Bird guideCrimson Rosella

The main distinction between these is size: nigrescens is the smallest of the three and melanoptera is the largest; both are slightly darker than the nominate race.

⚠️Not listed
🌿Endemic to Australia

At a glance

FamilyOld World Parrots
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatIt is commonly found in, but not restricted to, mountain forests and gardens.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.

Sounds

Sound sample
0:000:00
Recorded by Marc Anderson

Range map

Range map

5020visible hotspots
471604visible records
3states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

Note diagnostic blue cheek regardless of form (the Green Rosella of Tasmania also has blue cheeks but the two species’ ranges do not normally overlap). Juvenile much greener than adult, attaining a blotched mixed plumage as they transition to adult. Found in a wide range of habitats in southeastern Australia. In many locations it is accustomed to humans and can be quite tame.

Behavior

Contact call is a familiar two-toned whistle.

Regional timing

Victoria
Peak: January to December180,042 records
New South Wales
Peak: August to May148,943 records
Queensland
Peak: October to November25,200 records
South Australia
Peak: October to December34,097 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: March to May83,276 records
Western Australia
Peak: July to August16 records
Northern Territory
Peak: October41 records
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