Parrots in the loriidae family are among the most visually stunning of all parrot species. They are inquisitive, outgoing and hilarious when at play – hiding under objects or wrapping themselves up in your shirt bottom. They are acrobatic and love to hang upside down on their toys and swing by their powerful feet. They are very intelligent and make fun and interesting companion birds.

Lories and lorikeets have some unique physical characteristics and dietary needs. They have evolved a long brush-like tongue to accommodate a nectar and pollen diet – two distinctions which differentiate them from other parrots species.
However, their specialized diet causes their droppings to be very messy and far reaching. This fact makes the lory and lorikeet a somewhat less popular species in aviculture than others.

Getting to know the Lory and Lorikeets

Both the lory and the lorikeet can be territorial and possessive over their belongings and their favorite people. This possessiveness can lead to aggression and biting when they feel their boundaries have been disrespected. The inexperienced owner will not likely understand the body language that precedes these events and might grow to feel uncertain around this unpredictable species.
Their sometimes shrill vocalizations can be abrasive and unpleasant to some people. Those who are experienced, frequently use the word “ornery” in association with this species. These are species that requires a bit of parrot know-how.

Lories and lorikeets that go unmanaged in the household have been known to fearlessly attack other birds, especially those of other species, regardless of their size. This can result in death or injury to a bird of equal or smaller size, and it puts itself at grave risk when taking the offensive with larger birds.

This is a bird that does not back down and it will stand its ground against you or any other family member or pet in the household – sometimes to its own detriment – sometimes to yours.

Arming yourself with knowledge and having a trusted source for accurate and thoughtful information is the best way to prepare for the task of raising a confident, yet not “overly confident”, lory or lorikeet.

More resources on lorikeets:

• Training treats for lorikeets and other difficult to reward birds.
• Keeping lorikeets.
• The lorikeet diet.