Birdsong field guide
Chattering Lory
Lorius garrulus
A medium-sized, strikingly red parrot endemic to North Maluku, known for its high intelligence and vibrant, multi-colored plumage.
What it sounds like
A series of loud, piercing whistles, harsh screeches, and complex chattering notes.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
No reference call found yet · Xeno-canto
Field notes
- Possesses a specialized brush-tipped tongue adapted for feeding on nectar and pollen from tropical flowers.
- The species is currently listed as Vulnerable due to heavy exploitation for the illegal cage bird trade and habitat loss.
- Unlike many other lories, it has a prominent yellow patch on its back, though the size varies between subspecies.
- It is a highly social bird, often seen in pairs or small noisy groups foraging in the forest canopy.
- The Chattering Lory is the most commonly kept pet parrot in its native region because of its ability to mimic human speech.
Habitat
Primary and tall secondary tropical moist lowland forests and coconut plantations.
Range
Endemic to the North Maluku islands of Indonesia, including Halmahera, Bacan, and Obi.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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