Goldie’s Lorikeet

Psitteuteles goldiei New Guinea • High-Altitude Specialist
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Goldie’s Lorikeet (Psitteuteles goldiei) is a small, beautiful, and relatively rare lorikeet endemic to the highlands of New Guinea. It is admired for its striking combination of emerald-green body, bright red breast, yellow-orange collar, and vivid blue crown. Known for its energetic, playful, and curious personality, Goldie’s Lorikeet is a nectar feeder that makes a delightful aviary bird for experienced keepers who can provide a specialized liquid diet and plenty of enrichment.

General Description

Common Name Goldie’s Lorikeet
Latin Name Psitteuteles goldiei
Family Psittacidae • Lorikeets & Lories
Adult Size 19–21 cm (7.5–8.3 in)
Weight 45–60 g
Life Span 15–25+ years in captivity
Sexual Maturity 1–2 years
Clutch Size 2 eggs
Gender Difference Minimal visual dimorphism. Males are slightly larger with broader heads; DNA testing is recommended.
Natural Habitat Montane forests and forest edges at higher altitudes (1,500 – 2,500 m) in New Guinea.
Origin / Range Central and eastern highlands of New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and western Papua, Indonesia).
Care Level Intermediate • Specialized nectar diet, active and needs frequent feeding
Psitteuteles goldiei - Goldie's Lorikeet
Psitteuteles goldiei • Adult showing red breast and blue crown

HIGHLAND LORIKEET • SMALL & VIBRANT

Subspecies & Plumage

The Goldie’s Lorikeet is currently considered monotypic (no recognised subspecies), although some regional variation in colour intensity has been noted.

Key Plumage Features

This small lorikeet has a bright emerald-green body with a vivid red breast band. The head features a deep blue crown and nape, while the cheeks and throat are often marked with red and yellow. The tail is green with yellow undertail coverts. Its small size and bold colour combination make it one of the most attractive miniature lorikeets.

Juveniles are duller with less red on the breast and more brownish tones on the head. This species is known for being relatively quiet for a lorikeet and is an active, agile flyer.

Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Psitteuteles Genus
New Guinea Highlands
Small Lorikeet