The Cardinal Lory (Chalcopsitta cardinalis) is a monotypic species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. The Cardinal Lory lives mainly in the mangrove and the lowland forests of the Solomon Islands and east Papua New Guinea.

Because it is of the Syzygium species it preferes fruit-bearing trees that have red blossoms.

Description

The Cardinal Lory is 31 cm (12 in) long. All plumage is red. The beak is orange, and the bare skin at base of beak and around eyes is black, and the irises are orange-red. Its legs are grey. The male and female are identical in external appearance. Juveniles have dull orange and black bills, pale grey eye-rings, and yellow irises.

Aviculture

In 1989 the Solomon Island permitted few Cardinal Lories to be exported to the USA. However, because of the Wild Bird Conservation Act in 1992 the exportion of Cardinal Lories from the Solomon Islands to the USA was banned except for approved breeding.