Crimson Rosellas are medium-sized colourful parrots with distinctive blue cheek patches. There are three types, each of which has a distinctive appearance.
A repeated ‘wik, wik’ or ‘chalk, chalk’ given in flight, and a piping ‘who-he-who’ when perched. Bird call recorded by: Khristos Nizamis from xeno-canto.
The Crimson Rosella is found throughout south-eastern Australia, as well as parts of eastern Australia, from South Australia round to south-eastern Queensland, and patchily farther north in Queensland. Introduced birds also widespread on Norfolk Island.
There are several populations of the Crimson Rosella.
Habitat: Forest, Woodland
The Crimson type usually inhabits forests and woodlands, generally in older and wetter eucalyptus forests. Also in farmland and urban areas.
The Yellow type is generally found in forests and woodlands along the banks of rivers, especially in River Red Gums. Sometimes also in wooded farmland.
The Adelaide type can be seen in a variety of timbered habitats.
Behaviour
Adult Crimson Rosellas usually occur singly, in pairs or small groups, but juveniles may form much larger flocks, especially in autumn and winter. When forming pairs, the male sometimes feeds the female. Pairs remain together throughout the year, and are seldom seen apart.
Feeding
Crimson Rosellas mainly feed on seeds, but also eat fruit, flowers and buds. They forage on the ground, or in shrubs or trees.
Breeding
Crimson Rosellas nest in tree hollows, usually in a eucalypt, though occasionally nest boxes, hollow fence posts and cavities in buildings are used. They lay up to eight white eggs, though usually three to five, which are incubated by the female only.
Once hatched, the chicks are fed by both parents, and stay in the nest for just over a month.
Conservation
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Illustration by Angharad Neal-Williams.
