Green Rosella, Platycercus caledonicus
Green Rosella
(Photo by Dave Watts)Description
A common, endemic bird well known to many Tasmanians, the Green Rosella is Australia's largest rosella (330-370mm). The upperparts are dark mottled green and black, the head, neck and underparts are yellow. There is a red forehead patch above the beak and a blue cheek patch. The wings have a blue shoulder patch.
Females are slightly duller, while juveniles are mainly green.
Habitat
The Green Rosella occurs throughout a wide range of forest types, from the mountains to the coast.
Diet
Although its diet consists largely of seeds, it also feeds on fruits, buds and berries, nectar, insects and larvae. It often comes to the ground to feed.
Breeding
Breeding occurs during spring and summer, and 4-8 white eggs are laid in the hollow of a trunk or limb of a tree. The female alone incubates the eggs. She is fed by the male.
Call
The call is a two note, harsh 'cossick - cossick'.
Distribution
Found in suitable habitat throughout Tasmania.