Musk Lorikeet
ExploreBirds
Musk Lorikeet
trichoglossus concinnus
The Musk Lorikeet is a lively, highly energetic parrot native to south-eastern Australia. Renowned for their gregarious and nomadic lifestyle, these small green parrots travel in noisy, fast-moving flocks, constantly searching for flowering eucalyptus trees. They are closely linked to the canopy of dry sclerophyll forests, where their boisterous calls and active foraging behavior bring the treetops to life. In addition to natural woodlands, they have adapted remarkably well to urban areas, frequently visiting suburban parks and gardens rich in flowering native flora. What makes them particularly fascinating is their specialized diet, which relies heavily on nectar and pollen. Their presence is a vital component of their ecosystem, serving as key pollinators for many native Australian tree species. Their social nature means they are rarely seen alone, often feeding alongside other lorikeet species in noisy, colorful feeding frenzies.
Habitat: Typically found in dry sclerophyll forests, open eucalyptus woodlands, and suburban parks throughout southeastern Australia.
Appearance
Measuring about 22 centimeters in length, the Musk Lorikeet is predominantly bright green with a distinctive, bright red band running across its forehead and through its eyes to the ears. The crown of its head features a soft blue wash, while its mantle and underwings have a subtle olive-yellow tint. In flight, they present a streamlined silhouette with pointed wings and a narrow, wedge-shaped tail, often revealing flashes of yellow on the sides of the tail and under the wings. Their small, stout beak is dark brown to black with a bright orange-red tip, which contrasts sharply with their green and red plumage.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPsittaciformesFamilyPsittaculidaeGenusTrichoglossus
Category
BirdsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Because they feed on fermenting nectar, they can occasionally become disoriented or show signs of mild intoxication after consuming overripe, fermenting blossoms.
They get their common name from their sweet, musk-like scent, which is particularly noticeable in nesting hollows or when their feathers are damp.
Unlike many parrots, they are highly nomadic, constantly traveling in screeching flocks to track down patchily distributed flowering events across the landscape.
Special abilities
Ability
Brush-tipped Tongue
Equipped with tiny, brush-like papillae on the tip of the tongue to efficiently mop up nectar and pollen from blossoms.
Ability
Acrobatic Foraging
Possesses strong, grasping feet that allow them to hang completely upside down to reach difficult flowers at the ends of thin branches.
Ability
Swift Nomadic Flight
Capable of high-speed, direct flight to efficiently traverse vast distances in search of unpredictably blooming eucalyptus forests.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 20-23 cm
- Wingspan
- 32-38 cm
- Weight
- 0.05-0.09 kg
- Lifespan
- 10-20 years
- Top Speed
- 65 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 2-3
- Incubation
- 21-25 days
Diet & Feeding
Feeds predominantly on nectar and pollen harvested from flowering eucalyptus trees, supplemented with native fruits and seeds.
Primary Foods
- Eucalyptus nectar
- Eucalyptus pollen
- Native fruits
- Seeds
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
mutualism
Yellow Box
Eucalyptus melliodora
Feeds on the nectar and pollen of the flowers, aiding in the pollination of this key native tree.
competitor
Rainbow Lorikeet
Trichoglossus moluccanus
Competes directly for food resources and nesting hollows in overlapping urban and woodland habitats.
eaten by
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
Preys on adult lorikeets in mid-air through high-speed aerial pursuits.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Musk Lorikeet?
The easiest way to identify Musk Lorikeet is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Musk Lorikeet?
20-23 cm
What is Musk Lorikeet's wingspan?
32-38 cm
How much does Musk Lorikeet weigh?
0.05-0.09 kg
How long does Musk Lorikeet live?
10-20 years
How fast can Musk Lorikeet move?
65 km/h
What does Musk Lorikeet eat?
Feeds predominantly on nectar and pollen harvested from flowering eucalyptus trees, supplemented with native fruits and seeds.
Where is Musk Lorikeet usually found?
Typically found in dry sclerophyll forests, open eucalyptus woodlands, and suburban parks throughout southeastern Australia.
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