Crimson Rosella

1. Bright blue cheek patches in all colour forms

2. Contrasting black-and-blue wings and blue tail

3. Scalloped pattern on the back from dark feathers edged with the body’s main colour

Crimson Rosellas feed mainly on seeds from native and introduced plants, including eucalypts, wattles, grasses, fruits, and berries. They also consume nectar, buds, shoots, and occasionally insects, especially during the breeding season. Breeding occurs from September to February, with females laying 3–8 white eggs in deep tree hollows lined with wood debris. The female incubates the eggs, while the male feeds her at the nest entrance. Both parents feed the chicks after hatching. Pairs are monogamous, often staying together for multiple seasons and returning to the same nesting territory each year. While generally sedentary, some populations make local seasonal movements, particularly at range edges.

Crimson Rosellas are widespread in southeastern Australia, from coastal forests and mountain woodlands to gardens and parks. Red forms dominate eastern coastal forests, yellow forms are found along inland rivers (especially among river red gums), and orange forms occur in parts of South Australia and western Victoria where populations meet and hybridize. They are especially common in wetter forests and woodlands, but also adapt well to human-altered environments, sometimes becoming remarkably tame around picnic areas and suburban feeders. Listen for their two-toned whistling calls, often described as “cussik-cussik” or “kwick-kweek-kwick,” and their brassy “klee klee klee” in flight.