by Robert Alison
The varied lorikeet (Psitteules versicolor) is an opportunistic nectarivore, one of six Australian lorikeet species. It is a gorgeous relatively-small tropical psittacid endemic and fairly widespread across much of northern Australia. Its distinctive head patterns and streaked plumage are easily recognizable. Flying overhead, it appears much smaller than the scaly-breasted lorikeet (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus) and a bit larger than the little lorikeet (Glossopsitta pusilla).
Varied lorikeets are typically gregarious, and massive assemblages sometimes occur at flowering trees, especially eucalypts which are key foraging sites.
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