Lories are some of the World’s most colorful, intelligent and unique parrots. Lories and Lorikeets belong to the sub-family, Lorinae, of the Psittacidae (parrot) family. Lorikeets are special parrots as they eat mainly pollen, nectar and fruit. As such, all Lories and Lorikeets have unusual brush-tipped tongues used to obtain the nectar and pollen from various flowers.

In captivity Lories are feed a nectar mixture to replace the pollen and nectar in their diet and plenty of fruit, especially grapes and apples.

The difference between a Lory and Lorikeet is basically the same as a Parrot and Parakeet. A Lory has a short stubby tail. A Lorikeet has a long pointed tail.

Lories and Lorikeets originate from various islands in the South Pacific, including New Guinea, Indonesia, Fiji, and Australia to name a few.

There are many species and sub-species of Lories and Lorikeets. I currently live with a captive raised Green-Naped Lorikeet named Tookie. Green-Napes are one of the numerous sub-species of the Rainbow Lorikeet. (There are over 20 sub-species of the Rainbow distributed throughout Indonesia and Australia.) I can see why they refer to these birds as Rainbow as they are extremely colourful. Tookie is basically green with yellow stripes on her abdomen, a striped red chest, yellow-green nape and a deep blue head with red beak.

Tookie - photo by Jackie Turnbull
Pet Lorikeets are little clowns. They love toys and like to play with their people. They are great mimics. Although the quality of their voice is not as good as say an Amazon or an African Gray Parrot, Lories often talk. Tookie is very talkative. She says “hello”, “I’m sorry”, “whisper”, “come here” and our names. (Usually followed by “come here”.) She also laughs, coughs and makes various household sounds such as the microwave.

Tookie - photo by Jackie Turnbull
Lorikeets are amusing pets. However, before you rush off to buy one there are some things to consider:

1. Due to their digestive system and diet these birds have very wet droppings. Are you prepared to deal with the mess?
2. Lorikeets are very intelligent. They need mental stimulation such as toys and lots of attention. They will not allow you to ignore them. Do you have the time?
3. Lorikeets can be very stubborn and willful when they want their own way. It is not a coincidence that another word that Tookie says is “no”! Can you handle a pet that isn’t always obedient and has mind of it’s own?

If your answer is “yes” to these three questions then a Lorikeet might just be the bird for you!

Tookie - photo by Jackie Turnbull