Curio

State Library of New South Wales
Crimson rosella (Platycercus elegans), 1790s

Crimson rosella (Platycercus elegans), 1790s

TAL & Dai-ichi Life Derby Collection, Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW; Purchased from The Rt Hon. The 19th Earl of Derby, 2011; PXD 1098, vol. 4, f. 45

Watercolour

Crimson rosellas occur across eastern Australia. Their habitat includes tall eucalypts and wetter forests.
Young Crimson rosellas “ripen” when their plumage changes from green to red as they mature.
Both Crimson rosella parents care for their chicks.
Crimson rosellas are a type of parrot commonly seen in urban backyards.
Crimson rosellas have a range of calls including harsh screeches, metallic whistles and a ‘cussik cussik’ sound.
Crimson rosellas have several colour forms. Yellow and red birds produce orange offspring.