Breeding Habits and Conservation Status of the Musk Lorikeet 'Glossopsitta concinna' and Little Lorikeet 'G. pusilla' in Northern New South Wales

Abstract

Long-term observations, spanning 43 years, established that on the North-west Slopes of New South Wales (NSW) Musk Lorikeets 'Glossopsitta concinna' and Little Lorikeets 'G. pusilla' used traditional nest-sites in mature and old-growth stands of smooth-barked gums Eucalyptus spp., within 2 km of stands of their key food trees (flowering White Box E. albens and Yellow Box E. melliodora). Nest-sites were tight knotholes in live trees, at 3.0-15.2m (Musk) or 2.4-15.2m (Little) above the ground; entrance dimensions (vertical horizontal) of 37 43mm and 29 34mm, respectively, were maintained by regular biting of the regrowing bark. Breeding adults were resident for most of the year, returning periodically in the non-breeding season to maintain and defend nest-hollows. Eggs were laid in winter, and second clutches were laid in spring if Yellow Box flowered profusely. Because of a loss of nest-trees and food resources, breeding Little Lorikeets have declined almost to local extinction in the region, and the species warrants recognition as at least vulnerable, if not endangered, in NSW.