Western Rosella
Photo: Trish Meyer © Trish Meyer
Distribution map of Platycercus icterotis
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Western Rosella
Scientific name: Platycercus icterotis
Family: Psittacidae
Order: Psittaciformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Parrots
What does it look like?
Description
The Western Rosella is the smallest rosella and is usually seen in pairs or small parties. However, it is quiet and easily overlooked. The head, neck and underbody of males are mostly red, while those of females and juveniles are mottled red. The cheek patch is yellow or cream. There are two subspecies which vary by: (1) the size and colour of the cheek patch (creamier and smaller in xanthogenys), (2) the colour of the scalloping on upper body (green and black, with red only on the hindneck for icterotis; red and black for xanthogenys), and (3) the extent of red on the underbody. The two subspecies may interbreed, with varying colour on the back. The flight is light and fluttery and less undulating than in other rosella species. This species is also known as the Yellow-cheeked or Stanley Rosella.
Similar species
The Western Rosella is the only rosella with yellow cheek patches.
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Western Rosella is only found in the south-west of Western Australia. There are two sub-species, with the nominate, icterotis, confined to the south-west coast, and the other, xanthogenys, found in the wheat belt.
Habitat
Western Rosellas are found in open eucalypt forest and timbered areas, including cultivated land and orchards. The nominate icterotis is found in high rainfall areas and the other subspecies, xanthogenys, in drier woodland, with a heath understorey.
What does it do?
Feeding
Western Rosellas mainly eat the seeds of grasses and other plants, as well as fruits, flowers, insects and their larvae.They feed on the ground, in the foliage of trees and shrubs, in open areas of pasture, on roadsides, golf courses, stubble paddocks and on spilt grain.Breeding
Western Rosellas choose a nest hollow in a limb or tree trunk, usually one metre or more deep, with wood dust in the bottom. They may even nest in a hollow stump or post. The female incubates the eggs, leaving the nest in the morning and late afternoon to be fed by the male.
Living with us
Living with humans
Western Rosellas may damage fruit in orchards and were earlier killed as vermin. They are now protected from destruction, except with a special licence. They are possibly declining in the wheat belt from loss of woodland.
References
Crome, F. and Shields, J. 1992. Parrots and Pigeons of Australia. Angus and Robertson/National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Higgins, P.J. (ed) 1999. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 4 (Parrots to Dollarbird). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Morcombe, M. 2000. Field guide to Australian Birds. Steve Parish Publishing.
Beruldsen, G 2003. Australian Birds: Their Nests and Eggs. Self-published, Queensland.