Red-rumped Parrot

Psephotus haematonotus

Appearance:
Moderate sized parrot
Male:
      Bright emerald-green plumage
      Yellow underparts
      Red rump
      Blue highlights on wings and upper back
Female:
     Olive-green plumage
     Pale yellow underparts
     Green rump
     Blue-black wingtips

This was another of my sightings at the Water Treatment Plant in Werribee. This colorful bird struck some very nice poses for me while I was photographing him.  And they say that cooperative behaviors are rare in the animal kingdom!

Learn more about the Red-rumped Parrot.

Eastern Rosella

Platycercus eximius

Appearance:
Medium-sized parrot
White cheeks
Red head, neck and breast
Black back, each feather broadly edged yellowish-green
Bright blue shoulders
Yellow belly
Blue-green to yellow-green lower abdomen and rump
Red undertail
Off-white bill
Female:
      Slightly duller overall
Juvenile:
     Duller overall
    Yellow-orange bill

This bird and his 'friends' were feeding on the ground yesterday at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.  Like us, they were just visiting.  However, this family of wallabies were residents at the centre.  (I know they aren't birds but I couldn't resist including them.  The little joey is so cute!)

Learn more about the Eastern Rosella.

Green Rosella

Platycercus caledonicus

Appearance:
Medium-sized parrot
Yellow head, neck and underparts 
Greenish-black upperparts
Blue cheek patch
Red frontal band above the beak
Long, green tail with blue outer feathers
Blue shoulder patch on wings
Yellowish-green rump
Dark brown eyes
Grey bill and legs
Female:
    - may have orange-red hue on the front of the neck
    - smaller beak than the male
Juveniles: 
     -under-wing stripe
     - dull yellow-green head and underparts
     - dull green upperparts

The Green Rosella is one of  twelve species of birds that are endemic to Tasmania. This means they are found nowhere else on earth.

Another prolific bird on Maria Island is the Green Rosella.  Their high, ringing calls could be heard most of the day as groups of them cavorted in the trees.  I have just read that a group of parrots is called a pandemonium.  No need to ask how that came about!

Learn more about the Green Rosella.

Rainbow Lorikeet

Trichoglossus haematodus 

Carlton Gardens, Melbourne

Appearance:

Blue head and belly

Green wings, tail and back

Yellow-orange breast

Red bill


Learn more about the Rainbow Lorikeet.