Recently, I had a column about the lesser known Lorikeets that we have in Australia. I also mentioned that the three main Lorikeets in our area were the Rainbow, Scaly-breasted and the Little Lorikeet.
Most common here is the largest of the group at about 32cm in length, the Rainbow which frequents our blossoming trees all around us. In lesser numbers, the smaller Scaly-breasted at roughly 25cm length also comes to our trees but are not so well recognised.
The Little Lorikeet, the smallest of the three found here, being 16cm long, does not seem to be as well known either. I have not seen them where I live so I was really pleased to be able to photograph this one when I took the attached illustration while we were visiting friends whilst on holidays.
This little bird is a resident from North Queensland right down the coast and a little way inland, through Central Queensland, and continuing through New South Wales to Victoria.
Being mainly green all over, having the full red face is one distinguishing feature. Both male and female are alike.
It is a noisy bird when feeding and is usually seen in flocks among the blossoms and plants which have fruit growing on them.
One reason that they might not be as well known is that they often feed in company with other Lorikeets in their area so may be considered part of the other group rather than a different species.
Like the other members of the Parrot family, it finds a hollow in a tree as an entrance to its nesting site.
