Green Rosella

The Green Rosella, or Tasmanian Rosella (Platycercus caledonicus), is a parrot native to Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands. It is the largest of the rosella genus, Platycercus, measuring a substantial 37 cm in length. The species exhibits a vibrant yellow underparts, neck, and head, accented with a striking red band above the beak and violet-blue cheeks. The back is predominantly black and green, while the tail feathers boast hues of blue and green.

Identification Tips

Adult Green Rosellas can be identified by their yellow heads and underparts, with blue cheeks and a red band on the forehead. The back is black with green margins, and the tail is dark green with blue outer feathers. Males and females have similar plumage, though females may have duller yellow and more pronounced red markings, as well as a smaller beak. Juveniles display predominantly green plumage.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of tree-covered habitats up to 1500 meters above sea level, including rainforests, eucalypt forests, woodlands, and even urban parks and gardens.

Distribution

The Green Rosella is commonly found throughout Tasmania and on nearby islands such as Maria, Bruny, and Maatsuyker. It is a sedentary bird, with no significant migratory patterns observed.

Behaviour

Green Rosellas are typically seen in pairs or small groups. They exhibit a straight-line flight pattern with rapid, shallow wingbeats. Their social behavior includes gathering in larger groups, particularly outside the breeding season.

Song & Calls

The species has a distinctive two-syllable contact call, often transcribed as "kussik kussik" or "cossack cossack," and a rising "kwik-kweek" when perched. They may also emit a chattering call during courtship and screech when alarmed.

Breeding

Green Rosellas usually breed at two years of age, with the season spanning from September to January. They nest in tree hollows, laying clutches of four to five white eggs. The female incubates the eggs alone, and the chicks fledge after four to five weeks.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Green Rosella is primarily herbivorous, consisting of seeds, berries, nuts, fruit, flowers, and occasionally insect larvae and insects such as psyllids. They forage in the canopy or understory, and occasionally on the ground for fallen food.

Conservation status

The Green Rosella is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population across a large range. However, the King Island subspecies is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and competition for nesting sites.

Aviculture

While not a popular aviary bird, the Green Rosella is known to be hardier than other rosella species. They require large aviaries and a diet low in sunflower seeds to prevent weight gain.