| Rainbow Lorikeet | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Trichoglossus |
| Species | T. moluccanus |
| Conservation Status | |
 Least Concern | |
The Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus) is a common species found along coastal regions of Australia. Being found in the Northern Territory, down the coastline all the way to South Australia. They are a common pet and have since been introduced to Western Australia (specifically the capital Perth, with a local population caused by aviary releases), Tasmania, and parts of South-east Asia. The Rainbow Lorikeet originally had seven subspecies which now have all been named as separate species.
Description[]
It is a very colourful bird (hence the name) and is unmistakable in appearance. They have bright red beaks and eyes, blue heads and bellies, and an orange/yellow breast. Their tails, wings and backs are all green. Plumage of Rainbow Lorikeets does not differ between males and females. They often move in loud, fast-moving flocks or can be seen chattering together at communal roosts when the sun dissipates. They share many similarities with the Coconut Lorikeet, Red-collared Lorikeet and the Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, all of which were once considered subspecies but have since been classified as separate species in their own right.
They will be seen in areas with dense trees, including rainforest, woodlands, and well-treed urbans areas. They live a nomadic life that is determined by seasonal vegetation. Rainbow Lorikeets have a wide-ranging diet which primarily consists of pollen and nectar from flowering plants. However, they also feed on fruits, seeds and small insects if necessary.
Due to domestication and acquaintance with urbanized areas the Rainbow Lorikeets as a species currently have no risk of becoming extinct in the near future, also helped by artificial feeding stations laid out by humans.
References[]
https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/rainbow-lorikeet/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_lorikeet (used for infobox)