Rosella (Platycercus eximius)
The rosella - a parrot species of the order Psittaciformes. Body length up to 30 cm, wing length up to 15 cm; weight about 80–130 g. The upper back is black, each feather edged with green-yellow, lower back greenish-yellow. Neck and chest are bright red, lower chest bright yellow. Abdomen, undertail, and thighs are light green. Wings are lilac-blue with black spots; tail feathers are blue, lighter at the tips, with white spots on the ends of lateral feathers. The undertail is light green. Females are duller, with grayish-white cheeks, a green-mottled triangular patch on the upper neck, and smaller head and beak than males.
Range
Native to southeastern Australia and Tasmania.
Lifestyle and behavior
Inhabits open landscapes such as savannas, large parks, and areas with human activity. Diet includes seeds of wild and cultivated grasses (clover, alfalfa, wheat), fruits (pears and apples). They can damage crops but also provide benefits by consuming weeds and harmful insects. Flight is undulating with frequent wing beats; they rarely fly long distances. Rosellas move easily on the ground. Voice is fairly loud but not unpleasant; during breeding, males emit melodic whistles almost like singing. This bird belongs to the category of parrots.
