The violet-necked lory is a species of parrot in the family Psittaculidae. It is endemic to Indonesia, where it is found in the northern Maluku Islands and west Papuan islands. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests and tropical mangrove forests.
Region
Northern Maluku and West Papuan Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on islands of North Maluku and the West Papuan (Raja Ampat) group, frequenting tropical moist lowland forests, coastal woodlands, and mangroves. It readily uses secondary growth, forest edges, and village gardens where flowering trees are abundant. Plantations with coconut, Erythrina, and Syzygium are commonly visited. It is largely a lowland species but may range into foothills where suitable flowering resources exist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This lory has a brush-tipped tongue adapted for sipping nectar and pollen from flowers. It travels in noisy, fast-moving flocks and readily visits flowering trees in villages and plantations. Although tolerant of disturbed habitats, it is locally affected by trapping and habitat loss. Its vivid violet neck band makes it one of the most distinctive Eos lories.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small flocks, commuting between flowering trees while calling loudly. Strong pair bonds are typical, with mutual preening common among mates. Nests are placed in tree cavities, with both parents attending the young. Communal roosting occurs near reliable feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, shrill screeches and metallic chatters, especially in flight. When perched, they produce fast, chattering contact calls and occasional thin whistles.
Plumage
Bright red body with a broad violet to bluish-violet collar around the neck and upper breast; belly shows bluish patches and darker scaling. Wings and back are red with darker edging, and the tail is red with dusky tips. Overall appearance is glossy with clean color contrasts.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar and pollen from a variety of flowering trees such as Erythrina, Syzygium, and coconut. Also takes soft fruits, figs, and berries, and may ingest small quantities of insects or larvae for protein. Uses a brush-tipped tongue to efficiently gather nectar and pollen. Often follows flowering phenology, shifting locally as resources peak.
Preferred Environment
Feeds high in the canopy of flowering forest trees, along forest edges, and in coastal mangroves. Regularly visits plantations and village gardens where ornamental and fruit trees are in bloom.
