[1] It was previous conspecific with the Philippine hanging parrot but was split based on its morphological differences from its black or dark red bill and duller gray legs This species is monotypic and has no subspecies.

Diet is not well known but pressumed to be the same as Philippine hanging parrot which feeds on flowers, bananas and figs.

[3] They mostly forage for food in the canopy or middle storeys of forests,[3] and their diet is composed of nectar and flowers as well as soft fruits such as those from figs (Ficus).

IUCN has yet to assess this bird but .Jolo and Sanga-Sanga are almost completely deforested with the remaining forests in Tawi-Tawi being converted into palm oil and rubber plantations.

Like the Philippine hanging parrot, it is often caught for the illegal wildlife trade, with escapees recorded outside of its range in Zamboanga City.