Pale-headed Rosella

Overview

The pale-headed rosella (Platycercus adscitus) is a broad-tailed parrot native to northeastern Australia. It is a moderate-size bird that readily adapts to human-modified landscapes and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Plumage: Predominantly pale blue underparts with a pale cream-yellow head and upper breast, and white cheeks that are partly blue in the northern subspecies.
• Back: Nape and back feathers are black edged with bright yellow, creating a distinct scalloped appearance.
• Size and Structure: Approximately 33 cm long, including a 15 cm tail; features a pale blue-white bill and dark grey legs.
• Markings: The vent is blood red, and the tail is blue-black with green.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Females are slightly smaller and duller in appearance than males.

Habitat

Found in open woodland and forest across northeastern Australia, ranging from the Cape York Peninsula south to northeastern New South Wales. The species has adapted well to modified rural landscapes and is common throughout its range.

Diet

Feeds on grass and tree seeds and fruits, including species such as river red-gum, river she-oak, and snow-in-summer. It is particularly partial to the introduced Scotch thistle.

Did you know?

Although it nests in hollows of large trees up to 30 m above the ground, it has also been observed nesting in tree trunk hollows located under the ground.