Green Rosella

Overview

The green rosella, also known as the Tasmanian rosella, is a species of parrot native to Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands. As the largest species in the Platycercus genus, it is a common bird across its range, though the King Island subspecies is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss.

Identification

• Plumage: Yellow head, neck, and underparts with a red band above the beak, violet-blue cheeks, and a back that is mostly black and green.
• Size: The largest rosella, measuring 29 to 36 cm in length with a long tail and narrow wings.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Females have duller yellow plumage, more prominent red markings, and a smaller bill than males.
• Juveniles: Predominantly dark green plumage with dark brown bases on the feathers.

Habitat

Found in a wide range of habitats with tree cover up to 1500 m above sea level, including temperate rainforest, woodland, and urban parks. The species is sedentary and common across Tasmania, though it has become rare on King Island due to land clearing.

Diet

Predominantly herbivorous, feeding on seeds, berries, nuts, fruit, and flowers, with a particular preference for eucalypt seeds. Birds forage in the canopy or understory, often holding food in their left feet to break open shells or extract edible parts.

Did you know?

Green rosellas have nested in human-made structures such as chimneys and wall cavities, including a recorded instance at the Port Arthur convict prison site in 1958 and 2009.