Eastern Rosella

01 · Identification

How to tell it apart

Measuring 28 to 33 cm, the Eastern Rosella is a strikingly colourful, medium-sized parrot defined by its vibrant red head, neck, and upper breast, which contrast sharply against prominent white cheek patches and a pale bill. The lower breast is bright lemon-yellow, fading into a pale green belly. Its back and shoulders display a distinctive scalloped appearance, created by black feathers edged with lime-green or golden-yellow. The wings and outer tail feathers are a striking violet-blue, while the long central tail feathers are dark green. Females and juveniles appear noticeably duller than males; females typically possess a pale stripe on the underside of the wing, visible during their characteristic undulating flight. This species is highly vocal, emitting a metallic, piping "pink-pink" contact call and various musical, flute-like whistles when perched. In flight, they often produce a rapid, rising "pi-pi-pi-pi-pi." Foraging in pairs or small family groups, they feed on the ground for grass seeds and in the canopy for fruit, blossoms, buds, and nectar. Their flight pattern consists of a series of rapid wingbeats followed by a short glide, usually finishing with an upward swoop to land. Widespread across south-eastern Australia and Tasmania, the Eastern Rosella prefers open country and lightly timbered environments over dense forest. It is a frequent sight in eucalypt woodlands, agricultural land, and suburban areas like parks and golf courses. To distinguish it from similar species, observe the cheek patches: the Crimson Rosella has blue cheeks and a mostly red body, while the Pale-headed Rosella lacks the red head and breast. In Western Australia, the similar Western Rosella is distinguished by its yellow cheek patches.

Description · BirdUp · CC BY-SA 4.0

1. 01

   Stark white cheek patches

   Large, clean white patches contrast sharply with the red head, making them highly diagnostic.

2. 02

   Bright red head and upper breast

   Forms a solid, vibrant 'hood' and 'bib' that covers the entire head down to the chest, a striking feature.

3. 03

   Yellow lower breast to pale green abdomen

   This vibrant yellow-green gradient creates a striking tricolour body plumage below the red upper breast.

4. 04

   Scalloped yellow-on-black back

   Back and scapular feathers are black with broad, bright yellow-green edges, creating a distinctive scaled pattern.