Do not release these birds into the wild
It is illegal to release rainbow lorikeets into the wild. They are Unwanted Organisms under the Biosecurity Act 1993. Rainbow lorikeets may be kept as a captive species. As long as the bird is kept in secure confinement you can sell, and exhibit, rainbow lorikeets. If you release the bird, you would be in breach of the Biosecurity Act.
About rainbow lorikeets
Native to parts of Australia, the rainbow lorikeet is a distinctive multi-coloured parrot, about 30 cm in length. It has a bright red beak and eyes, with a blue head and belly, green wings, tail and back, and an orange-yellow breast. It has a distinctive screeching call.
Rainbow lorikeets feed primarily on pollen, nectar, and fruits, but they may feed on seeds. They are almost always seen in pairs or in flocks. Like most parrots, they nest in hollow limbs or trunks of dead or living trees.
Rainbow lorikeets are prolific breeders, with pairs known to rear as many as 3 successive broods in a single season, enabling feral populations to increase rapidly. They look similar to the eastern rosella, which is already established in parts of New Zealand. A key distinguishing feature is the lorikeets’ blue head.
Why we don't want rainbow lorikeets in the wild
Rainbow lorikeets compete with native birds by dominating their food sources and nesting sites. They pose a threat to New Zealand’s native honeyeaters such as tui and bellbirds, as they compete for the same food sources. They also compete for nest sites with native cavity nesters such as kākā and kākāriki.
Rainbow lorikeets can damage apples, grapes, and other soft fruit. They pose a threat to the commercial fruit growing industries, with the potential to significantly impact orchards and vineyards.
Rainbow lorikeets may also carry avian diseases, which can threaten the health of native bird species.
Where rainbow lorikeets are found
Rainbow lorikeets are kept as pets in cages and aviaries throughout the country. They were introduced to New Zealand from Australia as cage birds.
Significant numbers of captive–reared birds were illegally and deliberately released in the Auckland area in the 1990s and had started breeding in the wild. By 1999, a feral population of 150 to 200 birds had established in the Auckland region, proving that they can survive and adapt to the New Zealand environment.
Eradication from the wild
The Department of Conservation (DOC) began eradicating the feral population in 2000, concerned about competition with endemic honeyeaters and the possible threat to pristine island habitats such as Little Barrier Island. Escaped birds were caught using a range of methods, including trapping and netting. The captured birds were returned to their owners or sent to commercial aviculturists with secure captive facilities.
Rainbow lorikeets – Department of Conservation
From 2008, the eradication programme was managed under the National Interest Pest Response (NIPR) Programme led by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) in partnership with DOC. The aim of the NIPR rainbow lorikeet programme was to eradicate the birds from the wild. This was achieved in 2014. Continued monitoring by DOC ensures no further breeding populations become established in the wild.
What to do if you see a rainbow lorikeet
Rainbow lorikeets are an Unwanted Organism under the Biosecurity Act (1993). Propagation, spread, display, and sale are all prohibited unless the bird is held in secure containment.
If you think you have seen rainbow lorikeets in the greater Auckland area call the Department of Conservation Auckland office on 09 445 9142. In all other regions, call the MPI pest and disease hotline on freephone 0800 809 966. Do not try to catch or harm the birds.
