Up close with marvellous Musk Lorikeets - Sydney

These up-close scenes of Musk Lorikeets (Glossopsitta concinna) - with cameos by Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus moluccanus) - were captured across four days in late November and early December 2020 in Hunters Hill (Sydney, Australia). Hunters Hill is a leafy suburb 7 - 9Km NW of Sydney’s CBD. Much of its boundary is marked by rivers (Parramatta River and Lane Cove River) and it’s blessed with various parks, remnant bushland and forested corridors, especially in the Lane Cove River Valley section. Development on the ridges and slopes has undoubtedly damaged the remaining relatively unmodified environment (e.g. via stormwater runoff and weeds) as well as removing habitat, but thankfully many mature trees were retained (and street trees planted) and many homes and gardens nestle close to or are integrated with bushland (as seen in the opening photo of the filming site). The traditional custodians of this beautiful area are the Wallumedegal people and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
A vital part of habitat conservation is the retention of mature eucalypts. They provide food, roosts and nesting hollows for a variety of wildlife. The different flowering schedules of the many eucalypt species support nomadic nectar-feeders such as the Musk Lorikeet and the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater. While the natural haunts of Musk Lorikeets are, primarily, tall dry open forests and woodlands dominated by eucalypts (as found on inland slopes and plains, coastal areas and foothills), they may be seen in treed farmland and city parks and gardens with planted or remnant eucalypts. Movements are mostly driven by the flowering of favoured food trees, but can be irregular and erratic. An influx to one district may also depend upon what is happening (e.g. fire, drought, logging) or not happening (e.g. sufficient flowering) in another. And although Musk Lorikeets usually forage for the nectar and pollen of eucalypts, they often visit other flowering plants such as Angophora, Grevillea and Banksia, as well as fruiting trees. They also supplement their diet with seeds and insects and their larvae.
At the pictured location in Hunters Hill, years can pass with just the odd Musk Lorikeet sighting; then suddenly their higher-pitched calls mingle with the those of resident Rainbow Lorikeets on a daily basis across several weeks (in this case, late October to late December 2020, with peak occurrence around early December). While there are no guarantees with such nomadic birds, the best Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) flowering in years had us alert to their arrival. They also feasted on Sydney Red Gum (Angophora costata) blossoms. Nonetheless, they were difficult to film initially; not only do they prefer tall trees for foraging, they like to roost or loaf in the canopy. But during a particularly hot November day (41C), they visited one or two birdbaths in this bush garden. They were tentative at first as they weren’t familiar with these water sources and they had to compete with larger, more confident Rainbows. Yet once comfortable, they were quite determined to get their share. Although the following day was almost 20 degrees cooler, both types of lorikeet were keen to “rebalance their fluids”. Come early December and a day of 31 degrees, the Musk Lorikeets were especially numerous and active in the trees near the small sandstone bowl and again drank regularly.
Clearly, a simple receptacle can make a big difference to wildlife in our gardens, especially in heatwaves. And what pleasure for the viewer! When high in the canopy, the main plumage colour of a Musk Lorikeet blends with the foliage. But when seen close up, the intensity of the green and mix of bright hues can be truly appreciated. The sexes differ only slightly and there is much variability within sexes and some overlap of features. Generally, adult males have more blue on their crown and cheeks and a bolder bronze mantle. They are also more likely to have a slight blue wash on the breast. An easier distinction is that between adults and juveniles. The latter have a brown or dull red-brown bill rather than orange-red. What a delight to see several youngsters in the mix! For more information on these endearing birds go to www.birdsinbac...

[@JagaimoNoTensai]

Thankyou very much for this great vid! Absolutely stunning birds
I have a musk and have been trying to learn as much as i can about their body language, your video has been very helpful to watch natural displays, he enjoyed listening too!
I must pay closer attention to the demands of my lorikeet overlord 🙇🏼‍♀️😆💜

[@NorthernParrots]

Lovely

[@richardhibert260]

There's a flock in Lane Cove at the moment I believe. I've been trying to get a good photo but they are quite elusive particularly up high in the tree, but I'm fairly confident it's a Musk

[@Mitsurisonlynumberonefan]

I got one and she loves cuddles

[@tetrapod5051]

Incredible video! The sounds they make during dusk in Winter is always fantastic :)

[@BIBYTV]

They are!

[@tonygolledge7906]

They are beautiful.

[@killaved4262]

Wow

[@UltimaSpark50]

Prettier than rainbows imo