The marigold lorikeet or Sumba lorikeet (Trichoglossus capistratus)[1] is a species of parrot that is endemic to the south-east Asian islands of Sumba, Rote, Wetar and Kisar (Indonesia) and Timor (Indonesia and East Timor). It was previously considered a subspecies of the rainbow lorikeet,[2] but following a review in 1997,[3] it is increasingly treated as a separate species.[4] [5]
Overall, the marigold lorikeet resembles a faded rainbow or scarlet-breasted lorikeet, with the blue to the head not as strongly demarcated and the chest ranging from orange-yellow to yellow.[2] In addition to the nominate subspecies from Timor, it includes the subspecies fortis ("Edward's lorikeet") from Sumba and flavotectus ("Wetar lorikeet") from Wetar.[4] It inhabits the edge of primary forest, secondary forest, woodland and plantations at altitudes below 500m (1,600feet) on Timor, but at least up to 950m (3,120feet) on Sumba.[6] It remains fairly common,[6] but its relatively small distribution could give cause for future concern.