While in Thailand for a birding holiday in July 2013, I had a chance to photograph some Vernal Hanging Parrots (Loriculus vernalis) at Kaeng Krachan National Park. With a bit of free time left for the day, the guide brought me to a rambutan orchard that was fruiting at the moment.

In between snacking on rambutans, the guide and I surveyed the area for the parrots. He was surprised I could sense their presence. I told him the calls these parrots make are pretty similar to the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots back in Singapore.

Every now and then, a group of 3-5 birds will buzz around and land on some bare branches. This afforded me the opportunity to take some pictures. Then a few will feast on the rambutans before flying off.

The Vernal Hanging Parrots like their cousins the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots are small sized short-tailed, and primarily green-plumaged parrots. This species is found in Burma, southern and southeastern India and southeastern Thailand. Like the other hanging parrots, they have the ability to sleep upside down, from which their name is derived. Their diet is similar to the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots as well.

Below are some of the pictures I took. Unlike the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots, I am not familiar with their various characteristics. In general, they have red to orange bills unlike the Blue-crowned Hanging Parrots. The breeding adults have white eyes and the male have light blue throat area. The juveniles are lighter in colour, with darker eyes, duller legs and feet.

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