Rainbow lorikeet

Scientific name: Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus

Country: Australia

Continent: Oceania

Diet: Fruit, pollen, nectar

Food & feeding: Frugivore

Habitats: Tropical rainforest, scrub bush

Conservation status: Least concern

Description: Rainbow lorikeet is a fitting name for these multicoloured birds. The head is a deep blue with a bright orange beak and red eyes. A yellow collar meets a green back, wings and tail. In flight, a yellow wing-bar contrasts clearly with the red underwing coverts. The chest is a vibrant orange colour, a sharp contrast with its blue belly. The small legs are green with an orange inner thigh. At 25-30cm in length they are a medium-sized parrot weighing between 75-157g. Males and females look much alike and juveniles are like adults but with duller plumage.

Lifestyle: Lorikeets spend most of the day feeding high up in the forest canopy, moving from flower to flower. Lorikeets have an unusual tongue; it is long and narrow, and the end is bristly like a brush. The bristles pick up pollen and help to lap up the sweet nectar.

Family & friends: Rainbow lorikeets are monogamous, keeping the same partner for life. The birds can be seen hopping along branches bobbing their heads in elaborate courtship displays. They are often seen feeding in pairs, however groups of hundreds are not uncommon. Pairs defend their feeding and nesting areas fiercely against other birds, chasing off any intruders.

Keeping in touch: Lorikeets are extremely noisy birds, communicating with loud squawks in a constant chatter.

Growing up: Breeding usually takes place during the Australian spring (September - December). The time of year can vary significantly between regions depending on factors such as climate and food availability. The birds nest in a variety of places - hollows or cavities in trees are ideal and often a pair will nest in the same tree with other lorikeets or even other bird species. Between 1-3 eggs are laid and incubated by the female for around 25 days. During incubation the male brings the female food and once the chicks hatch both parents will perform feeding duties.

Conservation news: Rainbow lorikeets are widespread and relatively common, however capture for the pet trade and habitat is a threat to the species.