Eastern Rosella

Platycercus eximius

The eastern rosella is native to south-eastern Australia and Tasmania. It inhabits open landscapes and woodlands and, having adapted well to human environments, is also commonly found in urban parks. Its brightly coloured plumage, with striking shades of red, yellow and blue, is particularly distinctive. In its native habitat, however, these vivid colours provide surprisingly effective camouflage among the light and shadows of eucalyptus trees.

Eastern rosellas usually live in pairs or small groups. They feed mainly on seeds, fruits and herbs, but also eat insects. As cavity nesters, they usually raise their young in tree hollows, often relatively close to the ground.