Pet Wiki

Eastern Rosella

Platycercus eximius

Also called Red rosella, Common rosella, White-cheeked rosella, Golden-mantled rosella (subspecies elecica)

SpeciesShort profile

From South-eastern Australia and Tasmania, in open lowland country including woodland edges, farmland and gardens. Introduced populations also live on New Zealand's North Island and around Dunedin.12

At a glance the quick version

Length30 cm12
Lifespan20 years1
Sizemedium
Spectacular rainbow plumage
Hardy and adaptable
Long-lived aviary bird
12

Looks how to spot one

Feathered; broad-tailed parakeet with scalloped back

A vividly coloured parrot with a red head and chest, crisp white cheeks, a yellow lower breast and a pale green belly. The back feathers are black edged in yellow-green, giving a scalloped look that is unusual among parrots. Hens are a little duller than males.12

ColoursRed, yellow, green and blue (wild type)12

Personality what they are like

An active, alert parrot that usually moves about in pairs or small groups. It forages both in trees and on the ground. It is busiest in the early morning and evening.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

A strong flyer that needs a walk-in aviary at least 3 m long. Fresh branches and chew toys keep it occupied.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Provide bathing bowls and a regular supply of fresh, unsprayed branches, pine cones, wooden toys and vegetable-tanned leather toys to chew.1

Home where they are happiest

A walk-in aviary with a minimum length of about 3 m.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A small-seed mix (canary seed, oats, safflower) with spray millet and limited sunflower, sprouted legumes, cooked grains, leafy greens, vegetables, fruit such as apple and pear, some nuts and a complete pellet. Wild birds eat seeds, buds, flowers, nectar, fruit and insects.12

Company who they like around

Lives in pairs or small groups in the wild and is usually kept as a pair.1

The story where it all began

George Shaw described the eastern rosella in 1792. Around 1910 a shipment refused entry to New Zealand was released near Otago Heads, and more birds escaped in Dunedin, founding the population that now thrives there. It remains a well-known aviary parrot.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The black scalloping on its back feathers is described as unique in the parrot world.1

  2. 2

    New Zealand's wild rosellas trace back to birds released from a ship around 1910.2

  3. 3

    Wild birds have been recorded eating about 50 plant species and 15 kinds of small animals.2

  4. 4

    A pair can raise two broods in one season, producing up to twelve young.2

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Least Concern; overall population increasing.1
CITES
Appendix II.1
Taxonomy
Described by Shaw in 1792. Three subspecies: eximius, elecica and diemenensis.2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Eastern Rosella. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Parrot Salad

A quick, fresh mix of safe fruits and vegetables that provides essential vitamins and moisture. Perfect for a single serving to avoid spoilage.

You need

  • 4 types of safe vegetables (e.g., carrot, broccoli, peas, kale)
  • 2 types of safe fruit (e.g., apple, blueberry, pomegranate)
  • Handful of sprouted mustard or cress (or chopped dandelion leaves)
  • Handful of parrot seed mix

How

  1. Wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
  2. Chop the vegetables and fruit into small, bird-safe pieces.
  3. Mix the chopped produce with the sprouted greens in a bowl.
  4. Stir in the seed mix until everything is lightly coated.
  5. Serve immediately and remove any uneaten salad after a few hours.

How much: One serving per parrot, offered as part of their fresh food allowance.

Recipe from Omlet UK

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Eastern Rosella?

Offer fresh food and water every day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests daily fresh food and water, with a varied diet including a small-seed mix, sprouted legumes, cooked grains, leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, and a complete pellet.12 Pet Wiki plan

What does an Eastern Rosella eat, and what should it never eat?

They eat a small-seed mix, spray millet, sprouted legumes, cooked grains, leafy greens, vegetables, fruit like apple and pear, some nuts, and a complete pellet. Never give avocado, chocolate, caffeine, or alcohol, and avoid salty, sugary, or fatty foods; ask your vet for a full list.12

How much space does an Eastern Rosella need?

They need a walk-in aviary at least 3 meters long to fly and stay active. Fresh branches and chew toys are also important for their well-being.1

What temperature, light or water does an Eastern Rosella need?

Provide a bathing bowl a few times a week, as they enjoy bathing. Keep them in a draft-free area with natural daylight; specific temperature and light needs vary, so ask an exotic-pet vet for guidance.1 Pet Wiki plan

How often should I clean an Eastern Rosella's home?

Change the cage liner every 2 days and do a full clean weekly. Furry Diary's plan also suggests offering a bath every 3 days and rotating toys weekly. Pet Wiki plan

Can an Eastern Rosella live with others?

Yes, they naturally live in pairs or small groups and are usually kept as a pair. They are active and alert, so companionship is important for their happiness.1

How long does an Eastern Rosella live?

They typically live around 20 years with good care. Regular vet check-ups help ensure a long, healthy life.1 Pet Wiki plan

Can I handle an Eastern Rosella?

They can be handled with patience and trust-building, but they are active parrots that need time out of the cage daily. Furry Diary suggests about 2 hours of supervised out-of-cage time each day.1 Pet Wiki plan

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Eastern Rosella - World Parrot Trust Parrot Encyclopedia parrots.orgused for size, weight, lifespan, range, status, captive care, diet, fun facts
  2. Eastern rosella - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, taxonomy, subspecies, New Zealand population, diet, fun facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.