Crimson Rosella
Platycercus elegans
The Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans) is a common old world parrot found in 12 countries, weighing about 124 g. The crimson rosella is a parrot native to eastern and south eastern Australia which has been introduced to New Zealand and Norfolk Island.
About the Crimson Rosella
The crimson rosella is a parrot native to eastern and south eastern Australia which has been introduced to New Zealand and Norfolk Island. It is commonly found in, but not restricted to, mountain forests and gardens. The species as it now stands has subsumed two former separate species, the yellow rosella and the Adelaide rosella. Molecular studies show one of the three red-coloured races, P. e. nigrescens, is genetically more distinct.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Platycercus elegans is a medium-sized Australian parrot at 36 cm (14 in) long, much of which is tail. There are seven subspecies, three of which are actually crimson. The red is replaced by yellow in the case of var. flaveolus and a mixture of red, orange and yellow in the Adelaide rosella. Adults and juveniles generally show strikingly different colouration in south-eastern populations, with predominantly greenish-olive body plumage on the juvenile, most persistent on the nape and breast. Juveniles are said to 'ripen' as they get older and turn from green to red.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Germany, Portugal, France, Belgium, Czechia, United Kingdom, United States, Chile, Spain.
When to see it
The Crimson Rosella can be seen all year round, with peak activity in October. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Crimson Rosella?
- Platycercus elegans is a medium-sized Australian parrot at 36 cm (14 in) long, much of which is tail. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Crimson Rosella?
- The Crimson Rosella is a medium sized bird weighing about 124 g.
- Where can you see a Crimson Rosella?
- The Crimson Rosella occurs in 12 countries, including Australia, New Zealand and Réunion.
- What birds look similar to a Crimson Rosella?
- The Crimson Rosella is most easily confused with the Eastern Rosella, the Pale-headed Rosella and the Green Rosella.
- Is the Crimson Rosella endangered?
- The Crimson Rosella is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Crimson Rosella for real
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