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.
