The Zoo has four rainbow lorikeets - Joey, Ursula, Bonnie, and Jazz. All four are of unknown sex and hatch date. They were acquired by the Zoo on November 1, 2011.
Viewing Hints
Come feed us at Lorikeet Encounter, open 10:30-12:30 and 1:30- 4:00 during the summer season.
They have a dark blue to violet head, a red breast with dark blue streaks, a dark green belly, legs that are barred yellow and green. The back is predominantly bright green and the nape is also green giving rise to their other common name, the green-naped lorikeet.
Behavior
Common on New Guinea, they are often found in flocks averaging about 20 birds. They are found primarily in rainforests and along the forest edge feeding among the flowering trees. Because they are dependant on the flowering trees for food, they can be nomadic following the flowering season of the trees.
Reproduction
Generally monogamous birds where both parents care for the offspring. Like most parrots, they are cavity nesting birds. They lay clutches of 1-3 eggs with most nests containing 2 eggs. The female incubates the eggs and the chicks will hatch out in 22 to 24 days after egg laying. They are cared for by both parents in the nest for up to 70 days before fledging.
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