Eastern Rosella

Description

In southeastern Australia's farmland or sparse forests, the Eastern rosella is abundant and eye-catching with its bright colours. It is often kept as a caged bird. The male and female stay together for life. It is one of Australia's 56 parrot species.

Appearance

The Eastern rosella is about 30 centimetres long and has a head with white cheeks. The belly is bright yellow, and the long tail is green-blue, as are the wings. The back is striped in yellow-black. The white beak is another characteristic.

Similar bird

The white-cheeked rosella has the same white cheek patches as the Eastern rosella, but its head is yellow.

Sounds and songs

In flight, it makes sharp, one—or two-syllable calls; from the trees, it can chatter in longer phrases and occasionally whistle.

Diet

Plants and seeds from many species, including eucalyptus. Insects are also part of the diet. Fruit growers are not happy about the plundering of fruit trees.

Nest

The Eastern rosella prefers to nest in a cavity in a eucalyptus tree, but holes in other types of trees, wooden poles, or on the ground can also work.

Geographic range

It lives in the southeastern corner of Australia.

Summer Resident Winter