Blue-streaked Lory
Chalcopsitta scintillata
New Guinea • Blue-streaked Jewel
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Blue-streaked Lory (Chalcopsitta scintillata) is a dazzling and highly active lorikeet from New Guinea. It features a vivid green body accented with striking blue streaks across the head, neck, and throat, plus bright red-orange underwing and tail coverts. Known for its bold, playful, and inquisitive personality, this medium-sized lory is a favourite among lorikeet enthusiasts for its energetic behaviour, loud calls, and love of bathing and nectar feeding.
General Description
| Common Name | Blue-streaked Lory |
| Latin Name | Chalcopsitta scintillata |
| Family | Psittacidae • Lories & Lorikeets |
| Adult Size | 30–32 cm (12 in) |
| Weight | 220–280 g |
| Life Span | 25–40+ years in captivity |
| Sexual Maturity | 2–3 years |
| Clutch Size | 2 eggs |
| Gender Difference | Minimal visual dimorphism. DNA testing or endoscopic sexing recommended. |
| Natural Habitat | Lowland rainforests, mangroves, and coconut plantations of New Guinea. |
| Origin / Range | New Guinea (Indonesia & Papua New Guinea) and nearby islands. |
| Care Level | Intermediate • Nectar diet + fresh fruit, blossoms & daily enrichment |
Chalcopsitta scintillata • Green body with vivid blue streaks
BLUE-STREAKED LORY • NEW GUINEA LOWLAND SPECIALIST
Subspecies
| Subspecies | Differences |
|---|---|
| C. s. scintillata (nominate) | Most common; intense blue streaking on head and neck, bright red-orange underwing coverts. |
| C. s. chloroptera | Slightly larger with more extensive blue on the wings and slightly duller body green. |
| C. s. rubiginosus | More reddish tones on the underwing and tail coverts. |
Plumage & Features
The Blue-streaked Lory has a bright grass-green body with vivid blue streaks across the forehead, crown, cheeks, and throat. It shows bright red-orange underwing and tail coverts, black flight feathers, and a black beak. In good light the blue streaks shimmer beautifully.
Juveniles are duller with less distinct blue streaking. This species is very active, loves bathing, and has a loud, high-pitched metallic call typical of the genus.
Conservation Status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Chalcopsitta Genus
New Guinea
Blue-streaked Lory