Platycercus adscitus
The Pale-headed Rosella, *Platycercus adscitus*, is a strikingly marked medium-sized parrot, measuring 32-35 cm (12.5-13.8 inches) in length and weighing between 100-130 grams. Its most distinctive feature is its pale, often creamy-white to pale yellow head, contrasting with vibrant blue cheeks (particularly in the southern subspecies *P. a. palliceps*). The back is a striking pattern of black feathers broadly edged with pale yellow or light blue, creating a scalloped effect. Its breast and b...
Found in open woodlands, savannas, grasslands with scattered trees (e.g., eucalypts and acacias), along watercourses, and in agricultural areas and suburban gardens, from sea level to moderate elevations.
Primarily granivorous, consuming seeds of grasses, shrubs, and trees (e.g., eucalyptus, acacia), supplemented with fruits, berries, flowers, nectar, and occasionally insects and their larvae. Forages extensively on the ground and in tree canopies.
Pale-headed Rosellas are diurnal, spending much of their day foraging on the ground or in trees. They are typically seen in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming larger flocks of up to 30 birds outside the breeding season. Breeding pairs establish and defend territories around their ...
The Pale-headed Rosella is endemic to northeastern Australia, primarily inhabiting Queensland and extending into the extreme northern parts of New South Wales. The northern subspecies, *Platycercus adscitus adscitus*, occupies the Cape York Peninsula southwards to the Normanby River in Queensland...
Least Concern
- The Pale-headed Rosella is known to hybridize with the Eastern Rosella (*Platycercus eximius*) in areas where their ranges overlap, producing birds with mixed plumage characteristics. - Its genus name *Platycercus* translates to 'flat tail' or 'broad tail,' a characteristic feature of rosella s...