Red and Blue Lories or Blue-diademed Lories
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Distribution & Habitat:
This Red & Blue Lory has a very small rangeand its population is declining owing to habitat loss. It has undergone a rapid population decline, largely as a result of trapping for trade, and this is projected to increase in the future. It therefore qualifies as Protected Species (CITES I).
The Red-and-blue Lory is confined to the islands of Sangihe and Talaud and some of their outliers off northern Sulawesi, Indonesia, with nominate histrio on Sangihe, subspecies talautensis on the Talaud Islands, and subspecies challengeri of uncertain provenance. There was also some uncertainty about the smaller islands from which the species has been claimed.
It inhabits forests, eating fruit and insects, but also visits agricultural areas to feed on coconut nectar and various cultivated fruits. The main breeding period appears to be May-June (although nesting has been suspected in several other months), in holes in tall trees. Flocks regularly make short seasonal movements, and in some cases roost on offshore islands.
Description:
This strikingly-patterned is red, with orange bill and purplish-blue patch on mid- to hind crown and broad line from eye to mantle. It sports a purplish-blue breast-band, mantle and back. Black scapulars, flight feathers and thighs. Its red wing feathers are tipped black. The tail is reddish-purple.
Its calls consist of short harsh chattering screeches.
Lories in Captivity:
Lories are popular companion birds due to their intelligence, entertaining personality and stunning beauty. They are also quite easily bred, so there are readily available. Their expected lifespan is 28+ years. They reach maturity at 8 mos or later. Males and females look alike and breeders depend on DNA or endoscopic sexing to determine sex.
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 capable of aggressive behavior if their territory and possessions are not respected. 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.
They are trainable and, with a little patience and know-how, can be trained 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.
Taxonomy:
Family: Loriidae 
Genus: Scientific: Eos ... English: Red Lory ... Dutch: Rode lori ... German: Rotloris ... French: Lori rouge Species: Scientific: Eos histrio histiro ... English: Red and Blue Lory, Blue-diademed Lory ... Dutch: Diadeemlori, Roodblauwe Lori ... German: Diademlori, Harlekinlori ... French: Lori rouge et violet Sub-Species: histrio, talautensis, challengen
Sub-species:
Challanger's Lories: Family: Loriidae Genus: Scientific: Eos ... English: Red Lory ... Dutch: Rode lori ... German: Rotloris ... French: Lori rouge Species: Scientific: Eos histrio challengeri ... English: Challanger's Lory ... Dutch: Challangers Roodblauwe Lori ... German: Nenusa Diademlori, Challangerlori ... French: Lori de Nenusa CITES I - Protected Species Distribution: Nenusa Islands
Talaud Red and Blue Lories: Family: Loriidae Genus: Scientific: Eos ... English: Red Lory ... Dutch: Rode lori ... German: Rotloris ... French: Lori rouge Species: Scientific: Eos histrio talautensis ... English: Talaud Red and Blue Lory ... Dutch: Talaud Roodblauwe Lori ... German: Talaud Diademlori ... French: Lori de Talaud CITES I - Protected Species Distribution: Talaud Islands
Related Websites: Lexicon of Parrots
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
Photo contributions are welcome!
