Lories and Lorikeets: Overview (Naming, Range and Description)
The Ponape Lories (Trichoglossus rubiginosus), also known as Red Lorikeets, Cherry-red Lorikeets or Pohnpei Lorikeets, are endemic to Ponapé in Caroline Islands – a large archipelago of widely scattered islands in the western Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Guinea – situated in Micronesia.
Their natural habitat includes subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
This lory is relatively unknown in captivity.
Description:
The Ponape Lory averages 9.3 inches (24 cm) in length (from head to tail tip) and weighs ~ 2.6 – 3.0 oz (70 – 85 g). The plumage of both males and females is mostly a deep maroon color, with slightly darker barring. The wings and tail is olive/yellow.
Visual differences:
- Bill: Males have orange bills, while females’ is more yellow.
- Eyes: Male: yellow/orange in male; female: grey/white.
- Immature birds: Like adults, but have brown bills and eyes.
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.
Taxonomy
Family: Loriidae … Genus: Scientific: Trichoglossus … English: Wedge-tailed Lorikeets … Dutch: Wigstaartlori … German: Keilschwanzloris … French: Loriquet
Species: Scientific: Trichoglossus rubiginosus … English: Ponapé Lory, Cherry-red Lorikeet … Dutch: Ponapé Lori, Kersrode Lori … German: Kirschlori … French: Loriquet maron
Other Relevant Web Resources
- Photos of the Different Lory Species for Identification … Listing of Species
- Distribution Maps of Lories & Lorikeets
- Lories & Lorikeets in Aviculture
- Feeding & Housing Your Lories & Lorikeets
- Diseases of Lories / Lorikeets & Health Care Program
- Special Challenges of Lories and Lorikeets: Training and Behavioral Guidance
Species Research by Sibylle Johnson
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