Australian Parrots

The Eastern Rosella is native to Australia and can be found along the south-eastern of coast of Australia, from Queensland to Tasmania and south-east to South Australia.

SUBSPECIES: There are three subspecies of the Eastern Rosella:

v P.e. eximius (Eastern Rosella),

v P.e. cecilae (Gold-mantled Rosella), and

v P.e. diemenensis (Tasmania Rosella).

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The head, throat, nape and upper breast of the Eastern Rosella are a brilliant red with contrasting white cheeks. Beneath the brilliant red of the chest are beautiful yellow feathers that gradually merge into a lovely lime like green. This lime like green continues on the birds back and down to their green and blue tail feathers. Their wings start with a wonderful scalloped pattern of black, leopard like, spots that cover a composition of various green and yellow which filters into the wonderful mix of blues and purple of the flight feathers. The under base of the tail is the same brilliant red of the head which offsets the various shades of green and blue tail feathers Their feet and bill are a grayish colour. Females are similar but have a duller appearance with more shades of green and are slightly smaller in size. The females also tend to have an under wing stripe.

HABITAT: The Eastern Rosella is generally found in lightly wooded areas. This little bird has been very successful in adapting too many man made environments such as farms, parks and golf courses. Many of my friends enjoy feeding wild rosies in their backyards. They like to feed early in the morning and dusk. The Eastern Rosella is often seen feeding on the ground and in the trees, and generally in pairs or little groups. Sometimes they will be seen in large flocks, usually at the end of their breeding season.

STATUS: Common
DIET: The Eastern Rosella feeds mainly on seeds, but also on fruits, buds, flowers, nectar and insects.
Many sites recommend a combination of small parrot seed mix, striped sunflower seeds (not too many), Hulled Oats, Canary Seed, and Japanese and White Millet, as a basis for their seed diet, while other sites recommend parrot pellets or a combination of both. What ever your choice, make sure that your Eastern Rosella received a daily serve of various fresh fruits and vegetables, sprouts, nuts, flowers, berries and nectar. It is very important that any uneaten or spoilt fruit is removed as soon as possible, through out the day to prevent contamination and fermentation, especially during hot humid weather. You should also supplement their diet with soaked and sprouted seed, seeding grasses, seed heads, and even egg and biscuit mix.

Rosellas need a source of protein, which can be obtained with insectivore mixes, insect larvae, mealworms or a protein powder. You also need to maintain adequate levels of vitamins and minerals, there are many types of mineral and vitamin blocks available. I use a mineral perch. Don’t forget the benefits of cuttlefish and shell grit.

Eucalypts branches, leaves and flowers are a natural source of food but when placed throughout their enclosure they also become an important source of entertainment and exercise. Mental stimulation is extremely important for all birds in captivity. It is best to keep all food utensils about one metre above the ground. They also enjoy a dish of water for bathing or they will try to use their drinking water Change their water every day, and frequently clean their cage or aviary to prevent contamination

SIZE: Eastern Rosellas are about 30 cm in length and weigh from 90 to 120 gm.

TEMPERAMENT: The beautifully coloured plumage of the Eastern Rosella makes it a stunning inhabitant for your aviary and they usually breed well in captivity. The Eastern Rosella can be a rather curious little bird and have been known to become aggressive if not housed as a single pair. Many species of wild Rosellas will accept seeds and fruits from food trays and bowls left out for wild birds by suburban households.

PET STATUS: Every rosella has its own personality and some can make fantastic companions but can be easily spooked. They don’t always cope with the life of a family pet and even hand-raised birds might struggle. They aren’t cuddly birds and will often bite when handled. A pet rosella will require a lot of social interaction and mental stimulation. This should include consistent and rich interaction and loads of toys and activities to maintain their mental health.

A pet Rosella will quickly revert back to less social behaviour if left alone but more importantly your bird will suffer emotionally. If you don’t think you will have the time then you really should consider purchasing a pair and house them in an outside aviary where you can admire their beauty and antics at a distance. Many breeders believe that Rosellas are better of housed in aviaries with minimal human socialisation.

ABILITY TO TALK: Eastern Rosellas are very intelligent and can be learn to whistle a large selection of tunes. A friend’s pet bird really enjoys whistling a number of popular tunes and is particularly good at the Mickey Mouse song. Unlike many other Australian parrots they have a limited ability to talk but some have learnt to speak a few words or expressions.

LEVEL OF NOISE: The Eastern Rosella is relatively quiet bird when housed alone, but can be become much more vocal when living with or near other birds. Each Rosella has its own call, and their song varies depending on what they are doing.

LIFE SPAN: The rosella is said to live 15 years or more.

References: (Viewing date – 22^nd June 2008)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Rosella

http://www.birdkeepinginaustralia.com/articles/article26.html

http://www.birdcare.com.au/rosellas.htm

http://www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au/wdal/pdfcreate.aspx?dn=DROvIuU6Gec%3d

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