Lorikeets in Bottlebrush

Irene Manion

Size: 30cm x 41.8cm
Framed under glass 44 x 54cm
Watercolour on Arches

The Rainbow Lorikeet has a tongue that looks like a miniature bottlebrush. With this uniquely evolved tool they are able to remove the pollen and suck the nectar from blossoming flowers such as the native Bottle Brush (Callistemon). They will flock to plants that are in peak blossoming time and feed on the flowers, whilst busily chirping at each other. These noisy social gatherings, over a healthy lunch, occur quite regularly in my backyard.