Black Lory General Info
These majestic birds will not impress you only with their looks. What will certainly sweep you off your feet is their wonderful personality. Widely regarded as one of the gentlest, friendliest and most playful Lories, they make wonderful pets. Popular in many parts of the world, Black Lory is a very sought-after pet, although still somewhat rare to come across. But with their price becoming more affordable and their rising popularity as pet “stars” on the internet, these fabulous birds are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Looks, personality, and unique charm – combined into one wonderful pet parrot. Let’s meet the Black Lory.
Together with the Duivenbode’s and Yellow Streaked lories, these birds make absolutely the best pets in the entire Lory family.
Native Region/Natural Habitat
These parrots are found in a relatively small region that stretches in modern Indonesia. They thrive in the tropical forests, mangroves and open habitats of the regions numerous islands. But the Black Lory is mostly found on Indonesia’s islands of West Papua New Guinea, Misool, Jaya and a few others. Luckily, they are one of the rare breeds not to be directly threatened, and their population is stable and of least concern.
Overall Description
All birds of the large and rich Lory family are pretty much similar when it comes to certain physical traits. But each one has a few distinct details and colors that make them unique. And with their mysterious dark colors, the Black Lory resembles raven more than a parrot. The adults reach an average length of 13 inches (32 centimeters) and can weigh up to half a pound (260 grams). These aren’t overly large birds, but with their energy, they will require a lot of space, so ensure a very spacious cage or a bird room.
Speech and Sounds
One of the downsides of owning a Black Lory, and perhaps the only one at that, is their possible noise level. Many owners experienced the shrill, repetitive caws of these birds. They are mostly heard during feeding time, or when the birds are excited. This fact also doesn’t make them very good for apartments. On the other hand, these parrots are also fairly skilled as talkers. You shouldn’t be surprised to hear a few words repeated in a fun voice. In the end, even if they can be loud, this trait is quickly forgotten thanks to their wonderful personality.
Colors
The Black Lory is the perfect example of how nature creates art, with its elegant, majestic appearance that will impress you in an instant. These birds are almost entirely black. There are slight, barely seen reddish streaks on the body. The underside of the tail is colored in a mix of orange and yellow, offering a pattern extremely similar to a flame. This is a simple but effective appearance, as charming as it is mysterious. And with a completely black beak, feet, and reddish eyes, these parrots have a strange resemblance to ravens, while also being unique and charming, one-of-a-kind sight in the parrot world.
The raven-black appearance of these lovely birds only adds to their unusual appeal.
Care and Feeding
In the wild, these birds thrive on a varied diet that consists of various seeds, fruits, coconuts and primarily, nectar. That’s why their diet as pets should be centered around a quality commercial nectar. Providing a well-balanced diet will be a good foundation for your pet’s overall health.
Another important aspect of care is bathing. The best way to get your pet used to bathing is to fill up a bathroom sink with water and throw in your pet’s favorite toys in. Once they take their first bath they won’t be able to get enough of it.
Health and Common Conditions
Black Lory is a particularly hardy bird, adapting readily to a variety of conditions. To make the most out of their good health, you need to keep a few things in check. Besides the diet and a lot of social interaction, they’ll also need a lot of room to fly around. A lot of parrots around the world suffer due to cramped and unhygienic conditions. Please make sure your pet has plenty of space and a chance for free flight around the house, to ensure they are happy and healthy.
Black Lory is especially fond of playing and handling. Don’t hesitate to tickle them, roll them over, pet them, etc. They will love it.
Personality & Behavior
These parrots are cherished for their friendly and playful personality that contrasts their dark appearance. You will not be able to resist the charm of these fun little parrots! Whether it’s the play-pretend wrestling, the tickles, and the playful tricks, you’ll love every minute you spend with your pet Black Lory. And when they get tired from all the playing, they will often snuggle up to you to nap and rest. There’s no doubt that these birds make perfect pets and companions. If a chance arises, don’t hesitate to discover all the great things a Black Lory has to offer!
Photo credit: Crisco 1492/Wikimedia Commons; Packa/Wikimedia Commons
