Musk Lorikeet

The Musk Lorikeet, Glossopsitta concinna, is a vibrant member of the parrot family, easily distinguishable by its predominantly green plumage. A striking red forehead and blue crown grace its head, while a distinctive yellow band adorns its wing. The beak, a tool for its nectarivorous habits, features red tips on both the upper and lower mandibles, fading to a darker shade near the base.

Identification Tips

When observing these birds, look for the characteristic red forehead, blue crown, and the yellow wing band that sets them apart from other lorikeets. The red-tipped beak is also a key feature for identification.

Habitat

Musk Lorikeets are known to inhabit woodlands and drier forests, primarily to the west of the Great Dividing Range and within Tasmania.

Distribution

This species is native to south-central and eastern Australia, with sightings extending from eastern New South Wales through Victoria and South Australia, reaching into Tasmania.

Behaviour

These lorikeets are somewhat nomadic, moving in response to the flowering of food plants. They have shown remarkable adaptability, thriving in urban environments where nectar-producing plants are abundant.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Musk Lorikeet spans from August to January. They prefer to nest in hollow tree limbs, where the female lays two white eggs, each measuring about 24 mm by 20 mm. The incubation period lasts approximately 22 days, and the fledglings leave the nest after 5 to 6 weeks.

Diet and Feeding

Musk Lorikeets have a diet that primarily consists of nectar, which they obtain from flowering eucalyptus forests and urban gardens. They also feed on fruits such as apricots and apples, as well as the flowers and nectar of bottlebrush and Grevillea species.

Conservation status

The Musk Lorikeet is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at this time.