FAMILY NAME: Psittacidae SCIENTIFIC NAME: Platycercus elegans SUBSPECIES: elegans and nigrescens
SIZE: 32 to 37cm. (13 to 15") tip to tail.
LOCATION: Found down the eastern coastal regions and ranges of Australia, and in the south east corner.
BREEDING: Breeding season is from September to January, laying from 4 to 8 eggs. Their nests are made in deep tree hollows, high up in the tree and lined with wood chips. The female incubates the eggs, and both parents care for the young.
GENERAL: The "Yellow" and "Adelaide" Rosellas have now been grouped with the "Crimson", within the species "elegans". For this reason, the colour variations within the species are wide. The Crimsom is Red and blue, the Yellow is Yellow and blue, whilst the Adelaide is red/yellow and blue. They all have blue wings, tail and cheek patches. They form pairs or small flocks and are sedentary, preferring tall eucalypt and rainforests.
References:
Michael Morecombe. Field Guide to Australian Birds, Complete Compact Edtion.
Ken Simpson - Nicholas Day. The Birds of Australia.
M. Blakers - S. J. J. F. Davies - P. N. Reilly. The Atlas of Australian Birds.
Birds in Backyards. www.birdsinbackyards.net
