Lorikeets

There are 7 species of lorikeet in Australia, although most people are only familiar with the Rainbow Lorikeet, a noisy inhabitant of urban areas. The other species tend to be smaller, more shy and quiet. This makes them challenging to find and photograph.

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus)

The Rainbow Lorikeet that is common in the east and south east is the nominate race with the Red-collared Lorikeet recently separated and only found in the north west. These birds are so common in cities and towns that they are largely overlooked but if you look at them with fresh eyes, they are stunning with brilliant colours.

Rainbow Lorikeet are very adaptable and that may be why they are so successful. They inhabit urban areas but do not seem to have become scavengers like other city birds. 

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus)

The Scaly-breasted Lorikeet is so named for the yellow patterning on the green breast. A flash of orange/red is on the underside of the wings, only seen in flight. They also have a bright red eye and bill. Slightly smaller than the Rainbow Lorikeet, these birds are often found at the top of fruiting trees.

Scaly-breasted Lorikeets are uncommon in north eastern and eastern areas. They are not found too far inland and tend to prefer rainforest habitats. 

Purple-crowned Lorikeet (Glossopsitta porphyrocephala)

I was once told by an experienced birder not to bother trying to photograph these little birds as they stick to the tree tops. I accepted that challenge and think kindly of that guy every time I get great photos of these lovely birds. 

Purple-crowned Lorikeet are found along the south coast of Australia and feed in flowering trees. They are largely green with blobs of colour around their head and a distinctive purple (although it looks dark blue) crown. 

Varied Lorikeet (Psitteuteles versicolor)

The Varied Lorikeet is the most unusual looking in the lorikeet family. The large white patch around the eye gives it a cartoonish look. It also has a mauve shade on the breast that is rarely seen on birds. The yellow streaks running down from the face complete an interesting look.

The Varied Lorikeet is only found in the far north of the country, across Western Australia, the Northern Territory and into Queensland. Like other lorikeets, they congregate in groups and tend to be very loud, especially when they are on the move. 

Musk Lorikeet (Glossopsitta concinna)

Lorikeet species tend to be generally green with different colours on their heads. The Musk Lorikeet is no exception with bright red and turquoise blue patches and a red tip to the bill. 

The Musk Lorikeet is found in the south east and Tasmania. They can be seen in groups with the Purple-crowned and Little Lorikeets as they feed high in the canopy.

Red-collared Lorikeet (Trichoglossus rubritorquis)

The Red-collared Lorikeet is a large and very noisy lorikeet. On the face of it, they could be mistaken for their Rainbow cousins but the red neck is the give away. Ranges also do not cross over. They are often in big and loud flocks but are shy and skittish making them difficult to photograph. Unless you are in Daly Waters where they are abundant in the caravan park and you can get very close to them. Their range extends across the Top End only. 

Still to find ... 

Little Lorikeet