What does lorikeet mean?
A lorikeet is a brightly coloured Australasian parrot with a long tail and a specialised brush-tipped tongue. The tongue is especially effective at gathering nectar, pollen, and soft plant material, so lorikeets are often associated with flowering trees and gardens. Several familiar species have vivid plumage, including the rainbow lorikeet, whose name reflects its broad range of colours, and the musk lorikeet, a mostly green bird with red markings. Although many parrots are known for their ability to imitate human speech, lorikeets are more immediately recognizable by their bright appearance, active behaviour, and specialised feeding anatomy. In Australian English especially, the word commonly refers collectively to these colourful nectar-feeding birds. They should not be confused with lories, which are close relatives belonging to a separate group within the broader Australasian parrot family.
nounAny of various brightly coloured Australasian parrots, typically with long tails and brush-tipped tongues adapted for feeding on nectar and pollen. Well-known species include the rainbow lorikeet, musk lorikeet, and red-collared lorikeet.
- Any of various brightly coloured Australasian parrots with long tails and brush-tipped tongues.
"A pair of rainbow lorikeets visited the flowering tree in the garden."
"The sanctuary keeps a dozen lorikeets in a large aviary."
"Lorikeets are often seen feeding in flocks on flowering eucalyptus trees."
The regular plural is used for both individual birds and members of the group.
"Several lorikeets were feeding among the blossoms."
A lorikeet's brush-tipped tongue works like a tiny nectar mop, making these parrots essential visitors to flowering trees.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lorikeet come from?
The word was formed in the 18th century from New Latin lorius, a name for a brightly coloured parrot that was adopted from Malay lori. Its established English form combines this element with a suffix associated with the bird's call or conventional parrot names.
How lorikeet is actually used
The term is commonly used for the whole group of lorikeets and also for individual birds. It is not a general synonym for every parrot.
Easily confused with lorikeet
A lory is a closely related Australasian parrot, whereas a lorikeet is a member of a distinct group within the broader parrot family.