Eastern Bluebonnet

Northiella haematogaster

The Eastern Bluebonnet, or Northiella haematogaster, is a medium-sized Australian parrot with a distinctive crest-like arrangement of head feathers. Exhibiting a mostly olive-grey to brown upper body, this bird is adorned with dark blue on the outer wing and leading edge when the wing is folded. A blue forehead and face complement the pearl grey bill, light grey cere, brown-grey iris, and dark grey feet and legs. Males typically range from 28 to 35 cm in body length, while females are slightly smaller at 26 to 32 cm. The wingspan follows suit, with males spanning 36 to 42 cm and females 34 to 38 cm. Weighing in at 70 to 100 grams, these parrots maintain their plumage throughout the year without seasonal variation.

Identification Tips

To identify the Eastern Bluebonnet, look for the blue carpal patch on the wing and the varying amounts of red on the underbody, which differ among subspecies. The red-vented bluebonnet, for instance, has extensive red on the undertail coverts, while the yellow-vented variety has a yellowish-olive wing patch. The pallid bluebonnet is paler overall, with less contrast between the breast and the pale yellow underbelly. Females are slightly duller with less red on the belly and may have an off-white band on the underside of the primaries. Juveniles resemble adult females but have a brownish-orange bill that turns pearl-grey within two months of fledging.

Habitat

The Eastern Bluebonnet thrives in arid and semi-arid zones, favoring open woodlands with a variety of native trees and shrubs, including false sandalwood, belah, native pine, western myall, gidgee, mulga, and eucalyptus. They are also found in open grassy plains, scrublands, and along watercourses, with mallee patches in northern Victoria serving as important habitat for southern populations.

Distribution

This parrot species is indigenous to the interior regions of southeastern and central-southern Australia, with a range extending from northern Victoria to southern Queensland in the east, and reaching southeastern Western Australia in the west.

Behaviour

Eastern Bluebonnets are typically seen in pairs or small groups of fewer than ten individuals. They exhibit a strong pair bond, separating only to breed in late winter and rejoining the flock with their offspring in late spring. When disturbed, they take flight with a distinctive call, seeking refuge in nearby trees where they remain silent and vigilant.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the Eastern Bluebonnet includes a harsh 'chack chack', a melodic 'cloote', and a loud 'yak-yak-yak', which can be heard when the bird is flushed from the ground.

Breeding

Breeding season generally spans from August to January, with the male performing a courtship display involving crest-raising, neck-stretching, wing-vibrating, and tail-fanning. Nesting occurs in tree hollows, where 4 to 7 white eggs are laid. The female incubates the eggs for about 19 days, with the male providing food. Chicks fledge at around 30 days old and are independent approximately 12 days later.

Similar Species

There are no similar species that could be easily confused with the Eastern Bluebonnet, given its unique plumage and coloration.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists of seeds from native and introduced grasses, herbaceous plants, trees, shrubs, as well as fruit, berries, vegetable matter, flowers, nectar, insects, and their larvae. In arid regions, they also consume seeds and fruit from saltbush. These birds typically drink at dawn and dusk, approaching water with caution.