BrokenWing Chronicles
The Dusky Lory

Scientific Name: Pseudeos fuscata
Common Name/s: DUSKY LORY
Sub Species in country / area of origin: None, but has two colour phases - yellow and red.
Origin / Distribution: New Guinea and some islands.
Habitat In Wild: Possibly nomadic, occupying diverse habitats including plantations and urban areas.
Status In Wild: Secure
Status In (Australian) Captivity: Rare, but numbers are increasing.
Age To Sexual Maturity: ?
Lifespan (estimate): approx. 20 or more years
Sexing: Monomorphic / Dimorphic Surgical or DNA sexing may be required. Mutations: None
Availability: Rare, but numbers are increasing.
Temperament: Can be very noisy birds. May disturb and annoy nearby neighbours.
Cost (Victoria) Per Pair: - Normal colour (Approx.) $3000
Description Of Adults:
Length: Approx. 250 mm (or approx. 10 inches)
Colour ( "normal" colour ):
Weight: Approx. 140 - 160 gms (or approx 5.5 - 6 ozs)
Nesting: A basic overview only. Dimensions are typical / average and can vary widely, influenced by the owner's preferences and the birds preferences. Parent bird's preferences can also be influenced by the size and type of nest-box / log in which the bird was hatched and reared. If space allows, offering a choice of sizes and types of logs or nest-boxes, and placed in various locations within the aviary, can allow the parent birds to make their own choice. Once a pair has chosen a specific nest-box/log and been successful in it, offer that one to them each breeding season. Try and keep that one for their exclusive use. Once a pair has chosen its log or nest-box, the other ones can generally be removed. If the "spare" boxes are to be removed and moved to another flight, ensure the log / nest-box is cleaned to ensure the receptacle has the minimal contamination of mites, parasites and pathogens.
Nesting months:
Log / Nest-box:
Length / depth 300 - 500mm (or approx. 12 - 20 inches)
Log internal diameter approx. 200 mm. (or approx. 8 inches)
Nest-box internal dimensions approx. 200 mm square (or approx. 8 inches square)
Diameter of entrance hole approx. 50 - 60 mm (or approx. 2 - 2.5 inches)
Inspection hole (square or round) 100 mm (or approx 4 inches)
A removable top / lid can be a useful access point for inspections and for cleaning.
Location and height of log / nest-box = in a sheltered part of the aviary and at about 1.5 - 1.8 metres height, but not too close to the roof to cause heat problems in the hotter months.
Angle of log or nest box = Usually a vertical nestbox.
Nesting log / nest-box material: Decomposed non-toxic saw dust, wood shavings or other suitable material/s.
Who incubates the egg/s: Hen / cock / both share.
Nest boxes are easy to clean, cheap and easy to replace when they become soiled or damaged.
The nest box is left in the aviary or suspended cage year round as Lories and lorikeets will roost in the nest during the non-breeding season.
Timber nest-boxes generally require a climbing structure attached inside the box below the entrance hole. Both logs and nests need an entrance hole/opening of between 50 - 80mm diameter and about 100 mm (about 4 inches) from the top. The exact size of the entrance hole depends on the size of the species. Many species of parrots like the entrance hole to be just big enough to squeeze through. An appropriate size entrance hole will help to give the birds a feeling of security and confidence to effectively start and raise a clutch of young.
Dusky Lory or Pseudeos fuscata


BrokenWing

I've never seen such an interesting looking bird! They're gorgeous!