Red-Collared Lorikeet

Red Lory and Red-Collared Lorikeet

Scientific name: Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Family: Psittacidae
Order: Psittaciformes
Class: Aves

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Red-collared Lorikeets are very conspicuous and can be easily spotted. They can be confused with their closest relative, the Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus,). Anyone other than a bird expert would be hard pressed to tell them apart. The Red-collared Lorikeet measures roughly 29 cm. in length; is between 15-20 cm. tall; and weighs approximately 125-130 grams, making it the largest of the Lorikeets. The male Red-collared Lorikeet's colors consist of a light to medium blue head which varies in intensity, a dark bluish to black abdomen, a yellow to light green throat section, a breast section varying from orange to bright yellow, and a yellow and light green undercarriage. The female's colors match the male's except for a lighter abdomen section.

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

The Red-collared Lorikeet can be found between northern and eastern Australia in a region known as the Kimberleys through the Gulf of Carpentaria in Queensland to an area just north of the Nicholson and Gregory Rivers. The Red-collared Lorikeet's habitat mainly consists of adjoining plains of Eucalypts and Melaleuca forest. It is believed that their arrival at a locality directly coincides with the flowering of the eucalyptus. Suitable habitat can be found in the various areas of Northern Australia, including gardens and parks in the far-off regions of Northern Australia.

BEHAVIOR:

Red-collared Lorikeets have very distinctive behaviors including constant screeching which gives away their location. They are considered very social creatures, as they always travel with a partner or in small groups, and tend to perform most activities in the presence of other Lories. People can easily observe them, as they are oblivious to intruders approaching while they are feeding. Lories display highly aggressive courtship rituals. When trying to attract a female Lorie, the male whirrs his wings, bobs his head, and shrieks with all his might (someone unfamiliar with this ritual might mistakenly assume that the bird is in pain).

Lories in pairs tend to be territorial around their nest site. They will act aggressively towards any intruders. They display mild aggression towards other members in the flock, although this behavior seldom results in serious injury as a pecking order does develop.

Red-collared Lorikeets also exhibit entertaining antics. When domesticated, they can be seen hanging upside down from the tops of their cages for hours on end. When irritated, they throw their toys into their water dishes. It is unclear if this behavior is instinctive or learned. Domesticated Lories can be trained to perform many tricks including playing fetch or basketball. They can also be potty-trained, making them an easy pet to take care of.

As with all pet parrots, Red-collared Lorikeets require much personal attention to maintain their emotional health in captivity.

DIET:

The main food of these Lories is the nectar from blossoms of eucalypts, various fruits and berries (when available), and the seed heads of grass trees. Domesticated Lories need a diet of nectar, fresh apples and other fruits, fresh veggies, and fresh flowers that are nectar producing. At our zoo the diet consists of Nekton Lory nectar, Zupreem (conure size fruit blend parrot pellets) and a variety of fresh fruits and veggies daily. We provide flowers for enrichment that are non-toxic but produce nectar, like bottlebrush, turks cap hibiscus, honey suckle etc.

BREEDING:

The breeding season of Red-collared Lorikeets depends on proper weather conditions and the availability of food, although most breeding takes place between August and December. Red-collared Lorikeets are plentiful in their primary habitat of Northern Australia.