Rainbow lorikeet

2 May 2019

The rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) is a species of parrot found in Australia. It is common along the eastern seaboard, from northern Queensland to South Australia. Its habitat is rainforest, coastal bush and woodland areas. The rainbow lorikeet is a medium-sized parrot, with the length ranging from 25 to 30 cm, including the tail. The weight varies from 75 to 157 g. The plumage is very bright. The head is deep blue with a greenish-yellow nuchal collar, and the rest of the upper parts (wings, back and tail) are deep green. The chest is red with blue-black barring. The belly is deep green, and the thighs and rump are yellow with deep green barring. In-flight, a yellow wing-bar contrasts clearly with the red underwing coverts. There is little to visually distinguish between the sexes. Juveniles have a black beak, which gradually brightens to orange in the adults. Wild lorikeets are so used to humans that they can be hand-fed. Lorikeets are regular visitors to and nest at the Sea Pearl apartments, Mooloolaba. This rainbow lorikeet photograph courtesy ABC.

Document type: Photo
Time period: Post Parliament

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