Chattering Lory sighted in Malaysia

YC Wee
on 9th November 2011

“At a national research planning meeting held at a resort-cum-golf course. Got a chance to nip out in the early morning (7-8am) to watch bird life here. Was surprised to come across this escaped parrot. I think it is a Chattering Lory (Lorius garrulus). At first saw it in flight and in a far of tree but managed to get closer when it stopped to feed.

“This Lory is endemic to North Maluku, Indonesia (north Moluccan islands). Good article here: LINK.

“Was considered endangered from trapping and sale but now list as vulnerable, see: LINK.

“There are three subspecies: L. g. flavopalliatus (also called the Yellow-backed Lory); L. g. garrulus and L. g. morotaianus. The differences in the subspecies is predominantly in the amount of yellow on the mantle but not easy to differentiated.

“Information from Parrots of the World by Joseph M Forshaw, 2006 (See: LINK.)

“L. g. garrulus: both adults in general red, with scapulars having darker tint; yellow patch on mantle absent; green thighs and wings; yellow bend of wing and underwing coverts; pink/rose underwing stripe; red tail with black/green tip. Bill orange. Eye ring grey, eye orange/red. L. g. flavopalliatus: both adults as in garrulus but with yellow patch on mantle; brighter green on wings. L. g. morotaianus: both adults as in flavopalliatus but with yellow patch on mantle washed with green, duller and less extensive; darker green wings.

“So this adult could be an L. g. morotaianus as small patch of yellow on back.

“Feeding (Source: LINK). The Chattering Lory is nectarivorous, feeding on nectar and/or pollen, with reports of feeding on coconut flowers and fruits.

“Saw it feeding extensively on the Bottlebrush (Callistemon sp.) flowers, either for the nectar or pollen.”

Calls: Chattering Lory-calls-4

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
5th October 2011

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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11 responses

  2. Dear Amar,
    It is a chattering lory, a species I am very familiar with. Cannot tell which sub species as the back is not visible in the photos. However, something else is – the pin-feathers on the head. I have kept chattering lories as pets for many years, and the feathers on their heads seem to be in a constant state of replacement. Unlike other birds, which moult once or twice per year, and do not exhibit pin feathers unless something causes the mature shafts to be plucked out, with chattering lories, and black-capped lories (Lory lory, which I have far less personal experience) there always seem to be new pin feathers developing on the heads. Any time of the year.

    I put forward the hypothesis that this is because lories are nectar feeders. Unlike vultures and coletos which solve the hygiene problem by having bald heads and necks, lories cope with the frequent nectar stains on their heads by constantly growing new feathers.

    Anyone like to add to these observations?

    Reply

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