IT'S the time of year when fledgling rainbow lorikeets leave their nests and learn to fly.

Throughout the south-east and Mornington Peninsula regions, the colourful birds known as the clowns of the avian world can provide hours of entertainment for birdwatchers.

Their single piping call for attention is a chance for residents to spot the species' playful antics as they feed, take a bath, learn to fly or put on courtship displays.

The best place to find lorikeets is near shrubs and trees that produce nectar, says Leonie Gale of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife.

"They use their bristle brush tongue to get sweet, gooey nectar and pollen from deep down in the bottom of native flowers. Like a young child with an ice-cream cone, they get the nectar and pollen all over their heads."

The foundation runs a Backyard Buddies program, which shows people how to get more enjoyment from native animals in backyards, including encouraging rainbow lorikeets to visit.

"The best thing is growing native plants such as banksias, grevilleas and bottlebrushes in your garden," Ms Gale said.

"Rainbow lorikeets often feed at the same time every day so you can learn when to look out for their acrobatic behaviour as they hang upside down to reach the pollen and nectar."

Nectar from the flowers gave birds energy and the pollen provides protein.

But people should avoid giving lorikeets other kinds of food, such as biscuits, bread or seeds as they may become dependent and become less inclined to forage in the wild.

"The birds can die from fits induced after eating seeds and grain, so it's important to let them eat food on native plants."

Installing a bird bath is another way to attract lorikeets and provides great entertainment as they splash around to clean sticky nectar off their feathers.

"Rainbow lorikeets are such colourful parrots that it is hard to mistake them for other species. They can often be difficult to see when they're in a tree, and it's their raucous screeching, squeaking and chattering rather than their plumage that lets you know they are around.