Endemic to south-western Australia, the Western Rosella (Platycercus icterotis) is the smallest rosella species of parrot, known for being the only one with distinct breeding and non-breeding plumage for males – they have brighter colours during the breeding season but molt into duller colours afterward, a feature not seen in other rosella species. Western rosellas have been observed using tools, such as sticks, to extract seeds from eucalyptus pods. Found in open forests, woodlands, and riverine areas with subspecies in both high-rainfall coastal zones and drier inland areas, Western rosellas have yellow cheeks – whereas Eastern rosellas have white cheeks.
See also: Eastern rosella
See also: Eastern rosella
© BirdsImageStock