Lorikeets and Lories

The colorful small and medium parrots belonging to the Loriini tribe are commonly known as lorikeets and lories. These arboreal birds are found in different regions of Australia and Asia. There are about 50 species in the group, most being popular as pets in the United States and worldwide. The rainbow lorikeet from Australia is the most recognized type, popular as pets.

Types of Lorikeets and Lories

Rainbow Lorikeet
Plum-faced Lorikeet
Red-fronted Lorikeet
Red-flanked Lorikeet
Blue-fronted Lorikeet
Fairy Lorikeet
Pygmy Lorikeet
Stella’s Lorikeet
Palm Lorikeet
Red-throated Lorikeet
New Caledonian Lorikeet
Collared Lory
Blue-crowned Lorikeet
Ultramarine Lorikeet
Stephen’s Lorikeet
Kuhl’s Lorikeet
Blue Lorikeet
Yellow-billed Lorikeet
Orange-billed Lorikeet
Josephine’s Lorikeet
Duchess Lorikeet
Striated Lorikeet
White-naped Lory
Yellow-bibbed Lory
Purple-naped Lory
Chattering Lory
Meek’s Lorikeet
Purple-bellied Lory
Black-capped Lory
Cardinal Lory
Brown Lory
Varied Lorikeet
Red-chinned Lorikeet
Purple-crowned Lorikeet
Little Lorikeet
Dusky Lory
Black Lory
Red Lory
Yellow-streaked Lory
Goldie’s Lorikeet
Musk Lorikeet
Mindanao Lorikeet
Iris Lorikeet
Sula Lorikeet
Yellow-cheeked Lorikeet
Ornate Lorikeet
Blue-streaked Lory
Blue-eared Lory
Black-winged Lory
Red-and-blue Lory
Violet-necked Lory
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet
Coconut Lorikeet
Sunset Lorikeet
Pohnpei Lorikeet
Red-collared Lorikeet
Olive-headed Lorikeet
Marigold Lorikeet
Leaf Lorikeet
Papuan Lorikeet
Biak Lorikeet

The primary characteristic feature setting Loriini birds aside from other parrots is their tongues, specially adapted to their soft fruits and nectar diet. The tongues have bushy tips with small tufts of papillae that help the birds feed.

Lorikeets and Lories as Pets

Lories and lorikeets have a friendly, affectionate temperament and love playing and bonding with humans. Being active birds, they need a lot of space to move around and can be trained to pick up new tricks. However, as they need a lot of care and attention, they are not recommended for kids and first-time bird owners.

They need a diet of fresh fruits and need regular cleaning after.

FAQ

How long do lories and lorikeets live?

The birds in the Loriini tribe are pretty hardy, with most pet lorikeets and lories living between 10 and 20 years with proper care.

Are any of the lorikeets and lories endangered?

The rainbow lorikeet, most popularly kept as pets, is considered least concern by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). But other rarer species, like the blue and ultramarine lorikeets, are considered vulnerable and endangered. Appropriate measures are being taken by wildlife preservation organizations to restore their populations.