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Animals Home > > Lorikeet, Australian Rainbow
Lorikeet, Australian Rainbow

Class: Aves

Order: Psittaciformes

Scientific Name: Trichoglossus haematodus moluccanus

Range: Coastal areas of northern, eastern and southeastern Australia

Habitat: Lowland wooded country, including rainforest, mangroves, riparian woodland, freshwater swamp forest

Diet: Wild: Nectar and pollen, fruits and seeds

Gestation: Incubation: About 25 days

Litter: 1 to 3 eggs

Description: Overall length ranges from 10 to 12 inches, and weight from 2.5 to 5.5 ounces. Coloration is as follows: Bill, orange to red; Head, blue to deep brown lightly flecked with pale violet; Collar, yellow; Upperparts & Tail, green. The sexes are similar, with the female having a slightly smaller body and a smaller head.They are considered nomadic, their presence being governed by flowering shrubs, particularly in southern parts of the range. Daily movement to offshore islands occurs. They are arboreal and gregarious. The feet are strong, with sharp claws which enable them to climb among clusters of blossoms to seek food. Their tongue is specially adapted for the extraction of nectar from flowers. They move in flocks, often of large size, and are a colorful sight when feeding. Flight is rapid, and they are noisy, constantly screeching and chattering.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the following locations at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo:

 

 

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