| Scientific Name: |
Trichoglossus haematodus |
| Range: |
Timbered areas of south-eastern Australia |
| Habitat: |
Low woodlands with flowering trees |
| Natural Diet: |
Pollen, nectar, fruit, blossoms, seeds and
insects |
| Zoo Diet: |
Commercial nectar mixture and a number of
fresh fruits and vegetables |
Physical
Characteristics: |
The lorikeet is approximately 22 cm tall. It
has green plumage with bright red and yellow on the breast, neck and sides
of the belly. The head is violet blue. Both sexes are similar in
color. |
| Behavior: |
These birds have little fear of humans and
are frequent visitors to backyard picnics in Australia. They are
constant chatterers. |
| Reproduction: |
The lorikeet breeds from August to January.
They nest in tree cavities or hollow logs. The female usually lays two white
round eggs. Incubation is approximately 23 days. The young leave the nest
around eight weeks of age. |
