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About
About
Rainbow lorikeets (Trichoglossus haematodus) are declared pests in Western Australia due to their aggressive nesting habits and the damage they wreak on table crops and orchards.
Originally from east and northern Australia, the rainbow lorikeet was introduced to WA in the 1960s. It has since become a major agricultural and environmental pest. Capable of breeding twice a year, rainbow lorikeets tend to form large flocks that viciously defend nesting sites, (crowding out native species such as Carnaby's cockatoo) and decimate suburban and agricultural fruit and vegetable crops. They are also messy and noisy, as well as a disease risk to both wild and pet birds.
To control the spread of rainbow lorikeets, do not feed wild birds. If you have date or cotton palm trees, cut back the dead leaves and stem bases to reduce nesting opportunities. Otherwise, local landholders should report sightings of the birds outside their known area.
No lorikeets, including those captured or rescued, can legally be released into the wild. Keeping them as pets requires a DBCA fauna possessing license.
Control methods
Control methods
Chemical
Chemical
There are no chemical controls available.
Physical
Physical
Physical control methods for rainbow lorikeets include:
Do not feed wild birds.
Cut back date and cotton palms: maintain palm trees to remove nesting opportunities. This won't affect birds native to WA.
Anti-bird netting: permanently or temporarily enclosing crops in netting
Scaring: deploy humane scaring devices in combination with alternative food sources to move birds on.
Alternative food: plant attractive fruiting or flowering trees away from crops - use in combination with scaring.
Shooting: licensed individuals may use on private property with the approval of the local shire and police.
Live trapping: must be done humanely by only licensed individuals, as with mistnets.
Mistnetting: may be effective, but illegal without extensive experience and a licence from the WA government.
Biological
Biological
There are no biological controls.
Monitor and report
Monitor and report
The spread of rainbow lorikeets can only be controlled through vigilance and reporting by Western Australians who notice the birds in areas they haven't been seen before.
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