Lories and Lorikeets: Overview (Naming, Range and Description)
The Iris Lorikeet, Psitteuteles iris, is endemic to Indonesia, with a distribution range that includes the forests and woodlands of Wetar island (Maluku province) and western part of Timor in Lesser Sundas.
It can be found from sea level to altitude of 1,500m. The Iris Lorikeet is generally seen in small flocks.
Due to its limited range, ongoing habitat destruction and trapping for the caged-bird trade, the Iris Lorikeet is evaluated as Near Threatened on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and listed on Appendix II of CITES.
Description:
This green lorikeet is a small lory, averaging 20 cm in length. The male has a red forehead, yellow nape, purple band back from eye between nape and cheek, and yellowish below. The female is very similar with red-marked green forecrown and yellowish green cheeks.
Iris Lorikeets 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.
Taxonomy:
Family: Psittacidae … Sub-Family: Psittacinae
Genus: Scientific: Psitteuteles … English: Wedge-tailed Lorikeets … Dutch: Wigstaartlori … German: Keilschwanzloris … French: Loriquet cale
Species: Scientific: Psitteuteles iris iris aka Trichoglossus iris iris … English: Iris Lorikeet … Dutch: Irislori … German: Irislori … French: Loriquet iris
Sub-Species / Races Including Nominate: iris, rubripileum, wetterensis
Sub-species:
Family: Psittacidae … Sub-Family: Psittacinae
Genus: Scientific: Psitteuteles … English: Wedge-tailed Lorikeets … Dutch: Wigstaartlori … German: Keilschwanzloris … French: Loriquet cale
Species: Scientific: Psitteuteles iris rubripileum aka Trichoglossus iris rubripileum … English: Ruby-capped Lorikeet … Dutch: Robijnkop Irislori … German: Rubinkappen Irislori … French: Loriquet à tête rouge … CITES II – Endangered Species
Distribution: Eastern Timor
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
- Special Challenges of Lories and Lorikeets: Training and Behavioral Guidance
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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