Northern Rosella
Platycercus venustus· 长尾鹦鹉科(2 photos)
Northern Rosella
28-30 cm. Pale lemon rosella with black cap, blue and white cheekpatch, blue and black shoulders. Bold lemon fringes to black feathers of back; dark 'scaly' margins to yellow feathers of underparts; red undertail-coverts. Immature: duller; red marks on head/breast; in flight, pale wingbar. Pairs, small flocks: feeds on ground and in foliage; flight strongly undulating.
- Similar Species
- Hooded Parrot.
- Voice
- high-pitched 'trin-see, trin-see'; chattering.
- Habitat
- usually near water in grassy tropical woodlands and clearings; paperbarks, acacia scrublands, hill country, timber along watercourses, mangroves, roadsides, crops; occasionally gardens.
- Breeding
- June-Sept.; any month after rain.
- Nest
- in tree hollow, usually near water.
- Eggs
- 2-4; white, rounded.
- Range & Status
- n. Aust.: Kimberley (WA), e. from c. Derby-Fitzroy Crossing; through Top End (NT), s. to Katherine-McArthur R., coastally, and on some islands e. to Nicholson R., far nw. Q. Sedentary; uncommon.
- Distribution key to races
- 1. Platycercus venustus venustus 2. Platycercus venustus hilli
