The marigold lorikeet or Sumba lorikeet (Trichoglossus capistratus)Lexicon of Parrots is a species of parrot that is endemic to the Southeast Asian islands of Sumba, Rote, Wetar and Kisar (Indonesia) and Timor (Indonesia and Timor-Leste). It was previously considered a subspecies of the rainbow lorikeet,Juniper, T., & M. Parr (1998). A Guide to the Parrots of the World. Pica Press. but following a review in 1997,Schodde, R. & I. J. Mason (1997). Zoological Catalogue of Australia, Volume 37, Part 2: Aves (Columbidae to Coraciidae). Australian Biological Resources Study. it is increasingly treated as a separate species.Dickinson, E. C. (editor) (2003). The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. 3d edition. Christopher Helm. Gill, F., M. Wright, & D. Donsker (2009). IOC World Bird Names. Version 2.1. Accessed 20-06-2009
Overall, the marigold lorikeet resembles a faded rainbow or scarlet-breasted lorikeet, with the blue to the head not as strongly demarcated and the chest ranging from orange-yellow to yellow. In addition to the nominate subspecies from Timor, it includes the subspecies fortis ("Edward's lorikeet") from Sumba and flavotectus ("Wetar lorikeet") from Wetar. It inhabits the edge of primary forest, secondary forest, woodland and plantations at altitudes below on Timor, but at least up to on Sumba.Coates, B. J., & K. D. Bishop (1997). A Guide to the Birds of Wallacea. Dove Publications Pty. Ltd. It remains fairly common, but its relatively small distribution could give cause for future concern.
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Oriental Bird Images.