From Opus

Photo by Mat & Cathy
Photo taken: Chiltern, Victoria, Australia

Lathamus discolor

[edit] Identification

25 cm. Bright green, red around the bill, throat and forehead. The red on its throat is edged with yellow, blue-purple crown, bright red patches under the wings. Long (12 cm), thin, dark red tail.

[edit] Distribution

Breeds in Tasmania, winters in south-east mainland Australia. Endangered, may now count less than 2500 birds total, and populations estimates falling.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.

[edit] Habitat

Eucalypt forests. Nests are usually located near the coast in dry forests on upper slopes and ridge tops

[edit] Behaviour

The diet includes seeds and grains, green vegetation, fruit, nectar and pollen, insects and larvae.

They make their nests inside a hollow tree branch or trunk in very old or dead trees. 3-5 round and white eggs are laid.

[edit] References

• NSW Threatened Species

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on the ABID