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Overview
Red-and-blue lory

Red-and-blue lory

Wikipedia

The red-and-blue lory is a small, strikingly-colored parrot endemic to Indonesia. The species inhabits a single island, Karakelong, in the Indonesian archipelago, although it was formerly found on the Sangihe Islands and other parts of the Talaud Islands.

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Distribution

Region

Sangihe–Talaud Islands

Typical Environment

Now largely confined to Karakelong, it uses primary and secondary lowland forest, forest edges, and coconut plantations. It frequents village gardens and coastal forest where flowering and fruiting trees are abundant. The species typically forages in the canopy but will descend to mid-levels when feeding opportunities arise. Roosts are communal, often in tall trees near feeding sites.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size30–32 cm
Wing Span40–48 cm
Male Weight0.18 kg
Female Weight0.17 kg
Life Expectancy15 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 2/5

Useful to know

A vividly colored lory restricted today to Karakelong in Indonesia’s Talaud Islands, the red-and-blue lory once ranged more widely across the Sangihe–Talaud archipelago. It is highly threatened by trapping and habitat loss and is now protected, with strict trade controls. Like other lories, it has a brush-tipped tongue adapted for collecting nectar and pollen. It is active, noisy, and often seen in pairs or small groups around flowering trees.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
E. h. challengeri (left) and the extinct subspecies E. h. histrio (right).

E. h. challengeri (left) and the extinct subspecies E. h. histrio (right).

Specimen in a zoo

Specimen in a zoo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy groups that move between flowering trees. Nests in natural cavities of mature trees, with pairs defending nest sites. Breeding is thought to coincide with peaks in flowering and fruiting.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Vocalizations are sharp, piercing screeches and chattering notes given in flight and at feeding sites. At roosts, flocks produce a constant, metallic chatter interspersed with harsher calls.

Identification

Leg Colorgrey
Eye Colororange-red

Plumage

Bright red body with bold blue patches and bands on the head, breast, and belly; darker bluish-black on wings and back with glossy sheen.

Feeding Habits

Diet

Primarily nectar and pollen from a variety of flowering trees, using a brush-tipped tongue. Also consumes soft fruits such as figs and other native berries. Occasionally takes buds and blossoms, and may sip from cultivated coconut and banana inflorescences.

Preferred Environment

Feeds high in the canopy of flowering forest trees and in coconut plantations. Will also visit village gardens with ornamental and fruiting plants.

Population

Total Known Populationunknown

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