Australia is lucky enough to have several species of brightly coloured Lorikeets.  Named after their stunning technicoloured appearance, rainbow lorikeets are a beautiful sight in many Australian backyards, parks and gardens. In the early 1900s Rainbow lorikeet numbers were concerning, but after protections were put in place, their numbers have steadily built over the last 60 odd years. Larger birds, feral cats and the international parrot trade still pose a threat to these stunning birds, but their numbers are currently strong.

Hunter Valley Wildlife Park’s walk through Lorikeet Sanctuary is home to Rainbow Lorikeets, Scaly Breasted Lorikeets, and Red-Collared Lorikeets.  Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park also boasts a selection of Lorikeets in their aviary.

 

RAINBOW LORIKEET – TRIGLOSSUS HAEMATODUS

C175: 25.30CM

SEXES: SIMILAR

HABITAT: Found in open forests and closed

DIET: Their diet consists of nectar, pollen, fruit, seeds and insects

BREEDING: Both sexes prepare the nest cavity and feed the young, but only the female incubates

the egg. The clutch size is between and s eggs, which are incubated for 25 days.

 

SCALY BREASTED LORIKEET – TRICHOGLOSSUS CHLOROLEPIDOTUS

GENERAL INFORMATION: Although wide easterly

distribution, often locally common in southern Queensland.

SIZE: 23CM

SEXES: SIMILAR

HABITAT: Woodland, urban parks and gardens

DIET: Eucalyptus and Banksia flowers, not as adaptable to cultivated foods as the familiar Rainbow Lorikeet

BREEDING: May-February, nests are made in a tree hollow. 2-3 eggs laid and incubated for 29 days.

 

RED-COLLARED LORIKEET – TRICHOGLOSSUS RUBRITORQUIS

GENERAL INFORMATION: similar to the Raindow Lorikeet, replacing the former in the Northern Territory and Kimberely region.

SEXES: SIMILAR

Largest Australian Lorikeet, they are less tolerant of urbanisation than their cousins.

SIZE: 26 CM

HABITAT: Woodland, swamps, parks and gardens.

DIET: Range of native flower nectar and insect larvae

BREEDING: Aug-Dec, 1-3 eggs laid in a tree hollow and incubated for 23 days. Young fledge at 8-9 weeks.