The Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) is a species of Australasian parrot found in Australia, eastern Indonesia (Maluku and Western New Guinea), Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. In Australia, it is common along the eastern seaboard, from Queensland to South Australia and northwest Tasmania. Its habitat is rainforest, coastal bush and woodland areas. Several taxa traditionally listed as subspecies of the Rainbow Lorikeet are increasingly treated as separate species. Rainbow Lorikeets are true parrots, within the Psittacoidea superfamily in the order Psittaciformes. The Rainbow Lorikeet has often included the Red-collared Lorikeet (T. rubritorquis) as a subspecies, but today most major authorities consider it separate. Additionally, a review in 1997 led to the recommendation of splitting off some of the most distinctive taxa from the Lesser Sundas as separate species, these being the Scarlet-breasted Lorikeet (T. forsteni), the Marigold Lorikeet (T. capistratus) and the Flores Lorikeet (T. weberi). This is increasingly followed by major authorities.[5][6] With these as separate species, the Rainbow Lorikeet includes the following subspecies (in taxonomic order); most of the common names listed below are only used in aviculture.
The Rainbow Lorikeet mostly forages on the flowers of shrubs or trees to harvest nectar and pollen, but also eats fruits, seeds and some insects. The eggs of the Rainbow Lorikeet are laid on chewed, decayed wood, usually in a hollow limb of a eucalypt tree. Both sexes prepare the nest cavity and feed the young, but only the female incubates the eggs. The Rainbow Lorikeet appears to have benefited from artificial feeding stations and prolific-fruiting and flowering trees and shrubs. The Rainbow Lorikeet is found in a wide range of treed habitats including rainforest and woodlands, as well as in well-treed urban areas.
Most lorikeets are outgoing in nature. Some species are more aggressive than others and some may have a tendency to become territorial. As pets, hand-reared birds are the best choice as they are more familiar with people and easier to handle. Lorikeets are highly gregarious and if not in the company of other birds will fulfil their need for company with people or other pets. Some owners are surprised by the level of involvement needed to own a pet lorikeet, especially a single bird. They find the birds very demanding and must provide their pet lorikeet with constant companionship and stimulation. Birds kept as pairs or in colonies do not usually demand the same level of attention, but they also do not form as close a bond with their owners. Lorikeets are intelligent and can be trained, some even talk. In large numbers they can be quite noisy emitting sharp shrieks and chatterings.
Lorikeets are one of the few parrots that eat mainly nectar and pollen and therefore need a specialised diet. There are now commercial brands of both wet (nectar) and dry (pollen) lorikeet feeds that have made feeding and nutritional maintenance of the birds easier. These feeds can be bought from any pet store. A daily supply of fruit and vegetables is also important in a balanced, healthy diet and native eucalypt flowers are always well received. Left over food should be removed immediately and feeding equipment should be thoroughly cleaned.
Lorikeets make great companions for those with the time and dedication to satisfy a single bird. For those who wish only to enjoy the beauty of these birds, a pair or colony of lorikeets in an aviary is a better choice. Lorikeets are a good beginners bird, but it is important to remember the large amount of liquid excreta that a lorikeet will produce. Anyone interested in breeding birds should seek the help of a club or more experienced breeder.
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