Trichoglossus squamatus
The Violet-necked Lory (*Trichoglossus squamatus*) is a captivating, medium-sized parrot endemic to the lush islands of eastern Indonesia. Measuring approximately 22-24 centimeters (8.5-9.5 inches) in length and weighing between 80-120 grams, its plumage is predominantly vibrant green, but it boasts a distinctive violet-blue crown, forehead, and nape/hindneck that gives it its common name. Its breast and belly are adorned with striking yellow-orange scaling, creating a 'scaly' appearance, whi...
This species thrives in lowland and hill primary forests, forest edges, and cultivated areas, including coconut plantations, typically found below 800 meters but occasionally up to 1300 meters.
Their diet primarily consists of nectar, pollen, and soft fruits, supplemented by flowers and occasionally small insects, which they extract with their specialized brush-tipped tongue.
Violet-necked Lories are highly social, diurnal birds, often seen in noisy flocks as they move swiftly through the canopy. They exhibit an acrobatic foraging style, frequently hanging upside down to access flowers and fruits, utilizing their specialized brush-tipped tongue to efficiently gather n...
The Violet-necked Lory is endemic to the eastern Indonesian archipelago, with its primary distribution encompassing the North Moluccas and the Raja Ampat Islands of West Papua. Within the North Moluccas, they are found on islands such as Halmahera, Morotai, Ternate, Tidore, Bacan, Obi, and Buru. ...
Least Concern
- The Violet-necked Lory possesses a unique brush-tipped tongue, perfectly adapted for sponging up nectar and pollen from flowers. - They are vital pollinators in their native Indonesian ecosystems, contributing significantly to plant reproduction. - These lories are quite nomadic, constantly mov...