Eastern Rosella

Overview

The eastern rosella (Platycercus eximius) is a parrot native and endemic to south-eastern Australia that has also become naturalised in New Zealand. It belongs to the genus Platycercus and is categorised as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Length of 30 cm with a red head, white cheeks, and brown irises.
• Red upper breast fading to yellow and pale green over the abdomen.
• Back and shoulders feature black feathers with yellowish and greenish margins, creating a scalloped appearance.
• Bluish wings and lateral tail feathers, a dark green tail, and grey legs.

Habitat

Native to south-eastern Australia, the species is now established in New Zealand's North Island and the hills around Dunedin in the South Island. It prefers open areas and agricultural land, often living along the edges of open forests, shelter belts, gumlands, and orchards. In urban environments, it favours well-maintained lawns such as gardens and golf courses.

Diet

As an arboreal bird, the eastern rosella feeds on grass seeds, buds, flowers, nectars, fruits, and insects, with records of consumption from 50 plant and 15 animal species. It forages on both native and non-native plants, including eucalypts, ngaio, willow, poplar, and karaka.

Did you know?

Eastern rosellas are highly territorial and may destroy the eggs of conspecifics nesting too closely to their own. They can produce up to twelve offspring per season by laying up to two broods.