Rainbow Lorikeet
Trichoglossus haematodus
Rainbow Lorikeet
Status: Unwanted organism with an exemption under the Biosecurity Act 1993 for bird fanciers to hold and sell birds.
The rainbow lorikeet is one of the pests MAF Biosecurity New Zealand, in partnership with Department for Conservation (DOC) and regional councils, manages under the National Interest Pest Response initiative. The aim of the response is to prevent rainbow lorikeets from establishing in the wild.
Description
Native to parts of Australia, the rainbow lorikeet is a distinctive multi-coloured parrot, about 30cm in length. It has a bright red beak and eyes, with a blue head and belly, green wings, tail and back and an orange/yellow breast. It has a distinctive screeching call.
Rainbow lorikeets feed primarily on pollen, nectar and fruits, but they may feed on seeds. They are almost always seen in pairs or in flocks. Like most parrots they nest in hollow limbs or trunks of dead or living trees.
Rainbow lorikeets are prolific breeders, with pairs known to rear as many as three successive broods in a single season enabling the feral population to increase rapidly. They look similar to the eastern rosella, which is already established in parts of New Zealand. A key distinguishing feature is the lorikeets’ blue head.
Impact
Rainbow lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus) compete with native birds by dominating their food sources and nesting sites. They pose a threat to New Zealand’s native honeyeaters such as tui and bellbirds, as they compete for the same food sources. They also compete for nest sites with native cavity nesters such as kaka and kakariki.
Rainbow lorikeets can damage apples, grapes and other soft fruit. They pose a threat to the commercial fruit growing industry, with the potential to significantly impact orchards and vineyards.
Rainbow lorikeets may also carry avian diseases which can threaten the health of native bird species.
Where is it found?
Rainbow lorikeets were introduced to New Zealand from Australia as cage birds. They are kept as pets in cages and aviaries throughout the country.
Significant numbers of captive–reared birds were illegally and deliberately released in the Auckland area in the 1990s and had started breeding in the wild. By 1999 a feral population of 150–200 birds had established in the Auckland region, proving that they can survive and adapt to the New Zealand environment.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) began eradicating the feral population in 2000, concerned about competition with endemic honeyeaters and the possible threat to pristine island habitats such as Little Barrier Island.
Escaped birds are caught using a range of methods including trapping and netting. The captured birds are returned to their owners where they can be identified or sent to commercial aviculturists with secure captive facilities.
What to do
Report all sightings of rainbow lorikeets in the greater Auckland area to the Department of Conservation Auckland Area Office on 09 445 9142.
In all other regions contact your regional council or if you suspect a population has established contact MAF Biosecurity New Zealand on freephone 0800 80 9966.
Please also see the rainbow lorikeet factsheet 
(354 KB).
Page last updated: 6 August 2009