The varied lorikeet, is a species of parrot in the family Psittacidae that is endemic to the northern coastal regions of Australia. It is the only species in the genus Psitteuteles.
Region
Northern Australia
Typical Environment
Found from the Kimberley region of Western Australia across the Top End of the Northern Territory to the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. It frequents open eucalypt woodlands, monsoon forests, paperbark swamps, and mangroves, often near watercourses. The species readily visits flowering trees in townships and pastoral areas. Movements are largely driven by the availability of blossom, with birds shifting locally as trees come into flower.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The varied lorikeet is the sole member of the genus Psitteuteles and is endemic to northern Australia. Like other lorikeets, it has a brush-tipped tongue specialized for feeding on nectar and pollen, and it often follows flowering trees across the landscape. It forms noisy, fast-moving flocks that can appear suddenly where eucalypts and paperbarks are in bloom.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in small to medium-sized flocks that gather at flowering trees. Pairs are monogamous and nest in tree hollows, often in eucalypts. Breeding timing varies locally with blossom and seasonal rains, and pairs may defend the immediate nest vicinity.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, chattering screeches given in flight and while feeding. At close range they emit rapid, buzzy contact calls and soft chatter within flocks.
Plumage
Predominantly green with finely yellow-streaked underparts and a small reddish throat or upper-breast patch; back and wings are bright green with a glossy sheen.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar and pollen from flowering eucalypts, melaleucas, and other native blossom such as grevilleas and banksias. Also consumes soft fruits and occasionally sap or honeydew. Its brush-tipped tongue allows efficient nectar extraction.
Preferred Environment
Typically forages high in the canopy of flowering trees, but will descend to shrubs and garden plantings when in bloom. Often concentrates around riparian woodlands, paperbark swamps, and edges of monsoon forest.
