Bird guideWestern Rosella

The damage attributed to the species at introduced fruit and grain crops saw them declared as a pest and permitted by the state to be killed or captured.

⚠️Not listed
🌿Endemic to Australia

At a glance

FamilyOld World Parrots
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatCoastal waters, beaches, estuaries, harbours, islands, and offshore waters depending on season.
Best timeMost reliable in Western Australia from September to January.

Sounds

Sound sample
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Recorded by Marc Anderson

Range map

Range map

541visible hotspots
12579visible records
2states
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

The only rosella found in southwestern Western Australia, where it inhabits open woodland habitats and parks, usually feeding on the ground. Adult mottled green and black (or red) above, with red underparts and crown, blue rump, and blue wings. Adult male has more intense colors than female; juvenile lacks yellow cheeks and is more extensively green. Two subspecies exist, varying in back color: the inland subspecies has a green-and-black back, the southwestern subspecies a red-and-black back.

Behavior

Call is a slow, ringing double note; also gives chattering calls.

Regional timing

Western Australia
Peak: September to January12,542 records
Victoria
Peak: August3 records
New South Wales
Peak: February2 records
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