Eastern Rosella vs Green Rosella

Eastern Rosella

Platycercus eximius

How to recognise an eastern rosella?

General appearance

The eastern rosella is a medium-sized parrot known for its stunningly colorful plumage. It has a red head and white cheeks, with black and bright yellow back and shoulders. The underparts are yellowish to blue-green transitioning to a greenish-blue tail. The wings showcase a mix of bright blue and crimson shades. This parrot's bill is white, eyes brown and legs grey.

Male vs female

Males and females of this species are similar in coloration but can be differentiated by size and features. Males tend to be slightly larger, with a broader head and beak. Their plumage is also more vibrant than females', particularly the reds and blues. Additionally, the skin around the male's eye is bare and white, whereas the female’s is feathered.

Juvenile

Juvenile eastern rosellas resemble adults, but their coloring is duller. Their bill is a pale blue-grey, becoming white as they mature. The coloring on their chest is also more greenish compared to adults and they lack the stark white cheeks, which develop over time. Their eyes are a darker brown than adults.

Size

11.0 - 12.6 in/3.4 - 4.2 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The Eastern Rosella primarily inhabits open woodlands, gardens, parks and agricultural lands in southeastern Australia, including Tasmania.

Additional range

Outside primary range, Eastern Rosellas adapt to urban areas and have also been introduced successfully to New Zealand and Indonesia.

Range Map

What do eastern rosellas like to eat?

Natural diet

Eastern rosellas primarily consume seeds, fruits, flowers, and nectar from a variety of plants. Their diet in the wild includes seeds from grasses, shrubs, and trees. They are also known to eat insects and their larvae, providing a source of protein. These birds forage both in the trees and on the ground, selecting accessible food items.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, eastern rosellas are commonly attracted to seed mixes formulated for parrots or other small birds. They particularly enjoy sunflower seeds, millet, canary seed, and oats. Additionally, they may be offered fruits such as apples and pears, as well as leafy greens and vegetables like corn and peas. Providing a variety of seeds and fresh produce ensures they receive balanced nutrition.

What does an eastern rosella sound like?

The Eastern Rosella is known for its loud, clear, piping call, commonly rendered as "fwitch-a-will". They produce a variety of chirrups, twitters, and soft chattering when feeding. When alarmed, they may give a shrill screech. While they are not known for their melodic song, these birds are capable of mimicking human speech and other sounds when kept in captivity. Their vocalizations tend to be more frequent and louder at dawn and dusk.

Call

Audio by Oceancetaceen Alice Chodura

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

Call

Audio by Oceancetaceen Alice Chodura

/ CC BY-SA 3.0

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Green Rosella

Platycercus caledonicus

Also known as: Tasmanian Rosella

How to recognise a green rosella?

General appearance

The Green Rosella, or Tasmanian Rosella, possess a unique coloration that is primarily green, with patches of blue on the head and wings. It also has a conspicuous yellowish stomach. With a size up to 37 cm, they are considered the largest rosella species. They have round bodies, broad tails and strong beaks, equipping them perfectly for their native environment in Tasmania and Bass Strait islands.

Male vs female

Sexual dimorphism is difficult to detect in Green Rosellas. Both genders share the same coloration. However, adult males tend to be slightly larger in size and possess a larger beak compared to females. Due to these slight variations, an experienced breeder or a DNA test is usually needed to determine gender accurately.

Juvenile

Juvenile Green Rosellas have a more muted coloration compared to adults, their green color is less vibrant and they lack the yellow belly. Furthermore, their beaks are initially more orange compared to the whitish color seen in adults. As they mature, they gradually acquire the distinctive adult coloration. Their full colouring, size, and gender traits will be fully recognisable after 12-18 months.

Size

11.4 - 14.2 in/3.2 - 5.8 oz

Habitat

Primary habitat

The green rosella primarily inhabits Tasmania and surrounding islands. Its preferred habitat includes rainforests, woodlands, and shrublands.

Additional range

The green rosella has adapted to a variety of climates and can also be found in unexpected environments, such as suburban gardens and farmlands.

Range Map

What do green rosellas like to eat?

Natural diet

The green rosella primarily feeds on native seeds, fruits, flowers, berries, and insects. Common natural food sources include eucalyptus seeds, acacia seeds, and a variety of native fruits like those from the cherry ballart and native laurels. It uses its strong beak to extract seeds from cones and pods and also consumes nectar from flowering plants.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, green rosellas are known to consume a variety of seeds including sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. They may also enjoy fruits such as apples and pears offered at feeders. Additionally, they might feed on specially formulated parrot pellets and are sometimes attracted to the nectar of nearby flowering plants if present.

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Eastern Rosella

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Green Rosella

Eastern Rosella

Platycercus eximius

General appearance

The eastern rosella is a medium-sized parrot known for its stunningly colorful plumage. It has a red head and white cheeks, with black and bright yellow back and shoulders. The underparts are yellowish to blue-green transitioning to a greenish-blue tail. The wings showcase a mix of bright blue and crimson shades. This parrot's bill is white, eyes brown and legs grey.

Male vs female

Males and females of this species are similar in coloration but can be differentiated by size and features. Males tend to be slightly larger, with a broader head and beak. Their plumage is also more vibrant than females', particularly the reds and blues. Additionally, the skin around the male's eye is bare and white, whereas the female’s is feathered.

Juvenile

Juvenile eastern rosellas resemble adults, but their coloring is duller. Their bill is a pale blue-grey, becoming white as they mature. The coloring on their chest is also more greenish compared to adults and they lack the stark white cheeks, which develop over time. Their eyes are a darker brown than adults.

Size

11.0 - 12.6 in/3.4 - 4.2 oz

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Green Rosella

Platycercus caledonicus

Also known as: Tasmanian Rosella

General appearance

The Green Rosella, or Tasmanian Rosella, possess a unique coloration that is primarily green, with patches of blue on the head and wings. It also has a conspicuous yellowish stomach. With a size up to 37 cm, they are considered the largest rosella species. They have round bodies, broad tails and strong beaks, equipping them perfectly for their native environment in Tasmania and Bass Strait islands.

Male vs female

Sexual dimorphism is difficult to detect in Green Rosellas. Both genders share the same coloration. However, adult males tend to be slightly larger in size and possess a larger beak compared to females. Due to these slight variations, an experienced breeder or a DNA test is usually needed to determine gender accurately.

Juvenile

Juvenile Green Rosellas have a more muted coloration compared to adults, their green color is less vibrant and they lack the yellow belly. Furthermore, their beaks are initially more orange compared to the whitish color seen in adults. As they mature, they gradually acquire the distinctive adult coloration. Their full colouring, size, and gender traits will be fully recognisable after 12-18 months.

Size

11.4 - 14.2 in/3.2 - 5.8 oz

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How to tell the Eastern Rosella from the Green Rosella

Visual differences

The Eastern Rosella is medium-sized, weighing 3.3-4.2 oz, and measures 11-12.6 inches, featuring a striking red head, white cheeks, and a mix of black, yellow, and blue-green plumage. The Green Rosella is larger, reaching 11.4-14.6 inches and weighing 3.2-5.8 oz, with primarily green plumage and patches of blue and a yellow belly. While both species have strong beaks, the Green Rosella's is larger and stronger. Overall, Eastern Rosellas are more vividly colored, while Green Rosellas exhibit more uniform green and muted tones.

Key differences and behavior

Eastern and Green Rosellas are both sociable yet differ in habitat and behavior. Eastern Rosellas adapt well to urban areas, often seen in southeastern Australian gardens and parks, while Green Rosellas prefer Tasmania's rainforests and woodlands but also venture into suburban areas. Eastern Rosellas are bold and curious, likely approaching humans, whereas Green Rosellas are more chatty and gather in larger flocks, often over 20, outside breeding seasons. Both species feed on seeds, fruits, and insects, but Green Rosellas are more likely to extract seeds from pods with their stronger beaks. For nesting, Eastern Rosellas utilize nest boxes if available, contrasting with Green Rosellas' preference for natural tree hollows, especially in mature Eucalypts. In courting, both engage in mutual preening, though only Eastern Rosellas perform elaborate wing displays. Both species incubate eggs for about three weeks, with chicks fledging after five. Eastern Rosellas' diet also includes nectar, while Green Rosellas favor native fruits.