This pretty little parrot perched on an electric cable outside my window. Eastern Rosellas don’t come round often, so it’s a treat to see one.

At 30 cm in length, Eastern Rosellas are larger than the Rainbow Lorikeets and slightly smaller than the Crimson Rosellas that we see often in our area.

In the video below, you see the bird flicking its foot rapidly near its face, as if scratching an itch. I’ve seen them do this often, usually accompanied by calling and by fluffing their feathers. I think its more of a display dance than a remedy for an itch!

Common name: Eastern Rosella

Scientific name: Platycercus eximius

Approximate length: 30 cm

Date spotted: 2 March 2019 (late summer)

Location: Allambie Heights, NSW, Australia