_J. Gould and H.C. Richter del^t._ _C. Hullmandel Imp._
]
TRICHOGLOSSUS RUBRITORQUIS, _Vig. and Horsf._
Red-collared Lorikeet.
_Trichoglossus rubritorquis_, Vig. and Horsf. in Linn. Trans., vol.
xv. p. 291.—Lear’s Ill. Psitt., pl. 34.—Wagl. Mon. Psitt. in
Abhand., tom. i. p. 552.
This lovely _Trichoglossus_ inhabits the northern coasts of Australia,
and is as beautiful a representative of its near ally, the _T.
Swainsonii_ of the south coast, as can well be imagined. In their habits
and economy also the two birds so closely approximate that a description
of one will serve for both. Independently of the richer blue of the
head, the red nuchal collar and dull blackish olive mark on the abdomen
are marks by which it may readily be distinguished. The Red-collared
Lorikeet is by far the most beautiful bird of the two, and indeed in the
splendour of its colouring is second to no member of its group.
The specimens from which my figures were taken were procured at Port
Essington. Mr. Gilbert remarks, that “this species is abundant in all
parts of the Cobourg Peninsula and the adjacent islands; and is an
especial favourite with the natives, who carefully preserve the heads of
all they kill for the purpose of ornamenting their persons, by slinging
them to the arm a little above the elbow. It is generally seen in large
flocks, feeding on the summits of the loftiest trees. Its flight is
rapid in the extreme. Like the other _Trichoglossi_, its food consists
of honey and the buds of flowers.”
Of its nidification nothing is yet known.
The sexes present little difference in appearance, and may be thus
described:—
Head and cheeks resplendent blue; throat and abdomen deep olive-green;
chest crossed by a broad band of orange-red; a narrow band of the same
colour across the occiput, below which band is a broader one of deep
blue, the basal portion of the feathers being red; back, wings, tail and
under tail-coverts grass-green; basal half of the inner webs of the
primaries yellow; irides red, with a narrow ring of yellowish round the
pupil; bill vermilion; tarsi silken green in front; inside of the feet
and back of the tarsi ash-grey.
The Plate represents a male and a female of the natural size.
[Illustration: