Eastern Rosella

Platycercus eximius

George Shaw was the first to describe the species, in 1792.

Platycercus combines the Greek platus (broad or flat) and kerkos (tail); eximius is Latin for select or distinguished, a reference to an early name, the Nonpareil Parrakeet (unparalleled parrot).

Frederick Polydore Nodder, Nonpareil Parrot 1792

Author’s note: This illustration is the first published of the species.

John Gould (artist), Henry Constantine Richter (lithographer), Platycercus eximius (Rose-hill Parrakeet) 1848 (two males)

Author’s note: The first European settlers called the Eastern Rosella the Rosehill Parrakeet, for Rose Hill, the first inland colonial settlement in New South Wales (soon renamed Parramatta), where they were common. This was shortened to Rosehiller and then Rosella.

John Hunter, Gorail between 1788 and 1790

Author’s note: Hunter’s illustration is the first known of the species.