The range extends from northern Victoria to southern Queensland in the east across to southeastern Western Australia in the west.

They inhabit open woodlands dominated by false sandalwood, (Myoporum), belah Casuarina cristata, native pine Callitris, western myall, gidgee, and mulga Acacia, and Eucalyptus, often with a low shrub layer of chenopods such as saltbush Atriplex or blue bush Maireana.

Remnant patches of mallee in northern Victoria are also important habitat areas for birds in the south of their range.

[9] Bluebonnets feed mostly on the ground on the seed of native and introduced grasses, herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs as well as foraging on fruit, berries, vegetable matter, flowers, nectar, insects and their larvae and in arid areas the seeds and fruit of the saltbush.

They will fly to a nearby tree where they will fall silent and adopt an erect posture to inspect the intruder awaiting the opportunity to return to the ground.

[4] Bluebonnets normally breed between August and January but this can start earlier or run later in response to prolonged periods of rainfall.

[6][10] The nest site is selected and prepared by both the male and female and is often in a hollow in the trunk or limb of a tree, living or dead with a small entrance hole.

Usually four to seven white oval eggs will be laid on a layer of decaying wood dust on the bottom of the nesting cavity.

[2] The bluebonnet is a moderately common species in the wild though not so in captivity as they are often regarded as being drab, noisy, extremely aggressive and poor breeders.