Recent sightings of rainbow lorikeets in Wheatbelt towns have confirmed that this invasive pest is making its way east and vigilance is needed if we are to ensure it doesn’t get established and cause even more damage to our unique Wheatbelt environment.
In the last few weeks, they have been seen in York, Northam, Toodyay, Goomalling and Cunderdin.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Biosecurity Officer Brett Scrouse said the birds are appearing in bigger numbers in several Wheatbelt towns.
“Anyone that has been to Perth would know they are ever increasing, and population pressure may make them move out into rural areas,” Brett said.
This bird can be a serious agricultural, environmental and urban pest, which we don’t want to become established in the Wheatbelt. DPIRD is relying on members of the community to report any sightings in the Avon area.
Rainbow lorikeets can be habitual, returning to the same feeding and roosting areas, daily. This can help in their detection by discerning members of the community.
The birds are often seen and heard feeding on flowering and fruiting trees early in the morning. They are very noisy and have a call distinct from native parrots.
They are known to foul vehicles and outdoor living areas and compete aggressively with native birds for food and nest hollows.
Please report any sightings to DPIRD either through the MyPestGuide App https://mypestguide.agric.wa.gov.au/ or directly to the Pest and Diseases Information Service by email padis@dpird.wa.gov.au
More information can be found here
www.agric.wa.gov.au/birds/rainbow-lorikeet-management
What do rainbow lorikeets sound like?