Re: birding-aus Crimson Rosella Behaviour

John,

The observation you made of Crimson Rosellas is actually quite a common and
normal procedure for all seed-eating members of the Parrot family, like
Rosellas,Grass Parrots, Cockatoos etc.

In the breeding season, it is common to observe male parrots feeding their
female companions, as well as young (both in and out of the nest).  Quite often,
the male parrot will feed within it's home-range whilst the female incubates
eggs or broods nestlings.  At regular intervals throughout the day, the male
will fly to a position near the nest, call to the female and, upon her emergence
from the nest hollow, he often feeds her in the method you described
(regurgitating food directly to her, beak to beak).  The female will probably
make a series of squabbling, grating type calls during this ritual.

Regards,

Chris Tzaros



To unsubscribe from this list, please send a message to

Include ONLY "unsubscribe birding-aus" in the message body (without the
quotes)