sign in sign up
<<
Home , Brown lory, Cardinal lory, Chalcopsitta, Charmosyna, Dusky lory, Eos (bird)

POPULAR LORIES AND LORIKEETS IN THE UNITED STATES

Lories and Lorikeets are brightly colored mins, minerals, and nutrients that, along with a variety from and the South Pacific. For a long of fresh foods, take some of the challenge out of time they were not terribly popular in the feeding lories. Previously, those who kept United States, but that is now chang- lories had to rely on a variety of home- ing. Although their is made powders and formu- exceptionally beautiful these las while not knowing if the birds typically eat nectar, fruit were receiving any nutrition, and pollen. They are physi- let alone a balanced diet. ologically different from other popular parrots The second reason and their tongues are for the increased appeal uniquely designed of lories is the wide- with tiny papillae that spread availability of effectively gather walk-through the pollen and nec- aviaries featuring tar. This highly lories. These inter- specialized diet active exhibits are produces drop- popping up at zoos pings that are and theme parks runny and, if the all over the United is hanging on States. For a small the side of a fee, a visitor can cage, can be pro- purchase a cup of pelled many feet! nectar to feed the The lory diet in birds. Once in the captivity is differ- aviary, colorful ent from the diet of lories swoop down other psittacines as and alight on any well, and can be a available human sur- bit more expensive face. This provides and labor intensive. not only a bit of interac- Additionally, lories are tion with some very incredibly active and interesting birds, but also energetic, much more so a closer look at some of the than other parrots. As a most gorgeous birds in the result, they were difficult to world. Now, it seems almost maintain in the home and some- everyone knows what a lory is times challenging in an aviary. In and many have continued to find the last few years the trend of avoiding them fascinating. lories has changed significantly. While there are many reasons for this change, three fac- The other significant factor that has helped tors seem obvious. lories gain popularity and recognition is the Internet. The first reason for the increase in popularity is Widespread access to the Internet has caused the the creation of commercial diets created specifically once impossible-to-find information on keeping lories for the nutritional needs of lories. These diets simplify to now be right at one’s fingertips. There are numer- the feeding process and provide a balance of vita- ous websites detailing the different , appropri-

Above: Green-naped Lorikeet AFA WATCHBIRD • 29 and the breast is orange and does not have the dark tipped feathers seen on the Green-naped Lory. The collar is yellow-green. Several color mutations have been documented but they are extremely rare. The Swainson’s Lory is native to Australia and is often seen around parks and back yard bird feeders. The Edward’s Lory, T. h. capistratus, has become more common and possibly has the nicest temperament of the entire Rainbow group. The body is green. The head is green; the forehead, crown, and chin are blue, shaft streaked with a darker blue. The breast is yellow with a bit of orange edging, the abdomen is dark green and the collar is a greenish yellow. This bird is native to the lowlands of . In Pair general, the Edward’s Lory seems to be less nippy and aggressive than the Green-naped Lory when ate diets, health concerns, and just about everything mature, making it rather desirable as a pet. else one needs to know about these birds. Numerous The remaining five species, including the web sites, chat groups, and mailing lists facilitate the Rosenberg’s or Biak Lory (T. h. rosenbergii), Blue- exchange of information. If one is able to separate the headed or Pale-headed Lory (T. h. caeruleiceps), and reliable information from the preferred advice of the Weber’s Lory (T. h. weberi) appear less frequently wannabe experts, the information is abundant and in this country. The Weber’s is the only lory of the rain- usually free. No longer is the art of keeping lories bow group that is not as brilliantly colored. It is mainly such a hit or miss ordeal. green and yellow. The slightly smaller Mitchell’s Lory, While the lory family is made up of ten separate T. h. mitchellii, has genera and fifty-three species, not all are available in almost completely the United States. There is, however, a great variety of disappeared from species for any lory connoisseur to select from. in the Some of the most commonly seen and kept United States and lories in the Unites States are those in the appropri- all that remains ately named Rainbow group, haemato- here now is a frag- dus. The term “Rainbow” is a generic one and it refers ile population. to roughly twenty-three different birds. They are small Additionally, the and colorful lories that have adapted well to captivity wild population in and whose price does not put them out of reach for its native home on those watching their bird-buying budget. Of the vari- the islands of Bali ous Rainbow lories, eight exist in the United States and Lombak and three appear fairly often in aviculture. The nomi- appears to have nate species, the Green-naped Lory, T. h. haemato- diminished signifi- dus, is by far the most commonly seen lory in this cantly and the group. It is a small lory, about ten inches long and remaining popula- weighing 130 to 140 grams. Its body is green and the tion is in peril. forehead, crown and lores are blue, shaft streaked Forsten’s Lories with green. The back of its head is purple; the breast (T. h. forsteni) is red, with the feathers clearly edged in dark blue. were imported into The collar is greenish yellow. The Green-naped lory the U.S. periodi- is native to and it is still quite plentiful cally in the past there. but have become Swainson's Lorikeet Another popular and commonly seen member of harder to find in this family is the Swainson’s or Blue-mountain Lory, T. recent years. Its status in the wild is believed to be h. moluccanus. Its head is dark blue to violet, shaft declining as well. There may be a few specimens of streaked with a lighter blue. The abdomen is dark blue some of the other Rainbow subspecies still in the

30 • Number 3 2004 United States, but they are almost unheard of and, with no apparent viable population, they are rarely seen. While not part of the group known as “Rainbow Lories,” two other members of the Trichoglossus have become quite popular in American aviculture. They are the Goldie’s Lorikeet, Trichoglossus goldiei, and the Iris Lorikeet, Trichoglossus iris. Both are small, colorful birds that breed readily and adapt well to life as a pet or in the aviary. The Goldie’s Lorikeet will remind you of a watermelon with its green streaked body, red forehead

often as companion birds. They are not terribly noisy and have charming dispositions, which makes them well-suited for life with humans. Steadily disappearing from aviculture in the United States is the Scaly-breasted Lory, Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus. It is a small, bright green bird with yellow scalloping on its breast and Violet-naped Lory pair bright orange under the wings. It comes from Australia and crown, and purple face. It is about seven inches and is about nine inches long, weighing about 75 long and weighs between 50 and 80 grams. It is native grams. It has a rather melodious voice, if any lory to the mountains of New Guinea, where it is still rather voice can be considered melodious. They are com- common. These diminutive birds make delightful com- monly kept in Australia, where several natural muta- panions and are considered by many to be a good lory tions have occurred. Although it is an easy bird to for a beginner. They are the complete lory spirit in a keep and breed, it lacks the popularity of its flashier small package but they are not known to be excep- cousins and has tionally good talkers. Not only do they make wonder- become harder to ful pets, but they also do well in mixed species find in North aviaries that have no other lories. They do not destroy America. the plants as badly as some of the larger lories, and Lories in the they live well with many types of softbills. genus are The Iris Lorikeet is from Timor and is vulnerable quite popular in there, as the habit is rapidly disappearing. Iris aviculture. The Lorikeets are small, about eight inches long. They most common rep- Babies have red crowns, a band of purple behind their eyes, resentatives of this yellow scalloping on their breast, and green bodies. genus are the Red Lory, Eos bornea, and the Blue- Iris Lories have a more varied diet than other lories. streaked Lory, Eos reticulata. The most commonly Often they are fed a seed mix suitable for small hook- seen Red Lories, E. b. moluccanus, are bright red bills along with fruit and nectar. They are one of the birds with some blue on their sides. The wings are red few lories known to aviculture that do well with some with some dark blue or black, the area around the vent seeds in their diet. Iris Lories are appearing more and under the tail is bright blue and their feet are dark.

AFA WATCHBIRD • 31 They are about eleven inches long and weigh 160 to other species. They are active birds and many 180 grams. The Buru Red, E. b. cyanonothus, is have been known to be accomplished talkers. They slightly smaller in size and the red coloring is darker, are well-established in American aviculture. They are almost maroon in some cases. Red Lories are enor- known for interacting well with humans and their out- mously popular in part because of their color and going personality makes them desirable as pets. They availability. They breed well in captivity and have are forest dwelling birds of . These birds still adapted well to life with humans. maintain a large wild population, but it is on the Blue-streaked Lories, Eos reticulata, are native decline because of their popularity as pets. According to the Tanibar Islands of Indonesia where their popu- to BirdLife International, the Chattering Lory is the lation has been declining most popularly and their future is exported bird in shaky at best. These Eastern Indonesia. lories are about the They are popular in same size and shape the United States as the Red Lory, but and are one of the are easily distin- most commonly kept guished by the bright pet lories in Europe. blue on their necks and The Black- ears. They also have capped Lory, Lorius blue streaks across lory, is another popu- their backs. Like the lar bird. Similar in Red Lories, they are size to the friendly and gregarious Chattering Lory, it birds. Easy to breed, has a black cap and they have become one varying amounts of of the mainstays in the blue on its breast or pet lory market. For a abdomen depending lory, they can often talk on the subspecies. fairly well. These flashy birds The Violet-naped are known to be or Violet-necked Lory, great companions Eos squamata, is and seem to adapt to somewhat less com- and breed well in mon in the United captivity. There are States than the Red or three subspecies of the Blue-streaked Lory. this bird commonly It is slightly smaller than Yellow-streaked Lory available in the United the Red or Blue-streaked States, the nominate species, Lorius lory lory, L. lory Lory at about ten inches in length. Like others in this salvadorii, and L. lory erythrothorax. Black-capped genus, it has reasonably good talking ability and is Lories have bright red bodies, a black cap, and blue viewed as a good companion bird. on the mantle and neck that extends down to the The genus Lorius contains a number of very pop- abdomen. The extent of the blue markings on the ular lories. Among them are the Chattering Lory, breast and abdomen varies with each subspecies. Lorius garrulus, the Yellow-backed Lory, L. g. flavopal- The ankles are bright blue. The wings are green and laitus, which is a subspecies of the Chattering Lory, feathers under the wings have a patch of yellow which and the Black-capped Lory, Lorius lory. All birds in the shows clearly when the bird flies. Their are Lorius genus are red birds with green wings. They are orange and their legs are black. stocky and their tails are broad. Most of them are While not readily available yet as a pet, the about eleven inches long and weigh about 200 grams. Yellow-bibbed Lory, Lorius chlorocercus, is rapidly The Yellow-backed Lory is different from the nominate becoming a favorite among lory breeders. Until it was species in the obvious patch of yellow on its mantle. imported into the United States in 1998 through a Chattering Lories lack the black cap that is seen in cooperative breeding program, only a few specimens

32 • Number 3 2004 of this beautiful bird existed. It has readily adapted to natured of the lories. They are not the least bit shy. captive life and has bred prolifically. Those who have Their voices can be rather loud and high pitched, had the chance to work with this bird have found that especially if they are excited. it breeds readily in captivity and makes a delightful One of the most overlooked lories has been the companion. Because of the success in breeding this Black Lory, atra. Black Lories are com- lory in the United States, the Yellow-bibbed Lory is on monly found in Irian Jaya, Western New Guinea. This its way to becoming an avicultural mainstay. bird is without a doubt one of the most delightful lories In a genus all by itself is the , anyone could have. On first glance one might think it’s fuscata. Dusky Lories are native to New just a black crow only with a hooked bill, but closer Guinea, commonly found all over, from forests in high- examination reveals this is an incorrect assessment. er elevations to lowland savannahs. This “dressed-for- While the bird is primarily black in color, there is a pur- Halloween” bird comes in two color phases, yellow ple sheen to the feathers. Another look reveals subtle and orange. The and eyes are orange. The body shades of yellow and red. Black lories are about 12 is generally dark brown with orange or yellow on the inches long and weigh in the neighborhood of 250 head, throat, and abdomen. Duskies are one of the grams. While they are as noisy as any other , most popular pet lories, and they make playful and they can be gentle and affectionate. While Blacks are talkative companions. They are about ten inches long not noted for being accomplished talkers and mimics, and weigh about 150 to 160 grams. This makes them some can be very entertaining with their talking abili- the perfect size for a companion. Their chirps and ties and outgoing nature. They have become relative- squawks can be quite loud and high-pitched and they ly common in aviculture in the Unites States. can be quite aggressive and stubborn. When dis- The Cardinal Lory, Chalcopsitta cardinalis, is the cussing their personality, Dusky Lories have at times most common lory in the Solomon Islands. It is a been referred to as the “Lories Squared” or the beautiful bird with plumage that, unusual for a lory, is “Extreme Lory”. Traits, behaviors, and antics that are primarily a solid, rich, dark red. Their beaks are typically ascribed to lories seem to be taken to the orange with black at the base. These lories existed in extreme with Dusky lories. They are intense little very small numbers in the Unites States until 1999, birds. They have adapted well to captivity and breed when an additional forty-nine birds were imported, prolifically. They are common in aviaries throughout adding to the population. Cardinal Lories are every bit the United States. as interesting as the others in the genus; however, Lories in the genus Chalcopsitta include the because they are less common in captivity, only a few Black, Cardinal, Duyvenbode’s, and Yellow-streaked. are finding their way into the pet market. Those who Members of this genus are larger than most other have had the opportunity to work with and keep these lories, about twelve inches long and weighing in the birds are quite enchanted with their personality and neighborhood of 200 to 250 grams. They have long, intelligence. Their gregarious nature makes them well- rounded tails and are native to the lowlands of New suited as companions. Hopefully, once the captive Guinea and some nearby islands. For the moment, populations become better established, more people they appear to be well-established in their native habi- will have the opportunity to keep these delightful tat. The most distinctive trait of this group is the bare lories. skin surrounding the lower mandible. Their beaks are The Duyvenbode’s or , Chalcopsitta black, except for the Cardinal whose beak is only par- duivenbodei, is another dramatically marked bird. tially black, and they do not possess the same bright- Duyvenbode’s are native to northern parts of New ly-colored plumage of some of the more commonly Guinea. The plumage is generally dark brown, high- seen lories. Their subtle coloring only makes them lighted with bright yellow on the thighs, forehead, more beautiful. For anyone who is thinking about get- around the beak and under the wings. Their beaks are ting started with lories, the Chalcopsitta family will pro- also black. As pets, these birds have been described vide a richly rewarding avian experience. They are as sweet and devoted and tend to like most humans. reputed to be some of the cuddliest lories. Even They make excellent companion birds. They are typi- breeder birds that were hand reared often retain their cal lories, so do not be surprised at the high-pitched sweet disposition. Some of the wild caught birds of shriek that is their voice. Duyvenbode’s Lories are this genus have also been known to develop a good well-established in aviculture in the Unites States. relationship with their human keepers. As a whole, this Yellow-streaked Lories, Chalcopsitta scintillata, group of lories seems to be the most gentle and best- have gained recognition as wonderful pets. They are

AFA WATCHBIRD • 33 native to southern New Guinea in Irian Jaya. These were popular and easy to breed; however, as the mar- birds are the only members of the genus Chalcopsitta ket for them disappeared, so did the desire of avicul- that have green plumage. Their wings and bodies are turists to keep them. various shades of green, with red foreheads, thighs If you are one of the many people who have and breast, while the back of the head and neck are decided to explore having a lory of your own, be sure streaked with bright yellow shafts. Their beaks are to do your homework first. There are many places to dark and their voices are quite harsh and high pitched. find and buy lories. If you are getting a lory for the first They are slightly smaller than the black lories. time, it is best to go with a young one who has been Owners of these lories describe them as generally hand fed. Check local bird clubs, bird-related maga- sweet, very loving and good-natured, but owners also zines, and even Internet classified ads and locate a indicate that they often tend to be one-person birds. breeder who has the of lory that interests you the While these birds are often messy and loud, owners most. Once you have located a breeder, check their feel they are worth the extra trouble because they are references. Hopefully, they will provide the names of such loving pets. Yellow-streaked Lories breed easily some satisfied customers; however, consider in captivity, but they do tend to be a bit aggressive researching further. Is this breeder knowledgeable? towards other birds and are not well-suited to multi- Did someone whose reputation is, in your opinion, species lory aviaries or flock situations. above reproach, recommend them? Do they offer a More popular in aviaries than in pet homes is the health guarantee? A reputable breeder is usually the Stella’s Lorikeet, papou goliathina. This best source for healthy, well socialized lories. Lories bird is most remarkable with its very long tail feathers. can also be found in pet stores, but they tend to be The length of its body is about seven inches and the more expensive and there is often no one to answer tail feathers can add additional nine or ten inches to its questions or give follow-up advice. total length. This bird comes in two color phases, red Lories can make great pets and they are truly the and melanistic. The red phase is dark on the back of clowns of the parrot world. They are gregarious, ener- its head, has green wings and the tail is green with getic, and even cuddly. They are not always the most yellow at the end. Its face, breast, and abdomen are accomplished talkers but they do manage a number of red. In the melanistic phase the red on the head and words, phrases, and sounds. They are active, aggres- breast are replaced with black or almost black color- sive, and quite fearless. These traits are what make ing. It is one of the few lory species that is sexually them such engaging pets. These traits are also why dimorphic (there is a distinct difference in appearance keeping lories can be something of an adventure. between males and females of this species). While Because they are very aggressive, they do not play most members of the genus Charmosyna are quite well with other birds, even other lories. Unless they delicate, the Stella’s Lorikeet is the one member that are set up for breeding, lories should not be allowed to seems to be hardy enough to endure colder tempera- interact with other members of the flock without close tures and the melanistic birds actually do not do very supervision. They are fearless enough to approach well in very warm climates. The Stella’s Lorikeet is even the largest family dog, often with disastrous exceptionally elegant in its appearance, but is not results for both dog and bird. Their constant activity, known for its pet quality. In spite of the reputation of aggressiveness, and energetic nature prevent them being unsuited to life as a pet, this bird is well-estab- from always being the best choice for families with lished in aviculture and has on occasion made a young children. charming and quiet companion. Lories require a diet that is completely different Many other lory species were at one time com- from what other parrots receive. Their gizzard is not mon in American aviculture; however, if they were not muscular enough to grind up seeds and hard food so well suited to becoming pets, the demand for them they must be fed a softer diet made up of fruits, veg- declined. As a result, many once-common lories can etables, and nectar. There are several quality nectar only rarely, if ever, be found. Some of these birds diets formulated specifically for lories available, so include the Musk Lory, Glossopscitta cnsinna, one need not rely on a homemade recipe or use Musschenbroek’s Lorikeets, musschen- canned nectar from the local market. The nectar, broekii, the Red-flanked or Pleasing Lorikeet, along with a daily variety of fresh fruit and vegetables, Charmosyna placentas, the Perfect Lorikeet, will keep a lory healthy and happy. This type of diet will Trichoglossus euteles, and the Striated Lorikeet, produce droppings that are runnier than other parrots, Charmosyna multistriata. Many of these species but some strategically placed plastic, acrylic, or show-

34 • Number 3 2004 er curtains can keep the mess at a man- ageable level. Bronze Corporate Sponsor Because lories are incredibly active, more so than most other parrots, they uti- Mazuri lize their entire cage. The cage they The Exotic Feeding Resource inhabit should be as large as possible, although the height is less important than Charter Life Members Jeff Humphries the length or depth. Lories set up for Gerald and Elizabeth Jennings Sally & Vince Huntington breeding will do well in cages that are at Melinda Julbert least six feet long for the larger lories and Honorary Life Members Mitsuo Kuribara four feet long for the smaller ones. Lories Robert J. Berry Danny Large in the home will adapt to much smaller Les Gonda Tiffany Latino quarters. Cages in the living spaces of Frank and Mary Kozeluh Mary Ellen & Jim Le Page homes tend to be purchased based upon Wayne Smyth Ralph Lima what fits in the available space. This is Perry Little Peregrine Fund Founders Felicia Lovelett fine as long as the bird has plenty of Tom J. Cade, Ph.D. Donna Mallory-Field room to move around and there are William J. Burnham, Ph.D. Ingr Mansoor perches placed at different levels. Toys Frank M. Bond Thomas C. Marshall and other enrichment items are also very Robert B. Berry Shirley Marshall important for a lory. Because they play James Weaver Douglas L. Martin everywhere in the cage, including the Dan McCormic bottom, they enjoy loose toys and items Life Members Julie Weiss Murad Laurie Baker that they can toss in the air or roll around Esther & Ken Ohta Laura Barwick with. Although lories do not chew and Marion Packer Marion Beal David Pesco destroy wood as other parrots do, they Diane Marion Bock Louis B. Pieper, Jr., DVM enjoy hanging toys that they can chew Susan Boyer Brenda Piper on. For that matter, they also enjoy hang- Sandi & Martin Brennan Luanne Porter ing from their hanging toys. Swings are Yvonne Catena Richard Porter, MD another thing that can often delight a lory. Janis & Jeff Clark Larry & Gayle Saint Cyr In their world, pretty much anything can Jim Cobb Stuart Salenger become a toy so one need not spend a Bill & Delia Colman Mark Sargent Linda L. Compton small fortune on their amusement. Ellen Schrieber, M.D. Belkys Coulter While lories might not be the bird for Nancy Selz Carmen Daily Martha Siegrist everyone, those who have become famil- Leon Dunlap Kathleen Souter iar with them find they really are no more Bill & Wanda Elder Joe & Nancy Speed difficult to keep and maintain than any Rev. Susan Kay Ferguson Kathleen & J.C. Szabo other bird. A little imagination can help Sharon Garsee Michelle Tomerlin one figure out the challenge of containing Beth & Dwight Greenberg Michelle Torrey the mess. The availability of good quality Earl Haga Richard Towill commercial diets has taken a lot of the Mark Hagen Dr. & Mrs. Robert G. Travnicek Robert Hansard guesswork out of feeding them. Far more Peter Via Robert Harrison information on housing, husbandry, Steven & Natalie Weiss Marilyn & Jim Hawley Sandra White breeding, and the health and medical Don Hedstrom Laura & Bruce Winter issues has become available in the last Jonathan Higbee Donald E. & Jan Winter five years than ever before. As a result, Barbara Hill Henry Wojtaniec more people than ever are enjoying lories Veta & Bob Hollaway Gail Worth in their lives. Diana Holloway

Taxonomy references based on For information regarding Corporate Parrots of the World by Jospeh Forshaw, Membership contact the AFA Office Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1973 816-421-2473 • [email protected]

AFA WATCHBIRD • 35