The dusky lory is a small parrot that has a short tail and is around 25 cm (10 inches) long. It weighs about 300 grams (10.5 oz). What makes the dusky lory stand out is its unique coloration – it has two stunning color phases, one being yellow and the other orange. The orange-phase dusky lory has a dark brown head and face, with a bronze crown on top. It also has a patch of bare, orange skin on the sides of its lower bill.
These birds sport a vibrant orange collar on their upper chest, accompanied by a white rump. Just below the collar, there is a black barred band that is surrounded by an orange band, and the belly is adorned with a mix of orange and brown feathers. Their wings boast an orange plumage underneath, while their tails are a deep shade of blue.
