as iris, but crown red and variable in extent, but strongly interspersed with violet-blue; ear-coverts violet-blue; cheeks darker green; larger.
Length: 22 cm, wing length 121 - 132 mm
Status: only common in localities.
Location
island of Wetar, Indonesia.
Habitat: forest, secondary vegetation and open country with trees to 1500 m.
Aviculture
active, fairly quiet parrot; playful; initially susceptible; uncomplicated once acclimatized; quite soon becomes confiding; likes to chew and bathe; provide regular supply of fresh twigs; communal aviary only possible outside breeding period as Iris Lorikeet can be aggressive to other birds.
Breeding behavior: unknown; egg measures 23.5 x 19.5 mm.
Breeding in aviculture: often achieved; do not always harmonise; usual clutch 2 eggs; incubation 23 days; fledging period 52 to 55 days; young fed by parents for 3 to 4 weeks after leaving nestbox; wherever possible isolate pairs as aggressive; despite slightly different plumage; sexing birds is difficult.
Social Behavior
little known; lives in flocks of 4 to 10 birds; inconspicuous; prefers tall trees; there only detectable when noisy; call high-pitched and shrill; chatters when feeding; flight swift and slightly undulating.
Accomodation
aviary 2.5 x 1 x 2 m or very spacious birdroom cage; minimum temperature 20°C; roosting box 20 x 20 x 40 cm; also readily accepts tree stump.
Diet
lory food from oat porridge, honey, pollen, brewer's yeast, mineral supplements and vitamins; various fruit (especially apple, pear, peach and grapes); greenfood; berries (rowan, rose-hips); sprouted and half-ripe millet spray as well as half-ripe seeds; small quantity of mixed seed; prone to obesity.
Natural diet: unknown, probably only nectar, flowers, fruits, pollen and insects.
