# Rainbow Lorikeet (*Trichoglossus moluccanus*) Rainbow Lorikeets are colorful birds that love to eat nectar from flowers. They are playful and can often be seen flying in groups, making cheerful sounds as they go. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests - **Also known as:** Lory, Rainbow Lory ![Rainbow Lorikeet](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Rainbow_Lorikeet_-_AndrewMercer_IMG08212.jpg&width=800) Photo: Andrew Mercer (www.baldwhiteguy.co.nz), CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rainbow_Lorikeet_-_AndrewMercer_IMG08212.jpg) ## Appearance The Rainbow Lorikeet has a brilliant blue head, a green back and wings, and a striking red breast with yellow-orange streaking. Its vibrant, kaleidoscopic plumage makes it instantly recognizable compared to other parrots. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Psittaciformes - **Family:** Psittacidae - **Genus:** Trichoglossus ## Interesting facts - Rainbow Lorikeets can sometimes get a little wobbly after feasting on fermented fruit! - These bold birds aren't shy and will often eat nectar right from your hand! - These smart birds can learn to mimic human words and other sounds they hear! - They are super noisy, and a flock's squawking can be heard from far away! ## Special abilities - **Nectar Siphon:** Rainbow Lorikeet has a brush-tipped tongue that helps them lap up sweet nectar and pollen from flowers. - **Agile Flyer:** Rainbow Lorikeet can weave swiftly through trees and branches because of their strong, pointed wings and quick reflexes. - **Color Camouflage:** Rainbow Lorikeet's bright plumage helps them blend into colourful flower clusters and leafy canopies, hiding from predators. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 25-30 cm - **Wingspan:** 40-45 cm - **Weight:** 0.07-0.16 kg - **Lifespan:** 15-20 years - **Speed:** 60 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2-3 - **Incubation:** 23-25 days ## Diet & Feeding They feast on a yummy mix of sweet nectar, nutritious pollen, ripe fruits, and tiny insects. - **Primary Foods:** nectar, pollen, fruits, berries, blossoms, small insects - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** Blue Gum (*Eucalyptus globulus*) — Visits flowers for nectar, aiding in tree reproduction. - **Eaten by:** Brown Goshawk (*Accipiter fasciatus*) — A swift raptor that preys on lorikeets. - **Shelter:** Paperbark (*Melaleuca quinquenervia*) — Provides nesting sites and safe roosting locations. - **Depends on:** Coast Banksia (*Banksia integrifolia*) — Relies on its abundant flowers for food. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch these birds from a distance and don't try to touch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Rainbow Lorikeet? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Rainbow Lorikeet? 25-30 cm ### What is Rainbow Lorikeet's wingspan? 40-45 cm ### How much does Rainbow Lorikeet weigh? 0.07-0.16 kg ### How long does Rainbow Lorikeet live? 15-20 years ### How fast can Rainbow Lorikeet move? 60 km/h ### What does Rainbow Lorikeet eat? They feast on a yummy mix of sweet nectar, nutritious pollen, ripe fruits, and tiny insects. ### Where is Rainbow Lorikeet usually found? Forests ## Where to spot - [Birmingham Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/birmingham-zoo) — Alabama, US · Zoo - [Colchester Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/colchester-zoo) — England, GB · Zoo - [Little Rock Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/little-rock-zoo) — Arkansas, US · Zoo - [Blackpool Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/blackpool-zoo) — England, GB · Zoo - [Drusillas Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/drusillas-park) — England, GB · Zoo - [Kentucky Down Under](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/kentucky-down-under) — Kentucky, US · Zoo [View all places to see Rainbow Lorikeet](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/rainbow-lorikeet) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Rainbow Lorikeet: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rainbow-lorikeet)