Red Lory

Eos bornea

The red lory, Eos bornea, is a bright red nectar-feeding parrot from the Moluccas and nearby islands of Indonesia. Blue and black markings on the wings, back, and tail vary by subspecies, but the saturated red body and brush-tipped tongue make it easy to separate from many seed-eating parrots. In the wild it moves through lowland forest, coastal woodland, plantations, and flowering trees, feeding on nectar, pollen, soft fruit, and blossoms.

Captive red lories are active, vocal birds that need more sanitation than many parrots because their nectar diet produces wet droppings and food spoils quickly. Husbandry centers on fresh commercial lory nectar, fruit, clean water, frequent cage washing, and warm housing with space for flight and bathing. They are not suited to an all-seed diet. Pairing and breeding require privacy, nest boxes, and attention to compatibility, as lories can be assertive with flockmates. Captive-bred birds with clear paperwork help reduce pressure on island populations.