Ponape Lories, Pohnpei Lorikeets, or Cherry-red Lorikeets

Lories and Lorikeets: Overview (Naming, Range and Description)

The Ponape Lories (Trichoglossus rubiginosus), also known as Red Lorikeets, Cherry-red Lorikeets or Pohnpei Lorikeets, are endemic to Ponapé in Caroline Islands – a large archipelago of widely scattered islands in the western Pacific Ocean, northeast of New Guinea – situated in Micronesia.

Their natural habitat includes subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

This lory is relatively unknown in captivity.

Description:

The Ponape Lory averages 9.3 inches (24 cm) in length (from head to tail tip) and weighs ~ 2.6 – 3.0 oz (70 – 85 g). The plumage of both males and females is mostly a deep maroon color, with slightly darker barring. The wings and tail is olive/yellow.

Visual differences:

• Bill: Males have orange bills, while females’ is more yellow.
• Eyes: Male: yellow/orange in male; female: grey/white.
• Immature birds: Like adults, but have brown bills and eyes.

Lories as Pets or in Aviculture:

Due to their endangered status, any suitable specimen that cannot be released back into their natural habitat (native range) should preferably be placed into a well-managed breeding program to ensure the continued survival of this species.

Taxonomy

Family: Loriidae … Genus: Scientific: Trichoglossus … English: Wedge-tailed Lorikeets … Dutch: Wigstaartlori … German: Keilschwanzloris … French: Loriquet

Species: Scientific: Trichoglossus rubiginosus … English: Ponapé Lory, Cherry-red Lorikeet … Dutch: Ponapé Lori, Kersrode Lori … German: Kirschlori … French: Loriquet maron

Other Relevant Web Resources

• Photos of the Different Lory Species for Identification … Listing of Species
• Distribution Maps of Lories & Lorikeets
• Lories & Lorikeets in Aviculture
• Feeding & Housing Your Lories & Lorikeets
• Diseases of Lories / Lorikeets & Health Care Program
• Special Challenges of Lories and Lorikeets: Training and Behavioral Guidance

Species Research by Sibylle Johnson

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