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BirdUp · Species

Rainbow Lorikeet

Trichoglossus moluccanus(Gmelin, JF, 1788)

Updated 11 June 2026

Also known asYerrinWarrin

Least ConcernEndemic

Order: PSITTACIFORMES
Family: Psittaculidae
Genus: Trichoglossus

At a glance

The Rainbow Lorikeet is a medium-sized bird, about 25–30 cm long, listed as Least Concern and endemic to Australia. It can be seen year-round.

Size: 25–30 cm
Conservation status: Least Concern
Origin: Endemic
Best seen: Year-round
Commonness: Endemic

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

What does a Rainbow Lorikeet look like?

The Rainbow Lorikeet is a medium-sized bird, about 25–30 cm long and weighing 84–169 g, identified by its deep blue head, orange-yellow chest, bright yellow-green nuchal collar and deep blue belly.

The rainbow lorikeet is a species of parrot found in Australia. It is common along the eastern seaboard, from northern Queensland to South Australia. Its habitat is rainforest, coastal bush and woodland areas. Six taxa traditionally listed as subspecies of the rainbow lorikeet are now treated as separate species.

Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0

01
Deep blue head
The entire head and throat are a vibrant, dark blue.
02
Orange-yellow chest
A large, vibrant patch of color across the chest, contrasting sharply with the blue head and belly.
03
Bright yellow-green nuchal collar
A distinct, sharp band across the back of the neck, separating the blue head from the green back.
04
Deep blue belly
A strong deep blue on the lower breast and belly, contrasting with the orange-yellow chest and green rump.

Field specs

Length: 25–30 cm
Weight: 84–169 g
Wingspan: 45 cm

Measurements · avonet · CC BY 4.0

Field tips

behaviour

Highly active and acrobatic, these birds are frequently seen hanging completely upside down from the outermost twigs.

flight

Watch for a bold flash of bright red underwings crossed by a distinct yellow wing-band when the bird is in flight.

plumage

Look for a deep blue head and belly contrasted by a bright yellow-green collar on the back of the neck and a vibrant orange-red breast.
Check the bill colour to determine age; adults possess a bright orange-red beak, whereas juveniles have a distinctly dark or black beak.

size_and_shape

Note the slender silhouette and long, pointed tail, which creates a streamlined profile while in flight and when perched.

voice

Listen for continuous, high-pitched metallic screeching while in flight and a noisy, conversational chattering when settled in trees.

03 · When

When to look

When can you see a Rainbow Lorikeet?

The Rainbow Lorikeet is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.

04 · Voice

What it sounds like

Call

Bethlea Bell · Biloela QLD 4715, Australia

Call

MickWH · Clyde North VIC 3978, Australia

Call

MickWH · Clyde North VIC 3978, Australia

Call

Gergely Nigg · Mount Coot-Tha QLD 4066, Australia

05 · Behaviour

Habits and haunts

What does a Rainbow Lorikeet eat?

The Rainbow Lorikeet feeds on nectar/pollen, fruit and seeds, usually foraging in flocks.

06 · Gallery

Plumage up close

3 photos

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