Duyvenbode’s Lory

Chalcopsitta duivenbodei New Guinea • Rare Beauty
IUCN Status
Near Threatened
The Duyvenbode’s Lory (Chalcopsitta duivenbodei), also known as the Brown Lory, is one of the most elegant and sought-after lorikeets. It features a rich chocolate-brown body with striking violet-blue highlights on the head, throat, and wings, and a vibrant yellow-orange tail. This rare and beautiful species is known for its gentle personality, inquisitive nature, and relatively quiet demeanor compared to other lories. As a nectar specialist, it requires a specialized diet and makes a rewarding aviary bird for experienced keepers.

General Description

Common Name Duyvenbode’s Lory (Brown Lory)
Latin Name Chalcopsitta duivenbodei
Family Psittacidae • Lorikeets & Lories
Adult Size 31–32 cm (12–12.5 in)
Weight 180–220 g
Life Span 20–30+ years in captivity
Sexual Maturity 2–4 years
Clutch Size 2 eggs
Gender Difference No reliable visual sexual dimorphism. DNA testing is required.
Natural Habitat Lowland and hill rainforests, forest edges, and coconut plantations.
Origin / Range Northern New Guinea and nearby islands (including Yapen and islands in Geelvink Bay).
Care Level Intermediate to Advanced • Specialized nectar diet and active flyer
Chalcopsitta duivenbodei - Duyvenbode's Lory
Chalcopsitta duivenbodei • Adult showing chocolate-brown and violet plumage

RARE NEW GUINEA LORY • ELEGANT & GENTLE

Subspecies & Plumage

Currently considered monotypic (no recognised subspecies), though some authors have proposed minor regional variations.

Key Plumage Features

The Dusky Lory has a rich chocolate-brown to maroon body with a beautiful violet-blue sheen on the head, throat, and upper breast. The wings show deep violet-blue, and the tail is bright yellow-orange. The beak is black, and the eyes are striking orange-red in adults. This warm, earthy coloration combined with violet highlights gives it a very elegant and sophisticated appearance compared to the brighter rainbow lorikeets.

Juveniles are duller with less violet and brownish eyes that gradually turn brighter. The species is relatively quiet for a lory and known for its gentle, inquisitive nature.

Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Chalcopsitta Genus
New Guinea
Rare Lory