While there are exceptions to the case, a lory has a short, rounded, or square tail while a lorikeet has a longer tapering tail. Lories tend to be bigger and most are red with patches of yellow, purple, and green. In general, lorikeets are green with patches of red and yellow.
Their petite size and bright plumage help these arboreal birds hide well in trees, away from would-be predators like birds of prey and snakes. Living in large flocks also helps keep them safe.