Rainbow Lorikeet

Looks how to spot one

Feathered; slim, long-tailed nectar-feeding parrot

A medium-small, brilliantly coloured parrot. The head is deep violet-blue with a yellow-green collar, the back, wings and tail are grass green, the chest glows orange and yellow and the belly is a deep purple-blue. The bill is orange-red in adults. Males and females look alike. Its tongue ends in a brush-like tip for lapping up nectar and pollen.213

Personality what they are like

A lively, cheerful and very playful bird that loves to get its people involved in games. It is bright and curious and can pick up words and tricks, though it can be nippy when over-excited. Its voice is a high, squeaky call, and it is happiest with an owner who enjoys an energetic companion.34

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Plan for plenty of daily out-of-cage play, a large rotating selection of toys and foraging activities to keep its busy mind occupied.34

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Loves water and bathes eagerly, so offer a shallow bath, misting or a shower perch daily. Because it eats a wet, nectar-based diet, its droppings are watery; easy-to-clean surroundings help, and fresh food should be swapped out often so it stays fresh.34

Home where they are happiest

A secure cage or, ideally, an aviary, since lorikeets are clever escape artists and their liquid droppings suit aviary life well. Use locking doors and natural perches roughly 1-2 cm across. They are best kept apart from other bird species.43

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A specialist nectar and pollen feeder. In the wild it feeds on eucalypt and other blossoms plus fruit and some seeds. At home, base the diet on a commercial lorikeet nectar or wet lory mix (World Parrot Trust suggests at least 40 percent), with fresh fruit, edible flowers and vegetables and only a little seed.1342

Company who they like around

Very social. Wild birds travel in noisy groups, feed in mixed flocks and roost together in the hundreds, and pairs often stay together long term. A pet lorikeet needs daily playtime and attention from its people.123

The story where it all began

Gmelin named the bird in 1788, and in 1916 its type locality was pinned down as Botany Bay near Sydney. For many years it was grouped with several related lorikeets as one species, until a 2019 review split them apart. Today it is one of Australia's most familiar birds and a well-known aviary and pet bird.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern.1

CITES

Appendix II.1

Taxonomy

Described by Gmelin in 1788 as Psittacus moluccanus; treated as its own species after a 2019 split from Trichoglossus haematodus. Two subspecies: moluccanus and septentrionalis.2