Blue-winged Parrot

Identification

The blue-winged parrot is a small parrot measuring 20 to 24 cm long and weighing around 55 g. Both sexes are predominantly olive-green, but they differ noticeably in plumage. Males are more striking, displaying a distinctive two-toned blue frontal band across the face (ultramarine above, paler turquoise below), a yellowish crown, pale green throat and breast, and a yellow belly. Their wings are characterized by deep blue coverts. Females are considerably duller, with dull olive underparts, smaller blue patches on the wings, and a less distinctive frontal band. Juveniles are dull olive-green with slate-blue wings and lack the frontal band entirely. The greater amount of blue on the wings helps distinguish this species from the similar elegant parrot and orange-bellied parrot, which display more yellow-green or bright green plumage overall.

Range & Habitat

The blue-winged parrot is found across southeastern Australia, ranging from the Flinders Ranges in eastern South Australia, across Victoria, and sporadically through central and western New South Wales into Queensland as far north as Diamantina National Park. The species favours open habitats including savannah woodland, grasslands, orchards, farmlands, marshes, heath, and dunes, typically at elevations up to 1,200 metres above sea level. Notably, it is one of only three parrot species that undertake regular yearly migrations across sea or ocean, with many individuals travelling between Tasmania—where they breed in spring and summer—and the mainland, where they winter. However, some populations remain sedentary year-round, either wintering in Tasmania or breeding on the mainland during summer. The species is a spring visitor to King Island in the Bass Strait.

Behaviour & Diet

Blue-winged parrots are predominantly ground feeders, specializing in grass seeds. Their diet includes wallaby grass and silver hairgrass in southern regions, pale sundew in Tasmania, and species such as Poa caespitosa and the introduced capeweed on the mainland. In Queensland, they feed on tangled lignum. They have been observed feeding alongside European goldfinches in Victoria. Flock sizes vary considerably with season, ranging from pairs during breeding season to aggregations of up to 2,000 birds just before autumn migration. Breeding occurs from September to January, with birds attempting one to two broods each season. They nest in hollows of live and dead trees, typically eucalypts, situated up to 20 metres above ground. Clutches consist of four to six glossy white eggs, with incubation lasting approximately 20 days and nestling periods of around 35 days.

Best Time & Places to See It

Spring and summer are the prime seasons to observe blue-winged parrots in Tasmania, where breeding populations concentrate. On the Australian mainland, winter months offer the best viewing opportunities for migratory birds. Suitable habitats to search include open grasslands, farmlands, and savannah woodlands throughout southeastern Australia, particularly in Victoria and along the south coast. Observers should also consider visiting King Island during spring when the species arrives as a seasonal visitor. Early morning and late afternoon often provide the most active feeding periods, when birds are most visible on the ground.

Photography Tips

The blue-winged parrot's ground-feeding behaviour offers excellent opportunities for photography, as birds often remain at close range while foraging. The sexual dimorphism of the species makes it rewarding to capture images of both males and females for comparison; males with their vibrant blue frontal bands and deep blue wing coverts provide particularly striking subjects. Photographing flocking behaviour, especially the large aggregations before autumn migration, can yield dynamic images. Use of natural morning or afternoon light will best showcase the blue and green plumage details. Patient observation of breeding sites in eucalypt hollows during the September-January season may also reward photographers with family group images.