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Eastern Rosella |
Sightings
Eastern Rosellas can be seen in the Narrabri area on a regular basis, without being as abundant as other species (such as e.g. Australian King-Parrots or Mallee Ringneck Parrots). Eastern Rosellas are more common in the hill ranges east of Narrabri.
Sighted by us on a trip to the east of the dividing range, in the area from Armidale to Dorrigo, New South Wales. In April 2006 we saw hundreds of them on a trip through the Nandewar range, in the area from roughly Barraba to the Upper Horton Valley.
Usually more around humans in the winter season; during the summer seen much less frequently.
In 2007 the first fledglings were seen in late August, at roughly the same time as those of various ducks.
Photos
Frontal view of an Eastern Rosella 20 km east of Narrabri, New South Wales (click on image for full-size display)
Lateral view of an Eastern Rosella 20 km east of Narrabri, New South Wales (click on image for larger version)
The same bird as above, now with its head turned (click on image for larger version)
Eastern Rosella taking a bath
Lateral view of an immature Eastern Rosella (click on image for higher-resolution version)
Habits
In the region where their habitats overlap, i.e. northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, Eastern Rosellas and Pale-headed Rosellas can interbreed. The hybrids have intermediate colours (the size and colour of the yellow and red patches on their heads and breasts vary).
Pair of Eastern Rosella (bottom) and Pale-headed Rosella (top) in a White Cedar tree, 20 km south of Narrabri, New South Wales
Almost frontal view of a hybrid Eastern/Pale-headed Rosella 20 km east of Narrabri, New South Wales (click on image for larger version)
View from behind of a hybrid Eastern/Pale-headed Rosella (click on image for larger version)
Slightly different posture (click on image for larger version)
Here a very young Rosella of mixed parentage, 25 km west of Narrabri, New South Wales. It is a mix between an Eastern Rosella and a Pale-headed Rosella (click on image for larger version)
A portrait of the little chick is available here.
