Our Oak Knoll location is now closed to the public.
Hello my name
is Rosey!
Platycercus eximius
I am an 18 year old Eastern Rosella that arrived at The Hamilton Aviary when I was a year old in 2007. While at The Aviary I have lived in a cage with the Cockatiels, because my species is a flock bird (we live in big groups) and I'm the only one of my species there. I also enjoy sitting close to my neighbour Howard, on either side of our shared window.
Likes
Hanging plants
Gentle showers
Dislikes
It takes me a little while to warm up to new people
Fav Foods
Millet!
What I Can Say
I can't say any human words, but I can imitate a Cardinal
About Me and Other
Eastern Rosellas
My ancestors are native to south-eastern Australia and parts of Tasmania. These colourful little parrots can be found in open forest, plains, and woodlands and has been known to wander into public parks and gardens. Common names for my species include Eastern Rosella, Redheaded or White-cheeked Rosella, Golden Mantle, Polly Parrot, Rosehill Parakeet, and Rosy.
Eastern Rosellas have been observed eating charcoal in the wild. Scientists believe that eating charcoal helps rosellas protect themselves against mild toxins found in many of the plants that they consume.​
In captivity, I prefer a quiet life and love spending my days on my swing perch or digging away in hanging plants. I will live for about 30 years with proper care in captivity, whereas my wild counterparts would live half as long.
Considered an invasive species in New Zealand, you can find feral populations of Eastern Rosellas (released pets) on the North Island, the hills of Dunedin, and the South Islands.
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Eastern Rosellas have been classified by the IUCN as of Least Concern in terms of their Australian population, but their population is Tasmania is listed as Near Threatened, as it has about halved in the last century. The Green Rosella however is thriving in Tasmania.
What I'm up to Now
I was moved to The Toronto Zoo!
When our sanctuary at Oak Knoll Drive closed its doors, a few birds migrated over to The Toronto Zoo. I am in a free flight exhibit in the Australiasian pavilion and am back in the public eye in their aviary. I have transitioned well and am happy I still have lots of friends to visit me!
