The scaly-breasted lorikeet is an Australian lorikeet found in woodland in eastern Australia. The common name aptly describes this bird, which has yellow breast feathers broadly edged with green that look like scales.
Region
Eastern Australia
Typical Environment
Occurs along the coastal and subcoastal belt of eastern Australia in open forests, woodlands, and coastal heath. Common in eucalypt and paperbark (Melaleuca) forests, as well as urban parks and gardens with abundant flowering trees. Often follows seasonal flowering of eucalypts and banksias. Uses tree hollows for nesting and roosts communally in dense foliage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This lorikeet has a brush-tipped tongue specialized for lapping nectar and pollen from flowering trees. It is highly vocal and often forms noisy flocks around blooming eucalypts and grevilleas. In urban areas it readily visits gardens and can be assertive at feeders. Pairs are typically monogamous and nest in tree hollows.
Underbelly of adult
Eating watermelon with a rainbow lorikeet
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
fast direct flight with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy flocks, gathering in larger numbers at rich flowering resources. Monogamous pairs nest in tree hollows with minimal lining. Breeding generally follows peak flowering periods, with both parents attending the young. Communal roosting is common outside the breeding season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are sharp, high-pitched screeches and chattering notes given in rapid bursts during flight and feeding. At roosts they produce a constant buzz of metallic chirps and scolds.
