Crimson Rosella

Overview

The crimson rosella (Platycercus elegans) is a medium-sized parrot native to eastern and south-eastern Australia, which has also been introduced to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. The species currently subsumes two former separate species, the yellow and Adelaide rosellas, and is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Medium-sized parrot approximately 36 cm long, with a large proportion of the length being tail.
• Predominantly red plumage in the nominate race, with blue cheeks, black-scalloped blue-margined wings, and a predominantly blue tail.
• Pale grey bill and dark brown iris.
• Juveniles in south-eastern populations are greenish-olive, most persistent on the nape and breast, and ripen to red as they age.

Habitat

Found from sea level up to the tree line, primarily in forests and woodlands, with a preference for older and wetter forests including temperate, subtropical, and tropical rainforests. They are common in coastal and mountain forests and adapt to human-affected areas such as farmlands, parks, gardens, and golf courses, though they are rarely found in treeless areas.

Diet

Forages in trees, bushes, and on the ground for fruit, seeds, nectar, berries, and nuts from families such as Myrtaceae, Asteraceae, and Rosaceae. They also consume insects and larvae, including termites, aphids, beetles, weevils, caterpillars, moths, and water boatmen. Despite consuming seeds, they crush and destroy them, making them ineffective as seed-spreaders.

Did you know?

Crimson rosellas can identify birds of their own subspecies based on smell. During the breeding season, they are their own worst enemies, as it is common for females to fly to other nests and destroy eggs, which is the most frequent cause of hatching failure.