Type of Rosella?

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Birdyboys
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Type of Rosella?

Hi
I'm new here and came across this site whilst trying to identify this bird that is a regular visitor to my backyard, along with it's mate. I think they might be Pale Headed Rosellas, but they have a patch of red on their head not a pale head as in the description, they also have the red under their tails. Hope the pictures come out ok & that someone can tell me what they are.

Thank you.
Char

ed
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Hi Char

Pale Headed Rosella? Denis could be right maybe a hybrid, but if you are seeing more than one they could be imms (see below) The blue cheeks indicate a northern bird? 'Morcombe' says 'imm. duller than females often with some grey or red on head'. Could be a imm PHR.

Ed

Ed Townsville NQ

ed
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Char, Denis,

Took me a while to find these, Taken Dec 05 in my Townsville garden.
It looks like 'Morcombe' is right.

Ed Townsville NQ

Birdyboys
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Thank you to Denis & Ed for your responses. It is most appreciated.

I'm in Central Qld on the coast so the blue cheeks in the Northern area makes sense.

There is definately 2 of these birds and there are also 2 others - but these have the pale head, that come as well. They are very timid birds but are starting to get used to me having a perve!

Please excuse my ignorance - but is imms = immature, and who is Morcombe.

Once again - thanks very much.

Char

ed
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Char

Yes imm = immature.

Morcombe = Michael Morcombe, Field Guide to Australian Bird.

My garden birds are also very timid. Sounds like you have a family visiting. The birds in our area are 'intergrades' between the race adscitus (blue cheeked)north of Cairns and the southern race (northern NSW) palliceps(pale headed). Originally considered seperate species.

Ed

Ed Townsville NQ

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