The name of the ornate lorikeet (Trichoglossus ornatus) has both Latin and Greek origins, relating to the bird's striking appearance and a unique physical feature. Ornate comes from the Latin word ornatus, meaning adorned or ornate, referring to the bird's colourful and elaborate plumage. The generic name, Trichoglossus, is derived from the Ancient Greek words thrix (hair) and glossa (tongue), in reference to the bird's specialized, brush-tipped tongue used for feeding on nectar and pollen. Endemic to the Sulawesi archipelago in Indonesia, it is found in tropical forests, woodlands, mangrove forests, and secondary forests. It is similar to the Rainbow Lorikeet - the main difference is that the ornate lorikeet has a purple-blue crown and a red face and throat, while the rainbow lorikeet has a blue head, green back and wings, and a yellow-to-orange breast.
See also: Rainbow lorikeet
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