These strikingly coloured, vocal, and very gregarious birds travel in pairs or flocks (sometimes numbering in the hundreds). These flocks, often travelling with the mixed company of Scaly-breasted Lorikeets are highly nomadic, following the flowering food source.

Living in a broad range of habitat from rainforest, through to suburban gardens with trees, these abundant parrots range from the top end, right around the east coast to South Australia.

Living mainly on a diet of nectar, (The tip of their tongue has little hairs on it to lap) they also feed on pollen, seeds, fruit and insects.

Rainbows, which can live for 20 years, usually mate for life. Breeding from August to January, the preferred nest site is a tree hollow, (often at great height) lined with wood shavings. 2-3 white oval eggs are laid, with incubation lasting about 26 days, the young fledging at around 50-55 days.

Rainbows are very fast fliers, and capable of long distances in one day. Their biggest threat is loss of habitat (tree hollows). Rainbows will readily take to artificial nestboxes. In suburbia and rural settings you can help by building a nestbox. To find out more visit our "Building a nestbox for Rainbow Lorikeets here

Well meaning people have for years, fed these pretty birds, on a diet of nothing more than sugar and water. This deficient diet can result in bone deformities, and a complete loss of feathers. With no feathers, the bird, no longer able to fly, can only run around on the ground. This all too common condition, (in which inadequate diet plays a major part) sees many birds come into care. It is called "Runner Disease" Please do not feed these birds. If you must, then please feed them a properly formulated diet such as Wombaroo Lorikeet & Honeyeater Mix.

The above image is kindly licensed by David Burren Photography