Rainbow Lorikeet

Trichoglossus haematodus

Lorikeets, also called lories, are small colorful parrots. They feed primarily on fruit, nectar, and pollen, and have a unique brush-tipped tongue for lapping up nectar. Having two toes facing front and two toes facing back gives lorikeets a very strong grip. Using these feet, lorikeets have been known to hang upside down to feed from a flower.

Lorikeets are strong fliers, traveling between islands in search of flowering and fruiting trees.
Lorikeets are highly social birds, hanging out in flocks of dozens.
Like most parrots, lorikeets are noisy. They whistle, chatter, warble, and even make a metallic ‘ping’ sound.

Fact File

Height: 10 to 11 in
Weight: 3.5 to 5.5 oz
Lifespan: 10 to 20 yrs
Habitat: Forest
Diet: Primarily nectar and pollen, some seeds, fruits and insects

Videos

Pollinating Parrots:

Traveling from bloom to bloom, lorikeets help spread pollen that plants need to reproduce.

Range:

Eastern and southeastern Australia

Feed a Lorikeet

On your wrist, your shoulder, or even your head—a lorikeet will sit anywhere for a sip of nectar! For a small fee, you can buy a cup of nectar to feed the lorikeets in Lorikeet Landing (summer season only).