The composite identity of Psittacus galgulus Linnaeus, 1758: did the ancient Romans know about hanging parrots? (Psittaculidae: Loriculus)

The original description of Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot Psittacus galgulus Linnaeus, 1758—type species of the genus Loriculus Blyth, 1849—linked the taxon to a bird called ‘Galgulos’ by Pliny the Elder (c.77 CE), which was said to roost in an inverted position. I demonstrate that Pliny’s ‘Galgulos’ was likely the Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus and that Linnaeus misapplied the reference: the ancient Romans did not know about hanging parrots. Furthermore, even after setting aside the Pliny citation, P. galgulus was based on a composite type series comprising multiple species and genera, of which no syntypes or suitable lectotypes exist. Despite centuries of uncritical citation, the name’s application remains uncertain, demanding corrective action via neotypification. This case study illustrates how classical texts (and their misinterpretation) shaped early taxonomy, and how modern historical research—no less than taxonomic revision—can reveal nomenclatural instability and justify corrective action under the Code.