Eastern Rosella

Overview

The Eastern Rosella is common across open woodland, grassland, and parkland of southeastern Australia, including many urban and suburban areas. Its bold, multi-colored pattern makes it one of the most recognizable rosellas.

• Slim body with a long, graduated tail
• Distinctive white patch on the cheek
• Often seen foraging on the ground as well as in trees

Feather Identification

Head, throat, and breast feathers are bright red, with a clean white patch on the cheek. Back feathers are yellow-green, each broadly edged in black, producing a strongly scalloped pattern; the wings show patches of blue, and the rump is a paler yellow-green.

• Flight feathers: Blue-edged primaries and secondaries
• Tail feathers: Long, blue-green, graduated, with the central feathers longest
• Cheek patch: The clean white cheek patch is a key mark separating this species from the Crimson Rosella, which lacks a white cheek and instead shows blue

The combination of a red head/breast, black-scalloped yellow-green back, and white cheek patch is diagnostic for the Eastern Rosella.

Sexes are similar, though females and immatures often show slightly duller red and a smaller or less clean white cheek patch. Juveniles are notably duller overall, with more green mixed into the head and breast, brightening as they mature over the first year or so. Molt is gradual through the year.

This species occupies open woodland, grassland with scattered trees, farmland, and parkland across southeastern Australia and Tasmania. It is largely resident, though some local seasonal movement occurs in response to food availability.

Eastern Rosellas often forage on the ground for seeds as well as in trees for fruit, blossoms, and seeds. They nest in tree hollows, with the female typically incubating while both parents help feed the chicks. Calls include a bell-like, ringing contact call along with harsher chattering notes, especially when disturbed.