Psittacus lori, L.

Blue-tailed Lory (Ger., Frauenlori, Rothnackenlori, Blauschul-teriger Breitschwanzlori; Fr., Perruche Lori des Lames, ou Lori a scapulaire bleue; Dut., Blauwstaart Loeri) - Description.

Not unnaturally most of the birds, and particularly the parrots, which enlisted the affection of mankind in olden times continue to be cherished in the present day. This is above all the case with the Lady Lory. Described by Edwards in 1751, named by Linne in 1761, and treated by various authors, from Seba and Buffon to Bechstein, it has been lauded by all as being at once very beautiful, extremely affectionate and highly gifted. In this opinion parrot connoisseurs and keepers still agree, and, though not classing it higher than its congeners, they yet rank it at least on a level with them, especially with the Black-bonnet Lory. It also, in many respects, resembles this latter species.

It is of a deep black on the top and back of the head; the lores, sides of the head, band round the neck and throat, carmine; the back of the neck and the shoulders deep blue, with a purplish tinge; the middle of the back, the rump, and the upper coverts of the tail, scarlet; the upper part of the back has a bluish-black transverse band; the quills are dark grass-green on the outer side, and of a deep yellow on the inner, the tips black, the reverse side blackish-grey, with a yellow transverse band; the upper coverts are green, and the lesser coverts on the bend of the wing bluish; the small coverts underneath and the feathers on the shoulders are scarlet; the basal half of the tail feathers is scarlet, the end half deep blue; the reverse side is red at the base and dull olive-yellow at the tip; the throat, breast, and belly, deep blue, with a violet tinge; the sides of the breast and belly are scarlet; round the thigh, the hinder part of the body and the under coverts of the tail, light-blue; beak orange, inclining to carmine; the cere dull yellow; eyes brown to yellowish-red, featherless skin round them brownish-yellow; feet and claws black. Nearly as large as the Black-bonnet Lory (length, 10 1/4in. to llin.; wings, 5 1/8in. to 6 1/2in.; tail, 3 1/8in. to 4in.). There are varieties in colour, in which the blue mark on the upper part of the breast and throat is wanting, with a red stripe in the blue feathers on the shoulder, a black transverse stripe across the reverse side of the centre of the tail, blue on the back and sides of the neck, with black under coverts to the wing, and many other deviations from the above. The size is also undecided. It is not yet determined whether these differences arise from age, sex, or locality. It is known to be a native of New Guinea, Waygiou, Mysol, Salawatti, and Batanta.

Dr. Meyer informs us that it is very abundant in New Guinea, and is frequently kept in the cage, and learns to speak extremely well.

Mr. Scheuba has a Lady Lory which is strongly attached and affectionate, kisses, lays itself on its back on the hand, allows itself to be played with, and even frolics like a kitten, and in moments of delight it pipes merrily; at other times, occasionally even by night, it whistles rather sharply and shrilly. In comparison with other lories this one, although quite as lively, appears calmer and more even-tempered. It speaks a good deal, and says everything in a deep voice, as if from the throat of a weather-beaten sailor. It likes best to chatter at night, and then sticks its head into its food vessel. It seems also disposed to whistle songs if taught them. Dr. Platen brought over ten specimens in his collection. Unfortunately, in the trade and in exhibitions this beautiful species is still very rare.