Purple-crowned Lorikeet - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Glossopsitta porphyrocephala

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 18 Oct 2022

Description

The Purple-crowned Lorikeet is a small (17-18.5cm) parrot. Upper parts are bright green, with a wash of bronze across the nape and mantle, while underparts are greenish-yellow with a pale blue belly. The crown is purple, appearing black in the field while the ear coverts and forehead are orange-yellow. The bend of the wing is narrowly edged bright blue while the underwing coverts are bright red and obvious in flight. They are more often heard than seen, calling often in flight. The call is a high-pitched slightly metallic 'tziet, tziet, tziet'.

Distribution

The Purple-crowned Lorikeet occurs across the southern parts of the continent from Victoria to south-west Western Australia. It is uncommon in NSW, with records scattered across the box-ironbark woodlands of the Riverina and south west slopes, the River Red Gum forests and mallee of the Murray Valley as far west as the South Australian border, and, more rarely, the forests of the South Coast. The species is nomadic and most, if not all, records from NSW are associated with flowering events.

Habitat and ecology

Found in open forests and woodlands, particularly where there are large flowering eucalypts. Also recorded from mallee habitats.
Feed primarily on nectar and pollen of flowering Eucalypts, including planted trees in urban areas.
May rarely raid orchards to feed on ripe fruit.
Breeds away from feeding areas, utilising hollow branches or holes in trees. Also roosts in dense vegetation up to several kilometres away from feeding areas.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

The loss of large flowering eucalypts is the main threat to this species. Larger trees that produce more nectar are now relatively uncommon in the landscape due to clearing of woodlands on deeper, fertile soils.
Loss of hollows through tree-clearing and firewood collection.
Competition with honeybees for both nectar and hollows may be impacting on this species.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Protect hollow-bearing trees and younger mature trees to ensure replacement of older trees.
Protect remnant woodland and open forest, and in particular, large flowering eucalypts, throughout the range of the species. This will also benefit other nectar dependent species such as the Swift Parrot and Regent Honeyeater.
Regenerate and replant local flora species to maintain breeding and foraging habitat.
Investigate the impact of honeybees on this and other native nectar feeders, and if required, implement actions to reduce the impacts (particularly of feral honeybees).

Information sources

Higgins, P.J. (ed.) (1999) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 4: Parrots to Dollarbird.
Robinson, D. and Traill, B.J. (1996) Conserving woodland birds in the wheat and sheep belts of southern Australia. RAOU Conservation Statement No. 10. (Birds Australia, Melbourne)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Murray Darling Depression	South Olary Plain	Known	None
NSW South Western Slopes	Inland Slopes	Known	None
NSW South Western Slopes	Lower Slopes	Predicted	None
Ocean - Other State	Southern Australian Coastal Waters	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Other State	VIC	Known	None
Riverina	Murray Fans	Known	None
Riverina	Murray Scroll Belt	Known	None
Riverina	Robinvale Plains	Known	None
South East Corner	South East Coastal Ranges	Predicted	None