Phigys solitarius
The Solitary or Collared Lory is the only species in the genus Phigys. They are found on the larger Fijian islands, where they are quite common and will occasionally visit gardens and coconut plantations. They inhabit moist, forested areas of the islands they live on.
Collared Lories get their common name “collared” from the elongated bright green feathers on the hind neck and mantle. These feathers can be erected from each side, forming two fans on the side of the head. These lories usually remain in pairs or small groups of between five and eight members. They eat soft fruits like mangoes, nectar, pollen, and small insects like caterpillars. When breeding, they lay two eggs, and will fiercely defend their nests from even non-threatening birds in the area.
This picture was taken at the San Diego Zoo, in March 2004.
Subfamily Loriinae
Family Psittacidae
Order Psittaciformes
Class Aves
Subphylum Vertebrata
Phylum Chordata
Kingdom Animalia
Life on Earth
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