SCIENTIFIC NAME:  Platycercus eximius

The Eastern Rosella is also known as the Common rosella, Rosehill parakeet, Red rosella, Rosella parakeet, Red-headed rosella, Nonpareil parrot, White-cheeked rosella, Golden-mantled rosella, Yellow-mantled rosella, and Splendid rosella.
There are several subspecies of rosella, which vary in color scheme only, all of them bright and cheerful in color. The eastern rosella has a brilliant red head, white cheeks, scalloped yellow upper parts, green rump and blue-tipped tail. There is a slight sexual dimorphism.

The rosella will spend most of its time in the treetops and in the middle of the day will shelter itself from the heat. Its nest is usually in the hollows of trees or among rocks, with no more than rotten wood litter on which to lay its eggs. The hen incubates the eggs by herself but both males and females build the nest. The chicks remain in the nest for four to five weeks, with both parents feeding them. The rosella will feed both on the ground and in trees, and courtship feeding between pairs is not uncommon. A male will put on a display by drooping his wings, erecting his breast and rump feathers and will fan and wag his tail while bowing his head.

The eastern rosella is found in areas where the annual rainfall exceeds 400 mm, and at elevations up to 1,250 m. The rosella is usually found in pairs or small groups and can be quite inconspicuous on the ground, despite its bright colors. Large flocks are sometimes found from the end of the breeding season to early spring.