Stella's Lorikeet (Charmosyna papou stellae) Species Profile: Diet, Coloration, and Playfulness

Charmosyna papou stellae

The difference between lories and lorikeets is in their tail, with the lorikeet's tail being decidedly longer. Stella's Lorikeet is a subspecies of Charmosyna papou or the Papuan Lorikeet and is the largest of the lorikeets. The Charmosyna genus in the family Loriidae is the largest, with 13 species. Common to this group is a subtle sexual dimorphism and a naked cere.

Lorikeets are popular in captivity and easily bred. They are entertaining birds, with many unique behaviors. Some have been known to wrap up in a wash cloth for sleeping. At times, they will sleep on their back, with feet straight in the air. Very intelligent and trainable, they can be taught tricks and can be trained to eliminate in a certain area, on cue. Playful by nature, lorikeets appreciate many toys, including ropes, bells, balls, and swings with variety being the key. They can, however, become quite possessive of their toys, and are capable of delivering a painful bite if their territory and possessions are not respected.

In the wild, lorikeets feed on nectar, pollen, fruits, and the occasional insect. All lorikeets have a tongue that is specially adapted with a brush-like tip composed of elongated papillae. This feature enables the birds to collect pollen from flowers and compress it into a form suitable for swallowing.

On average, Stella's Lorikeet will cost between $600-$750.

Quick Stats: Stella's Lorikeet

Family: Loriidae
Origin: Southwestern New Guinea
Size: 16.5", half of which is the tail
Coloration: Males and females very similar: predominately red overall; small posterior violet-blue cap with black trim behind that wraps around the nape from the corner of each eye; mantle and wings dark green; long tail feathers are yellow-orange; black band encircling the abdomen; black thighs; pink legs; orange to pale red beak; yellow to orange iris.
Hens: differentiated by the yellow coloration to base of back and sides of rump.
Melanistic: red coloration replaced with black except on lower back and rump.
Diet: Nectar: (commercial or home-made) - some may prefer a more dilute nectar mixture than other lories or lorikeets. Liquid nectar will need to be replaced several times daily; every 4 hours in warm weather. Lorikeets that eat spoiled nectar will become ill and and can die. Fruits and some vegetables: apples, pears, pawpaws, corn-on-the-cob (may display a sensitivity to acidic fruits). Flowers such as pansies, nasturtiums, roses, hibiscus, marigolds, and dandelions. In the wild, pollen, nectar, fruits, blossoms, berries, and seeds.

Cage Size: Single: 36" H x 48" L x 24" W
Pair: 36" H x 60" L x 36" W
Note: Very active birds - appreciate a cage as large as possible.
Grooming: Trim beak, nails, and flight feathers as necessary.
Compatibility/Disposition: Can get along with other birds (including other lorikeets) if territory is respected. Mated pairs defend their territories vigorously.
Vocalization: Ranges from a soft cheep to an also soft screech.
Playfulness: Affectionate, playful, curious, and extroverted. Acrobatic - they enjoy swinging and hanging upside down, sometimes for hours at a time.
Life Span: 15+ years
Age at Maturity: 2-3 years
Nesting Sites in the Wild: Tree hollows.
Breeding Season: October and November.
Sexing: By color variations or if unsure, DNA or endoscopy.
Special: Movement in the Stella's Lorikeet is a peculiar, jerky pattern accompanied by tail flicks. Demanding, both in care requirements (especially diet preparation) and emotional care, they require a lot of attention. Ardent bathers. Appreciate a daily bath or visiting the shower with their owner. Care should be taken in cage design and placement since the birds have a tendency to squirt their waste matter, which is fairly liquid, behind them with some force.