Pale-headed Rosella

Pale-headed Rosella key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

15 years or more

Size

30-33cm (tail 15cm; 95-120g)

Diet

Mixed seed, seeding grasses, greens, fruit and vegetables, and pellets

Cage

A walk-in flight 4.5 m long is recommended, with a vertical nest box about 23 x 23 x 61 cm, and it is better not to house the species next to other rosellas.

Temperament

A vigorous chewer needing unsprayed flowering, fir, willow and pine branches, wooden toys, ladders and swings. Its habit of scratching in soil calls for regular worming.

Vocalization

The flight contact call is sharp and short; perched birds give a three-syllable whistle on an ascending scale or a metallic piping, and the alarm call is shrill and screechy. Feeding is done in silence.

Notes

Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. Because it feeds much on the ground, plan substrate hygiene and worming.

About Pale-headed Rosella

The Pale-headed Rosella is a mid-sized parrot (30-33cm) with a pale cream head and strong blue body color. Long-lived (15+ years) and best suited to intermediate keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Pale-headed Rosella

1. 1Needs a Spacious Cage

   At 30-33cm, this is a mid-sized parrot that needs room to stretch its wings. Choose a spacious cage with sturdy perches and toys to keep it active and engaged.

2. 2Powerful Beak, Handle with Care

   Pale-headed Rosellas have a strong bite and may chew on cage bars or furniture. Offer chew-safe toys and get your bird comfortable with handling gradually.

3. 3Can Be Quite Vocal

   This species has a loud, carrying voice and vocalizes fairly often. If you live in an apartment, think ahead about noise and the times of day your bird is likely to be most vocal.

4. 4Active and Curious

   Curious and energetic, these birds enjoy supervised time outside the cage. Before letting your bird out, bird-proof the room to prevent escapes or accidental ingestion of small items.

5. 5Diet: Seeds and Fruit

   In the wild, this species feeds mainly on seeds and fruit. A diet built around pellets or seed mix, supplemented with fresh vegetables and fruit, helps keep the balance your bird needs.

6. 6A Long-Term Commitment

   With a lifespan of 15 years or more, a Pale-headed Rosella is a long-term companion. Consider how future life changes might affect your ability to care for it over the years.

7. 7Best for Experienced Keepers

   Given its size, voice, and strong beak, this species is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Prior parrot-keeping experience or thorough research beforehand is recommended.

Frequently asked questions about Pale-headed Rosella

Q.Is this bird suitable for beginners?

A.Because of its size, voice, and strong bite, the Pale-headed Rosella is generally considered suitable for intermediate keepers. Prior parrot experience or thorough preparation is recommended before bringing one home.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults reach about 30-33cm in length and weigh roughly 95-120g. The tail is quite long, making up nearly half of the bird's total length.

Q.Is it a noisy bird?

A.This species has a loud, carrying call and vocalizes fairly often. If you live in an apartment, it's worth planning ahead for noise and considering when your bird is likely to be most vocal.

Q.How long do they live?

A.Pale-headed Rosellas typically live 15 years or more, making them a long-lived companion bird. Be prepared for a long-term commitment when considering one.

Q.Are there any legal regulations to be aware of?

A.Pale-headed Rosella is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.

Useful tools for Pale-headed Rosella care

Learn more about Pale-headed Rosella in the encyclopedia

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