Rainbow Lorikeet
Scientific Name: Trichoglossus haematodus
Size: 28 to 32 cm
What does it look like?
This large lorikeet is easily recognised by its striking blue head, purplish and orange shoulders, green lower back and wings, bright orange to yellow-orange breast, purplish-blue belly, yellowish-green undertail and base of legs, and pale green collar. The pale green collar is the main character which distinguishes the Rainbow Lorikeet from the closely-related Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus, which has an orange collar. The two species do not overlap in range.
Young birds have an orange-brown bill and dark brown eyes.
Where is it found?
The Rainbow Lorikeet’s natural range is eastern and south-eastern Australia, but the species has also been introduced and become established in other parts of Australia, most notably in the Perth region of Western Australia, presumably from escaped aviary birds.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Rainbow Lorikeet is a noisy and conspicuous bird and their screeching and chattering calls are uttered frequently. Is feeds on nectar, pollen and some fruits, and occasional seeds. It frequents rainforests, open forests and urban parks, and is common around gardens. It will readily feed from artificial feeding stations located around houses and in gardens. Birds nest in tree hollows.
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots
