As most of you know the Aussie Bird Count 2026 is now in progress. In 2025, as in some previous years, the Rainbow Lorikeet was the most numerous species in (the mainly built-up
areas of) Australia, due to occurrence in flocks. However it was second to the magpie as the most recorded species. For the ACT in 2025 the Rainbow Lorikeet was in 19th place as a recorded species, with a recording rate of 9.6%, having steadily
advanced from 5.5% in 2021.
Another one to watch is the Australian Wood Duck, which gained a spot in the top 20 in 2025.
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of Philip Veerman via Canberrabirds
Sent: Monday, 26 October 2026 9:14 PM
To: 'Neil Hermes' <>; 'Kim Farley' <>
Cc: 'Canberrabirds' <>
Subject: Re: [Canberrabirds] Interaction of two of our well-known birds
Yes. I wrote an article in
(1991) ‘The changing status of the Rainbow Lorikeet
Trichoglossus haematodus in South-east Australia: the role of wild and escaped birds’,
Australian Bird Watcher 14: 3–9. This in part used COG’s GBS data ( as well as general records, but mostly my observations from Melbourne). It was the first time ever that our GBS was described, used and published outside of COG only publications. Also
the first published mention of the birds’ increase (as far as I know).
It investigates the range and abundance increase. I basically wrote it as a reaction to that at the time the observations I was making of Rainbow Lorikeet
were being dismissed as aviary escaped birds. Which I did not support. And partly because of the big change around Melbourne where they also did not exist in my young years. And has increased hugely since then.
Partly arising out of that, I was given the task to be the reviewer of the text of this species for HANZAB (before it was published).
And for Kim, I don’t know anything more than what the little video showed.
Philip
Rainbow Lorikeets
Very successful birds
Unknown in Canberra before 1985
Huge increase from 2006
Will be Canberra most common bird soon if not already
Regards
Neil Hermes
0413828045
On Mon, 26 Oct 2026 at 16:40, Kim Farley via Canberrabirds <> wrote:
I love it. I wonder what happened next. Did the Gang-gang's move to the higher ground (as it were) defeat the pesky Lorikeet? And did that feral pigeon reappear and cause its own trouble...?
Kim
On Mon, 26 Oct 2026 at 16:24, Philip Veerman via Canberrabirds <> wrote:
I wouldn’t normally forward a video but this is a fun birdy one……(7)
Facebook
Philip
