Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All Australia Tanami East Drunken Australian Parrots

Drunken Australian Parrots

The Australian lorikeets that like to tie one on in an annual drinking binge.

Tanami East, Australia

Added By
Rachel James
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

We Are Missing a Photo

Add your photo to inspire and guide future explorers!

Add Photos

About

During the wet season in Australia, residents prepare for the invasion of these small, colorful parrots that engage in some very colorful behavior.

Exhibiting telltale signs of hitting the bottle, including sudden lack of coordination, falling out of trees, and a vicious hangover, these lorikeets are most likely indulging in fermented berries from Schotia brachypetala, more commonly known as the "Drunken Parrot Tree." While scientists fear there is possibly a virus affecting the birds as well, it's clear that the bird booze is at least part of the problem.

The red-collared lorikeet seems to have this unfortunate problem only during Australia's wet season, through October and November. Delightful, friendly teetotalers throughout the year, these small parrots suddenly become sluggish, clumsy, and to their detriment, fearless of would-be predators. After a few days of fratboy behavior, the birds become ill, with the typical signs of a hangover, and while concerned specialists try to quarantine and care for as many as possible, sadly quite a few of the birds die.

While it's amusing to imagine these bright little guys stumbling over each other and slurring their parrot drinking songs, it is a troubling mystery for the local animal hospitals and bird experts. Signs that a virus exist include respiratory problems and mucus discharge, as well as the "hangovers" lasting longer than they should. 

Until the strange puzzle of this ailment is unraveled, the best that animal caretakers can do is round up the little drunkards and provide a safe place for them to have a good lie down until the effects wear off, and then they are released back into the wild.

Related Tags

Plants Animals

Community Contributors

Added By

Rachel

Edited By

Martin

  • Martin

Published

November 25, 2012

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/drunk-animals-inebriation-in-the-wild.htm
  • http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10203845
Drunken Australian Parrots
Tanami East, 0852
Australia
-19.491411, 132.55096

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Australia

Australia

Oceania

Places 610
Stories 94

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Australia

Australia

Oceania

Places 610
Stories 94

Related Places

  • View of one of the cactus lined paths at the botanical garden.

    Cadereyta de Montes, Mexico

    Jardín Botánico Regional de Cadereyta

    An alluring, arid botanical garden home to a bewildering variety of cacti both endangered and common.

  • The dominance of ferns reveals the fragile mini-ecosystem on the north slope of Fern Ridge.

    Elkader, Iowa

    Fern Ridge Unit

    This tiny site in Iowa, part of a patchwork national wildlife refuge, is home to ancient flora and fauna.

  • Small beaches along the Potomac River

    Indian Head, Maryland

    Chapman State Park

    A state park that once served as an important river crossing, and now offers protected lands for endangered plants and animals.

  • Flamingoweiher

    Mainz, Germany

    Stadtpark Mainz

    Along the banks of the River Rhine lies a park that seems unassuming, but beneath the surface lies a long and fascinating history.

  • A water dragon suns itself on a ledge

    Sydney, Australia

    Water Dragons of the Chinese Garden of Friendship

    Native Australian lizards inhabit this garden celebrating Sydney and its sister city in China.

  • This Big One

    Kaukauna, Wisconsin

    This Big One

    The remnants of this Douglas fir predate Columbus's arrival in North America.

  • Vale of Cashmere.

    Brooklyn, New York

    Vale of Cashmere

    This secluded ruin was once a home for exotic plants.

  • Butterfly garden.

    Mexico City, Mexico

    Mariposario Chapultepec (Chapultepec Butterfly Garden)

    You can release a young butterfly at this beautiful indoor garden.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.