Eastern Rosella

The Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius) is the most colourful of the broad-tailed parrots with strong, undulating flight often close to the ground. They are often seen in open forests and woodlands with adjacent grasslands. They are easily identifiable by their bright scarlet head and upper body with brillian white cheek patches, and bright green/turquiose rump in flight.

Eastern rosellas feed mostly on seeds, foraging on the ground but will also raid cultivated fruit and nuts in orchards, but is also a good "seed-weeder".

The eastern rosella breeds for August to November. They nest in tree hollows, occasionally in logs or fence posts. The female incubates 4 to 7 eggs alone. Full plumage colour appears after 12 months.

There are records of interbreeding with pale-headed rosellas. (Contributed by Jo G.)