Rainbow Lorikeets

The Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) is one of the most interesting species of parrots that pet owners love to keep at home. In Australia, almost thousands of Rainbow Lorikeets are being caught and sold in a year.

Besides its aesthetically colored feathers, from which its name was gotten, the Rainbow Lorikeet is easy to take care of reason why they are a favorite among many Australians.

The Rainbow Lorikeet originates from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, New Zealand, and countries with lush rainforest but they can also be found in woodlands and gardens. During breeding season, which occurs in spring, the Rainbow Lorikeets mate and reside in the eucalypt tree or near ponds. They lay two to three eggs which hatches on its twenty eighth day.

Rainbow Lorikeets commonly eat nectars and pollen from flowers, thus their specially designed beaks for obtaining their food. Besides insects, too, the Rainbow Lorikeets also enjoy the taste of fruits like grapes and apples that is why they were once considered pests for rummaging fruit orchard in flocks. 

Actually, they do a lot of things in flocks while constantly squealing and hopping from one tree to another. The Rainbow Lorikeets are naturally playful and lively except during mating season when they tend to be a little aggressive.

Summary

Size: Rainbow Lorikeet grows to be about 30 centimeters (12 inches), tall and are very fast fliers.

Diet: Rainbow Lorikeets commonly eat nectars and pollen from flowers, different types of fruits like apples, grapes etc., sunflower seeds, ripened grains, oats.

Life Expectancy: If properly taken care of, the Rainbow Lorikeets can last up to 20 years.

There are still many Rainbow Lorikeet found in the forest today although some of its thousand subspecies are gradually becoming endangered due to trade and changes in environment.