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Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans)

The Crimson Rosella is a medium-sized parrot of eastern and south-eastern Australia. It uses forests, woodlands, wet eucalypt vegetation, farmland, parks and gardens, with mature hollow-bearing trees needed for nesting. Clearing or damaging these trees can remove feeding habitat, nest sites and shelter, particularly during the breeding and dependent-young period.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Vulnerable.

Breeding season

Timing varies across the broad Australian range. The table combines the general breeding period with the more specific Canberra observations and the documented autumn and winter increase in juvenile flocking.

Month values are January to December: 0 means not typical, 1 means occurs, and 2 means peak or highest sensitivity.

  • Breeding, nest inspection and laying: Adults may inspect hollows from August. General breeding is reported from September to January, with peak activity represented here from September to December.
  • Young in nest or dependent: Incubation is about 20 days, nestlings remain for about 35 days, and Canberra observations report dependent young from November to February.
  • Juvenile flocking and local movement: Juveniles may form larger flocks, especially in autumn and winter. The documents do not describe a regular long-distance migration.
  • Adult resident activity: Adults occur throughout the year, usually alone, in pairs or in small groups. Pairs are reported to remain together throughout the year.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing or disturbance is most likely to harm the species from August to February because nest inspection, breeding, nestling care and dependent young overlap this period. September to January is the main documented breeding period.

Identification

Crimson Rosellas are conspicuous parrots because of their bright plumage and ringing calls. Juveniles can be mistaken for other green parrots until their adult colours develop.

Adults are generally 32 to 36 cm long. The typical crimson form has red plumage, bright blue cheek patches, blue shoulder and flight-feather edges, a mostly blue tail, and black back and wing feathers broadly edged or scalloped with red.

Colour forms vary across the range. Yellow birds occur along the Murray and Murrumbidgee river systems, orange birds occur in the Flinders Ranges, and intermediate orange-red birds occur in the Adelaide region. Young birds are mainly green to yellowish olive and gradually develop adult plumage over about 15 months.

Size: 32 to 36 cm.

Bill: Pale or cream coloured and strongly curved.

Adult field marks: Red or yellow body, blue cheeks, blue wing and tail areas, and black feathers edged with the main body colour.

Identification: Similar species and sex

Australian King-Parrots are the main similar species identified in the documents. The Crimson Rosella is separated by its blue cheek patches and pale bill, together with the black and red or yellow scalloped pattern on the back.

Males and females are similar. Females are generally slightly duller than males in the colour forms described by BirdLife Australia.

  • Check for the blue cheek patches and pale bill before recording a bird as a Crimson Rosella.
  • Do not rely on red plumage alone, because yellow and orange colour forms also occur.

Identification: Field signs and detection

The species is often detected by sound before it is seen. Calls include a repeated two-syllable cussik-cussik, wik wik or chalk chalk call in flight, and piping, harsh or metallic calls when perched.

Look for birds feeding in the canopy, shrubs or on the ground, and for pairs or small family groups moving between trees. The nest is a tree hollow, usually high in a eucalypt, lined with wood shavings and dust. Adults may inspect hollows before breeding.

  • Use call and visual identification during fauna surveys.
  • Inspect mature eucalypts and other trees with suitable cavities for adults entering or leaving, fresh wood dust, or repeated activity at the hollow entrance.
  • Treat a repeatedly used hollow as potential breeding habitat until the absence of birds and dependent young has been established.

Distribution: National range

The Crimson Rosella occurs across eastern and south-eastern Australia. The documents describe several geographically associated colour forms rather than a single uniform population.

The documented mainland range extends from northern Queensland through southern Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to south-eastern South Australia. It also includes Kangaroo Island. BirdLife Australia lists the species in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

Red birds have also been introduced to Norfolk Island and New Zealand. These introduced populations are outside the species' mainland Australian range.

Australian states documented: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

Offshore or introduced locations: Kangaroo Island is included in the natural range description. Red birds have been introduced to Norfolk Island and New Zealand.

Distribution: Regional occurrences and population information

The species is recorded in the Brogo Wet Vine Forest area of the South East Corner Bioregion and in the Sullivan's Creek catchment near Canberra. In the Canberra region it uses grassy woodland, parkland, open grassland, gardens and suburban areas.

The documents do not provide a national population estimate or a national population density. One regional source reports that Canberra populations had doubled since 1981, but no comparable national trend is provided.

National population size: Not provided in the documents.

Reported local trend: The Canberra population was reported as having doubled since 1981.

Documented survey occurrence: Recorded during a DPIE survey associated with the Brogo Wet Vine Forest conservation advice.

Habitat: Habitat types

Crimson Rosellas use a broad range of wooded habitats, but are most consistently associated with tall eucalypt forest and wetter forest. They also use modified areas where mature trees, food plants and nesting hollows remain.

The species occurs in tall eucalypt forest, wet forest, woodland, rainforest edges, farmland, parks, gardens and suburban bushland. Older and wetter eucalyptus forests are particularly associated with the crimson type.

In the Canberra region, the species uses grassy woodland, home gardens, parklands and open grasslands. In Sydney it is reported from coastal forests, mountain forests, rainforest edges, parks and gardens.

Primary habitat: Tall eucalypt forest, wetter forest and woodland.

Modified habitat: Farmland, parks, gardens, school grounds, suburban bushland and open grassland with trees.

Habitat: Key habitat structure

Mature trees provide both food and nest hollows. Large old trees are particularly important because suitable hollows can take many decades to form naturally.

Retain connected or nearby tree cover where practicable, together with native shrubs, flowering eucalypts, grasses and ground feeding areas. Habitat can remain useful in urban settings when mature trees and hollow-bearing trees are retained.

  • Map mature and hollow-bearing trees before clearing.
  • Retain native food plants and tree canopy around known or potential nest trees.
  • Avoid treating gardens, parkland or woodland edges as low-value habitat where mature trees and feeding resources remain.

Habitat: Elevation and climate

The documents do not give elevation limits or a defined climatic boundary. They associate the species with eastern and south-eastern Australian forests, woodlands and wetter eucalypt habitats.

Foraging habitat: Diet and feeding sites

Crimson Rosellas feed in trees, shrubs and on the ground. They commonly forage in small groups or pairs, while juveniles may gather in larger flocks.

The main foods are seeds from eucalypts, grasses, shrubs and other plants. Fruit, berries, blossoms, buds and nectar are also taken, together with insects and larvae. Insects may be particularly useful while adults are feeding growing chicks.

Birds forage in the canopy, in shrubs and on the ground. They use the bill and feet together to hold and crack hard seeds and fruit. They may feed in open grassland, gardens, farmland, parkland and forest clearings as well as within woodland and forest.

Main foods: Seeds of eucalypts, grasses and shrubs.

Other foods: Fruit, berries, blossoms, buds, nectar, insects and larvae.

Foraging locations: Tree canopy, shrubs, ground layer, gardens, parkland, farmland and open grassland.

  • Search beneath mature eucalypts and native shrubs for feeding birds and recently disturbed seed material.
  • Check flowering trees and shrubs, grassy areas and forest edges during morning and afternoon activity periods.
  • Record the food plant or substrate used where this can be identified without disturbing the birds.

Foraging habitat: Foraging movements

The documents do not provide a defined home range, daily foraging distance or population density. Adults generally occur alone, in pairs or in small groups, and juveniles can form larger flocks in autumn and winter.

Pairs and family groups may move between trees and open feeding areas. Retaining feeding trees and nearby ground and shrub resources around nest trees reduces the need for birds to cross cleared areas.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding depends on a suitable tree hollow, usually in a mature eucalypt. The female incubates the eggs and both parents feed the young.

The nest is a tree hollow lined with wood shavings and dust. The female incubates the eggs alone, while both sexes care for the chicks. Young remain dependent on their parents for about 35 days after leaving the nest.

Breeding season: September to January. In Canberra, adults inspect hollows and nest from August to October, with dependent young from November to February.

Clutch size: 4 to 8 white eggs, usually 5. BirdLife Australia also reports up to 8, usually 3 to 5.

Incubation: About 20 days.

Nestling period: About 35 days in the nest.

Age at maturity: Not provided in the documents.

Lifespan: The documents do not provide a reliable lifespan figure.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat features

Suitable breeding habitat includes mature eucalypt forest and woodland with high tree hollows, together with nearby feeding trees, shrubs and open ground. Hollow-bearing trees can also occur in parks, gardens and suburban bushland.

Nest boxes can be used successfully in suburban areas. The local guidance describes a vertical box with an 8 cm entrance, an internal diameter of 20 cm, a side entrance and placement at least 10 m above ground.

Typical nest site: A high tree hollow, usually in a eucalypt.

Nest box entrance: 8 cm diameter in the local guidance.

Nest box internal diameter: 20 cm in the local guidance.

Suggested nest box height: At least 10 m above ground in the local guidance.

  • Do not fell or prune a hollow-bearing tree without checking for current or recent rosella use.
  • Schedule hollow-tree works outside the main breeding and dependent-young period where practicable, subject to project approvals and fauna handling requirements.
  • Inspect nest boxes and cavities for adults, eggs or dependent young before disturbance.

Sheltering habitat: Trees and hollows

The main documented shelter and roost resources are mature trees, tree hollows and dense wooded vegetation. The documents do not describe a separate den, burrow or ground refuge.

Crimson Rosellas roost and nest in trees, with nests usually placed high in a tree hollow. Mature eucalypts and other old trees with cavities provide shelter and breeding opportunities.

Birds may rest high in trees during the middle of the day. They also use forest, woodland, parkland, gardens and suburban bushland where canopy cover remains.

Documented shelter feature: High tree hollows, usually in mature eucalypts.

Other shelter habitat: Tall eucalypt forest, wet forest, woodland, parkland, gardens and suburban bushland.

  • Retain hollow-bearing trees, dead trees with suitable cavities and nearby live canopy where safe and practicable.
  • Check trees scheduled for removal, pruning or limb removal for hollows and repeated rosella activity.
  • Maintain refuge trees and connected canopy near clearing edges to reduce exposure during construction.

Sheltering habitat: Nest boxes

Nest boxes may provide an alternative cavity in suburban areas. The local guidance recommends a vertical box with an 8 cm entrance, a 20 cm internal diameter and placement at least 10 m above ground. Boxes should remain visible and should be checked for use by introduced Common Mynas, Starlings and Honeybees.

  • Inspect nest boxes before works and during the breeding season where monitoring is authorised.
  • Control or exclude competing species only under an approved management procedure.
  • Do not assume an unused box is available until competing species and rosella use have been assessed.

Threats: Clearing and fragmentation

The main project risks are loss of mature trees and hollows, removal of feeding vegetation, fragmentation and disturbance during breeding. Introduced competitors and cats can add pressure around urban and suburban sites.

Land clearing, urban development and infrastructure can remove forest, woodland, mature feeding trees and nest hollows. Fragmentation can separate nest trees from food resources and increase the need to cross open or disturbed areas.

Firewood collection also removes mature and hollow-bearing trees. Weed and pest invasion can reduce the quality of woodland habitat.

  • Map hollow-bearing trees, mature eucalypts, flowering trees, native shrubs and ground feeding areas before clearing.
  • Retain habitat around nest trees and avoid creating isolated trees where practicable.
  • Prevent unauthorised firewood collection and retain fallen timber where it does not create a safety or fire-management conflict.

Threats: Breeding disturbance

Tree removal, limb removal, vibration and prolonged activity near a nest hollow can disturb incubating adults, nestlings or recently fledged young. The highest sensitivity is likely to occur during the documented breeding and dependent-young periods.

  • Complete pre-clearance inspections for hollow use before works.
  • Avoid disturbing known active hollows from August to February where practicable, particularly from September to January.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher and approved rescue or nest management procedure if an active hollow or dependent young is found.

Threats: Predators and competitors

Domestic and feral cats can prey on young birds. Common Mynas can displace Crimson Rosellas from nests, and introduced Honeybees can compete for hollows. Starlings are also identified as nest box competitors.

The species is part of food webs that include larger birds of prey, snakes and mammals. Predator presence alone is not necessarily a project impact, but artificial increases in access or exposure may increase risk.

  • Keep domestic cats away from retained habitat and construction compounds.
  • Inspect nest boxes and hollows for Common Mynas, Starlings and Honeybees before allocating them as rosella habitat.
  • Manage food waste and construction materials so they do not attract predators or pest birds.

Threats: Fire, roads and hydrology

Extensive or frequent fire can remove habitat and reduce food resources. The BirdLife Australia profile identifies habitat destruction, extensive or frequent fire and climate change as threats.

The documents do not provide species-specific evidence about road mortality or hydrology change. Apply standard project controls where roads or drainage works remove woodland, flowering vegetation, ground feeding areas or access to nest trees.

  • Protect retained trees and food plants from construction fire, heat damage, soil compaction and accidental ignition.
  • Use fauna-sensitive traffic controls near retained woodland and known feeding or nesting areas.
  • Avoid changing drainage or water availability in a way that removes wet forest, riparian trees or food-producing vegetation.

Survey methodology: 1. Call and visual searches

Crimson Rosellas are conspicuous, vocal parrots associated with tall eucalypt and wetter forests, woodlands, parks and gardens. Use visual and call-based searches, with particular attention to mature trees and hollows that may be used for nesting.

Search retained and proposed clearing areas for adult, juvenile and flock activity using call and visual identification.

Listen for the commonly reported two-syllabled call, described as “cussik-cussik”, as well as harsh screeches, metallic whistles and repeated piping calls.

Inspect tree canopies, edges, shrubs, ground-feeding areas and flight paths because Crimson Rosellas forage in trees, shrubs and on the ground.

Adult length: 32 to 36 cm

Typical group size: Adults usually occur singly, in pairs or small groups; juveniles may form larger flocks, especially in autumn and winter.

Main breeding period: September to January

  • Record each observation with date, time, location, number of birds, age class where identifiable, behaviour, direction of travel and habitat feature used.
  • Map feeding, roosting, nesting and repeated flight activity separately from incidental records.

Survey methodology: 2. Habitat and hollow inspection

Inspect mature eucalypts and other large trees within the disturbance footprint and nearby retained habitat for hollows, nest access points, feeding activity and repeated bird movement.

Prioritise trees with high hollows because the species requires mature eucalypts with suitable hollows and usually nests in tree cavities.

Inspect potential nest trees from a safe distance and do not insert equipment into a hollow or otherwise disturb an occupied cavity unless authorised under the project fauna procedure.

Documented nest-box dimensions: An entrance diameter of 8 cm, internal diameter of 20 cm, vertical construction and a side entrance at least 10 m above ground are recommended in the ACT source.

  • Record tree location, species where known, diameter or other project tree measurements, hollow height, entrance size, orientation, evidence of use and whether the tree will be retained.
  • Search for nest boxes, hollow fence posts and cavities in buildings where these occur, as the species can use these sites.

Survey methodology: 3. Pre-clearance fauna search

Complete a targeted pre-clearance search immediately before clearing in all areas containing mature trees, hollows, woodland, wetter forest or known Crimson Rosella records.

Use call and visual identification during the search, and inspect the ground and lower vegetation for recently fledged birds that may be unable to fly strongly.

Coordinate the search with the fauna spotter catcher and the clearing supervisor so that machinery does not enter a tree or habitat zone before it has been checked.

  • Search at a time when birds are active and visibility is adequate, avoiding conditions that prevent safe observation or reliable call detection.
  • Repeat the search when clearing is staged or delayed and the site condition, work area or exclusion boundary changes.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Use the project approval, state survey guideline and any agency condition to set the required number of visits, search area, transect spacing, observation period and seasonal coverage because the supplied species sources do not provide a quantitative Crimson Rosella survey effort.
  • Survey during the breeding period, September to January, when the project may affect a potential nest tree or dependent young, and apply any additional timing required by the relevant state authority.
  • Record nil results as well as detections, including the area searched, observers, date, start and finish time, weather, visibility, calls heard, habitat inspected and limitations.
  • Submit confirmed records and suitable evidence to the relevant state wildlife database and the Atlas of Living Australia where required by the project or approval.
  • Retain photographs, maps, tree and hollow records, call recordings where available, and all fauna incident forms with the project environmental records.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise

Plan the works around the species’ dependence on mature trees, hollows, seed-bearing vegetation and connected forest or woodland habitat. Confirm the legal position before site mobilisation, particularly because the supplied material contains different conservation-status information.

Retain mature eucalypts, hollow-bearing trees, nest trees, native shrubs, flowering trees and connected strips of forest or woodland wherever practicable.

Keep retained trees and their root zones outside the clearing footprint and protect them from machinery, soil storage, trenching, compaction and firewood collection.

Avoid removing a tree with a suspected nest hollow during September to January unless the relevant approval and fauna management procedure allow the work and a competent inspection has found no active use.

Retain links between feeding areas, nesting trees and nearby forest, woodland, parkland or garden habitat so birds can move between resources.

  • Do not treat a hollow-bearing tree as suitable for removal merely because no bird is seen during one inspection.
  • Avoid creating conditions that increase competition for hollows, including leaving nest boxes available for Common Mynas or other pest birds where this is not controlled.
  • Include domestic and feral cat risks in the site controls where young birds or ground-feeding habitat may be exposed.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and fauna planning

Verify the current EPBC Act status and any state or territory listing before works begin because the supplied project information identifies the species as nationally listed, while the cited species tables describe it as not listed.

Refer the action under the EPBC Act if the current assessment indicates that the work may significantly affect a nationally listed Crimson Rosella population or its habitat.

Obtain all required state or territory wildlife, clearing, tree removal and fauna handling approvals before disturbance.

Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies survey methods, qualified personnel, exclusion zones, stop-work triggers, handling limits, release sites, veterinary arrangements and reporting responsibilities.

  • Include the relevant state wildlife database, local land manager and approval contact details in the fauna management plan.
  • Nominate an authorised fauna spotter catcher and a separate environmental officer with authority to stop work.

Before habitat disturbance: Site preparation

Complete and document the pre-clearance search before machinery enters each work area.

Mark retained trees, hollow-bearing trees, suspected nest trees, exclusion zones, retained vegetation and approved access routes with signs and high-visibility markers.

Install exclusion fencing where it can prevent entry without damaging retained trees, roots, nest trees or feeding habitat.

Stage clearing so the fauna spotter catcher can inspect each tree and work area immediately before disturbance.

  • Brief operators on the species’ appearance, calls, nest-hollow dependence and the instruction to stop when directed by the fauna spotter catcher.
  • Confirm a safe transport container, shaded temporary holding area, first-aid materials, wildlife carer and veterinary contacts before clearing starts.
  • Check that no nest box, hollow log or other retained habitat feature is being removed, damaged or used by pest birds without a documented decision.

During habitat disturbance: Daily clearing controls

Use a controlled clearing sequence with direct communication between the fauna spotter catcher, machinery operator and environmental officer. Stop work whenever an animal, active nest or unsafe habitat feature is identified.

Hold a daily pre-start briefing covering the approved work area, exclusion zones, weather, fauna personnel, communication method and stop-work triggers.

Recheck the active work area each day and after breaks, weather events, changes in machinery or movement of exclusion fencing.

Clear from the approved edge towards retained habitat where safe, allowing birds and other fauna a clear route to move into retained trees and vegetation.

Keep machinery, vehicles, spoil, fuels and fire from entering retained tree protection and habitat zones.

  • Do not start clearing until the fauna spotter catcher is present and the environmental officer has released the work area.
  • Use low-speed, controlled machine movements near retained trees and hollows so the spotter catcher can inspect cavities and respond to fauna movement.
  • Maintain visual or radio contact between the operator and fauna spotter catcher throughout tree removal and vegetation disturbance.

During habitat disturbance: Fauna spotter catcher response

The fauna spotter catcher must remain in a position that provides a safe view of the tree, hollow and immediate escape area without standing beneath unstable limbs or operating machinery.

If a Crimson Rosella is seen, heard close to the work area, flushed from a tree or found on the ground, direct the operator to stop and allow the bird to move to retained habitat where safe.

Do not chase, net or handle a flying adult merely to remove it from the work area.

Handle a bird only when necessary to prevent immediate harm, under the relevant authorisation and using species-appropriate methods.

  • If an injured, stunned or dependent bird is found, place it in a secure, dark and quiet container only if the authorised handler considers this safe, and contact a veterinarian or licensed wildlife carer promptly.
  • Release a fit bird only at a nearby approved area of retained habitat that provides trees, cover and food, and record the release location and time.
  • Do not release a bird into an active work zone, beside machinery or into habitat that has not been assessed as suitable.
  • Do not feed or give water to a captured bird unless directed by a veterinarian or licensed wildlife carer.

During habitat disturbance: Habitat features and stop-work triggers

Stop work if an occupied nest hollow, dependent young, injured bird, trapped bird or bird unable to leave the disturbance area is found.

Stop work if a hollow-bearing tree, nest tree, large limb or other retained habitat feature becomes unstable or cannot be removed without an unacceptable fauna risk.

Do not fell or damage a suspected nest tree until the fauna spotter catcher and environmental officer have completed the approved assessment and obtained any required direction or approval.

Retain logs, native shrubs, seed-bearing vegetation and other habitat features identified for retention unless the approved plan allows their removal.

  • Treat any nest hollow as occupied until an authorised assessment establishes otherwise.
  • If a hollow-bearing tree must be removed, use the approved staged removal method and inspect the felled tree and cavity for fauna before cutting, chipping or transport.
  • Place any salvaged hollow, log or nest box only where the fauna management plan specifies and where it will not create a hazard or attract pest species.
  • Use exclusion fencing or a revised work boundary when a safe separation from an active nest or retained tree cannot otherwise be maintained.

During habitat disturbance: Records and incident reporting

  • Record every detection, flush, handling event, injury, release, mortality, nest observation, tree inspection and stop-work event on the same day.
  • Include the bird’s location, time, condition, behaviour, photographs where safe, action taken, handler, release or treatment details and approval reference.
  • Notify the environmental officer and approval holder immediately of any injury, mortality, active nest, unauthorised clearing or failure of a fauna control.
  • Submit required incidents and records to the relevant state or territory authority and other approval bodies within the specified time.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Confirm that clearing has not left birds, nests or hazardous habitat within the work area. Continue controls until the site is stable and retained habitat is protected from follow-on works.

Complete a systematic inspection of the cleared area, felled trees, hollows, logs, vegetation piles and adjacent retained habitat after each clearing stage.

Check for live or injured Crimson Rosellas, dependent young, eggs, nest material and birds trapped in buildings, pits, fencing or temporary structures.

Inspect the base, crown and hollows of felled trees before they are chipped, burnt, buried or removed.

  • Keep the fauna spotter catcher on site for the post-clearance inspection where required by the fauna management plan or approval.
  • Do not close pits, remove fauna fencing or dismantle temporary controls until the environmental officer confirms that the area is clear and safe.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and site controls

Monitor retained mature trees, nest boxes, connected vegetation and known feeding areas during the construction period where these features are exposed to noise, dust, lighting, traffic or edge disturbance.

Maintain exclusion fencing, tree protection, access controls and no-firewood controls for as long as specified in the fauna management plan.

Check nest boxes for pest birds and manage Common Mynas or introduced Honeybees in accordance with lawful, approved control methods.

  • Record post-clearance Crimson Rosella observations and compare them with pre-clearance records, including changes in use of retained habitat.
  • Investigate repeated bird injury, displacement or loss of access to hollows and revise controls before the next work stage.

After habitat disturbance: Reporting and offsets

  • Complete the approval report with mapped clearing, retained habitat, hollow records, fauna incidents, stop-work events, rehabilitation actions and monitoring results.
  • Report any residual impact against the approved impact assessment and determine whether an offset, habitat protection measure or additional management action is required under the approval.
  • Update the relevant state wildlife database with verified project records where required.

Rehabilitation actions: Re-establish habitat

Rehabilitation should restore the food, shelter and nesting resources used by Crimson Rosellas. Prioritise mature-tree recruitment because suitable natural hollows take many decades to form.

Replant locally appropriate eucalypts and native shrubs that provide seeds, blossoms, fruit or cover, using the vegetation community and local restoration specification for the site.

Restore connected forest, woodland or wetter forest structure between retained trees and adjacent habitat rather than creating isolated plantings.

Protect planted and retained vegetation from browsing, weeds, firewood collection, soil compaction and unauthorised clearing.

  • Use local provenance plants where required by the project rehabilitation specification.
  • Retain naturally regenerating eucalypts and allow future hollow-bearing trees to develop.
  • Reinstate suitable logs, coarse woody material and ground cover where their placement is consistent with the approved rehabilitation design and does not create a fire or access hazard.

Rehabilitation actions: Replace nesting opportunities

Retain all safe hollow-bearing trees and protect them during rehabilitation and follow-on construction.

Install nest boxes only where natural hollows have been lost or are unavailable, and place them under an approved design and inspection programme.

Use the documented nest-box dimensions as a project reference: an 8 cm entrance, 20 cm internal diameter, vertical box and side entrance at least 10 m above ground.

  • Place nest boxes where they connect to retained forest or woodland habitat and are accessible for inspection without exposing birds to unnecessary disturbance.
  • Inspect boxes for Crimson Rosella use and exclude or manage Common Mynas, Starlings and introduced Honeybees under approved pest-control procedures.
  • Do not assume a nest box replaces the ecological function of mature hollow-bearing trees.

Rehabilitation actions: Weed, predator and fire management

Control weeds that suppress native shrubs, grasses and tree regeneration in accordance with the site weed plan.

Reduce access by domestic and feral cats around retained and rehabilitated habitat, particularly where young birds may feed or shelter near the ground.

Apply the approved fire regime for the vegetation community and avoid firewood collection or repeated disturbance around mature trees and hollows.

  • Do not use unapproved herbicides, fire or pest-control methods near nest boxes, retained trees or occupied habitat.
  • Inspect rehabilitation after fire, storm damage, pest activity or construction changes and repair habitat controls where required.

Rehabilitation actions: Success measures and monitoring

  • Monitor plant survival, weed cover, tree protection, nest-box condition, hollow retention and connectivity at the intervals specified in the rehabilitation plan.
  • Use Crimson Rosella presence, repeated use of retained or installed nest sites, feeding activity and movement through rehabilitated vegetation as fauna indicators, while recognising that absence from a single visit does not demonstrate failure.
  • Replace failed plants, repair nest boxes, control pest birds or revise site protection when monitoring shows that food, shelter or nesting resources are not being restored.
  • Report monitoring results, corrective actions and verified species records to the approval holder and relevant authority.

Sources