Musk lorikeets are one of the few animals with the plasticity to survive and thrive in rapid urbanization.
Not listed
Endemic to Australia
At a glance
FamilyOld World Parrots
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatBecause the nectar plants tend to be most dense in the outer urban areas, most of the population prefers the outer urban areas, which allows for more feeding and roosting opportunities, rather than the inner ones.
Best timeReported across most months in New South Wales, with no narrow seasonal peak.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Pete Woodall
Range map
Range map
160approx hotspots
75543approx records
5states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
Note red cheek patch behind eye. Nomadic; moves in response to flowering eucalypts.
Behavior
Feeds in flowering eucalypt trees on pollen and nectar, however, also eats insects and fruit.
Gallery
Regional timing
New South Wales
Victoria
South Australia
Queensland
Western Australia
Tasmania
Australian Capital Territory
Commonly confused with
Elegant ParrotNeophema elegansHandsome small parrot of southern Australia. Yellowish-green overall, with yellow underbelly, green back, green head, and thin dark blue patch on folded wing. Face yellow between eye and bill, with a thin blue line between the eyes. Compare Rock Parrot (duller green, lacks the yellow on face) and Blue-winged Parrot (more olive, small yellow patch behind eye).→Superb ParrotPolytelis swainsoniiMale has bright yellow face with red throat band. Female and young bird almost entirely green. Much larger than Red-rumped Parrot and paler with a much narrower tail than Australian King-Parrot.→Swift ParrotLathamus discolorBreeds in Tasmania and migrates to southeastern Australia in autumn and winter. Adult bright green with red and yellow on face and a subtle blue-purple crown patch. In flight, shows bright red underwings and long red tail. Compare Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, which has shorter green-yellow tail.→