Lorikeet
Encyclopedia
Lories and lorikeets are small to medium-sized arboreal parrot
s characterized by their specialized brush-tipped tongues for feeding on nectar of various blossoms and soft fruits, preferably berries. The species form a monophyletic group within the parrot family Psittacidae. Traditionally, they were considered a separate subfamily (Loriinae) from the other subfamily (Psittacinae
) based on the specialized characteristics, but recent molecular and morphological studies show that the group is positioned in the middle of various other groups. They are widely distributed throughout the Australasian region, including south-eastern Asia
, Polynesia
, Papua New Guinea
, Timor Leste and Australia
, and the majority have very brightly coloured plumage.
" and "parakeet
". Species with longer tapering tails are generally referred to as "lorikeets", while species with short blunt tails are generally referred to as "lories".
. Neither traditional views is confirmed by molecular studies. Those studies show that the lories and lorikeets form a single group, closely related to the budgerigar
and the fig parrot
s (Cyclopsitta
and Psittaculirostris
).
Two main groups are recognized within the lories and lorikeets. The first consist of the genus Charmosyna
and the closely related Pacific Ocean
genera Phigys and Vini
. All remaining genera, except Oreopsittacus are in the second group. The position of Oreopsittacus is unknown, although one study suggests it could be a third group next to the other two.
Phylogeny of the genera of lories and lorikeets with their closest relatives, the fig parrot
s (Cyclopsitta
and Psittaculirostris
) and Budgerigar
, based on the available literature
Lorikeets have tapered wings and pointed tails that allow them to fly easily and display great agility. They also have strong feet and legs. They tend to be hyperactive and clownish in personality both in captivity and the wild.
The multi-coloured Rainbow Lorikeet
was one of the species of parrots appearing in the first edition of The Parrots of the World and also in John Gould
's lithographs of the Birds of Australia. Then and now, lories and lorikeets are described as some of the most beautiful species of parrot.
Companion lorikeets also need their diet supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. A variety of different coloured fruit and vegetables should be made available. A favourite of lorikeets appears to be spinach or silverbeet leaves, and will provide calcium for the bird. Due to the shape of their beak and tongue, rarely will a lorikeet use a cuttlefish for calcium intake. Other kinds of fruits and vegetables frequently enjoyed by lorikeets include apples, pears, corn on the cob, berries, grapes (only to be fed in small amounts as the high iron content in grapes can cause liver damage), pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and citrus fruits once a week. Honey is also a favourite of lorikeets, and can be used as a treat or a reward when training a bird.
Do not feed a lorikeet (or any other bird) avocado, onion, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol. These foods contain chemicals which are lethal to birds.
Due to the largely liquid diet of lorikeets, their droppings are also of a very liquid nature, making them one of the messier companion birds to keep.
is endangered. It is now one of the 50 rarest birds in the world. The Blue Lorikeet
is classified as vulnerable. The introduction of European rats to the small island habitats of these birds is a major cause of their endangerment. Various conservation efforts have been made to relocate some of these birds to locations free of predation and habitat destruction.
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Parrot
Parrots, also known as psittacines , are birds of the roughly 372 species in 86 genera that make up the order Psittaciformes, found in most tropical and subtropical regions. The order is subdivided into three families: the Psittacidae , the Cacatuidae and the Strigopidae...
s characterized by their specialized brush-tipped tongues for feeding on nectar of various blossoms and soft fruits, preferably berries. The species form a monophyletic group within the parrot family Psittacidae. Traditionally, they were considered a separate subfamily (Loriinae) from the other subfamily (Psittacinae
Psittacinae
The Psittacinae a subfamily in the parrot family Psittacidae. It contains the true parrots, parakeets and macaws, but not the lories, lorikeets and cockatoos...
) based on the specialized characteristics, but recent molecular and morphological studies show that the group is positioned in the middle of various other groups. They are widely distributed throughout the Australasian region, including south-eastern Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
, Polynesia
Polynesia
Polynesia is a subregion of Oceania, made up of over 1,000 islands scattered over the central and southern Pacific Ocean. The indigenous people who inhabit the islands of Polynesia are termed Polynesians and they share many similar traits including language, culture and beliefs...
, Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea , officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania, occupying the eastern half of the island of New Guinea and numerous offshore islands...
, Timor Leste and Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, and the majority have very brightly coloured plumage.
Etymology
The usage of the terms "lory" and "lorikeet" is subjective, like the usage of "parrotParrot
Parrots, also known as psittacines , are birds of the roughly 372 species in 86 genera that make up the order Psittaciformes, found in most tropical and subtropical regions. The order is subdivided into three families: the Psittacidae , the Cacatuidae and the Strigopidae...
" and "parakeet
Parakeet
Parakeet is a term for any one of a large number of unrelated small to medium sized species of parrot, that generally have long tail feathers...
". Species with longer tapering tails are generally referred to as "lorikeets", while species with short blunt tails are generally referred to as "lories".
Taxonomy
Traditionally, lories and lorikeets have either been classified as the subfamily, Loriinae, or as a family on their own, Loriidae, but they are currently classified as a tribeTribe (biology)
In biology, a tribe is a taxonomic rank between family and genus. It is sometimes subdivided into subtribes.Some examples include the tribes: Canini, Acalypheae, Hominini, Bombini, and Antidesmeae.-See also:* Biological classification* Rank...
. Neither traditional views is confirmed by molecular studies. Those studies show that the lories and lorikeets form a single group, closely related to the budgerigar
Budgerigar
The Budgerigar , also known as Common Pet Parakeet or Shell Parakeet informally nicknamed the budgie, is a small, long-tailed, seed-eating parrot, and the only species in the Australian genus Melopsittacus...
and the fig parrot
Fig parrot
Fig parrots is a small tribe with two small genera of parrots of the Psittacidae family found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and tropical Australia...
s (Cyclopsitta
Cyclopsitta
Cyclopsitta is a genus of parrot in the Psittacidae family found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and tropical Australia.It contains the following species:* Orange-breasted Fig Parrot...
and Psittaculirostris
Psittaculirostris
Psittaculirostris is a genus of parrot in the Psittacidae family found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.It contains the following species:* Large Fig Parrot * Edwards's Fig Parrot...
).
Two main groups are recognized within the lories and lorikeets. The first consist of the genus Charmosyna
Charmosyna
Charmosyna is a genus of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It contains the following species:* Josephine's Lorikeet * Duchess Lorikeet * Meek's Lorikeet...
and the closely related Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
genera Phigys and Vini
Vini
Vini is a genus of birds endemic to the islands of the tropical Pacific. There are five extant species of these small lorikeets ranging from eastern Fiji through Samoa, French Polynesia, and as far east as Henderson Island. All members of the genus have exceptional bright plumage, particularly the...
. All remaining genera, except Oreopsittacus are in the second group. The position of Oreopsittacus is unknown, although one study suggests it could be a third group next to the other two.
Species
Classification of parrots in the subfamily, Loriinae:- Genus ChalcopsittaChalcopsittaChalcopsitta is a genus of parrot in the family Psittacidae and the subfamily Loriinae. All four species are found on the islands of and around New Guinea and the Solomon Islands...
- Black LoryBlack LoryThe Black Lory, Chalcopsitta atra also known as Rajah Lory or Red-quilled Lory is a medium-sized, blackish parrot with black bill, dark grey feet and long rounded tail. It has yellow and red under-tail. Both sexes are similar....
, Chalcopsitta atra - Brown LoryBrown LoryThe Brown Lory , also called Duyvenbode's Lory, is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea....
, Chalcopsitta duivenbodei (also called Duyvenbode's Lory) - Yellowish-streaked Lory, Chalcopsitta sintillata
- Cardinal LoryCardinal LoryThe Cardinal Lory is a monotypic species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. The Cardinal Lory lives mainly in the mangrove and the lowland forests of the Solomon Islands and east Papua New Guinea....
, Chalcopsitta cardinalis
- Black Lory
- Genus EosEos (genus)Eos is a genus of parrots belonging to the Lories and lorikeets. There are six species which are all endemic to islands of eastern Indonesia, most within very restricted ranges. They have predominantly red plumage with blue, purple or black markings. Males and females are similar in...
- Black-winged LoryBlack-winged LoryThe Black-winged Lory, Eos cyanogenia also known as Biak Red Lory is a medium-sized, up to long, long-tailed lory. It has a bright red plumage, black shoulder, red iris, an orange red bill and violet ear-patch behind eye. The underwings are red, becoming yellowish with black tips...
, Eos cyanogenia - Violet-necked LoryViolet-necked LoryThe Violet-necked Lory is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is endemic to Indonesia.Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and tropical mangrove forests.-Taxonomy:...
, Eos squamata - Blue-streaked LoryBlue-streaked LoryThe Blue-streaked Lory is also known as the Blue-necked Lory. It a medium size parrot , primarily red with blue streaks from eye through ear coverts, brown-black tail, and black variegation on wing coverts....
, Eos reticulata - Red-and-blue LoryRed-and-blue LoryThe Red-and-blue lory, Eos histrio is an arboreal parrot endemic to Indonesia. It is classed as endangered, as it is hunted for the pet trade and has lost much of its habitat due to habitat destruction. The Red-and-blue Lory is now confined to the Talaud Islands off northern Sulawesi, Indonesia...
, Eos histrio - Red LoryRed LoryThe Red Lory is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is endemic to the Moluccas and surrounding islands in Indonesia.Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and tropical mangrove forests....
, Eos bornea - Blue-eared LoryBlue-eared LoryThe Blue-eared Lory is a parrot found only on the island of Seram in Maluku province, Indonesia....
, Eos semilarvata
- Black-winged Lory
Phylogeny of the genera of lories and lorikeets with their closest relatives, the fig parrot
Fig parrot
Fig parrots is a small tribe with two small genera of parrots of the Psittacidae family found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and tropical Australia...
s (Cyclopsitta
Cyclopsitta
Cyclopsitta is a genus of parrot in the Psittacidae family found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and tropical Australia.It contains the following species:* Orange-breasted Fig Parrot...
and Psittaculirostris
Psittaculirostris
Psittaculirostris is a genus of parrot in the Psittacidae family found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.It contains the following species:* Large Fig Parrot * Edwards's Fig Parrot...
) and Budgerigar
Budgerigar
The Budgerigar , also known as Common Pet Parakeet or Shell Parakeet informally nicknamed the budgie, is a small, long-tailed, seed-eating parrot, and the only species in the Australian genus Melopsittacus...
, based on the available literature
- Genus Pseudeos
- Dusky LoryDusky LoryThe Dusky Lory is a monotypic species of parrot in the Psittacidae family, and the only species of the genus Pseudeos. Alternative common names are the White-rumped Lory or the Dusky-orange Lory. It is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.-Description:The Dusky Lory is short tailed parrot about...
, Pseudeos fuscata
- Dusky Lory
- Genus TrichoglossusTrichoglossusTrichoglossus is a genus of lorikeet in the Psittacidae or true parrot family. The genus is distributed widely through Australia, Wallacea and Melanesia, with outliers in the Philippines and Micronesia...
- Ornate LorikeetOrnate LorikeetThe Ornate Lorikeet is a monotypic species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is endemic to Sulawesi and nearby smaller islands in Indonesia. It is found in forest, woodland, mangrove and plantations, and is locally common....
, Trichoglossus ornatus (also called Ornate Lory) - Pohnpei LorikeetPohnpei LorikeetThe Pohnpei Lorikeet is a monotypic species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is endemic to the island of Pohnpei and the nearby Ahnd Atoll in Micronesia...
, Trichoglossus rubiginosus (also called Ponape Lory) - Mindanao LorikeetMindanao LorikeetThe Mindanao Lorikeet or Mount Apo Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. There are two very similar subspecies, which are both endemic to Mindanao, Philippines....
, Trichoglossus johnstoniae (also called Johnstone's Lorikeet) - Citrine Lorikeet, Trichoglossus flavoviridis
- Rainbow LorikeetRainbow LorikeetThe Rainbow Lorikeet, is a species of Australasian parrot found in Australia, eastern Indonesia , Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. In Australia, it is common along the eastern seaboard, from Queensland to South Australia and northwest Tasmania...
, Trichoglossus haematodus (many subspecies, some of which are sometimes classified as species) - Scaly-breasted LorikeetScaly-breasted LorikeetThe Scaly-breasted Lorikeet is an Australian lorikeet found in woodland in eastern Australia. The common name aptly describes this bird, which has yellow breast feathers broadly edged with green that look like scales....
, Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus - Olive-headed LorikeetOlive-headed LorikeetThe Olive-headed Lorikeet , also called the Perfect Lorikeet, is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in forest, woodland and cultivated areas on Timor and smaller nearby islands.-Description:...
, Trichoglossus euteles (also called Perfect Lorikeet)
- Ornate Lorikeet
- Genus PsitteutelesPsitteutelesPsitteuteles is a genus of parrot in the Psittacidae family.-Taxonomy:The Psitteuteles genus contains three species:Psitteuteles, Bonaparte 1854* Psitteuteles versicolor,...
(sometimes classified in the Genus Trichoglossus)- Varied LorikeetVaried LorikeetThe Varied Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is endemic to northern Australia.-Description:...
, Psitteuteles versicolor - Iris LorikeetIris LorikeetThe Iris Lorikeet, Psitteuteles iris is a small, up to 20 cm long, green lorikeet. The male has a red forehead, yellow nape, purple band back from eye between nape and cheek, and yellowish below...
, Psitteuteles iris - Goldie's LorikeetGoldie's LorikeetThe Goldie's Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is found in forest and woodland in New Guinea, primarily at altitudes of 1000-2200 m.a.s.l. It is mostly green with yellowish streaks in the chest area, and a red, blue and purple head. It is said to resemble a watermelon...
, Psitteuteles goldiei
- Varied Lorikeet
- Genus LoriusLoriusLorius is a genus of lorikeet in the parrot family Psittacidae. The genus contains six species that are distributed from the Moluccas in Indonesia through New Guinea to the Solomon Islands. They have characteristic red plumage with varying amounts of blue , green wings, and in all but one species a...
- Purple-bellied LoryPurple-bellied LoryThe Purple-bellied Lory is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea.It's natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical mangrove forests, and subtropical or tropical moist montanes.-Description:The Purple-bellied...
, Lorius hypoinochrous - Black-capped LoryBlack-capped LoryThe Black-capped Lory also known as Western Black-capped Lory or the Tricolored Lory, is a parrot found in New Guinea and adjacent smaller islands. It is a colorful and relatively robust lory...
, Lorius lory (synonym Stresemann's Lory, Lorius amabilis) - White-naped LoryWhite-naped LoryThe White-naped Lory, or Lori Nuquiblanco is a monotypic species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is endemic to Papua New Guinea....
, Lorius albidinuchus - Yellow-bibbed LoryYellow-bibbed LoryThe Yellow-bibbed Lory is a monotypic species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is endemic to the Solomon Islands.-Description:...
, Lorius chlorocercus - Purple-naped LoryPurple-naped LoryThe Purple-naped Lory, Lorius domicella is a monotypic species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is forest-dwelling endemic to the islands of Seram, Ambon, and perhaps also Haruku and Saparua, South Maluku, Indonesia. It is considered vulnerable, the main threat being from trapping for the...
, Lorius domicellus (synonym Blue-thighed Lory, Lorius tibialis) - Chattering LoryChattering LoryThe Chattering Lory, Lorius garrulus is a forest-dwelling parrot endemic to North Maluku, Indonesia. It is considered vulnerable, the main threat being from trapping for the cage-bird trade.The race L. g...
, Lorius garrulus
- Purple-bellied Lory
- Genus Phigys
- Collared LoryCollared LoryThe Collared Lory is a monotypic species of parrot in the Psittacidae family, and it is the only species in the genus Phigys. It is endemic to the islands of Fiji. It is the only Fijian rainforest bird to adapt to urban landscapes and can be found in urban Suva...
, Phigys solitarius
- Collared Lory
- Genus ViniViniVini is a genus of birds endemic to the islands of the tropical Pacific. There are five extant species of these small lorikeets ranging from eastern Fiji through Samoa, French Polynesia, and as far east as Henderson Island. All members of the genus have exceptional bright plumage, particularly the...
- Blue-crowned LorikeetBlue-crowned LorikeetThe Blue-crowned Lorikeet is a parrot found throughout the Samoa and Tonga islands and Lau archipelago, including: ʻAlofi, Fotuhaʻa, Fulago, Futuna, Haʻafeva, Niuafoʻou, Moce, Niuē, Ofu, Olosega, Sāmoa, Savaiʻi, Tafahi, Taʻu, Tofua, Tonga, Tungua, ʻUiha, ʻUpolu, Varoa, Vavaʻu, and Voleva...
, Vini australis - Kuhl's Lorikeet, Vini kuhlii
- Stephen's Lorikeet, Vini stepheni
- Blue LorikeetBlue LorikeetThe Blue Lorikeet is a small lorikeet from French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. It is also known as the Tahiti Lorikieet, Violet Lorikeet, Tahitian Lory, Blue Lory, Nunbird, and the Indigo Lory...
, Vini peruviana - Ultramarine LorikeetUltramarine LorikeetThe Ultramarine Lorikeet , also known as the Lori Ultramarin or Lori Ultramar, is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family, endemic to the Marquesas Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montanes and plantations...
, Vini ultramarina - †Sinoto's LorikeetSinoto's LorikeetThe Sinoto's Lorikeet is a species of parrot that became extinct 700–1300 years ago. It was identified from fossils on the Marquesas Islands....
, Vini sinotoi (extinct) - †Conquered LorikeetConquered LorikeetThe Conquered Lorikeet is a species of parrot that became extinct 700–1300 years ago. It was named by David Steadman, as a wordplay on "veni, vidi, vici." Its range was from the Cook Islands to the Society and Marquesas Islands...
, Vini vidivici (extinct)
- Blue-crowned Lorikeet
- Genus GlossopsittaGlossopsittaGlossopsitta is a genus of parrot in the Psittacidae family. They are native to Australia.-Taxonomy:There are three species:Glossopsitta Bonaparte 1854*Glossopsitta concinna...
- Musk LorikeetMusk LorikeetThe Musk Lorikeet is a lorikeet, one of the three species of the Glossopsitta genus. It inhabits south-central/eastern Australia. The Musk Lorikeet was first described by ornithologist George Shaw in 1790 as Psittacus concinnus, from a collection in the vicinity of Port Jackson in what is now...
, Glossopsitta concinna - Little LorikeetLittle LorikeetThe Little Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is endemic to Australia. It is a small parrot, predominantly green in plumage with a red face...
, Glossopsitta pusilla - Purple-crowned LorikeetPurple-crowned LorikeetThe Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Glossopsitta porphyrocephala, is a lorikeet found in scrub and mallee of southern Australia...
, Glossopsitta porphyrocephala
- Musk Lorikeet
- Genus CharmosynaCharmosynaCharmosyna is a genus of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It contains the following species:* Josephine's Lorikeet * Duchess Lorikeet * Meek's Lorikeet...
- Palm LorikeetPalm LorikeetThe Palm Lorikeet, Lori Des Palmiers, or Lori Palmero is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu....
, Charmosyna palmarum - Red-chinned LorikeetRed-chinned LorikeetThe Red-chinned Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is endemic to Papua New Guinea.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montanes....
, Charmosyna rubrigularis - Meek's LorikeetMeek's LorikeetThe Meek's Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montanes....
, Charmosyna meeki - Blue-fronted LorikeetBlue-fronted LorikeetThe Blue-fronted Lorikeet also known as the Buru Lorikeet, is a parrot endemic to the Indonesian island of Buru....
, Charmosyna toxopei - Striated LorikeetStriated LorikeetThe Striated Lorikeet, Lori Strié, or Lori Estriado is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea....
, Charmosyna multistriata - Pygmy LorikeetPygmy LorikeetThe Pygmy Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montanes.-References:...
, Charmosyna wilhelminae (also called Wilhelmina's Lorikeet) - Red-fronted LorikeetRed-fronted LorikeetThe Red-fronted Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montanes.-References:...
, Charmosyna rubronotata (also called Red-spotted Lorikeet) - Red-flanked LorikeetRed-flanked LorikeetThe Red-flanked Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea....
, Charmosyna placentis - †New Caledonian LorikeetNew Caledonian LorikeetThe New Caledonian Lorikeet Charmosyna diadema is a potentially extinct lorikeet endemic to the Melanesian island of New Caledonia.-Description:...
, Charmosyna diadema (extinct) - Red-throated LorikeetRed-throated LorikeetThe Red-throated Lorikeet Charmosyna amabilis is a critically endangered lorikeet endemic to Fiji. It is 18 cm long and is bright green overall, with red cheeks, throat and thighs....
, Charmosyna amabilis - Duchess LorikeetDuchess LorikeetThe Duchess Lorikeet, Lori De Margaret, Lori De Marguerite, or Lori De Margarita is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands....
, Charmosyna margarethae - Fairy LorikeetFairy LorikeetThe Fairy Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea....
, Charmosyna pulchella - Josephine's LorikeetJosephine's LorikeetThe Josephine's Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea....
, Charmosyna josefinae (also called Josephine's Lory) - Papuan LorikeetPapuan LorikeetThe Papuan Lorikeet, also known as Stella's Lorikeet and Mount-Goliath Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea....
, Charmosyna papou (also called Papuan Lory)
- Palm Lorikeet
- Genus Oreopsittacus
- Plum-faced LorikeetPlum-faced LorikeetThe Plum-faced Lorikeet , also known as the Whiskered Lorikeet, is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It is monotypic within the genus Oreopsittacus.It is found in highland forest on New Guinea....
, Oreopsittacus arfaki (also called Whiskered Lorikeet)
- Plum-faced Lorikeet
- Genus NeopsittacusNeopsittacusNeopsittacus is a genus of parrot in the Psittacidae family. It contains two species, which are both native to Indonesia and New Guinea.-Taxonomy:The genus Neopsittacus contains two species and several subspecies:Neopsittacus Salvadori 1875...
- Yellow-billed LorikeetYellow-billed LorikeetThe Yellow-billed Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montanes.-References:...
, Neopsittacus musschenbroekii (also called Musschenbroek's Lorikeet) - Orange-billed LorikeetOrange-billed LorikeetThe Orange-billed Lorikeet is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family.It is found in West Papua, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montanes.-References:...
, Neopsittacus pullicauda (also called Emerald Lorikeet)
- Yellow-billed Lorikeet
Morphology
Lories and lorikeets have specialized brush-tipped tongues for feeding on nectar and soft fruits. They can feed from the flowers of about 5,000 species of plants and use their specialised tongues to take the nectar. The tip of their tongues have tufts of papillae (extremely fine hairs), which collect nectar and pollen.Lorikeets have tapered wings and pointed tails that allow them to fly easily and display great agility. They also have strong feet and legs. They tend to be hyperactive and clownish in personality both in captivity and the wild.
The multi-coloured Rainbow Lorikeet
Rainbow Lorikeet
The Rainbow Lorikeet, is a species of Australasian parrot found in Australia, eastern Indonesia , Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. In Australia, it is common along the eastern seaboard, from Queensland to South Australia and northwest Tasmania...
was one of the species of parrots appearing in the first edition of The Parrots of the World and also in John Gould
John Gould
John Gould was an English ornithologist and bird artist. The Gould League in Australia was named after him. His identification of the birds now nicknamed "Darwin's finches" played a role in the inception of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection...
's lithographs of the Birds of Australia. Then and now, lories and lorikeets are described as some of the most beautiful species of parrot.
Diet
In the wild, lorikeets feed on nectar and pollen from plants and flowers. A companion lorikeet however requires a special diet, which makes them less than ideal for a beginner bird owner. A companion bird's diet should consist of a nectar replacement diet, which are available commercially or can be made by the owner. There are two main types of nectar replacement, namely wet mix and dry mix. These mixes come in powder form, the former requires to be mixed with water to create a porridge-like consistency, the latter is to be fed as is. If feeding dry mix, plenty of fresh drinking water needs to be made available for the bird. If the bird is fed on wet mix, their requirements for drinking will be reduced, as the feed contains a large amount of water, however fresh drinking water should still be made available.Companion lorikeets also need their diet supplemented with fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. A variety of different coloured fruit and vegetables should be made available. A favourite of lorikeets appears to be spinach or silverbeet leaves, and will provide calcium for the bird. Due to the shape of their beak and tongue, rarely will a lorikeet use a cuttlefish for calcium intake. Other kinds of fruits and vegetables frequently enjoyed by lorikeets include apples, pears, corn on the cob, berries, grapes (only to be fed in small amounts as the high iron content in grapes can cause liver damage), pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and citrus fruits once a week. Honey is also a favourite of lorikeets, and can be used as a treat or a reward when training a bird.
Do not feed a lorikeet (or any other bird) avocado, onion, chocolate, caffeine or alcohol. These foods contain chemicals which are lethal to birds.
Due to the largely liquid diet of lorikeets, their droppings are also of a very liquid nature, making them one of the messier companion birds to keep.
Conservation
The Ultramarine LorikeetUltramarine Lorikeet
The Ultramarine Lorikeet , also known as the Lori Ultramarin or Lori Ultramar, is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family, endemic to the Marquesas Islands. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montanes and plantations...
is endangered. It is now one of the 50 rarest birds in the world. The Blue Lorikeet
Blue Lorikeet
The Blue Lorikeet is a small lorikeet from French Polynesia and the Cook Islands. It is also known as the Tahiti Lorikieet, Violet Lorikeet, Tahitian Lory, Blue Lory, Nunbird, and the Indigo Lory...
is classified as vulnerable. The introduction of European rats to the small island habitats of these birds is a major cause of their endangerment. Various conservation efforts have been made to relocate some of these birds to locations free of predation and habitat destruction.
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