Duchess lorikeet

The duchess lorikeet (Charmosynoides margarethae) is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae.

[1] The duchess lorikeet was formally described in 1879 by the English clergyman and ornithologist Henry Baker Tristram from a specimen collected at Makira Harbour, San Cristoval, Solomon Islands.

The specific epithet was chosen to honour Princess Louise Margaret of Prussia who became the Duchess of Connaught and Strathearn when she married Queen Victoria's son Prince Arthur in 1879.

[2] The lorikeet was moved to its own genus, Charmosynoides, based on a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2020.

It is a localised species that is absent from large areas of habitat in its range that are potentially suitable for it.

[9] The species is widespread and relatively common through its range, but the population may decline rapidly in the future if large scale pet trade begins.

Holotype of Charmosyna margarethae Tristram (NML-VZ T12204) held at World Museum , National Museums Liverpool .