How to identify lorikeets
6 minute read
There are seven lorikeets in mainland Australia - the Little, Musk, Purple-crowned, Rainbow, Red-collared, Scaly-breasted and Varied. Here’s how to identify them by telling them apart.
Little Lorikeet
Australia’s smallest lorikeet. Look for the red on its face that doesn’t extend beyond the eye and its black bill. It also has a yellow-bronze patch at the top of its back. Found in ACT, NSW, QLD, SA and VIC.
Musk Lorikeet
This mid-sized lorikeet has distinct red patches on the side of its head. Keep an eye out for its blue crown and a yellow patch near the start of its wing. Found in ACT, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and VIC.
Purple-crowned Lorikeet
This lorikeet is named after the bright purple feathers on its head. Also look for the yellow-orange patch on its cheek, red and orange-yellow feathers around its bill. Found in ACT, NSW, SA, WA and VIC.
Rainbow Lorikeet
Australia’s most famous and largest lorikeet. Look for its violet blue head, yellow-green feathers on its hind-collar (behind its head) and its orange-red breast. Found in every Australian state and territory.
Red-collared Lorikeet
This lorikeet could be confused with the Rainbow Lorikeet. Look out for the orangey-red hind-collar (the Rainbow’s is yellow-green) and a much brighter orange breast. Found in northern Australia - NT, QLD and WA.
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet
You can tell this lorikeet apart from the rest by the fact that it is mostly green (and doesn’t have other colours on its head). It is named after the yellow scale-like pattern on its breast and underbody. Found in ACT, NSW, NT, WA and VIC.
Varied Lorikeet
This lorikeet looks different from the rest with its red head, white above its beak and white around its eye. Found in northern Australia - NT, QLD and WA.
Weekend Birder episodes
Learn more about cormorants and other water birds in these short podcast episodes:
