Lories (Chalcopsitta / Eos / Lorius / Vini) and Lorikeets (Charmosyna, Glossopsitta, Neopsittacus)

• Lories as Pets or Aviary Birds - Scroll Down ... Lory Photo Gallery ... Listing of Species
• Feeding & Caring for Your Lories & Lorikeets ... Housing Set-up ... Lories & Lorikeets in Aviculture ... Diseases of Lories / Lorikeets & Health Care Program

Lories and Lorikeets can be found throughout the islands of the South Pacific and Australia. Nearly all of these birds have been impacted to varying degrees by habitat destruction due to logging and conversion for agricultural purposes; as well as capturing of the nestlings and adults for the exotic pet trade.

In Australia, they are often all collectively called "lories." However, there are some distinctive differences between Lories and Lorikeets:

• Tails: Species with longer tapering tails are generally referred to as "lorikeets" and those with short, rounded or square tails as "lories."


• Size: Lories tend to be bigger in size than lorikeets.


• Plumage: Most lories are red with patches of yellow, purple, and green. Most lorikeets are green with patches of red and yellow. There are some exceptions to this rule.

They are also known as honeyeaters or "brush-tongued" parrots. The latter nickname relates to their very specialized tongues with tiny hair-like structures ( 'papillae') at the end in the shape of an "U". As these birds extend their tongues to feed, the papillae stand on end - like bristles on a brush - soaking up nectar and pollen of any flowers or scraping the inside of fruits to collect the sweet juices. These parrots have been observed feeding on over 600 flowers over one day. They are very important for the pollination of many species of tropical plants, which might perish without these "services".

The shape of their beaks also differ from those of other parrots. Their upper bill has a long, pointed tip and is much narrower structure than that of other parrots, allowing them to easily extract hard-to-reach seeds from cones and other vegetation.

Their very specific dietary requirements sets them apart from other parrot species. Their mostly "liquid" diet makes them messy to keep in homes unless accommodations have been put into place to allow for easy clean-up.

Lory Species, Distribution / Ranges

Lorikeet Species, Distribution / Ranges

Breeding / Nesting

Lories and lorikeets usually stay with one partner and may breed at any time of year. Though in southern Australia the breeding season is between August and January. Nest sites are high above the ground in the hollows of trees, which the birds layer with a covering of decayed wood.

The female and male will often roost together, but only the female will sit on her two small white eggs. However, the male will help feed the chicks, which hatch with eyes closed and no feathers. The chicks will slowly grow plumage and be able to fly after seven to eight weeks.

The below Information has kindly been provided by Dr. Rob Marshall, Avian Vet.

Lories as Pets:

There are a number of lorikeets varieties that appeal as pet birds. These varieties can be divided into two main groups - the Small Australian Lorikeets, and the larger tropical lorikeets. The lorikeet is a playful and energetic bird and in its natural environment eats nectar and fruits rather than seeds. It requires a specialised diet of a nectar mix, fruit and vegetables.

Lorikeets are very untidy eaters and spoil the cage and its surrounds with their large, wet droppings. These messy eating habits require a diligent owner who is willing to clean the cage every day to prevent bacterial and yeast (thrush) infections.

The smaller lorikeet varieties (varied and musk) make better pets because of their soft bite, but well-trained rainbow or red-collared lorikeets are good talkers and a lot of fun.

Lorikeets are extremely playful and love to listen to music and dance. They form strong bonds with their owner and make excellent pets for those willing to provide the specialised care required by the lorikeet. This includes providing wet mix or nectar as a food source and ensuring the cage is kept clean despite a very messy bird.

As with any parrot species, it is best to obtain a hand reared male bird from aviary bred parents.

Small Australian Lorikeets

The Small Australian Lorikeets are playful and have a delightful personality. These endearing birds do not share the talking abilities of the larger tropical lorikeets but remain remarkable pets for those seeking a colourful and charming small pet bird. The quiet nature of the Small Australian Lorikeets varieties, make them particularly suitable for people who live in units or places where noise must be kept to a minimum. Male hand reared lorikeets, particularly the Varied Lorikeet (Psitteiteles versicolor), make the best pets.

Aviary Notes

Small Australian lorikeets are successfully bred in both large communal aviaries and in suspended single pair cages. These birds can also be housed in a planted aviary in a mixed finch/dove collection.

Larger Tropical Lorikeets

The larger lorikeets are highly intelligent and make excellent pets for those seeking a playful and energetic bird. All species are strikingly beautiful with their varied colours and stunning glossy plumage. As with any lorikeet species, they have special dietary requirements, and must be provided with nectar and wet/dry mix.

The larger lorikeets make excellent talkers but can become extremely noisy and require a committed owner who is willing to provide continuing obedience training. With a very curious nature, the larger lorikeets have a tremendous mimicking ability and will often be heard imitating household appliances such as the telephone or microwave.

Aviary Notes

The boisterous nature of the larger lorikeet species demands an aviary no less then four to six metres long and one to two metres high. The best breeding results are achieved when the correct housing and nutritional care are provided. Lorikeets particularly like eucalypt branches in the aviary.

Caring for your Lory:

Diet:

The bulk of their natural diet consist of nectar, flowers, fruits, pollen and seeds.

Part of their captive diet should be a good-quality commercial or home-made nectar. Please note that liquid nectar will need to be replaced several times daily - in fact, in warm weather it needs to be changed every 4 hours. The main causes of premature death in lories are infections caused by spoiled nectar and/or a poorly balanced, one-sided diet that doesn't meet the special nutritional requirements needed for good health. Excellent commercial formulas are available on this website.

Lories also love honey, pollen and fruits, such as apples, pomegranates, papaya, grapes, cantaloupe, pineapple, figs, kiwi, as well as greenfood and some vegetables, including corn-on-the-cob. Another healthful addition to their diet are flowers, including pansies, nasturtiums, roses, hibiscus, marigolds, and dandelions. All fruits, veggies and flowers should be pesticide free. Organic is always best. (For non-toxic ways to control pests in the house or garden, please visit this webpage.)

During the breeding season, rusk or biscuit softened in milk are eagerly accepted by the parents for feeding the chicks.

Other food items include brewer's yeast, oat flakes, multi-grain flakes and small quantities of millet spray; oats, canary grass seed; some sunflower (sprouted). If a balanced nutrition can't be met, vitamin and mineral supplements may need to be provided.

Housing / Set-up & Requirements

Special Challenges of Lories and Lorikeets: Training and Behavioral Guidance

If you are considering one of these magnificent parrots as pets, please visit the following websites for information:

• Procuring your Parrot
  • Bird Breeders


• The 3 Key Elements to Keep Your Pet Bird Happy & Healthy


• Housing Your Bird


• Bird Nutrition


• Parrot Products

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