Conquered lorikeet explained

The conquered lorikeet (Vini vidivici) is a species of parrot that became extinct 700–1300 years ago. It lived in islands of Polynesia. David Steadman and Marie Zarriello wrote its species description in 1987.

It was discovered in the oldest archaeological layer of 1000 AD and not recorded after 1200 AD.^[1]

Description

It was a large species; the only larger species in Vini was V. sinotoi.

Distribution

Specimens have been found on Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva, Ua Huka, and Tahuata (Marquesas Islands); Mangaia (Cook Islands); and Huahine (Society Islands).

Etymology

The binomial name is wordplay alluding to "veni, vidi, vici." The authors wrote in the original description:

The generic name in fact does not come from Latin; René Lesson chose Vini as the name for the genus since Tahitian: vini is the Tahitian word for a local bird.^{[2] [3] [4]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: McCormack. Gerald. 2007. Cook Islands Biodiversity Database, Version 2007.2. Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust. Rarotonga. Conquered Lorikeet.
2. Book: Lesson, R.-P.. Illustrations de zoologie. Planche XXVIII. La vini écarlate. Paris. Arthus Bertrand. 1833.
3. Vini. 1851 . London Missionary Society's Press . Tahiti . A Tahitian and English Dictionary . 314.
4. Vini. 2002. Māʻohi Heritage Press. Honolulu. English-Tahitian Tahitian-English Dictionary . Wahlroos . Sven . 684.