172 BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT OF GEELONG 
MUSK LORIKEET 
Glossopsitta concinna 
More often in summer than in winter, but indeed 
at almost any season of the year, we may see and 
hear flocks of small but noisy Parrots passing at 
varying heights overhead. These are Lorikeets, either 
of this or one or both of the two following species, 
travelling in search of blossoming gum trees. In 
one part of the country or another there is almost 
always some kind of gum tree in flower ; except, 
therefore, in the actual breeding-season, the Lorikeets 
are literally birds of passage, for their food consists 
entirely of eucalyptus nectar, except when ripe orchard 
fruits are available. 
The Musk Lorikeet is the largest of the three 
common species, and with a little experience may 
be identified as the flock passes over by its scream, 
which is louder and harsher than that of either of 
the smaller birds. I have never seen this species 
mingling in flight with others, though all feed together 
in perfect amity, even in the same cluster of leaves 
and flowers at the end of a branch. One can at 
such times get a good view of these pretty Parrakeets 
through a glass. Nothing frightens them, and they 
will stay for half an hour at a time exhausting the 
possibilities of one tree before flying with a joyous 
shriek to the next. Stand under a tree in blossom, 
