The Stella’s Lorikeet (Charmosyna papou stellae) is native to New Guinea. It is considered endangered in its natural habitat (CITES II).
Description:
The Stella’s Lorikeet averages 15 1/2″ (39 cm) in length. The tail is longer than the body. One of the dimorphic (sexes are visually different) species. The wings are green, as is the mantle and upper tail. Head, under wing coverts, and underparts are scarlet. The scarlet on the breast has a purple sheen in the correct light. Hens have yellow thighs and lower back.
There is a melanistic phase where the normal red is replaced by purple/black. In this phase the male has red thighs and lower back, the hen’s being black.
Very quiet, as are all of the Charmosynas. Even wild caught Stella’s become quite tame. Wonderful birds! Always at play, rolling on the cage floor or swinging by one foot from the top. . (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.
Taxonomy
Family: Loriidae
Genus: Scientific: Charmosyna … English: Honey Lorikeet … Dutch: Honingpapegaaien … German: Zierloris … French: Loriquet de miele
Species: Scientific: Charmosyna papou stellae … English: Stella’s Lorikeet … Dutch: Stella Lori, Stella’s Honinglori … German: Stellas Papualori … French: Loriquet de Stella
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
