Black Lory
Chalcopsitta atra
A rather large lory of lowland forest and semi-open areas. Mostly black with medium-length, rounded tail, reddish in the base and yellow undertail. Geographical variation and in some areas they have a reddish face, thighs and front of the underwing. Similar to Dusky and Yellow-streaked Lories in poor light. Black looks bigger-headed, is black-billed and has different flight. Yellow-streaked has little overlap but streaks should be visible even in flight. Loud and squeaky calls “kwik kwik!”. Other calls similar to a rusty door hinge.
Identification
The black lory is 32 cm (13 in) long and has a black bill. Its plumage is mostly black with a blue rump. Red markings on face, thighs, and tail vary between the three subspecies. Males and females are similar in external appearance.
Taxonomy
The species was given its formal name by the naturalist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli. Scopoli did not in fact examine any specimens, but used the informal description by the explorer Pierre Sonnerat published in his book Voyage à la Nouvelle-Guinée (1776). The determination was accurate enough for the name to be valid, so Scopoli is credited as the author of this taxon.<p>Three subspecies of the black lory are recognized:<p>Chalcopsitta atra (Scopoli, 1786)
- Scientific name
- Chalcopsitta atra
- Authority
- (Scopoli, 1786)
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Chalcopsitta
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Streaky canopy foliage-gleaner with a slightly hooked bill tip. Light buffy brown overall with extensive streaking from the head down to the back and breast, with reddish wings and tail. Forages in the midstory and canopy with mixed species flocks, keeping its body horizontal as it clambers along branches. Most common in upland forest, where it can be the most common foliage-gleaner in canopy mixed species flocks, but can also occasionally be found in mature forest in seasonally flooded areas.
Brown Pelican
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Large and conspicuous, gray-brown bird of saltwater habitats. Strictly coastal; rarely seen on inland lakes. Very long bill with pouch for scooping up fish. Forages mainly by diving on fish from above. Frequently cues into fishing activity looking for handouts. Often flies in long lines close to water's surface.
Red-breasted Goose
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Small and stocky rare goose with a small bill. From a distance, appears dark and dull, and often blends into flocks of other geese. When seen well, note the rich rusty breast and striking rusty and black-and-white head pattern. Mantle is dark and finely barred. White flank stripe is prominent on land and in flight. Also note the all dark underwings in flight. Breeds on the high arctic tundra, on islands, and coastal habitats. Winters mainly by the Black Sea.
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