Rosellas are a distinctive group of medium-sized parrots instantly recognised by their long, broad, graduated tails, large cheek patches, and striking scalloped feather patterns across the mantle and back.
With a varied diet consisting of seeds, flowers, buds, berries, fruits and insect larvae, these adaptable birds forage across trees, shrubs, and on the ground. Fascinatingly, Eastern Rosellas almost exclusively use their right foot to hold food while eating.
The Eastern Rosella is widespread across southeastern Australia — from Queensland through Victoria and southeastern South Australia to eastern Tasmania — and remains a familiar, colourful sight throughout East Gippsland.
Predominantly adorned in bright red, yellow, and blue plumage with conspicuous white cheek patches, Eastern Rosellas are smaller and more finely built than the Crimson Rosellas with whom they frequently share habitat. They are commonly spotted in lightly treed country, open woodlands, grasslands, forest edges, parks and suburban gardens.
While both species share similar vocalisations, the Eastern Rosella possesses a higher-pitched, rapid, and melodic call. Conspicuous groups of active, noisy rosellas regularly draw attention, though they remain wary of humans and quickly take flight when disturbed. Their flight is strong and characteristically undulating, featuring rapid wing beats interspersed with short glides.
Eastern Rosellas mate for life, with their breeding season spanning from August through February. The female selects the nest site — typically a hollow in a eucalypt tree, though artificial nesting boxes are occasionally used. She lays four to eight eggs on a bed of decayed wood, incubating them while the male visits regularly to feed her. Once hatched, young birds continue to be fed by their parents for a period after fledging.
While the conservation status of the Eastern Rosella is currently classified as ‘Least Concern’, the species faces ongoing threats. Key challenges include habitat loss driven by land clearing, direct competition for nesting hollows from introduced bird species such as European starlings, and predation by domestic pets. Furthermore, rosellas are sometimes viewed as agricultural pests by fruit and crop farmers, leaving them vulnerable to trapping, which is occasionally linked to the aviculture trade.
OUTINGS
BirdLife East Gippsland welcomes visitors and newcomers to join its regular field trips across the region.
The group meets weekly on Mondays — except for the second Sunday of each month to accommodate weekend attendees. Outings run from 9am to noon and include a morning tea break. Regional outings ensure diverse locations and rich bird-watching opportunities, with all records collected contributing directly to Australia’s national bird database.
Attendees should bring their own refreshments, water, appropriate footwear, weather protection, and binoculars. Outings are subject to regional weather conditions and will be cancelled on days of Total Fire Ban, severe weather warnings, or local access safety issues. Updates are posted via the BirdLife East Gippsland Facebook page or via email.
– Sunday, August 9: Nyerimilang Heritage Park, carpark at Nyerimilang Homestead, Cliff Rd, Nyerimilang
– Monday, August 17: Crisp Property, Wy Yung, corner Eastwood Rd and Bullumwaal Rd, Wy Yung
– Monday, August 24: Old Eagle Point Rd, Eagle Point, turn left off Paynesville Rd (6.5km from Mitchell River Bridge)
– Monday, August 31: Gillin Property, Swan Reach, 3 Stones Rd (off West Boundary Rd), Swan Reach
