Unmistakable, Colourful, Medium-sized Parrots… Eastern Rosellas

By Keith Hutton on August 8, 2014 in Other

Eastern Rosellas were first recorded at Rose Hill (now Parramatta), where they were initially known as Rose Hill Parakeets. The word Rosella is believed to be a corruption of Rose Hill, and now refers to a group of similar broad-tailed parrots that are represented in all states and mainland territories of Australia, and characterised by distinctive white, blue or yellow cheek patches. Over a century ago an Australian food processing company registered Rosella Foods as its business name and adopted the Eastern Rosella as its trademark; this attractive logo still remains a familiar brand in supermarkets today.

Eastern Rosellas are medium-sized parrots about as big as feral pigeons. Adult males are unmistakable and very colourful, with a red head, neck and breast, and white cheek patches. Upperparts are scaly yellow and black with distinct blue shoulders and a lime-green rump prominent in flight. Underparts are mostly yellow with a light green belly and red under the tail. There are no seasonal variations and females are similar to males, but less resplendent, and with patchy green crowns. Juveniles are like adult females, but with more green on the head and nape.

Moist and semi-moist lowland areas of southeast Australia are where Eastern Rosellas are generally common and largely sedentary. They are endemic in Australia but have established themselves in New Zealand following introductions there. In Victoria and eastern NSW they are widespread. Their main range extends into southern Queensland and southeast SA, with an isolated population in the Adelaide region that may have originated from aviary escapes. Open grassy forest, woodland and shrub communities are the traditional habitats for Eastern Rosellas.

Seeds, blossoms, nectar, fruit, and insects and their larvae – in varying amounts, depending on season and availability – are their preferred food items. They feed in pairs, small parties or flocks of 25-30 birds, mostly on the ground where they frequently associate with Crimson Rosellas and Red-rumped Parrots. When disturbed they retreat noisily into nearby trees; flight is then close to the ground, swift, strong and undulating, with alternating bursts of rapid shallow wing beats and gliding dips. When landing they sweep upwards into trees, their red heads prominent, lime-green rumps so bright they appear to fluoresce, and their dark fanned tails showing clear white edges.

Overall, Eastern Rosellas appear to be well established, successful and secure. They have benefitted from clearing for agriculture and development of open grassy areas with windbreaks, scattered trees and shrubs. Roadsides, parks, gardens and golf courses in urban areas are all acceptable new habitats. Sometimes they raid cereal and sunflower crops, or orchards for ripe fruit. As a consequence many were shot or trapped in the past, or their young were taken for rearing as cage birds. Furthermore, they still suffer losses due to exotic predators and road kills. Nevertheless, they remain common in suitable areas, and reporting rates have increased over the last 20 or 30 years with no significant changes in regional distribution.