The black-capped lory also known as western black-capped lory or the tricolored lory, is a parrot found in New Guinea and adjacent smaller islands. It is a colourful and relatively robust lory. There are seven subspecies, all with green wings, red heads and body around the wing, a black cap, grey-black cere, yellow underwings, and blue legs and belly. Most also have a blue nape and mantle. It remains overall widespread and common, but the subspecies cyanuchen is relatively rare, with fewer than 5,000 individuals remaining.
Region
New Guinea and adjacent islands
Typical Environment
Found across lowland and foothill forests of New Guinea, including secondary growth, forest edges, mangroves, and garden mosaics. It frequents flowering trees in coastal plains and foothills and visits plantations and village groves. It adapts well to disturbed habitats provided mature flowering trees are present. On offshore islands it occupies similar evergreen and semi-evergreen habitats.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This striking lory is native to New Guinea and nearby islands, where it remains fairly common overall despite some localized declines. Like other lories, it has a specialized brush-tipped tongue for harvesting nectar and pollen. Seven subspecies vary slightly in head and mantle coloration; the subspecies cyanuchen is relatively rare and affected by trapping. Its bold colors and loud calls make it conspicuous in forest canopies.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy groups that move between flowering trees. Pairs are strongly bonded and likely monogamous, nesting in tree cavities. They defend feeding sites vigorously against other nectar feeders.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, harsh screeches and chattering notes exchanged constantly in flight and while feeding. At roosts they give sharp contact calls and excited squawks.
Plumage
Glossy red body with green wings, a distinct black cap, and blue belly and thighs; most subspecies show a blue nape and mantle and yellow underwing coverts.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar and pollen from flowering trees, using a brush-tipped tongue to lap up floral resources. Also eats soft fruits such as figs and berries, as well as buds and blossoms. Will occasionally take small insects or larvae, especially when feeding young. Foraging often involves rapid movements through the canopy and frequent visits to known nectar sources.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the forest canopy, forest edges, and in flowering trees within village gardens and plantations. Mangroves and coastal forests with abundant blossoms are regularly used. It readily follows seasonal flowering events across its range.
