a mixed flock of scaly-breasted lorikeets and rainbow lorikeets shares a drink. although they are seperate species, they are closely related and often socialize together, sometimes hybridizing. they are both native to woodlands in australia, where they feed on nectar and fruit and nest in tree cavities.
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the scaly-breasted lorikeet is a medium-sized parrot native to woodlands in australia. they are named for their chest patterning; yellow feathers edged with green, which appear similar to scales. like other lorikeets, they feed mainly on nectar using their specialized tongues, along with pollen, blossoms, buds, fruit, and insects. they live in flocks, sometimes mixing with other lorikeets, and build nests in tree cavities.
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this colorful bird is the result of an unusual, but natural, hybridization between a scaly-breasted lorikeet and rainbow lorikeet.
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this beautiful bird is believed to be the result of natural hybridization between a rainbow lorikeet and a scaly-breasted lorikeet.
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this unusual scaly-breasted lorikeet with a blue color mutation was spotted in queensland, australia. these color mutations are rare even in captivity, and the lack of selective breeding along with possibly being ostracized by flockmates + singled out by predators makes them even rarer in the wild.
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today's bird 