It is one of the most dazzling parrots in Australia and Tasmania, and it looks like it flew straight out of a painter’s palette. With its scarlet-red head and chest, bright white cheeks, yellow belly, green back, and splashes of cobalt-blue on its wings and tail, this bird is an explosion of color. No two shades seem wasted—the Eastern rosella looks like a moving rainbow darting through open woodlands, gardens, and farmlands. Unlike some of its rowdier parrot cousins, it has a relatively calm and cheerful personality, which makes it a favorite among birdwatchers and backyard visitors.

While many brilliantly colored birds stick to dense rainforests, these rosellas are happy in open environments, from grassy fields and farmlands to suburban parks. They spend much time on the ground, hopping in pairs or small groups as they feed on seeds, fruits, flowers, and insects. Their strong beaks allow them to crack open tough seeds, while their love for grass seeds often brings them into contact with farmers, where they’re sometimes seen as cheeky crop thieves. Still, their bright plumage and cheerful presence usually win them more fans than foes.

Socially, Eastern rosellas are quite fascinating. Unlike big, noisy cockatoos that gather in raucous flocks, rosellas are usually seen in pairs or small groups, reflecting their close pair bonds. They are monogamous, often sticking with one mate for years, and during the breeding season, they nest in tree hollows. The female stays inside to incubate the eggs while the male brings her food, showing off a cooperative parenting style. Their young hatch as fluffy chicks and grow into their brilliant adult colors over time, making the species a joy to watch through all stages of life.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Australia

2024

New Zealand

2024

Introduced