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Little LorikeetAlternative names: "Little Keet", "Jerryang", "Green Parakeet" Size: 15-16 cm |
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Habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Little Lorikeets populate most of the east coast of Australia and the hinterland behind it, from about Cairns, QLD in the north to the NSW/VIC border in the south. Occasionally they are also found along the south coast, up to about Adelaide. They are not found anywhere further inland than the hills of the Great Dividing Range.
Little Lorikeets are usually found in open forest, often with tall trees. They have a preference for Swamp Mahogany, when flowering. They are also found in urban environments, such as e.g. parks.
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Sightings |
Little Lorikeets are hard to spot, because quick, and possibly also uncommon in the area where we live (Narrabri, NSW). First spotted by us in April of 2006, 20 km north of Coonabarabran, NSW.
A pair came to explore the area 20 km east of Narrabri in March 2007, but did not stay. In October 2008 we spotted two birds in bushland 15 km east of Narrabri.
Also spotted on the eastern edge of Mt. Kaputar National Park, 30 km east of Narrabri, in April 2008. Again seen there in subsequent years.
In December 2008 large numbers (probably hundreds) of Little Lorikeets were found 20-30 km west of Barraba, feeding in "Apple trees" (a type of eucalypt) that were flowering at the time. These trees, which normally flower much earlier in the season, are then frequented by Red Wattlebirds - but none of those were around in December 2008.
In June 2011 a large number (possibly 50 or more) where seen in bushland about 5 km east of Morisset, NSW.
Also in June 2011 20-30 birds were found by us at Dungowan, NSW, feeding in box trees in flower.
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Photos |
Little Lorikeet looking for a nesting hollow
Frontal view of a Little Lorikeet from underneath
Little Lorikeets looking for a nesting hollow
Two Little Lorikeets in a eucalypt tree
Two Little Lorikeets in a flowering "Apple" tree
Little Lorikeets looking down at the photographer
The same bird as shown above, now with a mate, playing silly buggers
Little Lorikeet seen 30 km east of Narrabri
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Breeding information |
| Breeding season: Aug - Nov | Eggs: 3 - 5 | Incubation period: 20 days | Fledging age: 35 - 42 days |
Lorikeets are sociable creatures which often nest in loose colonies, also in conjunction with other species.
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Nest |
| Type: Tree hollow | Material: Scraped wood | Height above ground: 5 - 20 m |
Surprisingly, Little Lorikeets choose nesting hollows with openings from above, not necessarily sideways.
Little Lorikeet looking into a nesting hollow
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Eggs |
| Size: 21 x 17 mm | Colour: White | Shape: Rounded |
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Behaviour |
| Social behaviour: Communal | Mobility: Dispersive | Elementary unit: Flock |
Like other species of parrots, Little Lorikeets are very sociable birds.
One peculiarity of their behaviour is that they, contrary to the habits of many other parrot species, usually fly above the canopy of forest, not in between trees, under the cover of their crowns.
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Food |
To the best of our knowledge Little Lorikeets feed on nectar.
