What Is Little Sexy?

[Banshee]

I've had Little Sexy for some time now, He was a runaway that we couldn't find the owners for so luckily I got to keep him. I thought he was a rainbow at first but there's some differences that make me wonder. He's smaller and his body shape is just like a scaly. He also has a brown tinge at the back of his head like a massenas but has a blue belly. The bright yellowish band that rainbows have at the back of their necks is only just visible on him like a tinge and his beak is a goldy-orange colour, much paler than normal rainbow. He moves and acts different as well, he's very calm and cool, doesn't jump around much.. Also he has a blue/grey ring around his pupils and the outside only has a pinky tinge not the usual red. I love him to pieces and think all these things make him even more special but would love some insight into what breed or hybrid he might be. I did think he might be a rainbow/scaly cross but would appreciate any opinions. I have no idea how old he is. Photos I have of him aren't much help but theres one on my profile and one in the lorikeet gallery.

[Monica]

I'd say that you have a Swainsons or Blue Mountain lorikeeet (trying not to confused with the green nape). I'm sure someone shall correct me if I'm wrong!

[Heather_Bird]

Hi Kelly and welcome! Nice to see another Kiwi here.

Have to say that I do think that Little Sexy is a rainbow (or Swainsons as they are one and the same thing!). It is possible that he is some kind of hybrid but he does seem to have all the characteristics of a rainbow to me. They can vary quite widely in size and colouration and this is usually dependent on their breeding and their diet in their formative years. It does sound like Little Sexy may have been through the mill before he came to you bearing in mind the factors you mention. My guess would be that this is an older bird who has had quite a tough life so thank heavens he found you!

All the best,

Heather

[Banshee]

Thank you for your replies. I"m so glad I have him too, I know he's pretty happy and loves his new mummy. I think he might have had some trouble before because he HATES hands near him, he attacks them hard if anyone puts their hands by him but with me he'll step up occasionally. Mostly I just leave him to come to me if he wants to, which he does, mostly when I have food. Then he waddles right over to me and says 'Hello!' till I give him some. I put him on my shoulder and he cuddles right up, its so cute, especially because I know I've earned his trust. He doesn't fly very well and hardly ever tries to, although the other day he flew over to the bed and landed right in the middle of the dog and the cat! They didn't mind though, he's fitted into the family well. It bums me out I don't know his history or origins. Its mostly his blue eyes that make me wonder if he's a hybrid, they're my favourite part about him, they're so expressive. Has anyone ever heard of a rainbow with blue eyes before? I've only read about scalys having blue eyes when they're babies but I'm not sure if he's young or old. He's grown a bit since I've had him but that could be due to better diet

[Heather_Bird]

I would definitely put his apparent growth down to the better diet and attention you have been lavishing on him sweetie. I wouldn't think he is a young bird. I don't know of any lory species with blue eyes. It may be just a quirk or it could be down to poor eyesight if he is older. He has certainly landed on his feet with you as a new mum and I think you should both be grateful to have found one another. Do you have any more pictures to show us?

All the best,

Heather

[Banshee]

I'm so grateful to have him, he's my best little buddy, even though he's grumpy as hell half the time He definatly doesn't have any sight problems, he can see what I'm doing in the kitchen at the other end of the house coz if i'm making a snack for him he knows and starts making a fuss. The blue in his eyes looks just the same as an iris on a human. It makes him look quite human in his expressions, he's very special. I put some photos of him in the lorikeet albums and some of him and my sun conure Pagan together in the flock album. The blue in his eyes doesn't show up in photos though which is a bummer. You saying he might be an older bird does explain his subdued behaviour. Thanks again

[Heather_Bird]

Well I think you should be very glad that you found one another regardless of size or eye colour! So glad to hear that he is doing so well and sorry I can't give you a more definitive answer. He sounds like a star anyway.

All the best,

Heather

[Tashk]

Whatever he is, he is beautiful. And I think I want him!!!