It amazes me when Australian advertisers choose to use images of Mallard Ducks or Bald Eagles when we have any number of iconic native birds that they could use. Well it happens overseas as well. One time in Brazil I came across a Rainbow Lorikeet used in an advert when they had any number of beautiful natives they could have chosen. Nice to know that our Rainbow Lorikeet can mix it with Toucans, Macaws and Hummingbirds.
The Red-collared Lorikeet is its sister species and even more colourful. Rainbows are found along the east and south east coast from Cape York to mid South Australia (and Perth where they have been introduced). The Red-collareds are found across Northern Australia from Broome to the Gulf of Carpentaria. The two species have been lumped and split at various times, currently accepted as separate species.
They are fast flying often in small noisy flocks which coalesce towards sunset as they head for communal roosts. The photos are of one of a small flock attracted to a fruiting fig. Click on a photo to open the gallery.
bobmcgee 