The purple-crowned lorikeet, is a lorikeet found in scrub and mallee of southern Australia. It is a small lorikeet distinguished by a purple crown, an orange forehead and ear-coverts, and a light blue chin and chest.
Region
Southern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southwestern Western Australia across southern South Australia into western Victoria, with movements tracking blossoming eucalypts and melaleucas. Typical habitats include mallee, open eucalypt woodland, coastal heath, and shelterbelts on farmland. It also visits orchards and urban parks when suitable trees are in flower. The species usually forages high in the canopy and along woodland edges, avoiding dense rainforest and open treeless desert.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A small, fast-flying lorikeet of southern Australia, it follows flowering eucalypts and can be highly nomadic in response to nectar availability. Its brush-tipped tongue is adapted for feeding on nectar and pollen, and flocks often zip high overhead with sharp, tinkling calls.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast, direct flight with short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy flocks, often associating with other blossom-feeding birds. Breeds in natural cavities of eucalypts, lining the chamber sparsely; both parents attend the young. Breeding timing varies with flowering, generally from late winter through summer in many areas.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
High, tinkling chatter and sharp, metallic ‘tzip’ calls given in flight. Soft buzzy contact notes and twitters are common while feeding in the canopy.
