Green Rosella
The Green Rosella or Tasmanian Rosella (Platycercus caledonicus) is endemic to Tasmania and Bass Strait islands. At 37 cm (14.5 in) long it is the largest species of the Rosella genus. The male and female are generally similar in plumage, being predominantly black, green, and yellow in colour with a red band above the beak and blue cheeks; however, some females have red-orange colouration on the front of their necks. Its diet is composed of seeds, fruit, berries and flowers, as well as insects and insect larvae.
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| Platycercus caledonicus |
image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:JJ_Harrison
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| Green Rosella |
image source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:JJ_Harrison
Taxonomy
The Green Rosella was described by the German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1788. The species specific epithet was derived from the mistaken belief the bird was collected from New Caledonia. Alternate common names include Tasmanian Rosella, Yellow-bellied or Yellow-breasted Parakeet, and Mountain Parrot.
