Red-collared lorikeet
The Red-collared lorikeet is a species of parrot native to northern Australia, inhabiting wooded areas and adapting well to urban environments. It is distinguished from its close relative, the rainbow lorikeet, by a distinctive orange-red collar on its nape. Annually, many individuals exhibit symptoms of apparent intoxication after the dry season, a phenomenon whose cause remains unclear but is not attributed to fermented nectar.
Key Facts
- ›Found in wooded habitats across northern Australia.
- ›Distinctive orange-red collar on the back of its neck.
- ›Measures approximately 26 cm in length.
- ›Nests in tree hollows, laying one to two clutches of two eggs annually.
- ›Feeds primarily on flower heads, often seen with other lorikeet species.
- ›Some individuals show signs of apparent drunkenness annually, with the cause still undetermined.
Orange-Naped Lorikeet, Blue Bonnet
Australia
Woodland, Open Forest, Rainforest, Urban Environments
Dark Brown, Blue, Orange-Red, Orange, Red, Dark Blue, Green
Orange-Red Band On the Nape, Orange Chest With Red Markings
Flower Heads
- Hollows in large trees, generally some distance above the ground
About Red-collared lorikeet
The Red-collared lorikeet (Trichoglossus rubritorquis) is a distinctive parrot species found exclusively in the wooded habitats of northern Australia. Its range encompasses north-eastern Western Australia, the northern Northern Territory, and far north-western Queensland. This species was once considered a subspecies of the Rainbow lorikeet, but is now widely recognized as a separate species, primarily identified by its unique orange-red collar across the nape, a feature absent in other members of the Rainbow lorikeet group.
Description and Identification
Measuring approximately 26 centimeters in length, the Red-collared lorikeet possesses dark brown head and throat feathers with blue shafts. The defining characteristic is the bright orange-red band adorning the back of its neck. Its chest is a blend of orange and red, with the base of the hindneck being dark blue. The wings are green, and it sports a red bill and grey-brown legs and feet. Both sexes exhibit similar plumage, though juveniles have duller coloration and a dark bill. It is differentiated from the Rainbow lorikeet by its red nape, in contrast to the Rainbow lorikeet's green nape, as well as the absence of a blue mantle and more yellow-green underparts.
Distribution and Habitat
The Red-collared lorikeet is a sedentary species that follows food availability, migrating to areas where food sources like flowering banksias are present. It thrives in woodlands, open forests, and rainforests. Notably, the species has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to urban environments, becoming a common sight in towns and cities across its northern Australian range.
Breeding and Diet
Nesting occurs in tree hollows, typically at a significant height above the ground. The breeding season is extensive, spanning from August to January and again from March to June. Females lay one to two clutches per year, with each clutch consisting of two matte white eggs. The diet of the Red-collared lorikeet primarily consists of flower heads, particularly those of the Darwin woollybutt (Eucalyptus miniata). They are sometimes observed feeding alongside the Varied lorikeet.
Notable Behavior
An intriguing behavior observed annually in Red-collared lorikeets, particularly in Darwin at the end of the dry season, is the display of symptoms akin to drunkenness. While the precise cause of this condition remains unclear, it is not attributed to the consumption of fermented nectar. Current theories suggest a potential link to a seasonal virus. This phenomenon adds a unique aspect to the study of this vibrant Australian parrot.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Red-collared lorikeet different from the Rainbow lorikeet?
The Red-collared lorikeet is distinguished by its prominent orange-red collar on the back of its neck, whereas the Rainbow lorikeet has a green nape. Additionally, the Red-collared lorikeet lacks the blue mantle and has more yellow-green underparts compared to the Rainbow lorikeet.
Where do Red-collared lorikeets live?
These lorikeets are found across northern Australia, from King Sound in Western Australia to the Gulf of Carpentaria. They inhabit woodlands, open forests, and rainforests, and have successfully adapted to living in towns and cities.
What do Red-collared lorikeets eat?
Their primary food source is the flower heads of the Darwin woollybutt, a species of Eucalyptus. They are sometimes observed feeding in the company of other lorikeet species.
When do Red-collared lorikeets breed?
Breeding occurs throughout their range, with nests typically found in hollows of large trees. They lay one to two clutches of two eggs each year, with breeding seasons occurring between August and January, or from March to June.
What causes the apparent drunkenness in Red-collared lorikeets?
Each year, many Red-collared lorikeets display symptoms of apparent drunkenness at the end of the dry season. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a seasonal virus, and intoxication from fermented nectar has been ruled out.
Related Parrot species
Dusky lory
The dusky lory (Pseudeos fuscata) is a species of parrot native to New Guinea and its offshore islands, known for its striking dark plumage contrasted with bright orange or yellow breast bands. It is a highly social and vocal bird, often observed in large flocks, and exhibits two distinct color morphs: red-orange and yellow. The dusky lory is primarily a nectarivore, adapting to a variety of forest habitats and remaining common across its range, though it faces threats from habitat loss and illegal trade.
Ochre-marked parakeet
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Brown-backed parrotlet
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