Red-collared Lorikeet
![A Red-collared Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) perched on a flower stem. [Photographed by Peter Rowland]](https://prpw.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/PRPW-110812-26-12266.jpg "Red-collared Lorikeet")
Scientific Name: Trichoglossus rubritorquis
Size: around 29 cm
What does it look like?
The Red-collared 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 orange collar. The orange collar is the main character which distinguishes the Red-collared Lorikeet from the closely-related Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus, which has a pale green colour. The two species do not overlap in range.
Where is it found?
Inhabits northern Australia, west of the Gulf of Carpentaria.
What are its habitats & habits?
It is a noisy and conspicuous bird that feeds on nectar and pollen, and some fruits and occasional seeds.
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots
