Lories and lorikeets are small to medium-sized arboreal parrots which compose the subfamily Loriinae. They are widely distributed throughout the Australasian region, including south-eastern Asia, Polynesia, Papua New Guinea and Australia, and the majority have very brightly colored plumage.
Morphology
Lories and lorikeets have specialized brush-tipped tongues for feeding on nectar and soft fruits. They can feed from the flowers of about 5,000 species of plants and use their specialised tongues to take the nectar. The tip of their tongues have tufts of papillae (extremely fine hairs), which collect nectar and pollen.
Lorikeets have tapered wings and pointed tails that allow them to fly easily and display great agility.citation needed They also have strong feet and legs. They tend to be hyperactive and clownish in personality both in captivity and the wild.citation needed
Classification
Lories and lorikeets are usually classified as the subfamily, Loriinae, the most clearly distinct of the several rather uncertain subfamilies within the true parrots (Psittacidae) family. Some authorities regard the differences between the Loriinae and the other parrots as sufficient to justify giving the group full family status, in which case, following the biological naming conventions, they become the Loriidae, and are placed alongside the remaining true parrots (Psittacidae) and the cockatoos (Cacatuidae) within the parrots (Psittaciformes) order.
Nomenclature
The usage of the terms "lory" and "lorikeet" is subjective, like the usage of "parrot" and "parakeet". Species with longer tapering tails are generally referred to as "lorikeets", while species with short blunt tails are generally referred to as "lories".[1]
Conservation
The Ultramarine Lorikeet is endangered. It is now one of the 50 rarest birds in the world. The Blue Lorikeet is classified as vulnerable. The introduction of European rats to the small island habitats of these birds is a major cause of their endangerment.[2] Various conservation efforts have been made to relocate some of these birds to locations free of predation and habitat destruction.
Colors
The multi-colored Rainbow Lorikeet was one of the species of parrots appearing in the first edition of The Parrots of the World and also in John Gould's lithographs of the Birds of Australia. Then and now, lories and lorikeets are described as some of the most beautiful species of parrot.
Species and genus list
Classification of parrots in the subfamily, Loriinae:
- Genus Chalcopsitta
- Genus Eos
- Genus Pseudeos
- Genus Trichoglossus
- Genus Psitteuteles (sometimes classified in the Genus Trichoglossus)
- Genus Lorius
- Genus Phigys
- Genus Vini
- Genus Glossopsitta
- Genus Charmosyna
- Palm Lorikeet, Charmosyna palmarum
- Red-chinned Lorikeet, Charmosyna rubrigularis
- Meek's Lorikeet, Charmosyna meeki
- Blue-fronted Lorikeet, Charmosyna toxopei
- Striated Lorikeet, Charmosyna multistriata
- Pygmy Lorikeet, Charmosyna wilhelminae (also called Wilhelmina's Lorikeet)
- Red-fronted Lorikeet, Charmosyna rubronotata (also called Red-spotted Lorikeet)
- Red-flanked Lorikeet, Charmosyna placentis
- New Caledonian Lorikeet, Charmosyna diadema (possibly extinct)
- Red-throated Lorikeet, Charmosyna amabilis
- Duchess Lorikeet, Charmosyna margarethae
- Fairy Lorikeet, Charmosyna pulchella
- Josephine's Lorikeet, Charmosyna josefinae (also called Josephine's Lory)
- Papuan Lorikeet, Charmosyna papou (also called Papuan Lory)
- Genus Oreopsittacus
- Genus Neopsittacus
References
External links
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