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Rainbow Lorikeet |
Sightings
Rainbow Lorikeets are not common in the area where we live (Narrabri, New South Wales). 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 New South Wales, in Iluka.
Tamworth, on the western side of the dividing range, was teeming with them in June 2008.
We found Trichoglossus rubritorquis (Red-collared Lorikeet) in trees in Darwin and surroundings in 1997 (subsequent photos below).
Photos
Race moluccanus
Portrait of a Rainbow Lorikeet (moluccanus) in Epping, Sydney, New South Wales (click on image for larger version)
Rainbow Lorikeet (moluccanus) in Epping, Sydney, New South Wales (click on image for larger version)
Two fledgling Rainbow Lorikeets (moluccanus) in captivity (click on image for larger version)
Race rubritorquis
Rainbow Lorikeet (rubritorquis) having a good time in a tree in a park in Darwin (Northern Territory)
Frontal view of a Rainbow Lorikeet (rubritorquis)
Lateral view (click on image for larger version)