Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus (Kuhl, 1820)

Size

The scaly-breasted lorikeet (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus) measures approximately 23 cm (9.1 in) in total length.

Head Features

Its crown and the sides of its head are emerald green with a faint blue tinge.

Neck and Breast Markings

The feathers on the back of the neck, throat, and breast are yellow with broad green edges, which creates a distinct scaly pattern.

Tail Characteristics

Its tail is green, and the base of the outer tail feathers is marked with orange-red.

Lower Body Plumage

The lower flanks, thighs, and undertail-coverts are green with prominent yellow markings, while the underwing-coverts are solid orange-red.

Soft Part Features

This species has orange-red eyes, a dark coral-red beak, and typically grey-brown legs.

Sexual Dimorphism

Males and females have nearly identical external appearance.

Juvenile Traits

Juveniles resemble adults, but have shorter tails, pale brown or black eyes, and beaks that are either brown with yellow markings or orange with brown markings.

General Distribution

This lorikeet is common across most timbered areas of eastern Australia.

Range Extent

Its range extends from Bamaga at the northern tip of Queensland, south to the Illawarra district on the south coast of New South Wales, and it also occurs on some offshore islands.

Habitat Boundaries

It is generally restricted to coastal plains and adjacent tablelands, and is occasionally found along watercourses west of the Great Dividing Range.

Movement Patterns

In the northern part of its range, it is abundant and mostly sedentary; in the south, it is less numerous and nomadic.

Preferred Habitat

It favors open, lightly timbered areas and melaleuca thickets.