Local habitat and climate influence rosella colour variations

Climate change could affect the colour and future survival of Australia’s rosella parrots, a study by Deakin University has found.

Mathew Berg, a biologist with the centre for integrative ecology at the Geelong campus, said satellite data suggested that climate and habitat influenced colour variations in the rosella’s plumage.

Crimson rosellas are common in coastal areas of eastern Australia, while yellow rosellas are found in dry inland areas.