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Rainbow Lorikeet

Trichoglossus haematodus

Range

Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia and its surrounding islands

Habitat

Primarily in lowland forested regions but also in mountainous areas. Will colonize man-made habitats such as orchards, coconut plantation, and suburban gardens; prefers edges or clearings rather than interiors of closed rainforests.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Brightly colored bird with red, yellow, and green plumage and a long tapering tail. Geographical variations exist with varying colors of the head and breast.

Dietary Classification

Diet in the Zoo: nectar and fruits

Diet in the Wild: pollen, nectar, fruits, berries, seeds, leaf buds and some insect larvae

Behavior/Adaptations

* Lorikeets have developed a highly specialized “brush-tipped” tongue covered in tiny papillae which allows them to “brush” pollen and nectar out of flowers.
* Generally monogamous birds; pairs are readily recognized in flocks.

Status

CITIES Appendix II; generally common and locally plentiful but trade is controlled

Classification

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family	Genus	Species
Animalia	Chordata	Aves	Psittaciformes	Psittacidae	Trichoglossus	haematodus