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Pale-headed Rosella

Platycercus adscitus palliceps

Photo by Neil Ross
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

The worst photo I have ever taken, but hey, this is my first PN spotting of a Pale-headed Rosella. It's only the second time I have seen this fellow in my yard, and both times it has been feeding alone. A very pretty bird. There are two subspecies, the better known palliceps (eastern Queensland), also known as the Blue-cheeked Rosella, and adscitus (Cape York Peninsula). Its closest relative is the Eastern Rosella, which replaces it in southeastern Australia.

Habitat:

Found in my backyard feeding on grass seeds (cooch and winter grass). He/she was being dive-bombed by Noisy Miners, although it seemed pretty inoffensive to me.

Notes:

Only a month ago I was unaware this species of Rosella even existed. A wonderful surprise.

Reference Links:

Pale-headed rosella, Pale-headed Rosella | BIRDS in BACKYARDS

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (9)
Neil Ross
Thank you, all. They are beautifully coloured birds, and I love it when they chatter amongst themselves. This little fellow will be back, particularly now we've had some decent rain - grass seeds galore.
Mark Ridgway
They are so aware and usually keep a distance. Good record Neil.
Neil Ross
Just got my new camera, Ernst, so I'll be stalking this little guy again, don't you worry about that. I'll try for some better pics, but I'd be happy just to see him again.
Neil Ross
I was really chuffed, Stephanie. Yes, they are very pretty, and it was wonderful just to sit and watch a while. I'll try for better pics next time, but that's not overly important.
Stephanie R.
Such a pretty bird Neil! I am glad you got a chance to capture it:)
Neil Ross
Thanks, Daniele. I didn't know this species existed until about a month ago. I've been seeing a pair where I work, and it was only their chattering that made me aware of their presence. I had to look hard to actually see them amongst the tree foliage. The little guy at my place doesn't make a sound. I was so happy to see him/her again today. Gotta get a new camera!!! I'm so frustrated with this one :-/
DanielePralong
Lovely to see this bird Neil! We used to see a lot of them in the Gap. Marc unkindly nicknamed them "the Gap shabby parrots" :-) Mostly in comparison with the king parrots we also saw often. A subtle, pretty rosella.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
WILD Cities: Urban Biodiversity
Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
Global Flight
Mission
Wildlife of Brisbane
Mission
Birds of Australia

Tags

Photographed
PublishedAugust 20, 2014

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