Eastern, crimson rosellas sometimes pair up | NATURE QUERIES ANSWERED
VARIATION: Eastern and crimson rosellas have different feeding habits.
A couple of weeks ago we saw a crimson rosella and an eastern rosella paired up together. They were feeding together, then they flew off together as though they were a mated pair. Is this unusual?
I.P., Smeaton.
It is unusual for the two rosella species to pair up, but it is noticed from time to time (every few years).
Matings of such birds can be successful, with the young ones showing a variety of colours of both parents.
The hybrids can have either white cheeks (from the eastern parent), or blue (of the crimson rosella), or pale blue (a blend of both parents).
It is surprising that such mating should occur in the Ballarat district, because neither species should have trouble finding a mate of its own kind.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au