Lorikeet

What Are Lorikeets?

Lories and Lorikeets are a collection of 55 different species of brightly colored birds that can vary significantly in size, shape and hues. They are found predominantly in forested areas throughout southeast Asia, in places like Indonesia and Australia. Common varieties include the Yellow-streaked Lory, the Collared Lory and the Rainbow Lorikeet. An easy way to tell lories from lorikeets is to look at their tails – lories have short, square tails while lorikeets have longer, more slender tails.

What Makes Lorikeets a Good Pet?

Lories and lorikeets sport some of the most varied and beautifully colored plumage, and their vibrant personalities match their bright feathers. Rainbow lorikeets are one of the most popular species and are known to love being around people and anywhere that a lot of action happens. While they are friendly and fun-loving, they can be challenging for an owner who doesn’t have much time to devote to them. When given plenty of toys and attention, however, they can be some of the sweetest and most affectionate birds.

How Do You Care for Lorikeets?

Meeting the dietary needs of lorikeets can be difficult because they require a highly specialized diet different from many other parrots. Lories and lorikeets have shorter digestive tracts, which means they need food that is rich in moisture, like nectar and fresh fruit. Many stores and suppliers stock nectar and pollen substitutes as well as specially formulated pellets that make it easier for bird owners to give them the nutrition they need.

Because of their diet and unique digestive systems, they eat often and produce frequent, loose droppings, which makes it important for owners to be vigilant in cleaning and maintaining their environments. While often not the best birds for first-time owners, with care and attention to their needs they can be a great addition to your home.

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