Scaly-breasted Lorikeets aka Green Lorikeets, Green and Yellow Lorikeets
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The Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus, is an Australian lorikeet. Specifically, this lory can be found in north-eastern Australia.
Characteristics
The term "Scaly-breasted" aptly describes this bird, which has yellow breast feathers broadly edged with green that look like scales. The lorikeet's predominantly green plumage blends so well with foliage that the bird is hard to detect. An observer beneath a tree where scaly-breasted lorikeets are feeding may take some time to spot the birds. Their dark coral beak is often the first indications to their whereabouts. They seem to favour open, lightly timbered areas, but may be seen in melaleuca thickets when the trees are flowering.
The scaly-breasted lorikeets are usually seen in small flocks, flying overhead, or feeding among the outermost branches of flowering trees. They frequent most timbered areas and are often seen in gardens and parklands - even in large cities.
Scaly-breasted lorikeets are extremely noisy birds and attract attention by their screeching and chattering.
Scaly-breasted lorikeets have similar habits to the Rainbow Lorikeet, and the two species often group together in mixed flocks. Both species feed mainly on nectar and pollen, but they also eat blossoms, berries, other fruit, seeds, and insects and their larvae. They are very fond of cultivated fruits and often cause damage in orchards; they also raid sorghum and maize crops to feed on unripe milky grain.
Scaly-breasted lorikeets fly swiftly and in a straight path. As they pass overhead the sound of their rapid wing-beats can be heard along with their high-pitched call.
Identification
Length: 235 mm, including 100 mm tail. Adults: Sexes are similar. General plumage green. Crown and sides of head emerald-green slightly tinged with blue. Feathers of back of neck and throat and breast yellow, broadly edged with green, giving scaly appearance. Tails are green with the base of the outer tail-feathers marked with orange-red. The lower flanks, thighs and undertail-coverts green strongly marked with yellow. Underwing-coverts orange-red. They have eyes that are orange-red, and bills (beaks) are dark coral. Their legs are generally grey-brown.
Juveniles: Similar to adults, but tails are shorter. Eyes are pale brown or black, and bills are brown with some yellow markings or orange with brown markings. The Juveniles don't bite as hard either!
Voice
The contact call of these birds is a metallic, rolling, continuous screech in flight. They have a shrill chatter when feeding. While resting, they have a soft, gentle twitter. Although, these birds can be quite noisy as mating season draws nearer.
Nesting
Breeds in all months except March and April; in south usually August-January. These birds nest in a hollow tree, usually high above ground, with a layer of wood dust at the bottom. They usually lay two eggs, rarely three; they are white, oval, and about 26 X 20 mm. Incubation lasts about 25 days. Males spend time in the nest hollow, but apparently do not share in the incubation. Both parents feed the young, which leave the nest six to eight weeks after hatching.
Distribution
This lorikeet is common in most timbered areas of Eastern Australia from Bamaga (the Tip) Qld, south to Illawarra district NSW; also on some offshore islands. They are generally confined to coastal plains and adjacent tablelands; occasionally found along watercourses west of the Great Dividing Range. They are abundant and mostly sedentary in north; less numerous and nomadic in the south. They favour open, lightly-timbered areas and melaleuca thickets. (Source: Wikipedia.org)
Lories in Captivity:
Lories are popular companion birds due to their intelligence, entertaining personality and stunning beauty. They are also quite easily bred, so there are readily available. Their expected lifespan is 28+ years. They reach maturity at 8 mos or later. Males and females look alike and breeders depend on DNA or endoscopic sexing to determine sex.
They are affectionate, curious, extroverted and clowny and exhibit some unique behaviors. Some like to wrap themselves up in a blanket for sleeping. At times, they can even be seen sleeping on their backs. They are capable of aggressive behavior if their territory and possessions are not respected. They are demanding in care requirements (especially diet preparations) and require a lot of attention. Daily baths or showers should be part of their grooming regimen.
They are trainable and, with a little patience and know-how, can be trained to eliminate in a certain area on cue. This webpage will provide you with instructions.
Lories are playful by nature and appreciate a variety of bird toys, including ropes, bells, balls, and swings.
Their voice ranges from loud, piercing whistles and metallic "pings" to soft, high-pitched warbles and chattering.
Taxonomy:
Family: Loriidae 
Genus: Scientific: Trichoglossus ... English: Wedge-tailed Lorikeet ... Dutch : Wigstaartloris ... German: Keilschwanzloris ... French : Loriquet Species: Scientific: Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus ... English: Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Gold and Green Lorikeet ... Dutch: Schubbenlori ... German: Schuppenlori ... French: Loriquet écaillé
CITES II - Endangered Species
Related Web Resources: Lexicon of Parrots ... KCBBS
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
Photo contributions are welcome!
