Yellow-bibbed Lory

Lorius chlorocercus Solomon Islands • Yellow Bib
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Yellow-bibbed Lory (Lorius chlorocercus) is a beautiful and relatively rare lorikeet from the Solomon Islands. It is easily recognised by its bright red body, deep green wings, and a prominent yellow “bib” across the upper chest and throat. Known for its playful, curious, and relatively quiet personality compared to other lories, this species makes a delightful aviary bird for keepers who can provide a specialized nectar diet and ample enrichment.

General Description

Common Name Yellow-bibbed Lory
Latin Name Lorius chlorocercus
Family Psittacidae • Lorikeets & Lories
Adult Size 28–30 cm (11–12 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 the Solomon Islands.
Origin / Range Solomon Islands (including Guadalcanal, Malaita, and surrounding islands).
Care Level Intermediate • Requires a specialized nectar diet and frequent feeding
Lorius chlorocercus - Yellow-bibbed Lory
Lorius chlorocercus • Adult showing yellow bib and red body

SOLOMON ISLANDS LORY • YELLOW-BIBBED BEAUTY

Subspecies & Plumage

The Yellow-bibbed Lory is currently considered monotypic (no recognised subspecies), although slight regional variations in colour intensity have been observed.

Key Plumage Features

This species has a bright scarlet-red head, neck, and underparts with a prominent yellow “bib” across the upper chest. The wings are deep green with blue flight feathers, and the tail is red with green tips. The beak is orange-red, and the eyes are bright orange. The clean contrast between the red body and yellow bib gives it a very elegant and distinctive appearance.

Juveniles are duller with less yellow on the bib and brownish eyes that gradually turn brighter. This species is known for being relatively quiet for a lory and is an active, agile flyer.

Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Lorius Genus
Solomon Islands
Yellow-bibbed Lory