common rosella
Common Rosella (Platycercus eximius)
| Order | Parrots |
| family | Parrots |
| Race | Roselle |
APPEARANCE
Medium parakeet with body length up to 30 cm and weight up to 120 gr. The second name of this species is motley, which is consistent with its color. The head, chest and undertail are bright red. Cheeks are white. The lower part of the chest is yellow, the abdomen and feathers on the legs are light green. The back is dark, the feathers are bordered with a green-yellow color. The flight feathers are blue-blue, the rump and tail are light green. Females are usually paler in color, grayish cheeks, males are larger and have a more massive beak. The species has 4 subspecies that differ in color elements. Life expectancy with proper care is up to 15-20 years.
HABITAT AND LIFE IN NATURE
The species is quite numerous. They live in the southeastern part of Australia and on the island of Tasmania. They live at an altitude of up to 1300 m above sea level. Found in open areas and forests. They live along the banks of rivers, and in thickets of eucalyptus. Can keep agrolandscapes and agricultural land. In New Zealand, there are several populations of common rosella, formed from departed pets. They usually live in small groups or pairs, feed on the ground and in trees. In fairly large flocks stray at the end of the breeding season. They usually eat in the morning and in the evening, in the heat of the day they sit in the shade of trees and rest. The diet includes seeds, berries, fruits, flowers, nectar. Sometimes they eat small invertebrates.
BREEDING
The nesting season is July-March. The nest is usually located at a height of about 30 m in a hollow with a depth of about 1 m. Usually common rosellas choose eucalyptus trees for their nesting. The clutch usually contains 6-7 eggs; only the female incubates the clutch. The incubation period lasts about 20 days. The chicks leave the nest at the age of weeks. After leaving the nest, the parents feed the chicks for some time.
