The Edward’s Lorikeets or Marigold Lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus capistratus) are endemic to the island of Timor at the south end of the Malay Archipelago, north of the Timor Sea.
Their natural habitats are rainforests or mist forest areas; as well as occurring at the edge of wooded areas near savannas.
These specialized feeders eat a variety of fruits, nectar, buds and pollen; as well as taking some unripe grains and seeds.
Provided they don’t fall victim to accident, predation or disease, they can live about 30 years. They reach reproductive maturity when they are about 2 years old.
Description:
Edwards Lorikeets measure about 10.4 inches (26 cm) and have a wingspan of 5.6 – 6.04 inches (140 – 151 mm). They weigh about 3.3 – 3.5 oz (95 – 100 g).
The forehead, cheeks and chin are dark blue; and the rest of the head green with a broad yellow-green band to the nape (back of the neck). The upper breast is yellow with narrow green edges to the feathers. Males may have a little red in their edging. Don’t count on this as being an absolute with respect to gender identification, but it does seem to be true much of the time. Abdomen is dark green. Their beaks are hooked.
Males and females look alike and breeders depend on DNA or endoscopic sexing to determine their gender.
One of the quieter “rainbows” and possibly the best pet quality. Usually remain tame forever. They will speak. (Description by Dick Schroeder – Owner of Cuttlebone Plus and Expert Breeder / Keeper of Lories).
Lories as Pets or in Aviculture:
Lories are typically quite easily bred, so many lory species are readily available.
Positive aspects of lory ownership …
Lories are popular companion birds due to their intelligence, entertaining personality and stunning beauty. Most stay tame, even in maturity.
They are affectionate, curious, extroverted and clowny and exhibit some unique behaviors. Some like to wrap themselves up in a blanket for sleeping. At times, they can even be seen sleeping on their backs.
They are known for their playfulness. In their eyes, everything is a toy. They love toys that make noise, such as bells. They enjoy hanging on ropes and are quite “mechanical.” They like “toys” that can be taken apart — and they are GOOD at it! Lories are very active and require large cages (preferably flights) and lots of supervised out-of-cage time.
What makes them challenging to own …
They are capable of aggressive behavior if their territory and possessions are not respected. Housing two lories together can result in injury, unless they are a bonded pair.
They are demanding in care requirements (especially diet preparations) and require a lot of attention. Daily baths or showers should be part of their grooming regimen.
Due to their diet which consists for the most part of fruits and nectar, their droppings are very runny and messy. Special adaptations around the cage are recommended. Carpet underneath a cage will be the poorest choice of all. Everything in the vicinity of the cage should be easy to clean. This being said, lories are very trainable and, with a little patience and know-how, can be taught to eliminate in a certain area on cue. This webpage will provide you with instructions.
Their voice ranges from loud, piercing whistles and metallic “pings” to soft, high-pitched warbles and chattering.
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.
Taxonomy
Family: Loriidae … Genus: Scientific: Trichoglossus … English: Wedge-tailed Lorikeet … Dutch: Wigstaartlori: … German: Keilschwanzloris … French: Loriquet
Species: Scientific: Trichoglossus haematodus capistratus … English: Edward’s Lorikeet … Dutch: Edwards Lori, Blauwwanglori … German: Edward Allfarblori, Blauwangen Allfarblori … French: Loriquet de Edward
