Rainbow Lorikeet

While walking near a blossoming apple tree, I spotted this Rainbow Lorikeet perched quietly among the flowers. For a brief moment, it sat still, taking in its surroundings, before letting out a loud screech and darting away in a flash of colour.

Physical appearance

The Rainbow Lorikeet is an unmistakable parrot, known for its brilliant plumage. It features a bright blue head and belly, a green back, wings and tail, and an orange-yellow breast band. Their bills are orange-red, and their eyes are a vivid red. Males and females are visually identical, making them difficult to tell apart in the wild. Juveniles appear duller in colour, with a dark bill that gradually brightens as they mature.

Habitat

Rainbow Lorikeets are widespread along Australia’s eastern and northern coasts, thriving in woodlands, rainforests, and suburban gardens. They are particularly common in urban areas, where flowering native trees and garden plants provide abundant food.

Behaviour

Diet: Unlike many parrots, Rainbow Lorikeets feed mainly on nectar and pollen, collected with their brush-tipped tongues. They also consume fruits, berries and occasionally seeds.
Social Birds: Highly social and noisy, Rainbow Lorikeets are usually seen in pairs or small groups, and often gather in large flocks around flowering trees.
Playful Nature: Known for their curious and energetic personalities, they are constantly on the move, flying swiftly, squabbling loudly, and hanging upside down while feeding.

Breeding

Nesting: Rainbow Lorikeets nest in tree hollows, often returning to the same site year after year. The female incubates the eggs, while the male feeds her and guards the nesting area.
Breeding period: They breed mainly from August to January, though in some regions they may nest multiple times a year if food is plentiful.