Black lory
The black lory is a medium-sized parrot found in West Papua, Indonesia. It is distinguished by its predominantly black plumage, often accented with yellow and red markings, and a blue rump. The sexes are alike in appearance.
Key Facts
- ›Native to West Papua, Indonesia.
- ›Predominantly black plumage with blue rump and variable red markings.
- ›Sexes are similar in appearance.
- ›Species is evaluated as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
- ›Has a black bill and dark grey feet.
- ›Features yellow and red under-tail coverts.
Black Lory
Indonesia
- Blue rump
- Variable red markings on face, thighs, and tail
- Yellow and red under-tail coverts
About Black lory
The Black Lory
The black lory (Chalcopsitta atra) is a medium-sized parrot characterized by its predominantly black plumage, measuring approximately 32 centimeters (13 inches) in length. Its appearance is further defined by a black bill, dark gray feet, and a long, rounded tail. Notable features include a blue rump and variable red markings that appear on the face, thighs, and tail, differing among its recognized subspecies. The under-tail coverts are a distinctive combination of yellow and red.
Taxonomy and Distribution
This species was formally named by Giovanni Antonio Scopoli, who based his description on the work of explorer Pierre Sonnerat. The black lory is native to West Papua in Indonesia. Three subspecies are recognized: Chalcopsitta atra atra, found in the western Bird's Head Peninsula and adjacent islands; Chalcopsitta atra bernsteini, inhabiting the island of Misool; and Chalcopsitta atra insignis, present on the eastern Bird's Head Peninsula, nearby islands, and the Onin and Bomberai Peninsulas.
Conservation Status
The black lory is currently evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This designation suggests that the species is not presently at high risk of extinction in its natural habitat.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different subspecies of the black lory?
Three subspecies of the black lory are recognized: Chalcopsitta atra atra, found on the western Bird's Head Peninsula and nearby islands; Chalcopsitta atra bernsteini, located on the island of Misool; and Chalcopsitta atra insignis, inhabiting the eastern Bird's Head Peninsula, nearby islands, and the Onin and Bomberai Peninsulas.
What is the conservation status of the black lory?
The black lory is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This indicates that the species is not currently facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Are male and female black lories different in appearance?
No, the males and females of the black lory are similar in their external appearance. There are no significant visual distinctions between the sexes.
What are the distinguishing physical characteristics of the black lory?
The black lory is a medium-sized parrot, approximately 32 cm in length, with predominantly black plumage. It features a blue rump, a black bill, dark grey feet, and variable red markings on its face, thighs, and tail. The under-tail coverts are yellow and red.
Related Parrot species
Blue-fronted parrotlet
The blue-fronted parrotlet is a small bird found in the cloud forests and mature secondary forests of Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela. Characterized by its predominantly green plumage, it is distinguished by a vibrant blue forehead, a white eye ring, and red markings on its wings. These birds are known for their gregarious nature and can be quite noisy in flight, though they are often overlooked due to their quiet feeding habits.
Green rosella
The Green rosella (Platycercus caledonicus), also known as the Tasmanian rosella, is the largest species in the rosella genus and is native to Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands. It is distinguished by its predominantly yellow head and underparts, violet-blue cheeks, and a red band above its beak. This parrot inhabits a variety of wooded environments and is primarily herbivorous, feeding on seeds, fruits, and flowers.
Lilac-tailed parrotlet
The Lilac-tailed parrotlet is a small bird found in northern South America, known for its distinctive purplish-rose tail. It inhabits various forest types, from lowlands to cloud forests, and feeds on a diet of flowers, nectar, fruits, and seeds. While not migratory, it exhibits nomadic behavior, and its breeding season and details of parental care remain largely unrecorded.