Animal-World > Pet Birds > Lories and Lorikeets > Green-naped Rainbow Lorikeet

Green-naped Rainbow Lorikeet

Family: Psittacidae Subamily: Loriinae

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"Zazu" Trichoglossus haematodus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

  "Zazu" is a very nice Green-naped Rainbow Lorikeet that is about 10-12 weeks old. Zazu was handfed and likes very much to be handled. Zazu started to talk before she left the store saying things like 'hello' and 'pretty bird'. She is going to be a really good talker with a great personality. This bird loved to play with everyone and everything! She was a real acrobat and loved to swing upside down on her perches.

Description:
   The Green-naped Rainbow Lorikeet is one of the most colorful members of the parrot family. It is almost impossible to tell the difference between a lorikeet and a lory although some say the lorikeet has a longer tail than the lori. Also, the lorikeet has a pointed tail while the lori's tail is rounded. The lorikeets and the lorys have a "brushlike" tongue that is used for eating fruits, flowers, nectars, and pollens. There are at least 21 different kinds of Green-naped Lorikeets.

Care and feeding:
   The lorikeet's main diet consists of nectar and fruit. They can eat some greens and some seed. Special diets which can be purchased at most pet stores have been formulated to feed the bird in either a wet form as a nectar or in a dry form as a powder. Make sure you have water near the powder, if that is what you are feeding, so the bird can take drinks while eating. Fresh fruit or unsweetened canned fruit should be fed regularly.

Distribution:
   Northern and eastern parts of Australia, and also the islands north and east of Australia.

Size - Weight:
   Reaches up to 10 inches in length including the tail.

Social Behaviors:
   In the wild they spend most of their time in flocks.

Physical characteristics:
   Very colorful, from 6-11 inches including the tail. The sub-adults have a dark brown beak and brown irises. The beak turns red as they mature. Life span is 15 or more years, they mature at 1-2 years.

Housing:
   A roomy cage is required unless the bird is to be let out for extended periods. Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch. A cage guard is a good idea since their droppings are a sticky fluid which ends up outside the cage.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Lorikeets are easily bred. Although they are not easy to sex, once they are established, they nest freely.

Potential Problems: An easy bird to care for.

Availability: Readily available.

Activities:
   Make sure you give them lots of toys, swings, and perches since they are very active and love to play.

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Latest Comments
We have a 1.6 year old Rainbow Lori (Kiwi)and what hoot she is. Fearless and loves her "birdie" bunge cord and a paper napkin. Bath time is non-stop fun. The squeaks and peeps are so sweet. Wish I could have that much fun. Was able to teach her to stay and play on her stand. Smart little bird. Says a few words but a terrific mimic. Fell in love with Rainbows when where we were on an extended trip to Sydney, they would sit on the kitchen window and get fruit. After a few days my two "quests" would eat my (their) fruit off the kitchen counter. Wild birds who love human company. p. moler 2008-08-16
Hi Folks: I won't keep you; I know there is much to do maintaining your birdies regarding their feeding, cleaning, and much more. Today I submitted an article regarding my beautiful Green-Naped, Rainbow Lorikeet, Jammy who passed into heaven several years ago. As you may remember, Jammy was found at a country club, and despite our efforts, nobody claimed him. We had him for over 20 wonderful years. In my article today, I failed to add one extra comment pertaining to Jammy. Approximately one month prior to our finding Jammy while driving in the car with my husband, I told him that I wanted another birdy; however, I just could not make up my mind regarding the breed. I did know, however, that I wanted this birdy to be most colorful, and that I wished our Lord would just send me a birdy to fit my description. Yes, the Lord must have sent Jammy to us. Jam was so beautiful, colorful, and loving. I guess they mean it when said, "sometimes the Lord works in mysterious ways". Well, I won't bother you anymore. I hope my story interested some of you. Susan Saleeby 2008-07-12
Hello Bird People: You may remember me from some time ago. I had Jammy, a green-naped Rainbow Lorikeet. He flew into a party some twenty odd years ago, where I was singing for a wedding at a country club in New Jersey. We tried and tried to find the owner, going so far as to place an ad in the local paper; however, we could not locate the owner, and the rest is history. Jammy, as we called him since he seemed to be "jammin" at the party, remained with us for twenty some years until he went to heaven about two years ago. Right now, as I am typing this e-mail, I look at my mousepad which has a beautiful picture of Jammy on it. We shall always keep this very special gift from the Lord in our hearts; Jammy will always be with us. It has been two years, and the tears well up in my eyes as I type this to you. Nothing will ever take Jammy's place, and I have not looked for that in my two new birdies. Peaches, our White-Bellied Caique was purchased to fill the void of noise in the form of a whistle, which we missed so much in Jammy. Peaches is a very adorable little Caique, and we love her very much. I tell her that she is presently "renting" Jammy's home while we look for a replacement. Ben is a Solomon Island Eclectus parrot which we purchased some eight months ago. Ben is very sweet and calm, and he is also not mean't to take Jammy's place; however, I think Jammy would approve of this little critter. I think what I am trying to say is that absolutely nothing can bring Jammy back to us which is why I did not purchase a Lorikeet. Jammy was and will always be special in our hearts. I believe that is the only way a bird owner can and should go forward with life. I pray for Jammy every evening; it makes me feel close to his memory. Jammy will always be very close in my heart. I know some of you out there are in the same position, and this, as I perceive it, is the only way we can continue on life's path. I think many situations in life should be perceived in that manner. I wish to say may the Lord bless all of you and your birdies and keep up your very good work. Remember these creatures are extremely intelligent, much more than they receive credit for in life. Well, I feel much better for writing this to you; I hope this did not bore you. It was so comforting for me to express myself in this way. God Bless You All. Susan and the "Zoo Crew Susan Saleeby 2008-07-12
I was wondering if you can tell me how to handle a rainbow lorikeet. (EDITOR'S NOTE: There are care sheets for a variety of birds on Animal-World. A good one with handling information for parrots of this size is "About Conures". See it here: http://animal-world.com/encyclo/birds/conures/ConuresProfile.htm) jacob lee 2008-05-17
Hello: You might remember me and my beautiful Green-Naped Rainbow Lory, Jammy. We lost him about l l/2 years ago, and he still remains in my heart. He was so beautiful; nothing could take his place. You may remember that some time after Jammy's passing, I purchased a White-Bellied Caique. I just needed some whistling and action in our very quiet house. Well, Peaches is a "handful"; however she can whistle and keep the house in turmoil, that is for sure. Several months ago, I purchased a baby, male Eclectus. He is beautiful, quiet, and very interesting. Of course, nothing could ever take Jammy's place; I pray for him every evening. Jammy was 20+ years old. We found him at a gig on the patio of a country club. He was drinking a Manhatten and was perched on a man's arm. My husband told me to take the birdie home. I had a clean cage ready for Jammy. I took my bird encyclopedia with me to the next gig that day in New York. I was able to identify Jammy; that was important. Jammy required a special diet. We loved him so much. There can NEVER be another Jammy. Always, susansaleeby@comcast.net Susan Saleeby 2008-02-09
Some of the coolest comments:
My best friend is named Tangy who is a beautiful 14yr old green-naped Rainbow Lori who is affectionately loving, a vocally demanding talker, more adventurous then the man down under - The Crocodile Hunter, and as intelligent as Little Einstein. I have had Tangy since a hatchling and, as any proud mother, I have weened, potty-trained(yes she is potty trained), and raised my little girl to be the most outgoing social performer. She often takes trips with me and my husband to meet the local people in our neighborhood where she lightens the hearts of everyone. I am proud to be told how amazingly beautiful and loving she is! I love talking and introducing Tangy and sharing with everyone her infectious laughter and constant chatter of "Mommy-mommy, Come her, I love you, Give me kisses". When I was recently married, I worried about her ability to adjust to my husband. And true to her loving nature, she took my husband, Frank, into our little clutch. Now, Tangy and Frank spend time together with Tangy preening his eyelashes, giving him kisses, and hopping around him for attention. Even though Rainbow Loriies are not for everyone; they need alot of social interaction, their diet must be watched closely, but most of all, they need alot of love in order to raise a healthy-well adjusted bird like Tangy, I believe everyone should have the pleasure of owning a little Tangy of their own.. Cynthia Oberlies 2006-06-10
I have a 1 year old Green Naped Lorikeet called Ruby. I could not agree more with so many of the comments I have read here, they make the very best companions and Ruby is no exception. She mimics a great deal and takes great pleasure in mimicking the sound of the Microwave finishing; a great way to get me out of the front room and gain my attention. I have taken some great photos of her and placed them on my website. Take a look www.ianrbanks.co.uk. Ian Banks 2004-07-06
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
I was so pleased to find this web-site!!! I have never known anyone with a Rainbow Lorikeet/Bluey and so was very interested in all of the informative commentary! Today I will be "fetching" my little Rain-Birdie from our local pet store, Arcata Pets. I visited with and admired my new baby for several weeks before coming into some unexpected funding! He will come home to my little Meyers Parrot, a young African Grey Congo, two budgies, and two cockatiels! My Senegal Parrot was dragged off by a neighbors cat about two months ago so after today I feel our family will once again be complete! I am often the only human in my big house and don't know what I would do if I were not able to come home to my dogs and birds! The entertainment and LOVE provided by my animals is something I simply could not "happily" live without! Thank you for this lovely site you have provided!!! Sammy 2006-05-24
Im a parrot lover and have a few asian parrot species. I love my lories very much. I have 4 pairs of lories in my backyard aviary. I have also a lot of african love birds, several pairs of cockatiels, blue naped and blue backed parrots,a pair of rose ringnecked parakeets, pair of umbies, and a pair of eclectus r. vosmaeri. But the most striking parrots that i have are my rainbow lories. All of my friends admired the colors of their feathers and their abilities to entertain by doing acrobatic treks. I enjoy reading your writings about parrots. So i hope you like my message about my feathered friends! Jean Santos 2005-08-03
Your site is very nice, compliment! Ronny 2005-03-05

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