Watching them move around and interact was captivating; they seemed playful and confident, not bothered by my presence. It was a special moment, like catching a glimpse of something rare, and I felt lucky to experience it.
Lories are tropical birds, so they feel right at home in rainforests and coastal areas across Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Imagine lush trees dripping with nectar-filled flowers — that’s their ideal environment. They prefer places where they can stay warm, find plenty to eat, and hang out with other lories. Sometimes, they end up in places like bird parks, where they can safely live out their lives and interact with people - and occasionally show off their colors to curious onlookers like me!
These birds are incredibly well-suited to their surroundings. Their bright colors help them blend in with the flowers they love to snack on, giving them some natural camouflage against predators. That brush-tipped tongue is perfect for getting every last drop of nectar, a food source that most birds don’t have access to. They also play a big role in pollinating plants and spreading seeds as they eat, helping to keep their ecosystem healthy. Lories often live in flocks, which gives them extra protection — there’s safety in numbers, after all.
Unfortunately, lories face some serious threats, and yes, it’s a real concern. Deforestation is wiping out large parts of their habitat, making it harder for them to find food and safe nesting spots.