Meek's Lorikeet

Meek's Lorikeet (Vini meeki) was formally described in 1910 by the ornithologist Walter Rothschild and Ernst Hartert. It is native to the Solomon Islands, specifically concentrated on the islands of Bougainville and Choiseul. The species was named in honor of Albert Stewart Meek, a prolific professional collector who spent years traversing the Pacific region on behalf of the Rothschild Museum, securing specimens that would later define much of the era's taxonomic understanding of island avifauna.

The bird is characterized by its compact size and distinct morphological features, most notably its rounded wings and pointed tail, which are specialized for navigating the dense, humid canopy of its tropical home. As a member of the genus Vini, it is part of a group of lorikeets known for their vibrant plumage and nectar-heavy diets. Its discovery and initial classification reflect the broader scientific endeavor of the early twentieth century to map the biological diversity of remote island chains through expedition-based research.