Scaly-breasted Lorikeet

The Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus, is a vibrant Australian parrot with a distinctive appearance. Its yellow breast feathers are broadly edged with green, resembling scales, hence the name. This medium-sized bird measures approximately 23 cm in length and is adorned with an emerald-green crown and sides of the head, tinged with blue. The tail is predominantly green with a striking orange-red base on the outer feathers. The lower flanks and thighs are a vivid green with pronounced yellow markings, while the underwing-coverts display a rich orange-red. The eyes of this species are orange-red, and the bill is a dark coral-red, with legs of a grey-brown hue.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, look for the characteristic 'scaly' pattern on the breast and the green plumage that may blend with the foliage. The dark coral beak is often a giveaway to their presence. Both sexes appear similar, while juveniles have shorter tails, paler brown or black eyes, and bills that are brown with yellow or orange with brown markings.

Habitat

These lorikeets are found in a variety of timbered habitats, from coastal plains to adjacent tablelands and occasionally along watercourses west of the Great Dividing Range. They show a preference for open, lightly timbered areas and are often attracted to melaleuca thickets, especially when in bloom.

Distribution

The Scaly-breasted Lorikeet is native to eastern Australia, ranging from Bamaga at the northern tip of Queensland, down to the Illawarra district on the New South Wales south coast, including some offshore islands. They are abundant and mostly sedentary in the north, while being less numerous and more nomadic in the south.

Behaviour

These lorikeets are adept at camouflage, their green plumage blending seamlessly with the leaves. They are social birds, often seen in small flocks, and are known for their swift, direct flight. Their presence is frequently announced by the sound of their rapid wing-beats and their high-pitched calls.

Song & Calls

The Scaly-breasted Lorikeet is a vociferous species, with a metallic, rolling screech in flight and a shrill chatter when feeding. While resting, they emit a soft, gentle twitter. Their vocalizations become louder during the mating season, with loud tweets and squawks as they forage.

Breeding

Breeding can occur throughout the year, with a peak from August to January in the southern parts of their range. They nest in hollow trees, with wood dust at the bottom, and typically lay two white, oval eggs. Incubation lasts about 25 days, with both parents feeding the young, who fledge six to eight weeks after hatching.

Diet and Feeding

Scaly-breasted Lorikeets feed primarily on nectar and pollen from various sources, including the broad-leaved paperbark. They also consume blossoms, berries, fruits, and insects with their larvae. They are known to cause damage in orchards and may feed on unripe grains in sorghum and maize crops.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Scaly-breasted Lorikeet as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.