This wonderfully colored rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) is definitely into a balanced diet, as it will gladly take handouts like apples from us humans. In fact this is one of many pairs that regularly visit the garden of my friend in Sydney, and while there I could sit or stand very close to them.
They primarily came to eat off the inflorescences seen in this picture, and as they mostly are dangling in the wind on long branches, the lorikeets need to be very acrobatic and creative in order to get the desired servings. They have an incredible balance, and use beak, tongue and legs to get what they want. Here you can see how it is holding onto a leaf, as would a human on a plum tree, to get easy access to the flowers.
Last updated on 21 June 2024
