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Brown lory

Brown lory

Wikipedia

The brown lory, also called Duyvenbode's lory, is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae native to northern New Guinea.

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Distribution

Region

Northern New Guinea

Typical Environment

Occurs in lowland and foothill rainforests, mangroves, swamp forests, and secondary growth across northern New Guinea and nearby offshore islands. It frequents forest edges, riverine corridors, and gardens where flowering trees are abundant. The species often visits plantations and village trees when in bloom. It is largely arboreal, spending most of its time in the mid to upper canopy.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1200 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size28–32 cm
Wing Span40–50 cm
Male Weight0.19 kg
Female Weight0.18 kg
Life Expectancy15 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

Also called Duyvenbode's lory, this species is a nectar-feeding parrot with a brush-tipped tongue adapted for sipping nectar and pollen. It plays a role in pollinating flowering trees across northern New Guinea. Although kept in aviculture, it is not domesticated and requires specialized nectar diets that can be messy to maintain.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy groups that move between flowering trees. Monogamous pairs nest in tree cavities lined sparsely with wood dust. They are highly mobile within their home range as they track bloom cycles. Breeding timing varies locally with flowering and food availability.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are loud, harsh chattering and screeches typical of lories. Contact calls are rapid, nasal notes; in feeding flocks they produce continuous chatter.

Identification

Leg Colordark grey
Eye Colororange-red

Plumage

Mostly uniform chocolate-brown with a satin-like sheen; bright yellow underwing coverts and yellowish undertail coverts are conspicuous in flight.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Specializes on nectar and pollen from a variety of flowering trees, using a brush-tipped tongue. Also consumes soft fruits, berries, and occasionally flower buds. Small amounts of insects or larvae may be taken opportunistically for protein.

Preferred Environment

Feeds high in the canopy at blooming trees in forest, edges, mangroves, and village plantings. Frequently visits gardens and plantations when nectar sources are abundant.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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