Colchester Zoo has welcomed a number of rainbow lorikeet chicks in recent weeks! Hatching at the end of February we now have 5 young birds that are all doing well as they begin to lose their fluffy grey feathers and gain the colourful feathers this species is known for!
Of the 5 chicks we have, 1 young chick is having to be hand reared by our keepers who have been feeding it from just a few days old! Despite this the chick is also doing extremely well and continues to grow stronger and is learning to eat more solids. It is hoped it can be mixed with the rest of the group in time and join its fellow chicks into the next stages of adult life! Meanwhile the other 4 are learning the ropes from their mum and dad.
At 25-30cm in length this species of parrot are medium in size with juveniles and adults looking very alike but with duller plumage. Lorikeets are extremely noisy birds, communicating with loud squawks in a constant chatter.
Did you know?! Lorikeets have an unusual tongue; it is long and narrow, and the end is bristly like a brush!
It’s not all about chocolate eggs this Easter!
Journey through 'Australian Rainbows'during your next visit and get up close to our lorikeets whilst feeding them a pot of golden nectar! Find out more here.
NB Nectar pots cost £1 each