Over the years, maybe every year or two, we get observations of hybrids of the two species, and although both are common so have plenty of opportunities, I
don’t know of any long term following of a mixed pair. So it is interesting. There is an idea that most hybrids are result of accidental matings, rather than established mixed pairs.
The writer calls Arnie “he” but from all described behaviour I doubt it. This situation sounds to me like the other way around. Unless copulation has been observed
and I doubt that because I expect it would be mentioned, going by who is boss and who does the feeding of the other and that the female is much more likely to be the juvenile of the pair, I suggest that the male is the Eastern Rosella (Danny) and the female
is the other one.
Most of the years I have had Crimson Rosellas breeding in my nest box, the female has been the younger one.
Philip
From: B&RGraham [
Sent: Sunday, 20 May, 2018 9:48 AM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Crimson and Eastern Rosella Partnership
If anyone would like to follow this situation could you contact Leonie for further details or photos.
