Musk lorikeets are one of the few animals with the plasticity to survive and thrive in rapid urbanization.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
At a glance
FamilyOld World Parrots
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatBecause the nectar plants tend to be most dense in the outer urban areas, most of the population prefers the outer urban areas, which allows for more feeding and roosting opportunities, rather than the inner ones.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Pete Woodall
Range map
Range map
1799visible hotspots
24006visible records
4states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Note red cheek patch behind eye. Nomadic; moves in response to flowering eucalypts.
Behavior
Feeds in flowering eucalypt trees on pollen and nectar, however, also eats insects and fruit.
Gallery
Regional timing
New South Wales
South Australia
Victoria
Queensland
Tasmania
Western Australia
Australian Capital Territory
Commonly confused with
Green RosellaPlatycercus caledonicusLarge green and yellow rosella with blue cheek patches and wings. Occurs mostly in woodland habitats.→Greater BluebonnetNorthiella haematogasterBrown parrot with yellow-and-red belly and deep blue face, typically found in dry inland habitats in eastern Australia. Usually seen in small groups, this species is often hard to approach and is easily flushed. Distinguished from the similar but smaller Naretha Bluebonnet by presence of red on belly.→Mulga ParrotPsephotellus variusFemale primarily brownish-green but with splashes of turquoise, blue, red, and yellow. Typically feeds on the ground.→