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The Musk Lorikeet (Glossopsitta concinna) is a lorikeet, one of the three species of the Glossopsitta genus. It inhabits south-central/eastern Australia. The Musk Lorikeet was first described by ornithologist George Shaw in 1790 as Psittacus concinnus, from a collection in the vicinity of Port Jackson in what is now Sydney. John Latham described it as Psittacus australis. Its specific epithet is the Latin concinna "elegant". Other common names include Red-eared Lorikeet, and Green Keet, and formerly a local Sydney indigenous term Coolich. The names Green Leek and King Parrot have been incorrectly applied to this species in the past.
Description
The Musk Lorikeet is 22 cm (8.5 in) long. It is mainly green and it is identified by its red forehead, blue crown and a distinctive yellow band on its wing. Both upper and lower mandibles of the beak are red at the tip and darker near its base. The blue area on the crown of the female is smaller and paler than seen on the male.
Distribution and Habitat
Musk Lorikeets are found in eastern New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
Breeding
The musk lorikeet breeds mainly from August to January. Their nest are usually built in a hollow limb of a tree. Two white 25x20 mm eggs are laid.
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