nectarplants

Many birds of the lorikeet family are nectar eating birds. Many species of the Parrot Family are also nectar eating. Australia is favoured with many flowering trees and shrubs, and in most places there is sufficient to maintain a vast population of bird life. While feeding, birds transfer pollen from one flower to another. Australia is home to about 70 species of honeyeaters. When the tip of their tongue is loaded with nectar it is pulled in and squeezed against the roof of the mouth, forcing the nectar down the grooves at the base and into the throat.

*
	Lemon Scented Ti-Tree (Leptospermum) is a favourite food for many birds, including finches. It is a fragrant plant and abounds near creeks and forests, and is specially popular Below close-up of flower on left (Leptospermum attenuatum)

Leptospermum scoparium Teatrees grow best in sandy loam and are attractive to bees as the flowers produce ample nectar (teatree honey has a heavy jelly like texture) This plant also provides food and shelter for birds.
	Mountain heath, Victoria's state flower - a welcome nectar plant.
Another attractive plant from South Australia
	Wattle, the Australian National Flower, is also a rich supplier of nectar.
The most popular and fastest growing native tree grows to up to 10 metres a year. Lorikeets favour this tree more than any, and huge flocks fossick them out and call their relatives along.
	Waratah, chosen symbol of New South Wales, is full of welcome and easily attainable nectar for larger birds such as parrots
	.

Grevillea Robusta	Grevellia banksii

Scaley breasted lorikeet feasting on grevilleas	Delightful native Xmas Bell, wonderful for honeyeaters
All pictures by H Dutra ©