Diet

What does the Rainbow Lorikeet eat?

Rainbow lorikeet’s primarily feed on nectar and pollen which they gather from shrubs and trees. To supplement this they also eat fruits, seeds and the occasional insect.

They regularly frequent bird feeders to get food and will also accept food out of a humans hand.

Some zoos allow people to feed their lorikeets with specially prepared mixes.

Learn more about the Rainbow Lorikeet in this video from the Australian Reptile Park on YouTube

Range

Where do you find the Rainbow Lorikeet?

Their natural range covers parts of Australia, Eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.

In Australia they are found in the states of South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Rainbow lorikeets have also been introduced to Hong Kong, Perth, Tasmania and Auckland.

Habitat

Where can the Rainbow Lorikeet survive?

Rainbow lorikeets live in rainforests, coastal areas and woodlands and can now also be found in many built up area’s due to habitat loss.

Credit: Copyright. The Animal Facts.

Reproduction

How does the Rainbow Lorikeet produce its young?

In Australia rainbow lorikeets breed from June to January. Males and females mate for life.

Both sexes work together to create the nest. This is typically located in a tree hollow. They will line the nest with chewed or decayed wood.

The female lays between 1-3 eggs which are incubated by her for about 25 days. These remain in the nest and are cared for, for 45 days. Both parents assist in caring for the young.

Sexual maturity is achieved at 2 years old.

Behavior

What does the Rainbow Lorikeet do during its day?

The rainbow lorikeet makes a range of screeching and chattering noises to communicate with one another.

For the most part they remain in one area. They may complete some nomadic movements to take advantage of the seasonal flowering and fruiting of plants.

Rainbow lorikeets travel in flocks of one or two dozen. On some rare occasions they have been seen in groups of up to 100 individuals.

They may travel up to 64km (40miles) a day to find food.

Credit: Copyright. The Animal Facts.

Predators and Threats

What stops the Rainbow Lorikeet from surviving and thriving?

The main predator of the rainbow lorikeet is birds such as the peregrine falcoln.

Rainbow lorikeet populations are decreasing. Some of this is caused by human interference. These birds are regularly fed in backyards and this can lead to them becoming ill as people give them unhealthy foods.

This species is present both in the domestic and international pet trades.

They are also affected by Psittacine beak and feather disease, this is an infectious disease which breaks down keratin in the body and is affecting many of Australia's birds.

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Quick facts

The rainbow lorikeet can learn to speak many words.

Their scientific name, Trichoglossus, means "hairy tongue."

Some authorities divide this species in to two species known as the red-collared lorikeet and the rainbow lorikeet. The red-collared has the orange collar while the rainbow lorikeet has a green collar.

They were first described for modern science in 1788.

Credit: Copyright. The Animal Facts.