The collared lory, scientifically known as Vini solitaria, is a delightful parrot species that belongs to the Psittaculidae family. This particular bird is native to the beautiful islands of Fiji. What sets this lory apart from others is its remarkable ability to adapt and flourish in urban environments, particularly in the bustling city of Suva.
The collared lory boasts a vibrant appearance with its striking red underparts and face, accompanied by a regal purple crown and greenish tones on its upperparts. This colorful combination makes it a true sight to behold. Interestingly, both male and female collared lories possess similar plumage, although females have a slightly paler crown in comparison.
In conclusion, the collared lory is a captivating parrot species that not only appeals to bird enthusiasts but also showcases its resilience and adaptability in urban habitats, making it a cherished resident of urban Suva.
Adult birds measure approximately 20 cm (7.9 inches) in length and display a subtle difference in appearance between males and females. The male variant flaunts vibrant scarlet patches on its cheeks, throat, breast, and upper abdomen. The crown of the male bird is a deep shade of purple, while its nape features a combination of lime green and red feathers, with some elongated ones. The wings, back, and tail of the male bird have a greenish hue, while its lower abdomen showcases a purple shade. Its bill is a yellow-orange color, its feet are pink-orange, and its irises are orange-red. On the other hand, the female bird bears a resemblance to the male but possesses a paler crown that displays a hint of greenish undertones towards the back. Juvenile birds exhibit a duller appearance with faint purple stripes running across their upper abdomen and breast. They have a brown beak and pale brown irises.
Distribution and Living Environment:
The Fiji Banded Iguana is typically found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Interestingly, it has successfully adapted to human settlements and can now also be spotted in Suva. This species is predominantly found on Fiji’s larger islands and extends its presence to the Lau Islands, including Lakeba and Oneata. Although currently limited to Fiji, fossil evidence suggests that the Fiji Banded Iguana once thrived in Tonga as well. However, it is believed to have become extinct there due to the arrival of early human settlers.
Description:
The collared lory is known for its swift and direct flight, characterized by rapid and shallow wingbeats. It is typically spotted either in pairs or small clusters. Its distinctive call consists of a high-pitched shriek, often in a single or double sequence.
Eating Habits:
The collared lory has a varied diet that includes fruits, seeds, nectar, and beautiful flowers. Their preferred trees for feeding include the drala, coconut palm, and the African tulip tree, which is an introduced species and considered invasive.
Reproduction:
When it comes to reproduction, these birds typically choose a hollow in a tree as their nesting spot, although they may occasionally opt for a decaying coconut that is still hanging from the tree. In captivity, they lay a clutch of two eggs, and while the wild clutch size is not fully known, it is believed to be similar. The incubation period lasts roughly 30 days, and the nestlings remain in the nest for approximately 9 weeks.
Aviculture:
The collared lory, a species of bird, was successfully bred and showcased in both London and Taronga Zoos during the early 1940s. While the species readily adapted to captivity and became tame, it initially proved challenging to keep the birds alive. In fact, their survival was not secured until later attempts. In 1941, the Marquess of Tavistock, who would later become the 12th Duke of Bedford, successfully bred this species in the UK, earning him a commemorative medal from the Foreign Bird League. Although the collared lory is not as commonly found in zoos today, there are still a few that house them, such as Weltvogelpark Walsrode, ZooParc de Beauval, Loro Parque, San Diego Zoo, and Kula Eco Park.