The green rosella or Tasmanian rosella is a species of parrot native to Tasmania and Bass Strait islands. It was described by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788, and named on the mistaken assumption it came from New Caledonia. At 14.5 in (37 cm) long it is the largest species of the rosella genus, Platycercus. Two subspecies are recognised. The green rosella's underparts, neck and head are yellow, with a red band above the beak and violet-blue cheeks. The back is mostly black and green, and its long tail blue and green. The sexes have similar plumage, except the female has duller yellow plumage and more prominent red markings, as well as a smaller beak. Juvenile and immature birds have predominantly green plumage.
Region
Tasmania and Bass Strait Islands
Typical Environment
Found across mainland Tasmania and several Bass Strait islands, including King and the Furneaux Group. Occupies a wide range of habitats such as wet and dry eucalypt forests, woodlands, coastal heath, farmland, and urban parks and gardens. Prefers edges, clearings, river corridors, and shelterbelts with mature trees offering nest hollows. Frequently ventures into orchards and rural homesteads. Undertakes local movements, often descending from higher elevations to lower valleys in winter.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Tasmanian rosella, it is the largest rosella and is confined to Tasmania and nearby Bass Strait islands. The species name caledonicus arose from an early mistaken belief that the bird came from New Caledonia. Two subspecies are recognized, and the birds readily use nest hollows in mature eucalypts and sometimes nest boxes. They often visit orchards and gardens, where they can become conspicuous and occasionally troublesome.
Male in Tasmania
Adult preening, showing dark feather bases
Juvenile in Tasmania. It is greener than an adult.
Temperament
alert and moderately social
Flight Pattern
swift, direct flight with rapid wingbeats and shallow undulations
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, forming larger flocks where food is abundant. Monogamous pairs nest in deep hollows of large eucalypts; clutches typically contain 4–6 eggs. Outside the breeding season they may roost communally and forage together on the ground and in the canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mellow, tinkling series of notes interspersed with clear whistles; typical contact calls are ringing 'chink' or 'tsee' notes. In flight they give sharper chatters, and alarm calls are harsher and more rapid.
