Chattering Lories

The Chattering Lory (Lorius garrulus garrulus) is endemic to the Halmahera and Weda Islands (part of the Maluku group of islands). This lory is endangered in its natural habitat due to habitat loss (Cites II).

Sub-species:

• Yellow-backed Lories(Lorius garrulus flavopalliatus)

• ID: Look like the Chattering Lory, but yellow patch on the back
• Distribution: Batjan and Obi Islands (part of Maluku Islands)

Morotai Yellow-backed Lories(Lorius garrulus morotaianus)

• ID: Also have a yellow patch on the back, as can be seen on the Yellow-backed Lory, but the patch is smaller and less extensive
• Distribution: Morotai and Raou Islands (part of Maluku Islands)

Description:

They average 12″ (30cm) in length and weigh about 6.7 – 7.9 oz (~190 – 225 g).  The plumage is mostly dark  dark red except for the wings and thighs which are green.

These are amongst the better talking species and perhaps one of the cleverest at escaping.

They are known for their great personalities and are known to always be up to something. If something is placed on top of their cages, they will work endlessly until it’s knocked to the floor. Food and water bowls must be firmly attached to the cage, and even then they will likely become toys!

There is a sub-species, the Yellow-backed Lory, L. g. flavopalliatus, which has a patch of yellow on the mantle (back).

Either makes a great, if somewhat vocal pet. They produce a shrill, whistle-like call. Thankfully they don’t do it very frequently. Still quieter than an amazon. (Description by

Dick Schroeder – Owner of Cuttlebone Plus and Expert Breeder / Keeper of Lories).

Lories as Pets or in Aviculture:

Due to their endangered status, any suitable specimen that cannot be released back into their natural habitat (native range) should preferably be placed into a well-managed breeding program to ensure the continued survival of this species.

Housing / Set-up and Requirements

Special Challenges of Lories and Lorikeets: Training and Behavioral Guidance

Feeding and Care Requirements of Your Lory

Taxonomy:

Family: Loriidae … Genus: Scientific: Lorius … English: Greater Noble Parrots … Dutch: Breedstaartlori … German: Breitschwanzloris … French: Lorius

Species: Scientific: Lorius garrulus garrulus aka Domicella garrulus garrulus … English: Chattering Lory … Dutch: Molukkenlori, Rode Geelmantellori … German: Gelbmantellori … French: Lori de Moluques

Sub-Species / Races Including Nominate: garrulus, flavopalliatus, morotaianus

Other Relevant Web Resources

• Photos of the Different Lory Species for Identification … Listing of Species
• Distribution Maps of Lories and Lorikeets
• Lories and Lorikeets in Aviculture
• Feeding and Housing Your Lories and Lorikeets
• Diseases of Lories / Lorikeets and Health Care Program

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## Sub-species:

Yellow-backed Lories

Morotai Yellow-backed Lories:

Distribution: Island of Morotai and probably also Raou Islands ( Maluku Islands)

Description: At about 30 cm or 12 inches in length, it’s about the same size as the nominate species featured on this page. They look like the Yellow-backed Lory, except the yellow patch to the mantle (back) is smaller and less extensive.

Family: Loriidae … Genus: Scientific: Lorius … English: Greater Noble Parrot’s … Dutch: Breedstaartlori … German: Breitschwanzloris … French: Lorius

Species: Scientific: Lorius garrulus morotaianus aka Domicella garrulus morotaianus … English: Morotai Yellow-backed Lory … Dutch: Morotai Geelmantellori … German: Morotai Gelbmantellori … French: Lori de Morotai … CITES II – Endangered Species

Gaurav Dhir

Gaurav is an animal enthusiast. He lives in beautiful Ontario with his energetic family. As a part of his work at beautyofbirds.com, he has been working with ace parrot trainer, Cassie Malina to understand bird behavior and learn more about how he can train his feathered companions.