Varied Lorikeets aka Red-crowned Lorikeets

Varied Lorikeets aka Red-crowned Lorikeets (Psitteuteles versicolor)

Lories and Lorikeets: Overview (Naming, Range and Description)

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The Varied Lorikeet ( Psitteuteles versicolor) is endemic to Northern Australia, with a distribution range across northern Australia from the Kimberleys to Cape York.

They are fairly common in the west and central part of this range, but are growing very rare towards the east. In some parts of their range the birds are nomadic following the supply of flowering or fruiting trees and shrubs.

Like other lorikeets, the diet consists predominately of nectar, pollen and fruit.

Description:

The mainly green Varied Lorikeet averages 7.5 inches (19 cm) in length and weights around 2 oz (55 to 60 grams). No mutations are known of this species. Both sexes look alike making visual sexing very difficult, however, the females tend to be slightly duller in color than the males.

Birds are sexually mature at 12 to 14 months.

Keeping the Varied Lorikeets:

The Varied Lorikeet is one of the rarer lorikeets kept in Australian aviaries and is almost unknown outside of Australia. As they are so rare, any captive lorikeets are usually put in a breeding program and little is known pertaining to its pet potential – although it is assumed that they share the delightful personality of the other lorikeet species.

Because of its relatively low numbers in aviculture, all young produced are very much in demand with aviculturalists in Australia. However, this lorikeet is regarded as the most difficult lory to breed, and it is recommended that only experienced aviculturists attempt to incorporate this species into their breeding program.

Housing: They are best housed as single pairs as they can become quarrelsome during the breeding season, which in aviaries is from July to October, somewhat later than in the wild.

Nesting Box: A small nest box is adequate, 20 cm by 20 cm by 30 cm deep, with a 7 cm opening. An absorbent nesting material needs to be used, such as sawdust, to absorb the runny droppings.

Incubation and Chick Rearing: The average clutch consists of four eggs, which are incubated by the female for about 22 days. Both parents share in feeding of the chicks, which fledge after 40 days. The young become independent abouut 2 weeks after fledging.

Diet: A typical lorikeet diet is needed, as described on this page.

Lories as Pets or in Aviculture:

Due to their endangered status, any suitable specimen that cannot be released back into their natural habitat (native range) should preferably be placed into a well-managed breeding program to ensure the continued survival of this species.

Taxonomy:

Family: Psittacidae … Sub-Family: Psittacinae

Genus: Scientific: Psitteuteles … English: Wedge-tailed Lorikeet … Dutch: Wigstaartlori … German: Keilschwanzloris … French: Loriquet cale

Species: Scientific: Psitteuteles versicolor aka Trichoglossus versicolor … English: Varied Lorikeet, Red-crowned Lorikeet … Dutch: Veelkleurenlori, Bonte Lori … German: Buntlori … French: Loriquet varié … CITES II – Endangered Species

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Other Relevant Web Resources

• Photos of the Different Lory Species for Identification … Listing of Species
• Distribution Maps of Lories and Lorikeets
• Lories and Lorikeets in Aviculture
• Feeding and Housing Your Lories and Lorikeets
• Diseases of Lories / Lorikeets and Health Care Program
• Special Challenges of Lories and Lorikeets: Training and Behavioral Guidance

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Species Research by Sibylle Johnson

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Gaurav Dhir

Gaurav is an animal enthusiast. He lives in beautiful Ontario with his energetic family. As a part of his work at beautyofbirds.com, he has been working with ace parrot trainer, Cassie Malina to understand bird behavior and learn more about how he can train his feathered companions.