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Appearance
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Size: 25–30 cm (10–12 in) long.
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Weight: 100–150 g (3.5–5.3 oz).
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Plumage:
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Head: Bright blue.
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Neck/Breast: Orange-red to yellow.
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Belly: Deep blue.
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Wings/Back: Green.
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Beak: Bright orange-red.
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Eyes: Orange-red.
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Tail: Green with yellowish undersides.
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Sexual Dimorphism: None—males and females look identical (DNA testing needed for sexing).
🥚 Breeding & Lifespan
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Clutch Size: 1–3 eggs.
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Incubation: ~25 days (female incubates, male provides food).
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Fledging: ~7–8 weeks.
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Breeding Season: In Australia, typically August–January.
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Lifespan: 15–20 years in the wild; up to 25–30 years in captivity with excellent care.
🌿 Behavior & Temperament
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Highly social, energetic, and playful.
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Known for acrobatics and hanging upside down while feeding.
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Loud and vocal—make high-pitched screeches and chatters.
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Very intelligent—can learn tricks, but not strong talkers compared to other parrots.
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Form strong pair bonds, often seen flying in pairs or small flocks.
🏡 Care & Environment (Captivity)
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Housing: Large aviary or spacious cage (minimum 3 ft wide x 3 ft deep x 4 ft high for one bird, bigger for pairs). They require flight space.
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Diet (Special):
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Nectar specialists – tongue has brush-like papillae to lap up nectar and pollen.
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In captivity: commercial lorikeet nectar mixes, fresh fruit (apple, pear, melon, grapes, mango, papaya, berries).
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Avoid seeds – their digestive system is not adapted for seed-based diets.
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Enrichment: Constant mental stimulation, climbing toys, swings, and foraging puzzles.
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Bathing: Love water—offer daily misting or shallow baths.
Inquiry - Rainbow Lorikeet
