Loriini

Loriini is a tribe of small to medium-sized arboreal parrots belonging to the subfamily Lorinae in the family Psittaculidae. The members of this tribe are commonly known as lorikeets and lories. They are widely distributed throughout the Australasian region, including Southeast Asia, Polynesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. Loriini are known for their vibrant plumage, acrobatic behaviors, and a unique brush-tipped tongue adapted for their primarily nectarivorous and frugivorous diet.

Description

Loriini species exhibit a remarkable range of colors in their plumage, with combinations of bright red, blue, green, and yellow being common. They typically range in size from 15 to 40 cm in length. One of their most distinctive features is the brush-tipped tongue, which is specially adapted to extract nectar and pollen from flowers. Unlike many other parrot species, lories and lorikeets have relatively short, blunt tails.

Habitat and Distribution

Loriini are found in a variety of forested habitats, including rainforests, mangroves, and woodlands. They are also commonly seen in urban areas with abundant flowering trees and shrubs. Their range extends from Southeast Asia through to the Pacific, including the Philippines, Indonesia, New Guinea, and Australia, with the highest species diversity found in Papua New Guinea and northeastern Australia.

Behavior

Lorikeets and lories are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They are known for their playful behavior and loud, chattering calls. In the wild, they are highly mobile, moving across large distances in search of flowering trees. Their diet primarily consists of nectar, pollen, and fruit, but they may also consume small insects and other sources of protein.

Conservation

The conservation status of Loriini species varies widely. While some species are common and widespread, others are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. Conservation efforts for these birds include habitat protection, legal protection, and breeding programs in captivity.

Species

The Loriini tribe includes several genera, such as Lorius, Trichoglossus, Charmosyna, and Neopsittacus. Some well-known species within this tribe include the Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus), the Red and Blue Lory (Eos histrio), and the Black-capped Lory (Lorius lory).

See also

• Psittaculidae
• Parrot
• Nectarivore

References

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