Eastern rosella
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Platycercus eximius
Population size
Unknown
Life Span
27 years
Weight
95-120
3.4-4.2
goz
g oz 
Length
30
12
cminch
cm inch 

The Eastern rosella (Platycercus eximius) is a colorfull parrot native to Australia and Tasmania. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the Pale-headed rosella (P. adscitus).

Appearance

The Eastern rosella has a red head and white cheeks. The beak is white, and the irises are brown. The upper breast is red, and the lower breast is yellow fading to pale green over the abdomen. The feathers of the back and shoulders are black and have yellowish or greenish margins giving rise to a scalloped appearance that varies slightly between the subspecies and the sexes. The wings and lateral tail feathers are bluish while the tail is dark green. The legs are grey. The female is similar to the male though duller in coloration and has an underwing stripe, which is not present in the adult male. Juveniles are duller than females and have an underwing stripe.

Distribution

Geography

Continents
Countries
Introduced Countries
Regions
Biogeographical realms

Eastern rosellas are found in eastern Australia, including Tasmania. They prefer to live in lightly wooded country, open forests, woodlands, gardens, bushlands, and parks.

Eastern rosella habitat map

Climate zones

Eastern rosella habitat map
Eastern rosella
Public Domain Dedication (CC0)

Habits and Lifestyle

Eastern rosellas are diurnal birds usually seen in pairs or in small groups. They mainly feed on the ground and enjoy bathing in puddles of water.

Seasonal behavior
Bird's call

Diet and Nutrition

Eastern rosellas are herbivores (frugivores, granivores, nectrarivores) and carnivores (insectivores). Their diet consists of fruit, seeds, flowers, nectar and insects.

Mating Habits

MATING BEHAVIOR
REPRODUCTION SEASON
spring, summer
INCUBATION PERIOD
19 days
FEMALE NAME
hen
MALE NAME
cock
BABY NAME
chick
web.animal_clutch_size
2-9 eggs

Eastern rosellas are monogamous and mate for life. They usually breed in spring but if needed summer as well. The sign Eastern rosellas mostly show that they are ready to breed is that the partners give food to each other. These birds nest in cavities, generally high in older large trees in forested areas. Their breeding hollow is 1 meter (3 ft) deep and 30 meters (98 ft) high up a tree. The female lays 2-9 eggs and incubates them for about 19 days. During this time the male regularly brings food to the female. The chicks are altricial at hatching. They are blind and helpless and require parental care. They remain in the nest for approximately 32 days and can be fed by parents for a while after fledging.

Population

Population threats

This species doesn’t face any major threats at present.

Population number

According to IUCN Red List, the Eastern rosella is common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are increasing.

References

1. Eastern rosella Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_rosella
2. Eastern rosella on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22685126/93059555
3. Xeno-canto bird call - https://xeno-canto.org/698757

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