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Species description
Rosella (Platycercus eximius) is a medium-sized Australian parrot. Body length up to 30 cm, wing up to 15 cm, weight about 80–130 g. Upper back is black with narrow yellow-green edging on feather margins and a greenish-yellow lower back. Neck and breast are bright red, the lower breast vivid yellow; belly and rump light green. Wings are lilac-blue with black spots; tail feathers are blue, paler toward the tips, with white spots on the outer tail feathers. Females are duller: cheeks are grayish-white, a green-mottled triangular patch extends onto the nape, and head and bill are smaller than in males.
Range
Native to southeastern Australia and the island of Tasmania. Common across mosaic open landscapes and human-modified habitats.
Lifestyle and diet
Prefers savannas, edges, large urban parks, and farmland. Feeds on seeds of wild and cultivated grasses (clover, alfalfa, wheat) and on fruits (pears, apples). Flight is undulating with frequent wingbeats; reluctant to travel long distances. Walks confidently on the ground. Voice is loud but not harsh; males whistle melodically during the breeding season.
Breeding
Nests in cavities of large branches and trunks; sometimes uses holes in earthen banks, posts, or fences, usually low above ground. Courtship involves the male circling the female, fluffing plumage, fanning the tail, and vocalizing, followed by courtship feeding. Clutch size is 4–6 (occasionally up to 9) white eggs laid at 1-day intervals. Incubation begins with the 2nd–3rd egg and lasts 22–24 days; the female remains in the cavity while the male feeds her. Chicks hatch blind with pale down, fledge at ~30 days, and receive parental feeding for another 10–15 days.
Keeping in captivity
Readily habituate to people, calm and not noisy. Can learn a few words or simple tunes. With proper care, live for 30+ years and can breed in aviaries.
Classification
The species includes three subspecies: P. e. diemensis (Tasmania; smallest, very bright white cheeks, more intensely colored head and breast), P. e. eximius (length 32–33 cm; yellow-green underparts and green rump; black back feathers with yellow edging), and P. e. elecica. Some authors additionally recognize P. e. ceciliae with pure yellow back feathers lacking a black center and a yellow underside.
Buy a rosella: ordering and shipping
At our farm you can purchase rosellas. Delivery across Ukraine. To confirm availability and shipping, contact via Viber, Telegram, or by phone 050-182-27-27.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rosella suitable for beginners?
Yes, provided it has an aviary or safe room flights and daily interaction.
What should I feed at home?
A quality medium-parrot seed mix, sprouts, greens, vegetables, a little fruit, mineral supplements, and fresh water at all times.
Can they be kept as a pair?
Yes. Pairs reduce boredom and settle faster; single birds need more owner time for bonding.