BirdUp · Species
Western Rosella
Platycercus icterotis(Temminck & Kuhl, 1820)
Updated
- Order
- PSITTACIFORMES
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Platycercus
At a glance
The Western Rosella is a medium-sized bird, about 25–30 cm long, endemic to Australia. It can be seen year-round.
- Size
- 25–30 cm
- Origin
- Endemic
- Best seen
- Year-round
- Commonness
- Endemic
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does a Western Rosella look like?
The Western Rosella is a medium-sized bird, about 25–30 cm long and weighing 28–86 g.
The western rosella, or moyadong, is a species of parrot endemic to southwestern Australia. The head and underparts are bright red, and the back is mottled black; a yellow patch at the cheek distinguishes it from others of the genus Platycercus. Adults of the species exhibit sexual dimorphism with the females duller overall; juveniles lack the striking colours of mature birds and the characteristic patterning is not as easily distinguished. Their communication call is a softly delivered pink-pink sound, and much of their behaviour is comparatively unobtrusive. Their habitat is in eucalypt forests and woodlands, where they often remain unobserved until they appear to feed on seeds at nearby cleared areas.
Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
03 · When
When to look
When can you see a Western Rosella?
The Western Rosella is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does a Western Rosella eat?
The Western Rosella feeds on fruit and seeds, usually foraging in pairs or flocks.
06 · Gallery
Plumage up close
5 photos
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