Yellow and Green Lorikeets aka Sula Lorikeets

The Yellow and Green Lorikeet (Trichoglossus flavoviridis) is endemic to the Sula Islands – a group of islands in the Malukus in Indonesia. Its three main islands are Mangole, Sanae and Taliabu.

These lorikeets favor subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montanes. Although endangered in its natural habitat (CITES II), this species is fairly common in the pet trade.

Two subspecies have been identified:

• Yellow and Green Lorikeet(Trichoglossus flavoviridis – Wallace 1863) – nominate species

  • Meyer’s Lorikeets (Trichoglossus flavoviridis meyeri – Walden 1871)

## Description:

Yellow and Green Lorikeets average 20 – 21 cm (7.8 – 8.25 ins) in length and their wings are about 110-125 mm (4.5 – 5 ins) long. They typically weigh 2.8 – 3.3 oz (80 – 95 g).

Both adults have a generally green plumage. The forehead and crown are olive/yellow. They have a brown nuchal collar and a yellow throat and breast to abdomen, with dark green scalloping.

The undertail coverts have yellow/green flanks. The underwing coverts are also yellow/green.

The bill is orange/yellow and the lores (the regions between the eyes and bill on the side of a bird’s head) are pink/orange. The eyes are orange/yellow.

Immature birds have more green where adults have yellow markings. Their bill is brown and the lores and eye-rings are bare and white. They have brown eyes.

Breeding / Aviculture:

They are best kept in a roomy aviary with a minimum length of 6 ft (1.8 m). In colder climates, a heated shelter should be provided. This lorikeet is sensitive to low temperatures and somewhat susceptible to disease.

Special care should be taken to allow it to acclimatize to local conditions. The floor should include a drainage system, and a concrete or tiled floor is best as it is easiest to maintain and keep clean.

An L-shaped nestbox works well with this species. The size should be at least 10 x 10 x 25 inches (25.4 x 25.4 x 63.5 cm). The aviary should be furnished with bird-safe fresh tree branches, different sizes of perches strategicaly placed, toys and swings and other environmental enrichment items..

The average clutch size consists of 2 eggs, which are incubated for about 23 days. The young fledge at 7 to 8 weeks.

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 flavoviridus flavoviridus aka Psitteuteles flavoviridus flavoviridus… English: Yellow and Green Lorikeet, Sula Lorikeet … Dutch: Geelgroene Lori … German: Gelbgrünerlori … French: Loriquet vert jaunatre

Sub-Species / Races Including Nominate: meyeri, flavoviridis

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Sub-species:

• Meyer’s Lorikeets (Trichoglossus flavoviridus meyeri aka Psitteuteles flavoviridus meyeri )

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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

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.

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