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Little Lorikeet
Glossopsitta pusilla
Conservation Status
Vulnerable species in New South Wales (Threatened Species Conservation Act).
What does it look like?
It’s a small, bright green parrot with a red face surrounding a black bill and extending to the eye. The undertail is olive-yellow with a partly concealed red base, and the underwing coverts are bright green. (from DEC-NSW Threatened Species Profile)
Where does it live?
They are known to occur from north of Cairns, along the east coast of Australia to Adelaide. Habitat includes tall open forests, woodlands, orchards, parks and street trees. They have a preference for dry, open eucalypt forest and woodland in the eastern part of their range, utilising both old-growth and logged forests. There are four records of this species in Pittwater from Ingleside/Warriewood, Whale Beach and Bilgola. The most recent was in 2008.
What does it eat and what is its life cycle?
These lorikeets usually forage in small flocks, feeding mainly on nectar and pollen, but also fruit of eucalypts, melaleucas and mistletoes. They are considered to be nomadic, likely in response to food availability and often join flocks of other lorikeet species. The Little Lorikeet breeds from May to September, nesting in tree hollows, with small diameter entrance holes. Clutch size is three to five eggs, with one or two broods a season depending on food availability. Most breeding records are located on the western slopes.
Updated: 22 Jun 2011
Related Links
- Little Lorikeet - DEC-NSW Threatened Species Profile