The
Rainbow Lorikeet,
Trichoglossus haematodus is a species of
Australasian parrot found in
Australia, eastern
Indonesia,
Papua New Guinea,
New Caledonia,
Solomon Islands and
Vanuatu. In Australia, it is common along the eastern seaboard, from
Queensland to
South Australia and northwest
Tasmania. Its habitat is
rainforest, coastal bush and
woodland areas.
Rainbow Lorikeets have been
introduced to
Perth, Western Australia,
[2] Auckland, New Zealand
[3] and
Hong Kong.
[4]Lorikeets grow to 25-30 cm (9.8-11.8 in) in size, with a wingspan of about 17 cm (6.7 in) and vary significantly in coloration between the numerous subspecies. Their eponymous markings of the best known subspecies
moluccanus are particularly striking: a dark blue or violet-blue head and stomach, a bright green back, tail and vent, and an orange breast and beak. Several have darker scalloped markings across the orange breast and the Weber's lorikeet is predominantly green.
There are many subspecies of rainbow lorikeets.
Rainbow Lorikeets feed mainly on pollen and nectar, and possess a tongue adapted especially for their particular diet. The end of the tongue is equipped with a papillate appendage adapted to collecting nectar from flowers. They are also frequent visitors at bird feeders that supply lorikeet-friendly treats, such as store-bought nectar, sunflower seeds, and fruits such as apples, grapes and pears.
