Forsten’s Lorikeets

The Forsten’s Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus forsteni) is endemic to Sumbawa Island, Indonesia; specifically the forests and plantations below 1200 m. on Sumabwa.

They are usually seen in pairs or small family groups. They nest in high, unlined tree hollows. Courtship display consists of wing fluttering to reveal under-wing pattern. They swing upside down, perform head-bobbing, tail-fanning and bill-fencing.

Description

Forsten’s Lorikeets look like the nominate form, the Ornate Lory (T. h. haematodus), except the head is darkish brown and the forehead and cheeks have a violet-blue streaking. In some birds, the sides of the nape (back of the neck) is blackish. The breast is strongly red and lack the edging that can be seen in the Ornate Lory. The abdomen is violet and the band to the nape (back of the neck) is yellowish.

They are also a slightly smaller than the nominate Ornate Lory, averaging only 24 cm (9.5ins) in length (including tail) and they have an wing length of about 132 – 139 mm (5 – 5.5ins).

Both males and females look alike.

Breeding

They may start breeding in September to October. The hen incubates the eggs for about 24 to 27 days and the young fledge when they are about 80 days old.

Other Relevant Web Resources

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

Taxonomy

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

Species: Scientific: Trichoglossus haematodus forsteni … English: Forsten’s Lorikeet … Dutch: Forstens Lori … German: Forstens Allfarblori … French: Loriquet de Forsten … CITES II – Endangered Species