Dusky Lory General Info
The Dusky Lory, or Duskies, as they are affectionately called, are a pet parrot you don’t see so often – but when you do, you’ll never forget it! With a friendly and very playful personality, and above all, their incredibly intricate and unique looks, these exotic parrots have become an object of everyone’s attention. While there are a few potential issues, like their noisiness, with a little patience you can be rewarded with an affectionate, smart and playful pet parrot – with beautiful looks to boot!
The extravagant looks of the Dusky Lory are not easily forgotten. You will be impressed by these exotic patterns.
Native Region/Natural Habitat
The humid tropical lowland forests of New Guinea are the natural home of these parrots. This famous island is home to a variety of exotic and very unique birds – a fact once again proven with the showy looks of the Dusky Lory. They are also native to the nearby islands of Yapen and Salawati. Furthermore, their habitat includes the regional montane and mangrove forests as well as civilian plantations. These parrots can roost in a small community that numbers up to a thousand birds.
Overall Description
The main physical traits of these parrots do not differ too much from the overall looks of the Lory family. The main differences are shown in the colorful plumage. The adults of this breed reach an average length of up to 10 inches (25 centimeters) and can weigh around 7 ounces (190 grams). Both the males and females are identical, and determining the sex can be a difficult thing. Some of the defining features of lories are the prominent protruding beak, thin and elongated tail feathers, and unmatched color variations.
Speech and Sounds
One of the aspects that can make Duskies unsuited for apartment owners is the level of noise they make. This is probably the only downside they have, but with a bit of patience and time, it won’t bother you. Their natural calls are piercing and harsh screams and they also mumble and chitter chatter to themselves from time to time. These parrots can learn to repeat some words but are not as skilled as their close cousins. All things considered, the Dusky Lory is best kept as a house pet.
Colors
Boasting some of the weirdest and flashiest color patterns in the parrot world, the Dusky Lory will undoubtedly leave a long-lasting impression. The two dominant colors are brownish black and orange. While the basis is black, the orange is mixed in a series of fiery patterns and bands, most notably on the nape, upper and lower chest, and the lower abdomen. In some spots, these two colors are mixed in a tight pattern, creating an impressive display. Orange and black, in this arrangement, are rarely seen in the parrot world, and make the Dusky Lory stand out in any crowd.
Dusky Lories are one of the most unusual looking parrots out there. But that’s why their beauty is unparalleled.
Care and Feeding
Lories thrive on a diverse diet in the wild. It consists of pollen, seeds, nectar, and fruits. Flowers make the largest source of their diet, and they can sometimes feed on up to 640 different flowers per day. As a pet, they will require a good seed mix, but more importantly, some quality commercial nectar. These are nectar-feeding birds and it should be the big part of their diet. Remember that nectar must always be fresh, so replace it a few times per day. Add fresh fruits, as well – apples, pears, bananas, and oranges are their favorites.
Health and Common Conditions
Lories absolutely enjoy bathing. You can offer them bathing dishes, take them into the shower, or let them play under the sink – whatever the choice, offer it often. Hygiene is the basis of a healthy parrot. In general, lories can be quite hardy and resilient parrots, often fulfilling their lifespan of up to 32 years. It makes them good companion parrots, but know that they will require patience and commitment. The major factor of a healthy life for lories is a balanced diet with proper nectar intake.
Nectar is the most important part of a Lory’s diet. It can be bought at pet stores and requires changing a few times per day.
Personality & Behavior
These intelligent parrots are known for their playful personality. They will always find innovative and new ways of playing and invent fun toys out of anything they get in touch with. This silly and energetic personality is one of the reasons behind their popularity- the other being their showy looks. A spacious cage or an aviary should be stocked with toys, perches, and hanging ropes, since these acrobatics are a favorite pastime for the Dusky Lory. After some time in your family, they can also become very affectionate and enjoy cuddling and snuggling beneath the blankets. All things considered, if you don’t mind the noise, you’ll find that these Lories make wonderful pets!
Photo credit: Alexey Stiop/Shutterstock; Chris Humphries/Shutterstock; Susan Flashman/Shutterstock
