Western Rosella (Platycercus icterotis)

Bird · GBIF taxon 2479320

Western Rosella

Platycercus icterotis

Also known as Moyadong, Yellow-cheeked Rosella, Earl of Derby's Parrot

Western rosellas are the smallest of all rosella species, quietly foraging in pairs or small family groups across the eucalyptus woodlands of southwestern Australia. Bright red heads, yellow cheek patches, and scalloped green and black backs make mature males easy to recognize, while females display softer olive-green tones. Their quiet, double-noted contact calls allow them to blend effortlessly into the forest canopy until they descend to feed on grassy seeds.

EndemicColorfulWoodland

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Licensed reference(c) Donald Hobern, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by

—observations

—countries

—peak records

Least ConcernConservation status

Key facts

Diet & prey

Grass seeds
Eucalyptus seeds
Acacia seeds

Predators

Feral cats
Red foxes
Raptors

ThreatsHabitat loss, nest hollow competition with feral honeybees, introduced predators

HabitatsEucalypt forests, woodlands, farmland, orchards, gardens

Life span15–20 years

Size / weightNot available

Classification

FamilyPsittacidae
SpeciesPlatycercus icterotis

Range & activity

Range data is not available yet.

Safe observation

Interaction riskLow

Low
Moderate
High
Very high

Why interaction risk is low: Capable of giving a sharp bite if cornered or handled; observe quietly from a respectful distance.

Responsible observation

Listen Carefully: Scan forest edges for their quiet, soft double-note contact call.
Look Near Ground Level: Search low shrubs and grassy patches where they forage quietly for seeds.
Maintain Distance: Use binoculars or a camera lens rather than approaching feeding pairs.

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