Lorikeets

 Range:  Also referred to as lories, these birds are found in Australasia (Australia, New Guinea and most of the surrounding islands in the south Pacific) 

Habitat: Most common in lowland forests but can be found in elevations as high as 2400m (7872 ft). They are found in a wide variety of habitats including human settlements, forest, coconut plantations, savanna, eucalyptus stands, and mangrove forests.

Diet: In the wild they feed mainly on nectar but will also take fruits and rarely insects. Here at Turtle Bay we feed the lorikeets commercially made nectar as well as fresh fruits.

 Lorikeets as Pets:  We do not support lorikeets or any parrots as pets for many reasons. Parrots are flock bird and require a social group for optimal mental health. Lories are very loud and messy.  Parrots in general, live a long time; lorikeets can live 25-30 years in captivity. Lories have a unique diet and require freshly made nectar a few times throughout the day. 

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Conservation: Many Island Species are Threatened or Endangered of extinction. Main threats to wild Lorikeets are from rats eating their eggs, the illegal pet trade, and habitat loss.

Fun Facts

  • There are 55 species of Lories, many specific to certain small islands.
  • Lories, or lorikeets, are a type of parrot. They have strong beaks, mostly used for moving through the trees, and zygodactyl feet (two toes in front and two in back) that are able to grip branches or other objects.  
  • We have 12 species of Lorikeet in our exhibit: Swainson’s or Blue-Mountain, Red-Collared, Dusky, Scaley-breasted, Green-naped, Forstens, Musk, Edward’s, Black-capped, Olive headed, Blue streaked, and Red lories
  • Lorikeets have a specialized tongue that looks like a bottle brush on the tip.  This is used for scraping nectar out of flowers.