The northern rosella, formerly known as Brown's rosella or the smutty rosella, is a species of parrot native to northern Australia, ranging from the Gulf of Carpentaria and Arnhem Land to the Kimberley. It was described by Heinrich Kuhl in 1820, and two subspecies are recognised. The species is unusually coloured for a rosella, with a dark head and neck with pale cheeks—predominantly white in the subspecies from the Northern Territory and blue in the Western Australian subspecies hillii. The northern rosella's mantle and scapulars are black with fine yellow scallops, while its back, rump and underparts are pale yellow with fine black scallops. The long tail is blue-green, and the wings are black and blue-violet. The sexes have similar plumage, while females and younger birds are generally duller with occasional spots of red.
Region
Northern Australia (Top End and Kimberley)
Typical Environment
Occurs from Arnhem Land and the Gulf country of the Northern Territory west to the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It favors open eucalypt and paperbark woodlands, grassy savanna, and riparian corridors, and it visits edges of monsoon forest and lightly wooded hills. Birds often forage along tracks, recently burned areas, and watercourses. It may appear in towns or pastoral stations where large trees persist.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The northern rosella is an Australian parrot with two subspecies that differ mainly in cheek color: white in the Northern Territory and bluish in the Kimberley. It is quieter and shyer than most rosellas, often overlooked despite its striking scalloped plumage. Pairs nest in deep tree hollows of eucalypts during the dry season. It adapts to a mosaic of fire regimes but depends on intact savanna woodland and riparian trees for nesting.
Painting by Ferdinand Bauer c. 1811–1813
Subspecies hillii, Western Australia
A pair in captivity with prominent blue cheeks
Temperament
wary and quiet
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties; larger loose flocks may gather at food or water. Forms strong pair bonds and nests in deep tree hollows, often in eucalypts. Clutch typically laid in the dry season; both adults attend young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are soft, tinkling chimes and high, thin contact notes, less raucous than other rosellas. Song is subdued and intermittent, with brief whistles and chatter during social interactions.
