How to identify the Crimson Rosella

To correctly identify the Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

30-36 cm (12-14 in)

Wingspan

45-55 cm (18-22 in)

Weight

100-170 g (3.5-6 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adults are predominantly crimson red on the head, neck, and underparts. The back and wings are black, broadly edged with crimson. The flight feathers are dark blue, and the tail is dark blue with lighter blue outer feathers. The cheek patches are blue. Some subspecies, particularly in coastal areas of South Australia and Kangaroo Island (P. e. flaveolus and P. e. subadelaidae), exhibit yellow or orange coloration instead of crimson, often referred to as 'Yellow Rosella' or 'Adelaide Rosella' respectively, though they are considered subspecies of P. elegans.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Short, stout, and hooked, pale grey to whitish.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Greyish-brown.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The vivid crimson body contrasting with blue cheek patches and dark blue flight feathers and tail are highly distinctive. The black scalloping on the back and wings is also a key feature.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles are predominantly dull olive-green on the head, neck, and underparts, with blue cheek patches. The back and wings are black, edged with green. The tail is blue. They gradually acquire adult plumage over 15-18 months, often showing a mottled appearance of green and red during this transition. The full crimson plumage is usually attained by the second year.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round, though juveniles undergo a gradual molt to adult coloration.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Males and females are generally similar in plumage, though males may be slightly larger and have a more intense crimson coloration. Females might have a duller red and sometimes a small amount of green on the nape or underwing coverts, but these differences are subtle and not reliable for field identification.

Key field marks

• Overall Coloration. Look for the striking crimson red on the head, neck, and underparts. This is the most defining feature of the nominate subspecies.
• Cheek Patches. Observe the bright blue cheek patches, which contrast sharply with the red head. This distinguishes it from Eastern Rosellas with white cheek patches.
• Back and Wings. Note the black scalloping on the back and wings, where each feather is broadly edged with crimson. Flight feathers and tail are dark blue.
• Juvenile Plumage. If green, look for blue cheek patches and a gradual transition to red/crimson, indicating a juvenile Crimson Rosella rather than an adult of another species.
• Vocalization. Listen for its distinctive melodious, fluting whistle ('klee-wit, klee-wit') or sharp, metallic contact calls ('chit-chit') in flight.

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