Rainbow Lorikeet
|
ID#36
|
Classification:Aves
Endangered status: Abundant Habitat: all types of lowland wooded country The Rainbow Lorikeet is a small bird with a long tail. From the end of its tail to the top of its head can vary from 10-12 inches (25-30). It is that long because of its tail which is almost as long as its body. It also has a bright red beak. But do not be fooled by the name Rainbow, because it does not have all the colors of the rainbow on its plumage (feathers). The back wings and the upside of the tail are olive green. Also it has red and yellow colors on the underside of the wings. One of its most distinctive features is that it has a blue head and blue belly. Along with that it has a reddish breast. The Rainbow Lorikeet lives in groups. That can be really pesky if they are in fruit field because they have a craving for fruits and will eat the fruits in no time. This will be annoying for the farmers.Also the Rainbow Lorikeet is diurnal. Not like many birds the Rainbow Lorikeet nests inside of trees! Not only do they nest in tree trunks but they nest in cavities at the end of broken branches. 90% of what a Rainbow Lorikeet eats is ether pollen or nectar. They use their tuff tipped tongues to eat the pollen and nectar. They find the pollen/nectar in trees, shrubs, and flowers. They also eat many kinds of fruits. The Rainbow Lorikeet lives up to 10 years and during the years it is alive it can breed whenever but the breeding interval is 1 year. The Rainbow Lorikeet can lay 1-3 eggs at a time, and the incubation period lasts up to 25 days. Once the birds are out of the egg they stay in the nest for 49-56 days. It is also known as a fledging period. I think the most unique part of the Rainbow Lorikeet is its color. I think the colors of the most unique part because they have so many colors that are so beautiful. Something else that is unique about the Rainbow Lorikeet is that it nests in tree trunks or the cavities at the end of a broken branch. This is cool and unique because not many other birds or animals nest this way. |