Ultramarine Lorikeet (Vini ultramarina)

The Utramarine Lorikeet or Lory (Vini ultramarina), also known as the lori ultramarin in French, is a species of parrot in the Psittaculidae family, endemic to the Marquesas Islands. They are called “Pihiti” by the locals. They are considered endangered as they only exist on the one island of Ua Huka in the Marquesas.

Location of Ua Huka

Manu, the Ornithological Society of French Polynesia is very concerned with conserving them and keeping the island free from black rats. These rats climb trees and kill nesting birds, babies and eggs.

Ultramarine Lorikeets aka Pihiti are regularly seen in the Hokatu Valley. I saw them from a fair distance while sitting on the verandah of my bungalow but they were too fast to get a good photo.

We went birding with local Manu-trained guide, Geoffray Sulpice who took us to his plantation where I was able to get closer shots of the birds perched, courting and eating.