Crimson / Eastern Rosella hybrids are noted at least most years. I don’t know if anyone knows how long they last. As it is curious that they seem to just turn
up and be noticed for short periods. We don’t appear to have a stable hybrid population, as for example happens with lorikeets or I think all the exotic South American parakeets, that are feral around the cities of USA. I suggest (and without a picture, it
is only a suggestion) from your description it is statistically most likely to be a hybrid. Maybe second generation. First generation hybrids show a lot of variation, obviously because they are a random genetic mix, but are normally overall more like Eastern
Rosella but with pale blue cheeks and more random bits of red on the back and underparts. There have been several photos posted over the years.
Philip
From: Canberrabirds [
On Behalf Of Dr David Rosalky
Sent: Friday, 29 March, 2024 9:39 AM
To: COG bird list
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Hybrid rosella?
This morning, I observed what was at first sight a Crimson Rosella: blue cheek patch, essentially blue and red coloration and of a larger dimension cf Eastern.
But the bird had blotchy uneven pale yellow patches on its breast.
Possibilities:
·
Juvenile/immature Crimson R – looked quite unlike other juveniles around here
·
Genetic colour defect like leucism
·
Hybrid with predominantly Crimson genetic material.
Any ideas?
David Rosalky
