Naretha Bluebonnet

The Naretha bluebonnet, or Naretha parrot, is a diminutive and striking bird, measuring approximately 28 cm in length. It is characterized by its dark grey legs and feet, and dark brown iris. The plumage exhibits a fascinating dichotomy of colours, with the adult male sporting a two-tonal facial pattern of lighter green-blue on the forehead, lores, and area above the eye, contrasting with the rest of the face which is a purplish-blue. The head, foreneck, and breast are a light grey-brown, adorned with pale streaks and diffuse spots. The back is an olive-grey, while the belly, vent, and thighs are a consistent yellow, with red confined to the undertail-coverts. The wings are a tapestry of colours with blue lesser wing coverts and red outer median wing coverts, while the inner median and greater wing coverts, and inner secondaries are a yellow-olive hue. The central tail feathers are tinged with pale blue. The adult female is slightly smaller, with a duller blue on the forehead, reduced coloration on the wings and tail, and lacks the orange tint on the belly.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Naretha bluebonnet, look for the distinctive two-tonal blue facial pattern in males and the absence of orange on the belly in females. The bird's smaller size compared to the eastern bluebonnet is also a key characteristic. The pointed or spatulate tips on the first five primary flight feathers are unique to this species.

Habitat

The Naretha bluebonnet is indigenous to the arid Myall woodlands, a habitat dominated by various acacia species. This bird thrives in the remote and isolated regions of the Nullarbor area.

Distribution

This species is highly endemic to a specific area on the border of Western and South Australia, where it was once common but has become rarer over the 20th century.

Behaviour

The Naretha bluebonnet is known for its jerky, bobbing movements, which become more pronounced when the bird is excited or fearful. Observations suggest that these birds are more readily seen near altered water sources, such as stock water troughs.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Naretha bluebonnet commences early, with egg-laying starting by mid-July. Nesting occurs in hollows within she-oak trees, with the entrance often being a small knot hole. The eggs are matte white and oval in shape.