Eastern Rosella

SPECIES Eastern Rosella
TAXONOMY Platycercus (Violania) eximius
STATUS Least Concern (RedList.org); Least Concern (ala.org.au)

The Eastern Rosella is also known as the Rosella, the White Cheeked Rosella, or the Rosella Parakeet. It can be distinguished by its red head and white cheek patches. With recorded sightings as early as the 1790s, they are found throughout eastern and southern Australia and eastern Tasmania. They were introduced into New Zealand in the early 1900s. 

Habitat
These brightly coloured parrots are found in open woodlands, grasslands, and remnant bushland. They will happily venture into urban areas as long as food is available. 

Feeding
Predominantly a ground feeder, it will seek out seeds and small insects. They are known to feed in trees as they look for seeds, fruits, buds, flowers, and nectar. They will wander locally in search of seasonal food sources.When eating either on the ground or perched in a tree, they usually hold the food by their right foot. 

Behaviour
In the wild, they are usually in pairs or small groups feeding or flying in small flocks. Their flight is undulating and close to the ground. They will glide upward into trees and fan their tails as they land. They are not timid and often allow people to approach close enough to admire their beautiful feathers. 

They have several different vocalisations which include:

  • A sharp call in flight;

  • A three syllable whistle on an ascending scale;

  • Metallic and piping notes at rest;

  • Shrill screech when startled; and,

  • Soft chattering or babbling whilst feeding.

The Eastern Rosella is one of Australia’s favourite pet parrots and will live up to 25 years in suitable environments. It is intelligent, has a rich personality, and can often be cheeky and full of surprises. If taught at a young age, they have the ability to mimic simple words and melodies.

Appearance
Widely known for its vivid colours and intricate patterns, the Eastern Rosella is unique in the parrot world because of the black scalloping on the feathers along the back; and a prominent pale patch on the cheeks extending to the throat. Their head, neck, and breast are red. Their shoulders are bright blue. They have yellow and green upper parts with a yellow underbody. The rump is blue-green and the undertail is red. Their flight feathers are blue. The tail feathers are long and a mix of blue and green. The females are duller with a green tinge to the head.

Considered as medium sized, the body is slightly chubby and has a small head. They measure up to 30 cm and weigh 100 grams. with a small head and up to 30 cm long and weighing 100 grams. Their long tails and large wingspan appear slightly out of proportion to their body size.

Reproduction
Eastern Rosellas mate for life. The female will choose and prepare the nesting site which is usually a hollow in an old growth eucalyptus tree. They have been known to improvise when there is a shortage of trees. Eggs are laid and the female will incubate the eggs while the male regularly feeds her. Both will be responsible for feeding the young until mature.

  • Clutch size: 4 to 8

  • Incubation period: 19 days

  • Time in nest: 32 days

Threats
Despite their vibrant colouring, the patterns in their feathers act as camouflage and they are difficult to see when in the treetops. This is effective in avoiding detection by potential predators.

However, the risks that they face are caused by deforestation and trapping. Eastern Rosellas are known to feed on fruit and other crops and are targeted in order to protect agricultural operations. They are also trapped in large numbers for the aviculture trade.

Updated 5 May 2021