Pale-headed Rosella.
Photo: N Lazarus © N Lazurus
Distribution map of Platycercus adscitus
Map © Birds Australia Birdata
Pale-headed Rosella
Scientific name: Platycercus adscitus
Family: Psittacidae
Order: Psittaciformes
- Featured Bird Groups
- Parrots
What does it look like?
Description
The Pale-headed Rosella is a medium-sized, broad-tailed parrot, with a pale head and all white, or blue and white cheek patches. The underbelly is mainly blue, with red under the tail. The back is yellow with dark flecks. The female is similar, though slightly duller, with an off-white underwing stripe. There is marked geographical variation, with differences in the depth of colour and the facial patch. This is a noisy and conspicuous parrot, except when feeding.
Similar species
The Pale-headed Rosella is very similar to the Eastern Rosella, Platycercus eximius, which has a bright red rather than yellow head. The two species are often found together and may hybridise (breed together, blending characteristics).
Where does it live?
Distribution
The Pale-headed Rosella is endemic to north-eastern and eastern Australia.
Habitat
Pale-headed Rosellas are found in savanna woodlands, lightly timbered woodlands with a grassy understorey, tree-lined watercourses and agricultural lands.
Seasonal movements
Movements are poorly known and the Pale-headed Rosella is usually considered to be resident.
What does it do?
Feeding
Pale-headed Rosellas feed mainly on the ground, but also in trees and shrubs. They mainly eat seeds and fruits of grasses, shrubs and trees, as well as flowers, insects and their larvae. They feed more often in shade than in sunlight.
Breeding
Pale-headed Rosellas make their nests in the hollows of either dead or living trees, usually in eucalypts, or hollow stumps and posts. The nest is often near water. The eggs are laid on wood dust. Only the female incubates, though a few days after hatching the male helps with feeding the young.
Living with us
Living with humans
Pale-headed Rosella numbers may be affected by illegal trapping for the bird trade, especially the blue-cheeked race. The species may also have benefitted from the thinning of heavy forests.
References
Crome, F. and Shields, J. 1992. Parrots and Pigeons of Australia. Angus and Robertson/National Photographic Index of Australian Wildlife, Sydney.
Higgins, P.J. (ed) 1999. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 4 (Parrots to Dollarbird). Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
Beruldsen, G 2003. Australian Birds: Their Nests and Eggs. Self-published, Queensland.