Purple-crowned Lorikeet

The Purple-crowned Lorikeet, a diminutive and vibrant bird, is adorned with a regal purple crown, an orange forehead, and ear-coverts, complemented by a light blue chin and chest. This species is easily recognized by its striking coloration and small stature, measuring approximately 15 cm in length.

Identification Tips

Males boast a dark purple crown and a yellow-orange forehead that deepens to orange around the lores. Their upperparts are green with a bronze tint on the mantle and nape. The underparts are a conspicuous powder blue, with yellowish-green thighs and under-tail coverts. The tail features orange-red at the bases of the lateral feathers, and when in flight, large crimson patches under the wings become visible. Females are similar but can be distinguished by a darker iris, paler ear coverts, and the absence of crimson patches. Juveniles are generally duller and lack the distinctive purple crown.

Habitat

The Purple-crowned Lorikeet is often found in dry sclerophyll forests and urban parks and gardens, particularly where Eucalyptus trees are in bloom.

Distribution

This species is native to southwest Western Australia and southern South Australia, extending east from the southern Eyre Peninsula through the Gawler Ranges and southern Flinders Ranges across Victoria to East Gippsland. It is also present on Kangaroo Island but is notably absent from Tasmania.

Behaviour

The Purple-crowned Lorikeet is typically observed in small groups, though it may gather in larger flocks. It is known to associate with Little- and Musk Lorikeets. Exhibiting fast and direct flight, this lorikeet prefers the upper reaches of the forest canopy.

Song & Calls

The call of the Purple-crowned Lorikeet is a high-pitched, loud "tsit," along with chattering noises when feeding in the treetops. Its call is of a higher pitch than the Musk Lorikeet but lower than that of the Little Lorikeet.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from August to December, with the species producing one brood. Nests are small, unlined hollows in eucalypts, often with a knot-hole entrance. They may nest in colonies, laying 2-4 matte white, roundish eggs measuring 20 x 17 mm. Incubation lasts approximately 17 days.

Diet and Feeding

As gregarious blossom nomads, Purple-crowned Lorikeets often reappear in areas after absences. They feed on blossoms from various Eucalyptus and Melaleuca species, as well as the boobialla (Myoporum insulare).

Conservation status

The Purple-crowned Lorikeet is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without significant threats at this time.