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — fruit (especially figs), flowers and buds · [World Parrot Trust](https://parrots.org/encyclopedia/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/) | | Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) | | Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [Oiseaux.net (AVONET/Birds of the World traits)](https://www.oiseaux.net/birds/blue-crowned.hanging.parrot.html) | ## What is the blue-crowned hanging parrot? The blue-crowned hanging parrot (Loriculus galgulus) is a small, bright green parrot measuring 12–14.5 cm, according to the Bird Society of Singapore. The male has a dark blue crown spot, a bright red throat patch, a yellow patch on the back and red feathers above the tail. The female lacks the red throat patch, and young birds have an orange bill. Known in Indonesia as serindit melayu, it is the identity animal of Riau province, as listed on the West Sumatra provincial government's official website and reported by the public broadcaster RRI. In Malay culture it stands for wisdom and loyalty. BirdLife International assesses it as Least Concern. Evidence: [Bird Society of Singapore — Birds of Singapore: Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot](https://singaporebirds.com/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/) · [RRI Pekanbaru (2026) — Serindit Melayu, Burung Ikonik yang Menjadi Fauna Identitas Riau](https://rri.co.id/pekanbaru/budaya/2632913/serindit-melayu-burung-ikonik-yang-menjadi-fauna-identitas-riau) · [Pemerintah Provinsi Sumatera Barat (Humas, 2017) — Fauna Sekaligus Maskot Prov. Sumbar](https://sumbarprov.go.id/home/news/11128-fauna-sekaligus-maskot-prov-sumbar) ## Where does the blue-crowned hanging parrot live? In Indonesia, the blue-crowned hanging parrot lives in Sumatra and Kalimantan. According to the Bird Society of Singapore, its range runs from southern Thailand and Myanmar through the Malay Peninsula to Sumatra and Borneo. It lives in forest, forest edges, secondary growth, parks and gardens. In Singapore it has adapted well to urban areas and has been seen nesting in tree holes in the city. RRI says that in Riau it lives in lowland forest, secondary forest and plantations that still have trees. In West Kalimantan, the conservation agency (BKSDA) released 30 of these birds in Kubu Raya regency in 2023. Evidence: [Bird Society of Singapore — Birds of Singapore: Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot](https://singaporebirds.com/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/) · [RRI Pekanbaru (2026) — Serindit Melayu, Burung Ikonik yang Menjadi Fauna Identitas Riau](https://rri.co.id/pekanbaru/budaya/2632913/serindit-melayu-burung-ikonik-yang-menjadi-fauna-identitas-riau) · [Balai Kliring Keanekaragaman Hayati, Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup (2023) — Peringati Hari Konservasi Alam Nasional 2023, BKSDA Kalimantan Barat dan Mitra Kerja Lepasliarkan Puluhan Satwa Liar](https://balaikliringkehati.kemenlh.go.id/2023/08/11/peringati-hari-konservasi-alam-nasional-2023-bksda-kalimantan-barat-dan-mitra-kerja-lepasliarkan-puluhan-satwa-liar/) ## What does the blue-crowned hanging parrot eat? The blue-crowned hanging parrot eats fruit, flowers and nectar. According to the Bird Society of Singapore, it feeds in the middle and upper layers of trees and is often seen feeding while hanging upside down. RRI adds seeds and plant shoots to its diet and says the bird helps pollinate flowers and spread seeds. A bird keeper quoted by the Bird Ecology Study Group, a birdwatching group linked to the National University of Singapore, explains that hanging parrots eat mainly fruit and nectar. This is why they are often seen in trees that are flowering or fruiting. Evidence: [Bird Society of Singapore — Birds of Singapore: Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot](https://singaporebirds.com/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/) · [Bird Ecology Study Group (2018) — Blue-crowned Hanging-parrot tucking leaf pieces into its plumage](https://besgroup.org/2018/03/15/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot-tucking-leaf-pieces-into-its-plumage/) · [RRI Pekanbaru (2026) — Serindit Melayu, Burung Ikonik yang Menjadi Fauna Identitas Riau](https://rri.co.id/pekanbaru/budaya/2632913/serindit-melayu-burung-ikonik-yang-menjadi-fauna-identitas-riau) ## Why does the hanging parrot sleep upside down? Hanging parrots sleep hanging upside down from branches, something BirdNote says no other birds do. BirdNote adds that hanging parrots sometimes bathe upside down too, and that the habit probably helps protect them. The blue-crowned hanging parrot nests in tree holes, and it carries nest material in an unusual way. The Bird Ecology Study Group recorded one in Singapore cutting pieces of mango leaf with its bill and tucking them into its chest feathers before flying off. This lets it carry more material on each trip. Reference works on the birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula also describe this habit. Evidence: [BirdNote — Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot (Loriculus galgulus)](https://www.birdnote.org/bird/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot-loriculus-galgulus) · [Bird Ecology Study Group (2018) — Blue-crowned Hanging-parrot tucking leaf pieces into its plumage](https://besgroup.org/2018/03/15/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot-tucking-leaf-pieces-into-its-plumage/) · [Bird Society of Singapore — Birds of Singapore: Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot](https://singaporebirds.com/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/) ## Why is the blue-crowned hanging parrot so heavily traded? The blue-crowned hanging parrot is heavily caught in the wild for the pet bird trade. BirdLife International notes that after it was listed in CITES Appendix II in 1981, 75,239 wild-caught birds were recorded in international trade, according to the CITES trade database as of January 2005. In Indonesia, these birds also turn up among rescued wildlife. In 2023, for example, the West Kalimantan conservation agency released 30 rescued birds after health checks and rehabilitation. RRI lists forest conversion, illegal capture and unregulated trade as threats. Even so, BirdLife still assesses the species as Least Concern globally. Evidence: [BirdLife DataZone — Blue-crowned Hanging-parrot Loriculus galgulus species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot-loriculus-galgulus) · [Balai Kliring Keanekaragaman Hayati, Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup (2023) — Peringati Hari Konservasi Alam Nasional 2023, BKSDA Kalimantan Barat dan Mitra Kerja Lepasliarkan Puluhan Satwa Liar](https://balaikliringkehati.kemenlh.go.id/2023/08/11/peringati-hari-konservasi-alam-nasional-2023-bksda-kalimantan-barat-dan-mitra-kerja-lepasliarkan-puluhan-satwa-liar/) · [RRI Pekanbaru (2026) — Serindit Melayu, Burung Ikonik yang Menjadi Fauna Identitas Riau](https://rri.co.id/pekanbaru/budaya/2632913/serindit-melayu-burung-ikonik-yang-menjadi-fauna-identitas-riau) ## How can the blue-crowned hanging parrot be protected? The best way to protect the blue-crowned hanging parrot is never to catch, buy or keep wild birds. Loriculus galgulus is listed as a protected species in the annex to regulation P.106/2018 (entry 551, serindit melayu). Internationally, its trade is regulated under CITES Appendix II. If you see these birds for sale in a market or on social media, report it to the local conservation agency (BKSDA) or the police. Keep fruiting and flowering trees in gardens and parks, because the birds feed in them and can nest in tree holes. As Riau's identity animal, it is also a good way for schools and families to learn about local birds. Evidence: [Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (lampiran)](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · [BirdLife DataZone — Blue-crowned Hanging-parrot Loriculus galgulus species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot-loriculus-galgulus) · [Bird Society of Singapore — Birds of Singapore: Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot](https://singaporebirds.com/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/) ## Scientific classification of the Blue-crowned hanging parrot | Rank | Name | |---|---| | Kingdom | Animalia | | Phylum | Chordata | | Class | Aves | | Order | Psittaciformes | | Family | Psittacidae | | Genus | *Loriculus* | | Species | *Loriculus galgulus* | Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c) ## Common questions about the blue-crowned hanging parrot ### What is the scientific name of the blue-crowned hanging parrot? The scientific name of the blue-crowned hanging parrot is *Loriculus galgulus*, in the family Psittacidae. In Indonesian it is called Serindit melayu. ### What kind of animal is the blue-crowned hanging parrot? The blue-crowned hanging parrot is a bird in the family Psittacidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a fruit (especially figs), flowers and buds. ### Where does the blue-crowned hanging parrot live in Indonesia? In Indonesia, this guide records the blue-crowned hanging parrot in: Sumatra and Borneo (Kalimantan). Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/), [Urban Habitats](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/urban/). ### What does the blue-crowned hanging parrot eat? Diet of the blue-crowned hanging parrot: fruit, flowers and nectar. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [World Parrot Trust](https://parrots.org/encyclopedia/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/). ### How does the blue-crowned hanging parrot reproduce? The blue-crowned hanging parrot reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352). ### Is the blue-crowned hanging parrot nocturnal? No. The blue-crowned hanging parrot is diurnal (active by day). Source: [Oiseaux.net (AVONET/Birds of the World traits)](https://www.oiseaux.net/birds/blue-crowned.hanging.parrot.html). See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/). ### What are the main features of the blue-crowned hanging parrot? Key features of the blue-crowned hanging parrot, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: green, blue crown spot, red throat patch in males. ### What is the scientific classification of the blue-crowned hanging parrot? Scientific classification of the blue-crowned hanging parrot: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Psittaciformes, family Psittacidae, genus *Loriculus*, species *Loriculus galgulus*. Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology. ### Is the blue-crowned hanging parrot endangered? No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the blue-crowned hanging parrot is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2479372), checked 1 October 2026. This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is the blue-crowned hanging parrot protected in Indonesia?](#protected) ### Is the blue-crowned hanging parrot protected in Indonesia? Yes. The blue-crowned hanging parrot (*Loriculus galgulus*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 551). Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests. If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/). ### Can the blue-crowned hanging parrot be kept as a pet? No. Because the blue-crowned hanging parrot is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited. If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/). ## Sources & references 1. [BirdLife DataZone — Blue-crowned Hanging-parrot Loriculus galgulus species factsheet](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot-loriculus-galgulus) 2. [Bird Society of Singapore — Birds of Singapore: Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot](https://singaporebirds.com/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/) 3. [Bird Ecology Study Group (2018) — Blue-crowned Hanging-parrot tucking leaf pieces into its plumage](https://besgroup.org/2018/03/15/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot-tucking-leaf-pieces-into-its-plumage/) 4. [BirdNote — Blue-crowned Hanging-Parrot (Loriculus galgulus)](https://www.birdnote.org/bird/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot-loriculus-galgulus) 5. [RRI Pekanbaru (2026) — Serindit Melayu, Burung Ikonik yang Menjadi Fauna Identitas Riau](https://rri.co.id/pekanbaru/budaya/2632913/serindit-melayu-burung-ikonik-yang-menjadi-fauna-identitas-riau) 6. [Pemerintah Provinsi Sumatera Barat (Humas, 2017) — Fauna Sekaligus Maskot Prov. Sumbar](https://sumbarprov.go.id/home/news/11128-fauna-sekaligus-maskot-prov-sumbar) 7. [Balai Kliring Keanekaragaman Hayati, Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup (2023) — Peringati Hari Konservasi Alam Nasional 2023, BKSDA Kalimantan Barat dan Mitra Kerja Lepasliarkan Puluhan Satwa Liar](https://balaikliringkehati.kemenlh.go.id/2023/08/11/peringati-hari-konservasi-alam-nasional-2023-bksda-kalimantan-barat-dan-mitra-kerja-lepasliarkan-puluhan-satwa-liar/) 8. [Kementerian Lingkungan Hidup dan Kehutanan — Permen LHK P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi (lampiran)](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) 9. [World Parrot Trust](https://parrots.org/encyclopedia/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/) 10. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) 11. [Oiseaux.net (AVONET/Birds of the World traits)](https://www.oiseaux.net/birds/blue-crowned.hanging.parrot.html) 12. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c) ## Keep exploring - [Barn owl](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/barn-owl/) - [Black-capped lory](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/black-capped-lory/) - [Common hill myna](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/common-hill-myna/) - [Crested serpent eagle](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/crested-serpent-eagle/) - [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/) - [Urban Habitats](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/urban/) - [Great argus](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/great-argus/) - [Nias hill myna](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nias-hill-myna/) --- Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Blue-crowned hanging parrot. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/blue-crowned-hanging-parrot/