Platycercus elegans ssp. adelaidae Psittacidae

The Adelaide Rosella can often be seen in small flocks throughout South Australia as they forage on the ground for grass and tree seeds as well as insects and some tree blossoms. They usually nest in tree cavities or hollow stumps. The Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans) species, as it now stands has subsumed two former separate species, the Yellow Rosella and the Adelaide Rosella.

Adelaide Rosella. Photo courtesy of Liz.

A common bird in the Mount Lofty Ranges but oh so beautiful. This one was captured at Lobethal by one of our URTLG members looking out from her kitchen window. With a spectacular combination of deep-crimson, royal-blue and black plumage these adaptive birds will in time come to accept human presence and it is not unusual to have them sit in garden shrubs chattering away happily amongst themselves.

Thank you to ‘Liz’, a URTLG member for sharing this photo with us.