Edward’s Lory
General Description
| Common Name | Edward’s Lory |
| Latin Name | Chalcopsitta edwardsii |
| Family | Psittacidae • Lorikeets & Lories |
| Adult Size | 30–32 cm (12 in) |
| Weight | 160–200 g |
| Life Span | 20–30+ years in captivity |
| Sexual Maturity | 2–4 years |
| Clutch Size | 2 eggs |
| Gender Difference | No reliable visual sexual dimorphism. Males are slightly larger; DNA testing is recommended. |
| Natural Habitat | Lowland rainforests, forest edges, and coconut plantations on New Britain and nearby islands. |
| Origin / Range | Endemic to New Britain and the Bismarck Archipelago (Papua New Guinea). |
| Care Level | Intermediate to Advanced • Requires a specialized nectar diet and frequent feeding |
NEW BRITAIN RED LORY • RARE & ELEGANT
Subspecies & Plumage
The Edward’s Lory is currently considered monotypic (no recognised subspecies), although slight regional variations in colour intensity have been noted across its range.
Key Plumage Features
This species is almost entirely deep scarlet-red with subtle violet-blue highlights on the head, throat, and wings. The tail is bright yellow-orange, and the flight feathers show deep blue. It has a black beak and striking orange-red eyes. The uniform rich red coloration gives it a very elegant and sophisticated appearance compared to more multicoloured lorikeets.
Juveniles are duller with less violet and brownish eyes that gradually turn brighter. This species is known for being relatively quiet for a lory and is an active, agile flyer.