Eastern Rosella
On our visit last week to the Wittunga Botanic Gardens in the Adelaide Hills, I observed quite an interesting range of birds in the gardens and near the lake. There were plenty of Pacific Black Ducks and Wood Ducks, all clamoring for a piece of the action if any people came along - whether or not they looked like have a picnic. Ducks are ever hopeful of some food handouts.
I saw Eurasian Coots and Dusky Moorhens on the water and two Little Pied Cormorants perching on dead branches sticking out over the water of the lake. Two - perhaps a pair - of Masked Lapwings patrolled sections of the lawned areas used by picnickers. Welcome Swallows swooped low over the water and nearby bushy area. The trees were abuzz with Rainbow Lorikeets in a feeding frenzy. I also saw several Musk Lorikeets, a smaller parrot than the Rainbows but just as noisy. As for the larger parrot species I noticed several Galahs feeding on the lawns while a single Corella, I presume it was a Little Corella, flew overhead at one stage. I didn’t get a close enough look to be certain.
Eastern Rosella
One species I was delighted to be able to see and photograph was the Eastern Rosella. In South Australia this species is mainly confined to the South East region of the state and to parts of the suburbs of Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills. The above photo shows up its brilliant colours. This is one occasion when I didn’t have to chase the bird in question, as it seemed happy to pose for me on the edge of the path.
Two days after taking the above photo, I was surprised to see a single Eastern Rosella at the Murraylands Homes for the Aged in Murray Bridge. I was there visiting my mother-in-law. This is the first time I have recorded this species anywhere near here. My closest other sightings are at least 60km to the west. By its behaviour it could well have been an escapee from someone’s aviary.
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July 17th, 2006 at 8:14 am
The Eastern Rosella has to be one of our most attractive parrots, you did well to get a picture Trevor. Our area is a breeding stronghold for the species, but I haven’t been able to get within a bull’s roar of one!
July 17th, 2006 at 8:31 pm
Yes - I was quite pleased the way this bird posed for me long enough to focus. Today I managed another photo of the E. Rosella, this time in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, but it didn’t pose anywhere near what I’d have liked. Some you get, some you don’t. Also managed some stunning photos of Rainbow Lorikeets and a Noisy Miner feeding on red hot poker flowers. Watch out for THAT post in a few days!
September 15th, 2006 at 6:30 pm
I agree that Eastern rosellas are one of the most attractive birds you will see in the Adelaide region. I like the transitions from blue to green in the scaloped fethers on their wing coverts. Although they are not resident around my home in the Adelaide Hills (Stirling) they are easy to see in Witunga and Belair national park as well as in the plane trees along Frome road near the university and in the Botanical gardens. I have often wondered if they have been introduced to South Australia given their predeliction for garden settings over natural habitat. They are often seen feeding on lawned areas like grass parrots. I was able to take some close photos from a nesting bird in Belair national park. I will send a photo if you would like.
September 15th, 2006 at 9:44 pm
Welcome to my blog James. I did a little research this evening. Your comment made me think - and you are right. They have been introduced in the Adelaide region. It seems that there were thought to be some aviary escapees sometime between 1901 and the 1930s which became established and spread to their current distribution. The facts in these matters can be a little fuzzy; this is no exception.
They are naturally occurring in the SE of SA. I have often seen them in my daughter’s garden when she lived in Lucindale in the mid 1990s. I have also seen one here in Murray Bridge recently, but this one acted very much as if he had just escaped from someone’s aviary. I mentioned this at a recent meeting of the local Bird Club, but no-one came forward to admit to losing one!
November 30th, 2006 at 6:55 pm
Hi
I just thought that I would share with you, our current experience with our Eastern Rosella. My husband was at our local scout hall in the outer suburbs of Adelaide and he found a baby rosella, sitting on the floor in the hall. Being the Dr Doolittle that he is, he brought the baby home. We have successfully hand fed our newest baby for 2 weeks now and he/she is going very strong. He has tamed down so much, even enjoying a bath in our sink water when we fill it up to do the dishes. He gives kisses for food and is so inquisitive, loves to perch on top of the kids heads whilst they are at the computer or mine for that matter. He is also quite taken with strawberry icecream! We love our new little friend, we believe him to be about 2 months old.
November 30th, 2006 at 10:04 pm
Welcome to my blog, Leanne. What a charming pet to have. It looks like he has adopted you as his family. It also sounds like you have been doing all the right things in looking after him - but Strawberry Icecream??? I’m jealous! Can you adopt me too?
It begs the question though: what WAS he doing IN the scout hall, apart from the obvious one of wanting to become a cub…er…can a chick become a cub scout??
January 25th, 2007 at 8:27 pm
i just found a rosella at my home, it has been attacked by a cat but i got to it early enough to stop the cat doing any damage how ever it has no tail feathers left and looks very young as it is about 10cm tall. i took it inside and put it in a box covered with a towel. my problem is that i have no idea what to feed it or even if its old enough to eat on its own. ive been searching the net but cant seem to find any info on handeling/rearing young ones.
January 25th, 2007 at 8:56 pm
Hi Lizz, well done for rescuing a parrot. They are such beautiful birds. I have replied to your questions by email.
February 16th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
I too have picked up an eastern rosella that was injured and was struggling at a busy round about.
I have only had her a few days and she is recovering very quickly, i have named her Rosi Lee and she is the most incredible bird i have ever seen!!! There are no tags on her feet but is sooo very friendly, she easily hops onto my hand and shoulders and stays with me for a long time, quite happy to be patted etc.
What i am trying to find out is weather she is very young or very old?? how can i tell the difference??
Your assisstance in this would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanx
February 17th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Hi there Elizabeth. The tame behaviour of this bird seems to indicate that it has escaped from a cage or aviary. A wild bird would probably attempt to get away from you.
It could also be an immature bird. The male is the brightest in colour and the female has duller patchy green on the head and crown. The immature birds are duller than the adults.
Can I suggest you consult a good field guide -either from someone you know or in your local library.
March 24th, 2007 at 8:57 am
Hi there,
I am looking for some help please. I rescued a baby rosella this morning from a cat. Its nest is very near by. I am looking for assistance in what to feed it at this early age and anyother information and assistance you ight be able to give me. I have raised other native birds before but never one of these. I have given it a dose of rescue remedy to help with any shock. Cheers Marg
April 24th, 2007 at 8:37 am
The eastern rosella is one of the first birds that I kept and bred. It was recognisable to virtually everyone who entered our backyard as the Tomato Soup Parrot My pair of birds have probably given me the most fascinating sights and some of my favourite` bird` memories. The following aviary notes are based on this particular pair which bred for me over a period of some years, rearing two broods each year. Being colourful and quite resilient, the eastern rosella is a most appropriate bird for anyone considering the larger Australian broad-tailed parakeets.
August 7th, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Well i have an Eastern Rosella as a pet well i dont know how to tame it but he eats from my hand but i wanna hold him anyone has a good idea?
August 7th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
Hi there Pedram. I don’t have any experience in training tame birds like you have requested. One method I have seen on a television pet show involves plenty of patience. It may take many days to train your bird to sit on your finger or hand.
Continue to feed it from your hand like you have been doing, gently talking to it and not making any sudden moves. Be very patient - you may need to do this over a week or more.
Once it is used to having you close, try get it sitting on a perch. Slowly move your hand up towards the perch and then up above the perch towards its stomach. If the bird is tame enough it may step up on to your hand or outstretched finger - or it may just fly off. Persist. Try this again and again until it is comfortable sitting on your hand or finger. Never let the bird get distressed. If it starts a panicky fluttering, stop and try again the next day.
August 12th, 2007 at 11:47 am
Hi there, this morning on my way to breakfast I’ve come across an Eastern Rosella in the Adelaide Parklands. To the best that I can see the bird has ?broken wing, I took the bird to the Local vet and the nurse at the desk was only prepared to observe the animal for 24hr and then put it down if it couldn’t fly. I’ve taken the bird and decided to try and find out what is the best action on the internet and I have found your website, can this animal be potentially rehabed? And how do I go about it?
August 12th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
Hi there Sophia - thanks for your question. I will try to answer your question via email.
December 17th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
we have what seems to be a abanden baby rosella in a hollow log.it is only just getting feathers,we have seen no sight of the mother bird any more due to other birds moving around the nesting log,should we just leave it or attemp to hand feed it.
December 17th, 2007 at 10:40 pm
Hi there Bryony,
I think it would be best to leave the bird alone and let the parents feed it. Try to keep well away so the parents are not scared off by your presence.
January 2nd, 2008 at 8:27 am
Hi there
I’m in Auckland, New Zealand and we have heaps of rosellas here on the North Shore. You would be jealous because we get them in our trees outside the house and see them nearly every day! My husband and I often go out walking to try and find them, as we are both totally in love with the birds!
I’m very sad though because today I found a baby one on the beach, totally abandoned. I carefully picked it up but it died in my hands. I have been doing a bit of research on the net about them, and the parents can be quite slack and let their babies starve to death. This page was quite helpful: http://www.geocities.com/khanbirdfarm/parrots/rosella.htm
We have a pet Indian Ringneck. He is mad as a hatter but incredibly tame and loves being tickled and patted. I don’t know how he would have coped with a new addition to the family. We are lucky to have a bird rescue lady living 10mins away from here and tend to take rescued birds to her.
January 7th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
Hi there Yvette,
Welcome to my birding blog.
The rosellas are certainly beautiful birds and would would love to have some in our garden. We have to make do with Galahs and Australian Ringnecks.
Were you aware that Eastern Rosellas have been introduced into New Zealand?
March 14th, 2008 at 3:51 am
I found a rosella (different one to this^) run over by a car, he or she was pretty smashed up but is ok now. Still missing it’s main feathers and seems partly or totally blind in one eye but it’s only beed a few weeks so far
March 15th, 2008 at 9:19 am
Welcome to my blog about birds Jason.
Sadly many birds - not just rosellas - get injured or killed by cars and other forms of transport.
I hope the bird you are caring for recovers fully.
May 14th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
Just found your web site and was thrilled. I have an eastern rosella pattot that my grandaughter bought a year and half ago but got tired of. She gave him to me and I just adore him. It has taken me almost all of that time to get close to him. No one else can. However, I would love to just touch him but he wont let me. I try but he gets upset. I can stick my finger near him but he bites it, soemtimes easy but if I keep it up, he bites very hard. Is there anyway for me to get closer to him. I dont know how old he is and have read that unless you getr them when they are young, it is almost impossible to tame them much. He sits on top of his cage most of the time but his flying is awful. He loves to tear up paper. Also, I noticed the last week that he is getting darker around the eyes and where the white is on his face. Would you happen to know why? Thank you very much for any help you can give me.
Barb
May 15th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Hi there Barb - welcome to my blog about wild Australian birds.
It sounds like you have a lovely pet. I have no experience in training pet birds - perhaps you need to contact your local bird club (see the phone book). I think you might be right - they need to be trained from a very early age.
The change in colour is probably due to the maturing process. He is probably taking on his breeding plumage which generally is much deeper and more clearly defined than when they are young.
May 15th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Thank you very much. I found that most all of your questions were from people in Australia and forgot to tell you that I live in Indiana in the U. S. A. Anyway, thank you again and I think that the Australian Rosellas are the most beautiful birds that I have ever seen.
Barb
May 31st, 2008 at 12:05 pm
I just found a rosella next to my car on a busy road in melbourne, i think he has a broken wing.
The wildlife vets have closed for the day and i was just wondering how to best look after him?
Thank you for any suggestions.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:32 am
Hi, my name is Sarah. I am a great bird lover. Six months ago i rescued a musk lorikeet from a boy who through a rock at him. The lorikeet survived, but could never fly again. I kept him, and his name is Buddy.
I am soo glad that you take such an interest in birds.
Sia!
July 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Hi there Laura - sorry I didn’t reply to your question. I was unable to access the internet at the time due to computer problems - and since then I’ve been very busy. Hope it turned out alright with that injured bird.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Welcome to my blog Sarah. Thanks for your kind words. It is always good to welcome another bird lover to my blog about Australian birds. I invite you to come back often.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Haha. Thanks Trevor. By the way,i think you must have sent me Laura’s message to me, lol. I recieved it in my inbox today.
July 9th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Hi again Sarah.
There was no mistake - the way this blog is set up is that every comment on this article in future you will automatically get a copy of - that way we can continue the conversation and discussion on this topic. You will only get new comments on THIS article - not all the comments on the hundreds of other articles on this blog.
If, however, you don’t wish to receive these new comments, just unsubscribe from comments - you can do that under the comments box below.
July 10th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Well I can top your story! I live in California. I came home tonight and one of your Eastern Rosellas was in my kitchen! He must have been brought here illegally - no ankle band and his wings weren’t clipped obviously - and he flew into my apartment! He’s in a cage right now, but tomorrow, I have to make some phone calls to find out what to do with this beautiful fellow!
July 10th, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Hi there Lisa - what an amazing experience. You must have been quite surprised and delighted to have such a colourful visitor.
I doubt that it is an illegal immigrant because I believe they are a common aviary bird in America. I am guessing that someone has lost a beautiful pet. It might be worth contacting your local bird club (would they be listed in your phone directory - or even on the internet?)
Thanks for visiting my blog about Australian birds.
July 15th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Hi Lisa. i bet that you finding a rosella in your kichen must have been a wonderful experience. We get alot of rosellas here in south australia, but mainly the Adelaide and the Crimson Rosella.
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:08 am
Hi, my name is Emily. Two days ago i found a rosella at my friends place and it was being stalked by their cat. I caught it and took it home. I am pretty sure he’s ok but he can’t fly and he has only 1 tail feather. He’s eating and drinking but he’s not very tame. i can pat him a but if i do it for to long he bites me quite hard. I would really like to hold him and get him to sit on my finger but i can’t tell how old he is and i’ve heard that if not young it’s hard to teach them. i was wondering if you could help.
August 3rd, 2008 at 9:38 am
Hi there Emily - welcome to my blog about wild Australian birds. I think you are right about training birds - they need to be quite young. I am not experienced at keeping parrots and training them so I cannot be of much help.
Can I suggest that you contact your nearest bird club. The members will be able to help you with your questions. Look in the phone directory or on the internet for details of bird clubs.
September 7th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Hi there, we just found a rosella (mainly red so not sure what type) it appears to me to be quiet young as doesnt look fully grown and we have put it in our avery as its unable to fly, i got some info on what to feed it and we will make sure we put a bird bath in for the bird to bathe daily etc, does anyone have any tips to help us care for this bird? Thankyou
September 10th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
HI there Katrina.
Can I suggest that you contact your nearest bird club. The members will be able to help you with your questions. Look in the phone directory or on the internet for details of bird clubs.
September 28th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Hi there,
I have a pair of eastern rosella.
I found from the net that they are wild and hard to tame, is that true.
I got them from a pet shop and i think they are quite adult though. I have a bad encounter twice which is that they have laid an egg but the egg was broken.
Do i need to get a house for them so that they can live in it?
September 29th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Welcome to my birding blog, Sherman. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment too.
I’m sorry but I do not have any experience at looking after rosellas in an aviary. Can I suggest that you ask at you local pet shop for advice? Or go to your local library and borrow some books on pet care. There may even be a bird club in your area who would help - check in the phone directory. Searching the internet may also locate some helpful sites dedicated to pet care, for example:
http://www.birdcare.com.au/rosellas.htm