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Rainbow Lorikeet

(Trichoglossus haematodus)
Alternative names: "Blue Mountain Parrot", "Blue-bellied Lorikeet"
Size: 26-31 cm

Habitat
(for details refer to a field guide)

Rainbow Lorikeets are found in a broad coastal strip along the east coast of Australia, extending well into the Great Dividing Range. Their range extends from Cape York in the north to the south coast as far west as the Eyre Peninsula, SA. They are extending their range further inland, making use of nectar on offer in gardens and parks of towns. Outside human settlements they are not found anywhere in the semi-arid or arid interior of the continent.

Rainbow Lorikeets can be found in various types of forest, where flowers and/or fruit are available. They adapt very well to the presence of humans and are found in urban parks and gardens as well.

Red-collared Lorikeets are now considered to be a separate species.

Sightings

Rainbow Lorikeets are not common in the area where we live (Narrabri, NSW). However, we were fortunate to spot both species in different parts of Australia during our travels. Note that in some field guides (e.g. Simpson & Day) Trichoglossus rubritorquis is considered a separate species called "Red-collared Lorikeet". In other guides two "races" are listed, rather than subspecies.

Trichoglossus moluccanus (Rainbow Lorikeet) is a common sight e.g. in the suburbs of Sydney, where the first photos below were taken. They were also sighted on a trip to the north coast of NSW, in Iluka and various other locations along the coast in between. At Urunga several thousands have their roosts in just three trees. Settling in for the night and also their early-morning departures are events that nobody in the neighbourhood will miss - the noise is almost ear-deafening.

Tamworth, NSW, on the western side of the Great Dividing Range, was teeming with them in June 2008. Also found in a town park in Moree, 200 km north of Tamworth, in September 2008. Their habitat is probably expanding westward as food becomes available in parks and gardens. Spotted in Narrabri in February 2009. First seen in Narrabri in June 2011.

Spotted also in Warrabah National Park (Upper Namoi valley, 40 km east of Manilla, NSW) in September 2010.

Also seen in many locations in QLD in July 2009, as far west as Girraween National Park and Carnarvon Gorge.

Photos

Race "moluccanus"

Portrait of a Rainbow Lorikeet (moluccanus) in Epping, Sydney, NSW

Frontal view of a Rainbow Lorikeet (moluccanus) north of Townsville, QLD; photo courtesy of L. Tonnochy

Rainbow Lorikeet (moluccanus) in Epping, Sydney, NSW

Rainbow Lorikeets drinking water from a gutter

Two fledgling Rainbow Lorikeets (moluccanus) in captivity

Breeding information

Breeding season: Sep - Nov Eggs: 2 - 3 Incubation period: 25 days Fledging age: 49 - 63 days

The breeding season depends significantly on geographical latitude. Lorikeets are sociable creatures which often nest in loose colonies, also in conjunction with other species.

Nest

Type: Tree hollow Material: Wooddust Height above ground: 5 - 30 m

This is the entrance to the nesting hollow of a Rainbow Lorikeet

Eggs

Size: 27 x 22 mm Colour: White Shape: Tapered oval

Behaviour

Social behaviour: Communal Mobility: Dispersive Elementary unit: Flock

Rainbow Lorikeets are gregarious, often noisy. Roosting colonies can count thousands of birds.

Food

Rainbow Lorikeets feed on fruit, nectar and seeds.