
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Northiella haematogaster
A medium parrot 26-35 cm long, marked by a blue face, blue wings and red or yellow on the belly. Adapted to semi-arid inland Australia, its three subspecies differ sharply in belly colour, and it chews hard.
The bluebonnet (Northiella haematogaster) is a medium-sized parrot of the interior of southeastern and south-central Australia. A blue face and blue wings stand out, and the belly carries red or yellow patches. It is adapted to semi-arid country but also flourishes in areas of moderate rainfall at the eastern and southern edges of its range. Three distinct subspecies are recognised, and belly colour varies considerably between them. In captivity a walk-in flight 3 m long is recommended, with a vertical nest box about 15 x 15 x 41 cm. The birds enjoy bathing and scratching about in sand or soil, so a sand area is worth providing, and as strong chewers they should have unsprayed flowering, fir, pine or willow branches. Clutches are of five to six eggs and young fledge in five weeks.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Eastern Bluebonnet lives 15 years or more.
The Eastern Bluebonnet grows to Males 28-35cm, females 26-32cm (65-105g).
Males are 28-35 cm long and females 26-32 cm, and both weigh 65-105 g.
Origin
Australia (the interior of the southeast and south-centre)
Lifespan
15 years or more
Size
Males 28-35cm, females 26-32cm (65-105g)
Sources: World Parrot Trust Parrot Encyclopedia / Wikipedia - Greater bluebonnet
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Northiella haematogaster (Gould, 1838)
Synonyms: Psephotus haematogaster, Psephotellus haematogaster
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Northiella haematogaster. The order Psittaciformes is listed in CITES Appendix II except for species placed in Appendix I, so this species is Appendix II and international trade requires an export permit.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Appendix II) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Small seeds, greens, seeding grasses, fruit and vegetables, and pellets
A walk-in flight 3 m long is recommended, with a vertical nest box about 15 x 15 x 41 cm, a bath dish and an area of sand or soil to scratch in.
A strong chewer that needs a constant supply of unsprayed flowering, fir, pine or willow branches. It is normally kept in pairs and turns testy in the breeding season.
Flight calls are harsh and abrupt, the alarm call a repetitive clucking, and it gives a piping whistle while perched.
Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. Its strong bite makes soft timber or painted cages short-lived.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Eastern Bluebonnet is 15 years or more. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Eastern Bluebonnet typically reaches Males 28-35cm, females 26-32cm (65-105g) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Eastern Bluebonnet feeds on: Small seeds, greens, seeding grasses, fruit and vegetables, and pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Eastern Bluebonnet varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026