We discuss how Lorikeet’s have been in receipt of some negative press over the years, after theories arose about the birds supposedly ‘wreaking havoc’ each year - due to being seemingly ‘sloshed’ (drunk).
How did the Lorikeet get its drunken rep? Investigations continued into this ‘drunken bird phenomenon’ - years after revealing that the seasonal drunkenness wasn't really drunkenness at all...
Native across Australia, the exceptionally vibrant Lorikeet, belonging to the Psittacidae and sub-family Loriinae were all over the Australian news in 2010 for falling from the skies and appearing drunk after having one too many, (berries that is).
Whilst these supposedly boozy birds weren’t seen frequenting local Australian bars in search of a merry night out, if you spotted one in a ‘weeping boer-bean’ tree (also known as the Drunken Parrot Tree), it was thought that these social parrots were unknowingly consuming alcohol.
The drunken bird theory
Before we start to explain, it’s important to note that Lorikeets possess a distinctive brush-like tongue that is perfectly suited for their specialised diet consisting of nectar, pollen, fruits, and occasional insects. This unique adaptation enables them to efficiently extract nectar from flowers with ease and grace. Trichoglossus, their scientific name actually means "hairy tongue."
During the winter-period in Australia (June - August), Lorikeets can be seen eating the fermented berries and nectar of the weeping boer-bean (Schotia Brachypetala)’. During the fermentation process, the sugar of the nectar and berries is converted into ethanol, (holding similar strength to that of beer), with experts theorising in the beginning, that this was the leading cause of parrots appearing dazed and confused. The disoriented birds would sadly become more vulnerable to predators during this period and even fall from trees, the sky and even go through a period of depression.
An unsolved phenomenon
When tested, experts actually ruled out death by intoxication as vets did not find alcohol conclusive in the majority of birds. It was suggested that the birds' unusual behaviour was likely the result of a combination of factors.
The exact cause remains unknown - it could be a combination of various diseases, possibly a viral infection targeting their immune systems, often seasonal in nature.
With this being an annual occurrence in Australia, many Lorikeets sadly died from the mystery illness now referred to as ‘Drop Lorri Syndrome’ according to veterinary experts across Darwin.
The life of the Lorikeet
Whilst extremely common to see, the Lorikeet is one of a kind to us. We want to make sure this incredible avian receives fair representation for its many fantastic features.
With over 50 species of the Lorikeet, this bird supports the ecosystem by being a vital pollinator of many trees across Australia and New Guinea. The Lorikeet feeds on flowers, inadvertently collecting pollen on its throat and head. Upon visiting another flower of the same species, it deposits this pollen, facilitating cross-pollination. This transfer of pollen ensures the fertilisation of the plant's eggs, leading to the production of seeds, securing the plant's reproductive cycle.
Mating for life, Lorikeets find their soul mates and can incubate up to 3 eggs, building homes in old-growth forest trees. They aren’t to be quarrelled with either - they’re definitely not all squawk and no bite! Whilst saying that, they are excellent communicators and will use their voices to assert dominance in threatening situations. In the wild, their main enemies are peregrine falcon, kites and pythons and actively avoid bumping into these predatory characters.
Not only are these birds badass but they also support the planet through cross-pollination. Who said it was just bees who do all of the work! Thanks for taking the time to read The Cool Animal Blog - we hope you found this story enlightening and if you’d like to suggest an animal to add to the mix, get in touch!
Note: We have not featured the Lorikeet on The Cool Animal Blog to promote the use of alcohol, nor do we believe that intoxication is ‘cool’ or promote this in any way. Our aim is to raise awareness of the Lorikeet and discuss topical issues surrounding this species. If you feel personally affected by references to alcohol, please visit Drink Aware or the NHS website for support and guidance.
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