| 
Crimson and Yellow Rosellas (Platycercus elegans)
Also Known As: Three main colour groupings: Crimson forms (P.e. elegans, P.e. nigrescens, P.e. melanopterus): Crimson Rosella, Crimson Parrot, Mountain Lowry, Mountain Parrot, Red Lory, Pennant's Parakeet, Red Parrot (Norfolk Island) Orange/red and yellow forms (P.e. fleurieuensis, P.e. subadelaidae, hybrid population): Adelaide Rosella, Pheasant Parrot Yellow form (P.e. flaveolus): Yellow Rosella, Murrumbidgee Rosella, Yellow Parrot or Parakeet, Yellow-rumped Parrot or Parakeet, Murray Smoker, Murrumbidgee Lowry, Swamp Lory
Crimson Rosellas
Credit: (c) Tedeschi Patrick | License: Fotolia
Status in the Wild
World Population:Crimson Rosellas: above 200,000; Yellow Rosellas: above 50,000
Range:
P.e. elegans: E and SE Australia, in CE Queensland, where populations are isolated, and from SE Queensland south to S Victoria and SE South Australia; also occurs in coastal populations north of Hastings River valley, NE New South Wales. P.e. nigrescens: NE Queensland, from Windsor and Atherton Tablelands south the Seaview-Paluma Ranges. P.e. melanopterus: Kangaroo Island, S Australia. P.e. fleurieuensis: restricted to Fleurieu Peninsula, SE South Australia, north to Bungala and Inman Rivers and east through lower Murray River region. P.e. subadelaidae: isolated to southern Flinders Ranges, E South Australia, north to lat. 32S; in south throughout Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Plains and lower Murray River region. P.e. flaveolus: in Murray-Murrumbidgee-Lachlan Rivers system, from lower Murray River, SE South Australia, east to Riverina region, S New South Wales and north on Darling River to Kinchega National Park, W New South Wales. P.e fleurieuensis X e. subadelaidae X e. flaveolus: Mount Lofty Ranges and Adelaide Plains, SE South Australia, south to Bungala and Inman Rivers, north to lat. 33S and east to lower Murray River region.
Habitat:
In north, found in upland forests, preferring margins of rainforest, tall secondary growth and closed eucalypt forest; south of Hunter River valley is found in varied habitats at all altitudes. Crimson Rosellas may also go to open woodlands and cultivated areas. Yellow Rosellas are closely linked to riparian woodlands dominated by river red gums.
Threat Summary:
Crimson Rosellas: no threats at present. Yellow Rosella: may have declined due to irrigation schemes removing riverine forest in some areas.
IUCN Rating:
Least Concern
Wild Diet:
Crimson Rosellas: insect larvae, blossoms, nectar and seeds of grasses and trees. Yellow Rosellas: seeds of Eucalypts and acacias, fruits, blossoms, berries and insects.
CITES Rating:
Crimson Rosella: Appendix II; Yellow Rosella: Appendix II
Ecology:
Young birds gather in flocks, whereas large groups of adults are rare. Both the Crimson and Yellow Rosellas behave similarily, however, Yellow Rosellas are more likely to been seen in the trees and they are less vocal, more shy. Crimson Rosellas are not shy and may be approached while feeding. Both species will readily drink at manmade irrigation sites.
Clutch and Egg Size:
Crimson Rosella: 5-8 rounded eggs, 29.5 x 24.0mm (1.1 x 0.9 in); Yellow Rosella: 4-5 rounded eggs, 27.0 x 23.0mm (1.0 x 0.9 in)
Breeding Season:
August-January or February.
Links to Other Project(s):
http://www.sfu.ca/biology/faculty/green/pdf/Krebsetal2002BES.pdf
http://www.biology.mcgill.ca/faculty/lefebvre/articles/Sol_et_al_2002.pdf
More Info Sites:
http://www.arndt-verlag.com/projekt/birds_3.cgi?Desc=E124.htm&Pic=124_1.JPG
http://www.arndt-verlag.com/projekt/birds_3.cgi?Desc=E125.htm&Pic=125_1.JPG
http://www.arndt-verlag.com/projekt/birds_3.cgi?Desc=E126.htm&Pic=126_1.JPG
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=50
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimson_Rosella
WPT MEMBER'S LOGIN
