The Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) is found throughout the forests of Eastern Australia and South Australia and is also common in urban areas. It travels in large flocks, noisily screeching and chattering and looking for food. It feeds on fruit, nectar and pollen. It is from 28 to 30 cm long (about 15 inches).

It spends much of its time in the forest canopy and is active both day and night. It can be found in a variety of locales, both urban and rural, and prefers forests and woodlands.

These birds belong to the subfamily of lories of which there are 62 species. They have slender bills and fringed tongues with which they suck the pollen and nectar from flowers.

Nesting sites include hollows of tall trees such as eucalypts, palm trunks, or overhanging rock. Pairs sometimes nest in the same tree with other Rainbow Lorikeet pairs, or other bird species. The clutch size is between one and three eggs. The incubation period is approximately 25 days and is handled by the female alone.

This little Rainbow Lorikeet is 8 inches long from beak to tip of tail. Wild Republic, maker of these birds, has made a truly likelife design with accurate detailing.

Our sponsor, Jeannie's Cottage, carries these Rainbow Lorikeet plush toys.

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Australian Birds Index | The Aviary Index