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Rosella
Adult crimson rosella (P. elegans)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittaculidae
Tribe: Platycercini
Genus: Platycercus
Vigors, 1825
Type species
Psittacus pennantii[1]
Latham, 1790
Species

Rosellas /roʊˈzɛləz/[2] are in a genus that consists of six species and nineteen subspecies. These colourful parrots from Australia are in the genus Platycercus. Platycercus means "broad-tailed" or "flat-tailed",[3] reflecting a feature common to the rosellas and other members of the broad-tailed parrot tribe. Their diet is mainly seeds and fruit.

Taxonomy

[edit]

The genus was described by naturalist Nicholas Aylward Vigors in 1825; the name Platycercus derived from the Greek platykerkos meaning "broad-" or "flat-tailed", from platys "broad, wide, level, flat" and kerkos "tail of a beast".[3][4][5] The relationships with other parrots have been unclear, with the Australian ringneck (genus Barnardius) cited as a closest relative by some, and the genus Psephotus by others; the plumage of the western rosella seen as a link to the latter genus.[6]

Comparison of Platycercus heads in Gould's Synopsis (1837).

Early European settlers encountered the eastern rosella at Rose Hill, New South Wales, now Parramatta, and so they called it the Rosehill parrot[7] which became "Rosehiller", and eventually "rosella".[8] Vigors defined the genus Platycercus in 1825, based on the distinctive architecture of the feathers in the tail and wing, and designated the crimson rosella Platycercus elegans (as Platycercus pennantii) as the type species.[4] The description as a flat or broad tail follows Heinrich Kuhl, who separated his psittacine specimens to a group with tails that were "narrow and cuneated", that is, a tapering wedged outline.[5]

There are, broadly speaking, three groups of rosella species. They are the blue-cheeked species which includes elegans and caledonicus, the white-cheeked species, eximius, adscitus and venustus and the yellow-cheeked species, icterotis. The observed difference in plumage has been reinforced by molecular studies in 1987 and 2015 that place the icterotis as a basal offshoot.[9]

There are six species and many subspecies:[10] Ovenden and colleagues analysed mitochondrial DNA, confirming the blue-cheeked and white-cheeked lineages. They found P. caledonicus to be basal to the other blue-cheeked forms, with P. elegans nigrescens being divergent from other subspecies of P. elegans. Also, P. venustus was basal to P. eximius and P. adscitus.[9] However, a mitochondrial study published in 2017 found that P. eximius was the earlier offshoot of the lineage that split into P. adscitus and P. venustus, and that nonsister taxa were hence able to hybridise.[11] In 2015, Ashlee Shipham and colleagues published a molecular study based on nuclear DNA finding that P. venustus and P. adscitus were sister species, and that P. elegans nigrescens diverged earlier than P. caledonicus.[12]

Genus Platycercus – Vigors, 1825 – six species
Common name Scientific name and subspecies Range Size and ecology IUCN status and estimated population
Green rosella

Platycercus caledonicus
(Gmelin, 1788)

Two subspecies
  • Platycercus caledonicus brownii, (Kuhl 1820)
  • Platycercus caledonicus caledonicus, (Gmelin 1788)
Tasmania
Map of range 		Size: 37 cm (15 in) long, the largest rosella. It has a yellow head and underparts with blue cheeks and a red frontal band above the bill. The feathers on the back and inner wings are black with narrow green margins at their tips, and the outer wing feathers are blue and green. Rump olive and the tail green. Irises are dark brown and the bill is light grey.[13]

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Crimson rosella

Platycercus elegans
(Gmelin, 1788)

Eight subspecies
  • Platycercus elegans elegans, (Gmelin 1788)
  • Platycercus elegans flaveolus, Gould 1837
  • Platycercus elegans fleurieuensis, Ashby 1917
  • Platycercus elegans melanopterus, North 1906
  • Platycercus elegans nigrescens, Ramsay, EP 1888
  • Platycercus elegans subadelaidae, Mathews 1912
  • Platycercus elegans adeleidae, Gould, 1841
  • Platycercus elegans filewoodi, McAllan & Bruce, 1989
East and Southeast Australia
Map of range 		Size: 36 cm long, 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.

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Northern rosella

Platycercus venustus
(Kuhl, 1820)

Two subspecies
  • Platycercus venustus hilli, Mathews 1910
  • Platycercus venustus venustus, (Kuhl 1820)
Gulf of Carpentaria, through Arnhem Land to the Kimberleys in open savannah country, Australia.
Map of range 		Size: 28 cm long, forehead, crown and nape are black in colour with white-on-blue cheek-patches. The back and wing feathers are blackish with yellow borders, while the feathers of the belly, chest and rump are pale yellow with black borders giving rise to a scalloped appearance, tail is bluish green. The bill is pale grey.

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Pale-headed rosella

Platycercus adscitus
(Latham, 1790)

Two subspecies
  • Platycercus adscitus adscitus, (Latham 1790)
  • Platycercus adscitus palliceps, Lear 1832
Eastern Australia Size: 30 cm long, mostly covered in blue except for the upper breast and head which are cream-yellow, the tail is blue-black and green, and an area around the vent is red.

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Eastern rosella

Platycercus eximius
(Shaw, 1792)

Three subspecies
  • Platycercus eximius diemenensis, North 1911
  • Platycercus eximius elecica, Schodde & Short 1989
  • Platycercus eximius eximius, (Shaw 1792)
Australia and Tasmania. Introduced to New Zealand where feral populations are found in most of the North Island and the hills around Dunedin in the South Island[14]
Map of range 		Size: 30 cm (12 in) long. Red head and white cheeks. The upper breast is red and the lower breast is yellow fading to pale green over the abdomen. The feathers of the back and shoulders are black, and have yellowish or greenish margins giving rise to a scalloped appearance that varies slightly between three subspecies and the sexes. The wings and lateral tail feathers are bluish while the tail is dark green.[15]

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Western rosella

Platycercus icterotis
(Temminck & Kuhl, 1820)

Two subspecies
  • Platycercus icterotis icterotis, (Temminck & Kuhl 1820)
  • Platycercus icterotis xanthogenys, Salvadori 1891
Southwest Australia Size: 26 cm (10 in) long, the smallest rosella. The male is mainly red with yellow cheek patches, green rump, and a dark green tail. The female is duller, with a mainly green head, reddish forehead, yellow cheeks, and variegated green-red underparts. Colours of scalloped back feathers differ between two subspecies. The bill is whitish and the irises are dark brown.[15]

Habitat:

Diet: 		 LC 


Description

[edit]
Green rosella in Tasmania. It is the largest rosella at 37 cm (14.5 in) long

Ranging in size from 26–37 cm (10–14+1⁄2 in), rosellas are medium-sized parrots with long tails.[13] The feathers on their backs show an obvious scalloping appearance with colouring that differs between the species.[13] All species have distinctive cheek patches.[13] Sexual dimorphism is absent or slight – males and females generally have similar plumage, apart from the western rosella.[6] The juveniles of the blue-cheeked species, and western rosella, all have a distinctive green-based plumage, while immature plumage of the white-cheeked species is merely a duller version of the adults.[6]

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

Rosellas are native to Australia and nearby islands, where they inhabit forests, woodlands, farmlands, and suburban parks and gardens. They are confined to the coastal mountains and plains and are absent from the outback. Introduced populations have also established themselves in New Zealand (notably in the North Island and in north Dunedin) and on Norfolk Island.

Behaviour and ecology

[edit]

Rosellas feed predominantly on seeds and fruit, with food held in the foot. They enjoy bathing in puddles of water in the wild and in captivity.[16] Rosellas scratch their heads with the foot behind the wing.[16]

Mutual preening is not exhibited by the genus, and the courtship display is simple; the male waves his tail sideways, and engages in some head bobbing, and the female reciprocates.[6]

Like most parrots, they are cavity nesters, generally nesting high in older large trees in forested areas. They generally have a clutch size of several eggs which are incubated for around 21 days by the female alone. The male feeds the female through this time and for some time after incubation concludes. Quickly covered in a white down, chicks take around five weeks to fledge.[6]

Aviculture

[edit]

The more colourful rosella species are popular as pet parrots and also as aviary birds. They can live for longer than 20 years, and they are relatively easy to breed.[17] All have a reputation for being aggressive in captivity, and are hence recommended be kept separate from other caged birds. Their diet in aviculture includes seeds, fruit such as apple, pear, and grapes, and vegetable matter such as lettuce, grass, and silver beet.[16]

References

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Cited texts

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rosella

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The rosella () is a of six of parrots in the family , native primarily to with one species also occurring in . These medium-sized, slender birds measure 29–37 cm in length and are renowned for their striking, multicolored plumage featuring combinations of red, blue, green, and yellow, often accented by distinctive white cheek patches. The genus name Platycercus derives from words platys (broad or flat) and kerkos (), referring to the characteristic broad, rounded tail feathers shared by all species. Rosellas inhabit a range of environments including open eucalypt woodlands, grasslands, farmlands, and urban parks, where they forage on the ground or in trees for seeds, fruits, berries, , and . Species distribution varies across the continent: the (P. eximius) is widespread in southeastern and , the (P. elegans) occupies eastern and southeastern regions including color variants like the yellow and rosellas, the (P. icterotis) is confined to southwestern , the (P. caledonicus) is endemic to and islands as the largest in the , the northern rosella (P. venustus) resides in , and the (P. adscitus) spans and southern . All are considered of least concern by conservation assessments, though habitat loss poses ongoing threats. Behaviorally, rosellas are typically seen in pairs or small flocks, exhibiting agile flight and a diet that supports their role as dispersers in ecosystems. They nest in hollows, with females incubating clutches of 4–8 eggs for about 19–22 days, and both parents care for the young. Rosellas are popular in due to their beauty and relative hardiness, though they require spacious aviaries and a varied diet to thrive in captivity; the eastern and species are among the most commonly kept.

Taxonomy and Systematics

Genus Classification

The genus Platycercus was established by in 1825, with P. elegans (the ) designated as the based on the distinctive broad-tailed feather structure observed in Australian parrot specimens. The name derives from the platys (broad or flat) and kerkos (tail), alluding to the characteristic long, broad tails shared among in the . Within the order Psittaciformes, Platycercus is classified in the family , subfamily Platycercinae, and tribe Platycercini, encompassing broad-tailed s primarily endemic to and . This placement reflects its close phylogenetic ties to other Australian parrot radiations, including the ringneck parrots (Barnardius), with which it forms a sister diverging approximately 10.5 million years ago, as well as broader affinities to lorikeets (subfamily Loriinae) within the same family. Early phylogenetic insights into Platycercus came from an allozyme analysis by Christidis et al. (1991), which examined protein loci across Australo-Papuan parrots and highlighted genetic distances supporting the of the genus within Platycercini. Subsequent studies using sequencing, such as Shipham et al. (2015), analyzed cytochrome-b and other markers to resolve relationships, revealing discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear data but confirming deep divergences within the genus. A 2017 multilocus nuclear DNA study by Joseph et al. further clarified these patterns, integrating sequence data to delineate three primary lineages: blue-cheeked (e.g., P. elegans and P. caledonicus), white-cheeked (e.g., P. eximius), and yellow-cheeked (e.g., P. icterotis), with the latter occupying a basal position as an early offshoot in the genus's evolutionary history. These findings underscore mitochondrial capture events influencing lineage boundaries, while nuclear markers provide a more stable framework for taxonomy.

Species and Subspecies

The genus Platycercus encompasses six recognized of rosellas, totaling 17 across the group. These are the (P. elegans), (P. eximius), Northern Rosella (P. venustus), (P. adscitus), (P. icterotis), and (P. caledonicus). The (P. elegans) is divided into six : the nominate P. e. elegans (crimson form from southeastern ), P. e. nigrescens (darker red form from northeastern ), P. e. flammulatus (flame-like markings variant from central eastern ), P. e. melvillensis (yellow form from Melville , with distinct scalloping), P. e. flaveolus (yellow form from southeastern ), and P. e. adiantes (orange/Adelaide form from southern ). The (P. eximius) has three : the nominate P. e. eximius (from southeastern ), P. e. cecilae (golden-mantled form from ), and P. e. elecica (Tasmanian form with reduced red). The Northern Rosella (P. venustus) comprises two : P. v. venustus (nominate from northern ) and P. v. hilli (from the Kimberley region, differing in scallop intensity). The (P. adscitus) includes two : the nominate P. a. adscitus (from northeastern ) and P. a. palliceps (paler head from eastern ). The (P. icterotis) has two : the nominate P. i. icterotis (coastal southwestern ) and P. i. xanthogenys (brighter yellow cheeks in inland southwestern populations). The (P. caledonicus) features two : the nominate P. c. caledonicus (Tasmania and islands) and P. c. brownii (from King ). These are primarily distinguished by variations in intensity, scalloping patterns, and geographic isolation, with molecular data supporting their validity. Phylogenetic analyses reveal three main lineage groupings within the , often aligned with cheek patch coloration as a key differentiator: the blue-cheeked lineage including the and rosellas; the white-cheeked lineage comprising the Eastern, Northern, and Pale-headed rosellas; and the yellow-cheeked lineage represented by the . These groupings reflect evolutionary divergences during the Pleistocene, with nuclear and mitochondrial markers showing close relationships within each —for instance, the white-cheeked form a monophyletic group where P. adscitus and P. venustus are sister taxa, with P. eximius basal to them. Discordance between molecular datasets highlights historical , particularly in the white-cheeked . Natural hybridization is rare but documented among closely related species where ranges overlap, such as between the (P. elegans) and (P. eximius) in southeastern , producing intermediate plumage forms. Similarly, limited occurs between Pale-headed and Eastern rosellas, evidenced by mitochondrial capture, though it does not blur species boundaries significantly. These events underscore the taxonomic stability of the recognized species despite occasional interbreeding.

Physical Characteristics

Morphology and Size

Rosellas exhibit a characteristic morphology typical of medium-sized parrots in the Platycercus, with body lengths ranging from 25 to 37 cm (9.8 to 14.6 in) across , the smallest being the (P. icterotis) at approximately 26 cm and the largest the (P. caledonicus) at 37 cm. Their weights vary from 45 to 170 g, though most fall between 80 and 140 g, reflecting adaptations to arboreal lifestyles in varied Australian habitats. Wing chord lengths measure 14 to 20 cm, contributing to agile flight, while overall wingspans reach 40 to 53 cm in larger like the (P. elegans). A defining feature is the long, tapered tail, which often comprises more than half the total body length—for instance, about 15.5 cm in the 30 cm (P. eximius)—aiding in balance during perching and maneuverability in flight. The is strong and curved, adapted for cracking and nuts, a primary dietary component. Their feet are zygodactyl, with two toes forward and two backward, facilitating secure perching on branches and precise manipulation of food items. Sexual dimorphism in size and structure is minimal across most rosella species, with males typically slightly larger than females by 5-10% in body length and weight, though this variation is subtle and not always diagnostic. An exception occurs in the , where males show marginally greater size differences relative to females, alongside more pronounced contrasts. Juveniles closely resemble adults in overall body structure but possess softer, paler bills—often pinkish or yellowish—that harden and darken within months of fledging, alongside less developed musculature that supports gradual independence in foraging and flight.

Plumage Variations

Rosellas are renowned for their vibrant and varied plumage, featuring characteristic scalloped patterns on the back and wings created by dark feathers edged in contrasting colors, as well as prominent cheek patches that differ by species—ranging from blue and white to yellow. These traits contribute to their visual distinctiveness within the Platycercus genus. Species-specific variations highlight the diversity within the group. The (Platycercus elegans) displays adults with predominantly crimson red , bright cheek patches, black back and wing feathers broadly edged in red for a scalloped effect, -edged flight feathers, and a tail. Juveniles, in contrast, exhibit olive-green to yellowish-olive body while retaining the blue cheeks, gradually transitioning to adult coloration over about 15 months. The (Platycercus eximius) showcases a multicolored palette, including a head, neck, and breast; yellowish-green upper parts with black scalloping; a underbody; rump; undertail; bright shoulders; and distinctive cheek patches. Juveniles are duller overall, with subdued tones in these areas. The (Platycercus icterotis), the smallest species, stands out with predominantly green upperparts, a or cream cheek patch, and a frontal band; the back features dark feathers margined in yellow for scalloping. Males have mostly head, neck, and underbody, whereas females and juveniles show mottled in these regions, marking the most pronounced among rosellas. Sexual dimorphism is largely absent across most rosella species, with males and females exhibiting similar patterns and colors, though females in some cases appear slightly duller. Age-related differences are more evident, as juveniles generally display greener or less intense versions of adult , acquiring full vibrancy through progressive molts. Rosellas typically undergo a single annual post-breeding molt from December to May, which is complete in most individuals and results in brighter, more saturated colors that intensify ahead of the breeding season. In some cases, particularly among females, the molt may be incomplete.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Rosellas of the genus Platycercus are native to Australia, with distributions spanning the mainland, Tasmania, and offshore islands, though no species occurs in New Guinea as previously suggested in some accounts. The genus is absent from New Guinea, where parrot diversity is represented by other genera. Six species are recognized, each with distinct ranges primarily within Australia. The Crimson Rosella (P. elegans) occupies eastern and southeastern Australia, from southeastern Queensland through New South Wales, Victoria, and into southeastern South Australia, extending to Tasmania. The Eastern Rosella (P. eximius) is found across southeastern Australia, ranging from southeastern Queensland southward through coastal and subcoastal New South Wales, Victoria, southeastern South Australia, and eastern Tasmania. The Western Rosella (P. icterotis) is restricted to southwestern Western Australia, primarily in the region's karri and jarrah forests. The Northern Rosella (P. venustus) inhabits northern Australia, from the Kimberley region of Western Australia eastward through the Top End of the Northern Territory to northwestern Queensland, often near watercourses. The Pale-headed Rosella (P. adscitus) is distributed along the northeastern and eastern coasts of Australia, from Cape York Peninsula in Queensland southward to northern New South Wales. The Green Rosella (P. caledonicus) is endemic to Tasmania and the Bass Strait islands, including King, Flinders, and Bruny Islands. Post-European settlement, several species, such as the Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, have expanded their ranges inland due to habitat alterations from land clearing, creating more suitable open woodlands. Introduced populations of rosellas exist outside their native range, primarily in New Zealand. The was first introduced around 1910 in , with subsequent establishments in by the 1920s and in the 1960s; these feral groups remain stable but localized to the and southern areas like . These populations are stable and expanding, particularly in the , with a smaller localized group near in the , as of 2025. The was introduced to New Zealand in the early but is now likely there. On , the (or its local form) was introduced in the from and has since become established. No introduced populations of the are recorded in New Zealand. These non-native distributions are limited and do not overlap extensively with native ranges.

Habitat Preferences

Rosellas primarily inhabit eucalypt-dominated landscapes across , favoring woodlands, forests, farmlands, orchards, and suburban gardens at elevations ranging from to approximately 1,500 meters. These environments provide the structural diversity essential for their ecological needs, including access to food resources and nesting sites. While they generally avoid arid interior regions, their adaptability allows them to thrive in both natural and human-altered settings, such as urban parks and remnant patches. Specific species exhibit distinct habitat preferences shaped by regional ecology. The Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans) is commonly associated with wet sclerophyll forests and tall eucalypt stands, particularly in coastal and mountainous areas where moisture supports dense vegetation. In contrast, the Western Rosella (Platycercus icterotis) occupies open eucalypt forests, including karri and jarrah woodlands, as well as timbered farmlands and orchards in southwestern . The Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius) prefers open grasslands interspersed with trees, sclerophyll woodlands, and cleared agricultural lands, often extending into urban fringes. Rosellas demonstrate key adaptations that enhance their habitat utilization, such as reliance on tree hollows for nesting, which they excavate or repurpose in mature eucalypts for protection and insulation. They across multiple strata, from the canopy for fruits and seeds to the and ground level, optimizing resource exploitation in varied terrain. Their tolerance for human-modified landscapes enables coexistence in parks and gardens, where they exploit supplemental food sources without requiring pristine wilderness. Some rosella populations display nomadic or seasonal movements in response to environmental cues, particularly food availability. For instance, Crimson Rosellas may undertake altitudinal migrations, descending to lower elevations in winter to access more abundant resources, while remaining sedentary in stable coastal s. This flexibility underscores their resilience within preferred habitat ranges.

Behavior and Ecology

Diet and Foraging

Rosellas are primarily granivorous, with their diet consisting mainly of seeds from native such as eucalypts, acacias, and grasses, supplemented by fruits like berries and figs, from flowers, and including larvae and . In the (Platycercus eximius), observations across southeastern revealed consumption of fruits, , and flowers from 82 , alongside gleaned from leaves, particularly during cooler months when plant resources are scarcer. The (P. adscitus) shows a similar herbivorous focus but on fewer (47 ), with less emphasis on ground-level compared to its eastern relative. Foraging occurs both on the ground and in branches or foliage, often in small flocks that enhance detection of sources while minimizing predation risk. Rosellas typically hold items in one foot—predominantly the right—while manipulating and consuming them, a more pronounced during arboreal feeding in shrubs and trees than on the ground. This foot-holding technique facilitates processing larger seeds or fruits, and the exhibits greater ground-foraging tendencies than the more arboreal . Species-specific variations reflect habitat differences; the Western Rosella (P. icterotis) incorporates a higher proportion of insects and their larvae into its diet alongside seeds, fruits, and flowers, foraging extensively on the ground in open southwestern Australian habitats. In contrast, the Green Rosella (P. caledonicus) in Tasmanian highlands favors berries, nuts, and fruits from sclerophyll forests and beech woodlands, often ground-foraging in orchards or understory vegetation up to 1500 meters elevation. The Northern rosella (P. venustus) consumes seeds from eucalypts, wattles, and grasses, along with nectar, fruits, and insects, foraging on the ground in open grassy areas and in tree canopies. Rosellas require regular access to for drinking and bathing, typically sourcing it from , on foliage, or shallow pools to maintain hydration and condition in their often arid or environments.

Reproduction and Social Behavior

Rosellas typically breed during the spring and summer months in , from August to January, with variations by species and location; for instance, eastern rosellas (Platycercus eximius) breed from August to February, while crimson rosellas (Platycercus elegans) breed from September to January. The Northern rosella breeds during the winter, with clutches of 2–5 eggs. These birds form monogamous pairs that often remain bonded for life or multiple breeding seasons, exhibiting strong pair fidelity as evidenced by genetic and behavioral studies on crimson rosellas. involves males performing displays such as tail-waving, head-bobbing, and vocal calls to attract mates, with interactions between pairs often noisy and aggressive, including chasing; elaborate mutual preening is not a prominent feature. Nesting occurs in tree cavities, typically 5–20 meters above the ground in eucalypts or other suitable hollows, where the female selects and prepares the site by lining it with decayed wood dust. Pairs lay a clutch of 4–7 eggs, usually around 5, with the female solely responsible for incubation, which lasts 19–22 days depending on the species—19 days for eastern rosellas and 20 days for crimson rosellas. For the Northern rosella, incubation lasts 19–20 days. The male supports the female by feeding her during this period, and both parents feed the chicks after hatching; fledging occurs after 4–5 weeks in the nest, with young remaining dependent on parents for several additional weeks post-fledging. Northern rosella chicks fledge after about 7 weeks. Outside the breeding season, rosellas exhibit a gregarious , forming loose flocks of 10–20 individuals (occasionally up to 52) for and roosting, though flock sizes can be smaller, often under five birds, particularly for feeding groups of eastern and pale-headed rosellas. The Northern rosella is typically observed in pairs or small groups of 6–8 individuals, rarely up to 15. During breeding, flocks disperse into pairs that display aggressive territoriality, defending a radius of about 30 meters around the nest site through vocalizations and displays. Vocalizations play a key role in social interactions, including soft "pee-ping" chirps for contact, sharp "pink pink" screeches for alarms, and harsher metallic whistles or screeches during territorial disputes or courtship.

Conservation and Threats

Population Status

All species within the genus Platycercus, commonly known as rosellas, are classified as Least Concern on the , with assessments conducted between 2018 and 2024. This status reflects their wide distributions and adaptability to modified landscapes across and introduced ranges, preventing any from meeting criteria for higher threat categories. However, some subspecies face national threats in : the Kangaroo Island Crimson Rosella (P. e. melanopterus) is listed as Vulnerable due to bushfire impacts and habitat loss, and the King Island Green Rosella (P. c. brownii) is also Vulnerable from habitat clearing and competition. Population sizes for most rosella species remain unquantified globally, though they are generally described as common to abundant in suitable habitats. For the (P. elegans), the overall population across its subspecies is estimated to exceed 200,000 individuals, supporting its stable presence in eastern and southeastern . The (P. eximius) maintains large, unquantified populations in its native range, with an introduced population in New Zealand established since the early and now abundant across the , though exact numbers are unavailable. In contrast, the (P. icterotis) has an unquantified but relatively common population, estimated not to fall below 10,000 mature individuals, despite local declines. Trends vary by species but indicate overall stability, with no recorded major extinctions. The shows an increasing trend, benefiting from its versatility in urban and agricultural areas. The and Rosellas (P. caledonicus) exhibit suspected slow declines due to habitat pressures, while the is decreasing locally, particularly its inland (P. i. xanthogenys), which faces near-threatened status from fragmentation in agricultural zones. These patterns highlight rosellas' resilience, as populations persist without rapid declines exceeding IUCN thresholds. Monitoring efforts by BirdLife Australia, including atlas projects and regional surveys, track these dynamics, revealing no systematic schemes but consistent data on distribution and abundance since the early 2000s. These surveys underscore rosellas' adaptability, with stable or recovering abundances in fragmented habitats post-environmental stresses.

Major Threats and Conservation Measures

Rosellas, a genus of Australian parrots (Platycercus), face several anthropogenic threats that impact their woodland and forest habitats. Habitat fragmentation due to agricultural expansion and logging has been a primary concern, particularly for subspecies like the Kangaroo Island Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans melanopterus), where historical clearing has degraded eucalypt-dominated ecosystems essential for foraging and nesting, compounded by recent bushfires leading to its national Vulnerable status. Similarly, the Western Rosella (Platycercus icterotis) experiences habitat loss from agricultural practices that convert native vegetation into cropland, reducing available tree hollows and food resources. Introduced species exacerbate these pressures through competition for nest sites. European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), an invasive cavity-nester, compete with native Australian birds including rosellas for tree hollows and artificial nest boxes in fragmented landscapes. Pesticides applied in agricultural areas threaten Australian native birds by diminishing insect populations, a dietary component for species like rosellas, leading to indirect food scarcity for both adults and chicks. poses additional risks by altering eucalypt flowering patterns, which rosellas rely on for and seeds; projected shifts in temperature and precipitation could disrupt seasonal food availability across their range. Emerging threats include intensified bushfires and urban expansion. The 2019–2020 Australian bushfires severely affected rosella populations, particularly the Kangaroo Island Crimson Rosella, destroying over 64% of monitored tree hollows used for nesting and forcing survivors into suboptimal habitats. Urban development fragments remaining woodlands, increasing and human-wildlife conflicts for species like the , which adapt poorly to highly modified environments. Conservation measures focus on habitat protection and restoration to mitigate these threats. Several rosella and subspecies are safeguarded within Australian national parks, such as the Greater Blue Mountains Area, a that preserves eucalypt forests critical for the Rosella's foraging and breeding. programs in degraded areas have proven effective, with Eastern and Rosellas readily adopting artificial hollows to compensate for lost natural sites; initiatives by organizations like the Arthur Rylah Institute and local councils monitor and install boxes tailored to rosella dimensions. In , where Eastern Rosellas were introduced and now pose risks to native birds through competition and crop damage, populations are unmanaged as unprotected wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1953, with regional councils promoting awareness to limit spread rather than active . Recent efforts include the Action Plan for Australian Birds 2020, which reassessed rosella statuses (mostly Least Concern but with localized vulnerabilities) and emphasized connectivity through corridors to counter fragmentation. Ongoing research addresses , such as studies on post-fire recovery and drought effects on eucalypt-dependent parrots, informing like prescribed burning to enhance hollow availability.

Aviculture

Captive Care

Rosellas require spacious enclosures to thrive in captivity, mimicking their active lifestyle in the wild. A minimum size of 3 meters in length by 2 meters in width and height is recommended to allow for flight and exercise, preventing and behavioral issues associated with confinement. Include natural perches and branches, such as non-toxic , for chewing and climbing, along with a shallow bathing area or dish for daily water play to maintain condition. Outdoor are ideal but must be securely constructed with double wiring to deter predators and escape, and diligent cleaning is essential to reduce disease risks. The diet for captive rosellas should parallel their natural habits of , fruits, and , forming a balanced regimen to support . A high-quality formulated pellet should form the base of the diet (60-75%), with 25-40% consisting of fresh fruits and such as apples, pears, leafy greens like or , and corn; and nuts should be offered sparingly as treats (less than 10%) to avoid and nutritional imbalances, supplemented with calcium sources as needed. Toxic foods like and must be strictly avoided, as they can cause severe illness or death. Provide daily portions of about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of pellets combined with equal amounts of fresh produce to ensure variety and nutritional completeness. In captivity, rosellas have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years with proper care, though this can vary based on and husbandry. Common health issues include due to stress from inadequate or , as well as fungal infections, intestinal worms from ground , and (parrot fever), necessitating regular veterinary check-ups and parasite control. Maintain clean environments and monitor for symptoms like or appetite loss to catch problems early. Rosellas exhibit a bold and inquisitive temperament but can be aggressive and territorial, making them unsuitable for keepers or housing with other species unless in large, supervised setups. They bond strongly with familiar humans if handled daily from a young age, though they may nip or become mischievous if bored, requiring interactive toys and routine to remain tame.

Breeding in Captivity

Rosellas, belonging to the genus Platycercus, typically reach between 12 and 24 months of age, though breeders often wait until the birds are two years old to ensure optimal health and pair compatibility. Successful pairing requires housing compatible individuals in spacious aviaries, ideally at least 3 meters long, to allow for displays and reduce stress. Nest boxes should mimic natural tree hollows, with dimensions approximately 20 cm wide by 20 cm deep by 30-45 cm high and an entrance hole of 6-7 cm in diameter to accommodate the birds while deterring larger predators or competitors. Wood shavings or untreated pine chips serve as suitable bedding material to absorb moisture and support hygiene. Once paired, females lay clutches of 4-6 white , occasionally up to 8, with one produced every 1-2 days during the breeding season, typically triggered by increasing daylight from late winter to spring. Incubation lasts 19-21 days, primarily performed by the while the male provides food at the nest entrance. hatch altricial and are brooded by the hen for the first week, with both parents feeding them regurgitated seeds and soft foods thereafter; fledging occurs around 4-5 weeks post-hatch. If fails or intervention is needed, hand-rearing using commercial formulas such as Tropican or Kaytee Exact Hand Feeding Formula is recommended, starting with a diluted mixture at 95-100°F (35-38°C) fed every 2-3 hours to neonates. Monitoring for issues like crop stasis or aspiration is essential during this process. Breeding success in captivity varies by species, conditions, and management, with reported hatching rates around 45% in some cases for crimson rosellas. Success can be enhanced by maintaining a consistent 12-14 hour photoperiod to simulate natural seasonal cues, alongside a diet rich in sprouted seeds and to support production. Key challenges include inter-pair aggression, particularly among males, which may lead to injuries if aviaries are not visually isolated with double wiring or barriers. Hybridization poses a significant in mixed-species enclosures, as fertile crosses between Platycercus species, such as eastern and crimson rosellas, can dilute pure genetic lines and complicate conservation efforts. Additionally, international trade and export of rosellas are regulated under Appendix II, requiring permits to prevent and ensure sustainability.

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