Blue Bellied Parrot.

Rare c.18th engraving of the first printed image of a Rainbow Lorikeet issued from the first published account of the First Fleet’s voyage and founding of the colony at Sydney Cove and printed on 17th July, 1789.

First Capture: May 1770 Tupaia caught a rainbow lorikeet and took it abroad Cook’s Endeavour as a pet. It survived, outliving its owner who died on 26th December, 1770. Botany Bay.

First description: 3rd November 1774 This bird was brought over by Joseph Banks. Botany Bay Peter Brown.

Sighting by First Fleeters: April 1788 We likewise saw several Blue-Bellied Parrot. This is a very beautiful bird and is very common species in various parts of New Holland and in great plenty both at Botany Bay and Port Jackson. Port Jackson John White.

Common names: Rainbow Lorikeet, Coconut Lory, Red-collared Lorikeet, Blue-bellied Lorikeet, Blue Mountain Lorikeet.
Aboriginal name: kalingar in Tjapwurrung
Binomial name: Trichoglossus haematodus
First described: Linnaeus 1771
Distribution: Australia wide

From Governor Phillip’s, Voyage to Botany Bay

Collections:
National Library Australia: Bib ID 1807751
State Library Victoria: Accession no: 30328102131546/12

References:
Ferguson, J. A. Bibliography of Australia Volumes 1-8, Canberra 1976 47.
Wantrup, J. Australian Rare Books. Sydney 1987 pp.59-64, pp.127-128, p.345-5, ill. p.63..
McCormick, T. First Views of Australia 1788-1825. Sydney 1987