Struthidea cinerea

The Apostlebird is a medium-sized dark grey bird with a short strong bill, brown wings and black tail. It is normally seen in groups of six to ten birds, and is usally seen on the ground. It belongs to the group of birds known as 'mud-nesters', the Family Corcoracidae, noted for their communal life style and their bowl nests constructed of mud and plant fibres.

the ground. It belongs to the group of birds known as 'mud-nesters', the Family Corcoracidae, noted for their communal life style and their bowl nests constructed of mud and plant fibres.

Alectura lathami

The Australian Brush-turkey has a mainly black body plumage, bare red head, yellow throat wattle (pale blue in northern birds) and laterally flattened tail. The Australian Brush-turkey is not easily confused with any other Australian bird. It is the largest of Australia's three megapodes (Family Megapodiidae). The megapodes are a distinct family of the group of fowl-like birds (Order Galliformes), which includes quails, turkeys, peafowl and junglefowl.

Brush-turkey is not easily confused with any other Australian bird. It is the largest of Australia's three megapodes (Family Megapodiidae). The megapodes are a distinct family of the group of fowl-like birds (Order Galliformes), which includes quails, turkeys, peafowl and junglefowl.

Ardeotis australis

The Australian Bustard is one of Australia's largest birds. It is a mainly grey-brown bird, speckled with dark markings, with a pale neck and black crown, with a slight crest and a white eye-brow. There are bold black and white markings on the wing. The female is slightly smaller than the male. Newly hatched chicks are striped dark and light. The Bustard has a 'snooty' appearance as it walks sedately along, holding its head and neck high. When disturbed, it will walk away slowly, still watching. When it does fly, the flight is strong, with the ends of the wing feathers characteristically spread and up-curved. It may be found in small groups or singly. This species is also called the Plains Turkey or Wild Turkey.

a white eye-brow. There are bold black and white markings on the wing. The female is slightly smaller than the male. Newly hatched chicks are striped dark and light. The Bustard has a 'snooty' appearance as it walks sedately along, holding its head and neck high. When disturbed, it will walk away slowly, still watching. When it does fly, the flight is strong, with the ends of the wing feathers characteristically spread and up-curved. It may be found in small groups or singly. This species is also called the Plains Turkey or Wild Turkey.

Alisterus scapularis

Male Australian King-Parrots are the only Australian parrots with a completely red head. Females are similar to males except that they have a completely green head and breast. Both sexes have a red belly and a green back, with green wings and a long green tail. They are normally encountered in pairs or family groups.

Both sexes have a red belly and a green back, with green wings and a long green tail. They are normally encountered in pairs or family groups.

Pelecanus conspicillatus

There are seven species of pelicans in the world, all of which are similar in shape and, with one exception, are primarily white in colour. Males are larger than females. The most characteristic feature of pelicans is the elongated bill with its massive throat pouch. The Australian Pelican's bill is 40 cm - 50 cm long and is larger in males than females. Pelicans have large wings and a wingspan of 2.3 m - 2.5 m.

The most characteristic feature of pelicans is the elongated bill with its massive throat pouch. The Australian Pelican's bill is 40 cm - 50 cm long and is larger in males than females. Pelicans have large wings and a wingspan of 2.3 m - 2.5 m.

Corvus coronoides

Australian Ravens are black with white eyes in adults. The feathers on the throat (hackles) are longer than in other species, and a bird tends to extend these when calling, while holding its head and body in a horizontal position. Australian Ravens are usually seen in pairs. Another aid to identification of this species is the absence of wing-flicking while calling. Young birds resemble the adults, but have dark eyes, shorter throat hackles and often the presence of a pink, fleshy gape. This species is sometimes called a crow.

holding its head and body in a horizontal position. Australian Ravens are usually seen in pairs. Another aid to identification of this species is the absence of wing-flicking while calling. Young birds resemble the adults, but have dark eyes, shorter throat hackles and often the presence of a pink, fleshy gape. This species is sometimes called a crow.

Tadorna tadornoides

The Australian Shelduck is a large, brightly coloured duck with a small head and bill. The male head and neck are black, tinged green, with a white neck ring and occasionally a white ring around the base of the bill. The upper parts are mainly black, while the underparts are dark brown with a cinnamon breast. White upperwing coverts form a white shoulder patch. The wings are black and deep chestnut with a large green speculum (window in wing). The female has a white eye-ring and a chestnut breast. This species is also known as the Chestnut-breasted Shelduck, Mountain Duck and Sheldrake.

white ring around the base of the bill. The upper parts are mainly black, while the underparts are dark brown with a cinnamon breast. White upperwing coverts form a white shoulder patch. The wings are black and deep chestnut with a large green speculum (window in wing). The female has a white eye-ring and a chestnut breast. This species is also known as the Chestnut-breasted Shelduck, Mountain Duck and Sheldrake.

Threskiornis molucca

The Australian White Ibis is identified by its almost entirely white body plumage and black head and neck. The head is featherless and its black bill is long and down-curved. During the breeding season the small patch of skin on the under-surface of the wing changes from dull pink to dark scarlet. Adult birds have a tuft of cream plumes on the base of the neck. Females differ from males by being slightly smaller, with shorter bills. Young birds are similar to adults, but have the neck covered with black feathers. In flight, flocks of Australian White Ibis form distinctive V-shaped flight patterns. Another common name for this bird is Sacred Ibis, but this more appropriately refers to a closely related African species.

During the breeding season the small patch of skin on the under-surface of the wing changes from dull pink to dark scarlet. Adult birds have a tuft of cream plumes on the base of the neck. Females differ from males by being slightly smaller, with shorter bills. Young birds are similar to adults, but have the neck covered with black feathers. In flight, flocks of Australian White Ibis form distinctive V-shaped flight patterns. Another common name for this bird is Sacred Ibis, but this more appropriately refers to a closely related African species.

Scientific Name: Vanellus tricolor

Easily identified by the distinctive black cap and the yellow bill and eye separated by a bright red patch of skin, the banded plover or lapwing stands no more than 25cm in height. Although these markings, combined with a pure white throat and abdomen, give the bird a striking appearance, they blend in superbly with their grassland home.


Like its close relative, the spur-winged plover, banded plovers will feign injury to try and distract predators away from their nest. If this doesn't work, outright attack will follow with aerial dive-bombing of any potential threat, including trespassing humans.


Habitat: A widespread bird of southern Australia, including Tasmania, ranging as far north as Central Queensland and the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Open grasslands and plains are its preferred habitat. In this environment the birds are provided with an excellent view of any approaching danger.


Diet: The diet is varied consisting of insects and other invertebrates, seeds, green shoots and leaves and is often dictated by seasonal availability.


Reproduction: The nest is usually no more than a scrape in the ground lined with a little dry grass. In spring, 3-5 conical-shaped, beautifully camouflage eggs are laid. The chicks hatch after about a month and are active and feeding themselves within a day or so of hatching.

than 25cm in height. Although these markings, combined with a pure white throat and abdomen, give the bird a striking appearance, they blend in superbly with their grassland home.


Like its close relative, the spur-winged plover, banded plovers will feign injury to try and distract predators away from their nest. If this doesn't work, outright attack will follow with aerial dive-bombing of any potential threat, including trespassing humans.


Habitat: A widespread bird of southern Australia, including Tasmania, ranging as far north as Central Queensland and the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Open grasslands and plains are its preferred habitat. In this environment the birds are provided with an excellent view of any approaching danger.


Diet: The diet is varied consisting of insects and other invertebrates, seeds, green shoots and leaves and is often dictated by seasonal availability.


Reproduction: The nest is usually no more than a scrape in the ground lined with a little dry grass. In spring, 3-5 conical-shaped, beautifully camouflage eggs are laid. The chicks hatch after about a month and are active and feeding themselves within a day or so of hatching.

Cladorhynchus leucocephalus

The Banded Stilt is a plump-bodied wader, with long orange or pink legs. Adult males and females are similar. The head and body is white with a broad chestnut band across the breast, extending down to the belly. This band fades or even disappears when the birds are not breeding. The wings are black with a conspicuous white trailing edge in flight. The eyes are brown and the black bill slender and straight. Immature stilts do not have black or chestnut on the underparts, the wings are brown and the legs are dull pink. Banded Stilts commonly gather in small parties or large flocks.This species may also be called the Bishop or Rottnest Stilt.

across the breast, extending down to the belly. This band fades or even disappears when the birds are not breeding. The wings are black with a conspicuous white trailing edge in flight. The eyes are brown and the black bill slender and straight. Immature stilts do not have black or chestnut on the underparts, the wings are brown and the legs are dull pink. Banded Stilts commonly gather in small parties or large flocks.This species may also be called the Bishop or Rottnest Stilt.

Ninox connivens

The Barking Owl is a medium-sized hawk-owl. Hawk-owls lack the definite heart-shaped face of the tyto-owls (which include the Barn Owl, Tyto alba). Adult Barking Owls are grey-brown above, with white spots on the wings, and whitish below, heavily streaked with grey-brown. The head is almost entirely grey-brown, and the eyes are large and yellow. Young Barking Owls have less streaking on the underparts and are mottled white and grey-brown on the rear of the neck. Barking Owls are nocturnal birds (night birds), although they may sometimes be seen hunting during the day.

above, with white spots on the wings, and whitish below, heavily streaked with grey-brown. The head is almost entirely grey-brown, and the eyes are large and yellow. Young Barking Owls have less streaking on the underparts and are mottled white and grey-brown on the rear of the neck. Barking Owls are nocturnal birds (night birds), although they may sometimes be seen hunting during the day.

Size: 51-61cm

Habitat: Distributed throughout most of inland Australia, this raptor prefers arid scubland, and open woodlands. Feeds on small mammals and birds.

Notes: Face and breast black, head and body chestnut/brown. White patches under wings, black wing tips. Breeds Winter-Spring.

black, head and body chestnut/brown. White patches under wings, black wing tips. Breeds Winter-Spring.

Phalacrocorax fuscescens

The Black-faced Cormorant is a large pied (black and white) cormorant with a naked black face. The upper parts are also black, the underparts are white, with a black mark on each thigh. The bill is dark grey, and the eyes are blue-green. The legs and feet are black. This species is also called the Black-faced Shag (shags are strictly marine cormorants).

on each thigh. The bill is dark grey, and the eyes are blue-green. The legs and feet are black. This species is also called the Black-faced Shag (shags are strictly marine cormorants).

Coracina novaehollandiae

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes have a black face and throat, blue-grey back, wings and tail, and white underparts. They are slender, attractive birds. They have a curious habit of shuffling their wings upon landing, a practice that gave rise to the name "Shufflewing", which is often used for this species. Wing shuffling is also carried out by most other species in this family.

The call most often heard is a soft churring, often being described as a warbling "creearck".

Young birds resemble the adults, except the black facial mask is reduced to an eye stripe. These birds may be confused with the White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Coracina papuenis, which also has a black eye stripe. This species is much smaller however, being only 26 - 28 cm in length compared to 32 - 34 cm for the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike.

habit of shuffling their wings upon landing, a practice that gave rise to the name "Shufflewing", which is often used for this species. Wing shuffling is also carried out by most other species in this family.

The call most often heard is a soft churring, often being described as a warbling "creearck".

Young birds resemble the adults, except the black facial mask is reduced to an eye stripe. These birds may be confused with the White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Coracina papuenis, which also has a black eye stripe. This species is much smaller however, being only 26 - 28 cm in length compared to 32 - 34 cm for the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike.

Milvus migrans

The Black Kite is a medium-sized raptor (bird of prey). From a distance, it appears almost black, with a light brown bar on the shoulder. The plumage is actually dark brown, with scattered light brown and rufous markings, particularly on the head, neck and underparts. The tail is forked and barred with darker brown. This feature gives the bird its alternative name of Fork-tailed Kite. The eye is dark brown and the bill is black with a yellow cere (area of skin around the nostrils). Both sexes are similar. Young Black Kites are generally lighter in colour than the adults, and have a comparatively shallower forked tail.

scattered light brown and rufous markings, particularly on the head, neck and underparts. The tail is forked and barred with darker brown. This feature gives the bird its alternative name of Fork-tailed Kite. The eye is dark brown and the bill is black with a yellow cere (area of skin around the nostrils). Both sexes are similar. Young Black Kites are generally lighter in colour than the adults, and have a comparatively shallower forked tail.

Elanus axillaris

Black-shouldered Kites are medium to small raptors (birds of prey), and are mostly pale grey above, with a pure white head, body and tail and black shoulders. The wings are white underneath, with black wing tips and the wing span is 80 cm to 100 cm. Females are larger than males. The red eye is marked by a black comma that extends behind it. The nostrils are yellow and the legs and feet are also yellow. The Black-shouldered Kite has a direct flight with quick shallow wing beats interspersed with glides on upswept wings (like a seagull), and is often seen hovering, with feet dangling.

underneath, with black wing tips and the wing span is 80 cm to 100 cm. Females are larger than males. The red eye is marked by a black comma that extends behind it. The nostrils are yellow and the legs and feet are also yellow. The Black-shouldered Kite has a direct flight with quick shallow wing beats interspersed with glides on upswept wings (like a seagull), and is often seen hovering, with feet dangling.

Cygnus atratus

In adult Black Swans the body is mostly black, with the exception of the broad white wing tips which are visible in flight. The bill is a deep orange-red, paler at the tip, with a distinct narrow white band towards the end. Younger birds are much greyer in colour, and have black wing tips. Adult females are smaller than the males.

Distribution
Black Swans are found throughout Australia with the exception of Cape York Peninsula, and are more common in the south. The Black Swan has been introduced into several countries, including New Zealand, where it is now common, and is a vagrant to New Guinea.

Habitat
Black Swans prefer larger salt, brackish or fresh waterways and permanent wetlands, requiring 40 m or more of clear water to take off. Outside the breeding season, Black Swans travel quite large distances. Birds fly at night and rest during the day with other swans.

Feeding
The Black Swan is a vegetarian. Food consists of algae and weeds, which the bird obtains by plunging its long neck into water up to 1 m deep. Occasionally birds will graze on land, but they are clumsy walkers.

Breeding
Black Swans form isolated pairs or small colonies in shallow wetlands. Birds pair for life, with both adults raising one brood per season. The eggs are laid in an untidy nest made of reeds and grasses. The nest is placed either on a small island or floated in deeper water. The chicks are covered in grey down, and are able to swim and feed themselves as soon as they hatch.

distinct narrow white band towards the end. Younger birds are much greyer in colour, and have black wing tips. Adult females are smaller than the males.

Distribution
Black Swans are found throughout Australia with the exception of Cape York Peninsula, and are more common in the south. The Black Swan has been introduced into several countries, including New Zealand, where it is now common, and is a vagrant to New Guinea.

Habitat
Black Swans prefer larger salt, brackish or fresh waterways and permanent wetlands, requiring 40 m or more of clear water to take off. Outside the breeding season, Black Swans travel quite large distances. Birds fly at night and rest during the day with other swans.

Feeding
The Black Swan is a vegetarian. Food consists of algae and weeds, which the bird obtains by plunging its long neck into water up to 1 m deep. Occasionally birds will graze on land, but they are clumsy walkers.

Breeding
Black Swans form isolated pairs or small colonies in shallow wetlands. Birds pair for life, with both adults raising one brood per season. The eggs are laid in an untidy nest made of reeds and grasses. The nest is placed either on a small island or floated in deeper water. The chicks are covered in grey down, and are able to swim and feed themselves as soon as they hatch.

Black-winged Stilt, Himantopus himantopus, is a large wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae.

Adults are 33-36 cm long. They have long pink legs, a long thin black bill and are mainly white with a dark cap and a dark back.

The taxonomy of this bird is still somewhat contentious: some sources believe that there are as many as five distinct species; others consider some or all of these to be subspecies. The five forms are:

nominate Himantopus himantopus himantopus, which occurs in most of the warmer parts of southern and southeastern Europe, southern Asia and north Africa.
the Black-necked Stilt, which breeds from the US to northern South American has a dark head with a white spot over the eye (see Gallery). It is recorded as Himantopus mexicanus in the Sibley-Monroe checklist.
the southern South America melanurus is larger than mexicanus and often has a white crown.
the rare and endangered Hawaiian knudseni has more extensive black on its neck than the American forms.
leucocephalus of southeastern Indonesia and Australia has a white head.
The breeding habitat of all forms is marshes, shallow lakes and ponds. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water. These birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with avocets.

Some populations are migratory and move to the ocean coasts in winter.

These birds pick up their food from sand or water. They mainly eat insects and crustaceans.

mainly white with a dark cap and a dark back.

The taxonomy of this bird is still somewhat contentious: some sources believe that there are as many as five distinct species; others consider some or all of these to be subspecies. The five forms are:

nominate Himantopus himantopus himantopus, which occurs in most of the warmer parts of southern and southeastern Europe, southern Asia and north Africa.
the Black-necked Stilt, which breeds from the US to northern South American has a dark head with a white spot over the eye (see Gallery). It is recorded as Himantopus mexicanus in the Sibley-Monroe checklist.
the southern South America melanurus is larger than mexicanus and often has a white crown.
the rare and endangered Hawaiian knudseni has more extensive black on its neck than the American forms.
leucocephalus of southeastern Indonesia and Australia has a white head.
The breeding habitat of all forms is marshes, shallow lakes and ponds. The nest site is a bare spot on the ground near water. These birds often nest in small groups, sometimes with avocets.

Some populations are migratory and move to the ocean coasts in winter.

These birds pick up their food from sand or water. They mainly eat insects and crustaceans.

Oxyura australis

The Blue-billed Duck is one of only two Australian species of stiff-tailed ducks - diving ducks with spine-like tail-feathers. It is a small and compact duck, with a length of 40 cm. The male's head and neck are glossy black, and the back and wings are a rich, chestnut to dark-brown. During the summer breeding season the male's bill turns bright blue. The female is brownish-black above, with narrow bands of light brown and mottled light brown and black below. The female's bill is dark grey-green. In the non-breeding season the male resembles a dark female. The tail is usually held flat on the water, although during courtship, or when alarmed, it is held fully erect.

cm. The male's head and neck are glossy black, and the back and wings are a rich, chestnut to dark-brown. During the summer breeding season the male's bill turns bright blue. The female is brownish-black above, with narrow bands of light brown and mottled light brown and black below. The female's bill is dark grey-green. In the non-breeding season the male resembles a dark female. The tail is usually held flat on the water, although during courtship, or when alarmed, it is held fully erect.

Entomyzon cyanotis

The Blue-faced Honeyeater is a large black, white and golden olive-green honeyeater with striking blue skin around the yellow to white eye. The crown, face and neck are black, with a narrow white band across the back of the neck. The upperparts and wings are a golden olive green, and the underparts are white, with a grey-black throat and upper breast. The blue facial skin is two-toned, with the lower half a brilliant cobalt blue. Juvenile birds are similar to the adults but the facial skin is yellow-green and the bib is a lighter grey. This honeyeater is noisy and gregarious, and is usually seen in pairs or small flocks. It is known as the Banana-bird in tropical areas, for its habit of feeding on banana fruit and flowers.

with a narrow white band across the back of the neck. The upperparts and wings are a golden olive green, and the underparts are white, with a grey-black throat and upper breast. The blue facial skin is two-toned, with the lower half a brilliant cobalt blue. Juvenile birds are similar to the adults but the facial skin is yellow-green and the bib is a lighter grey. This honeyeater is noisy and gregarious, and is usually seen in pairs or small flocks. It is known as the Banana-bird in tropical areas, for its habit of feeding on banana fruit and flowers.

Pionus menstruus menstruus

Dacelo leachii

The Blue-winged Kookaburra is a large kingfisher with a big square head and a long bill. It has a distinctive pale eye. The head is off-white with brown streaks, the shoulders are sky blue and it has a uniform blue rump.The throat is plain white and the underparts are white with faint scalloped orange-brown bars.The back is mid brown. Males have a dark blue tail while females' tails are barred red-brown or blackish. Otherwise the sexes are similar. The legs and feet are grey and the bill is dark above and yellowish below. Juveniles have paler streaks on the head with darker mottlings. There is slight geographical variation with plumage more buff in north-western Australia (race clifoni). The Blue-winged Kookaburra is also known as the Barking or Howling Jackass or Leach's Kookaburra. As they are shy and often quiet in the foliage they may be overlooked.

sky blue and it has a uniform blue rump.The throat is plain white and the underparts are white with faint scalloped orange-brown bars.The back is mid brown. Males have a dark blue tail while females' tails are barred red-brown or blackish. Otherwise the sexes are similar. The legs and feet are grey and the bill is dark above and yellowish below. Juveniles have paler streaks on the head with darker mottlings. There is slight geographical variation with plumage more buff in north-western Australia (race clifoni). The Blue-winged Kookaburra is also known as the Barking or Howling Jackass or Leach's Kookaburra. As they are shy and often quiet in the foliage they may be overlooked.

Ninox novaehollandiae

The boobook owl is a nocturnal hunter. Its diet comprises small mammals, birds and invertebrates. Like all owls, it is superbly adapted for night-time hunting. Its soft feathers effectively eliminate the noise of its flapping wings, allowing it to swoop upon unsuspecting prey.

The boobook nests in the hollows of trees, where it lays two to three white eggs. It should always be remembered that dead trees are as important as live ones, as they are the home for a wide range of mammals and birds. Once cleared, it may take hundreds of years for a tree to form such hollows.

feathers effectively eliminate the noise of its flapping wings, allowing it to swoop upon unsuspecting prey.

The boobook nests in the hollows of trees, where it lays two to three white eggs. It should always be remembered that dead trees are as important as live ones, as they are the home for a wide range of mammals and birds. Once cleared, it may take hundreds of years for a tree to form such hollows.

Falco berigora

The Brown Falcon is a small to medium-sized raptor (bird of prey). Birds range in size from 41 to 50 cm, with the female larger than the male. The Brown Falcon has a range of plumage colours, from very dark brown to light brown above and off-white below. Generally, the upperparts are dark brown and the underparts are pale buff or cream. The sides of the head are brown with a characteristic tear-stripe below the eye. Birds from the tropical north are very dark, with a paler face and undertail, while those from central Australia are paler all over. The Brown Falcon is normally silent at rest, but gives some cackling and screeching notes when in flight.

Younger birds resemble dark adults, but have less obvious barring on the tail, and a buff-yellow colour on the face, throat and nape of the neck.

Paler birds may often be confused with the Nankeen Kestrel, F. cenchroides, which is quite a bit smaller and has a more rufous crown. Dark Brown Falcons may be mistaken for slightly larger Black Falcon, F. subniger. The Black Falcon has longer legs and lacks barring on the tail. The Black Falcon also appears sleeker in shape and movements.

plumage colours, from very dark brown to light brown above and off-white below. Generally, the upperparts are dark brown and the underparts are pale buff or cream. The sides of the head are brown with a characteristic tear-stripe below the eye. Birds from the tropical north are very dark, with a paler face and undertail, while those from central Australia are paler all over. The Brown Falcon is normally silent at rest, but gives some cackling and screeching notes when in flight.

Younger birds resemble dark adults, but have less obvious barring on the tail, and a buff-yellow colour on the face, throat and nape of the neck.

Paler birds may often be confused with the Nankeen Kestrel, F. cenchroides, which is quite a bit smaller and has a more rufous crown. Dark Brown Falcons may be mistaken for slightly larger Black Falcon, F. subniger. The Black Falcon has longer legs and lacks barring on the tail. The Black Falcon also appears sleeker in shape and movements.

What does it look like?
Bush Stone-curlews are birds standing 50 - 60 centimetres high, with long gangly legs, large yellow eyes, and grey-streaked upper parts. Their colouring makes them hard to see in bushland, especially in the dusky shadows and evenings, when they are most active.

Where does it live?
The curlew's range in Victoria is now largely confined to grassy woodlands and farmland, particularly in central and western regions and the northern plains. While the bird is found in all mainland states, its range has declined drastically in southeastern Australia. It is now extinct in many former spots south of the Great Dividing Range. While its Victorian and New South Wales stronghold is along the border region, it is sparsely distributed and continues to decline.

The curlew likes to roost and nest in grassy woodlands of buloke, gum or box with low, sparse grassy or herb understorey. Nests are usually beside a fallen log, which probably makes it harder for foxes to find. Curlews prefer a sparse understorey so they can see predators while foraging for insects.

Branches on the ground are essential for the bird's camouflage, and it is unlikely to attempt nesting without it. Research and experience shows how important 'untidy' landscapes covered with fallen timber are for birds, small mammals, reptiles and insects.

Did you know...
If disturbed Bush Stone-curlews crouch down or freeze, rather than fly away
The bird has a distinctively eerie call, "wer-loo wer-loo", which is often the only way to know this secretive nocturnal bird is out and about
Historically the species has been recorded in groups of 50 to 100 birds. However these large flocks no longer occur in Victoria, and many sightings on private land have declined from 4 to 1 pair per property in the last 30 years

in bushland, especially in the dusky shadows and evenings, when they are most active.

Where does it live?
The curlew's range in Victoria is now largely confined to grassy woodlands and farmland, particularly in central and western regions and the northern plains. While the bird is found in all mainland states, its range has declined drastically in southeastern Australia. It is now extinct in many former spots south of the Great Dividing Range. While its Victorian and New South Wales stronghold is along the border region, it is sparsely distributed and continues to decline.

The curlew likes to roost and nest in grassy woodlands of buloke, gum or box with low, sparse grassy or herb understorey. Nests are usually beside a fallen log, which probably makes it harder for foxes to find. Curlews prefer a sparse understorey so they can see predators while foraging for insects.

Branches on the ground are essential for the bird's camouflage, and it is unlikely to attempt nesting without it. Research and experience shows how important 'untidy' landscapes covered with fallen timber are for birds, small mammals, reptiles and insects.

Did you know...
If disturbed Bush Stone-curlews crouch down or freeze, rather than fly away
The bird has a distinctively eerie call, "wer-loo wer-loo", which is often the only way to know this secretive nocturnal bird is out and about
Historically the species has been recorded in groups of 50 to 100 birds. However these large flocks no longer occur in Victoria, and many sightings on private land have declined from 4 to 1 pair per property in the last 30 years

Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus

The adult Grey Butcherbird has a black crown and face and a grey back, with a thin white collar. The wings are grey, with large areas of white and the underparts are white. The grey and black bill is large, with a small hook at the tip of the upper bill. The eye is dark brown and the legs and feet are dark grey. Grey Butcherbirds measure 24cm - 30cm, and both sexes are similar in plumage, but the females are slightly smaller than the males. The song is a lovely rich piping with some mimicry and harsher notes.

Young Grey Butcherbirds resemble adults, but have black areas replaced with olive-brown and a buff wash on the white areas. The bill is completely dark grey and often lacks an obvious hook. They are sometimes mistaken for small kingfishers.

The Black Butcherbird, C. quoyi, from the rainforests and mangroves of the north of Australia is all black, with a blue-grey bill. The widespread Pied Butcherbird, C. nigrogularis, is larger and boldly marked in black and white.


Pied Butcher Bird Cracticus nigrogularis

The Pied Butcherbird is a medium-sized black and white bird (33cm - 37cm). It has a full black hood, dark brown eye and long, hooked, grey and black bill. It has a broad white collar that goes all around its neck and a black bib (throat area). The rest of the underparts are white and the legs are black. The upper parts are mostly black, with large patches of white on the wings and rump. In flight, the white corners of the otherwise black tail are easily seen. Both sexes have identical plumage, but the male is slightly larger than the female. The Pied Butcherbird's voice is a beautiful, melodious fluting, sometimes given in turn by several individuals. Many people consider this the best singer of Australia's birds.

Young Pied Butcherbirds are generally duller than the adults are. The areas of black are replaced with brown and white areas are washed with buff. The birds also have an ill-defined bib, which becomes more distinct with age.

The Pied Butcherbird is larger and more boldly marked than the Grey Butcherbird, C. torquatus, and can be separated from the Black-backed Butcherbird, C. mentalis, of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, which lacks a black bib. It can be distinguished from other black and white birds, such as the Australian Magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen, and the Magpie-lark, Grallina cyanoleuca, by the black head and bib separated from the black back by a complete white collar, and white underparts. The bill is much larger than that of the Magpie-lark.

underparts are white. The grey and black bill is large, with a small hook at the tip of the upper bill. The eye is dark brown and the legs and feet are dark grey. Grey Butcherbirds measure 24cm - 30cm, and both sexes are similar in plumage, but the females are slightly smaller than the males. The song is a lovely rich piping with some mimicry and harsher notes.

Young Grey Butcherbirds resemble adults, but have black areas replaced with olive-brown and a buff wash on the white areas. The bill is completely dark grey and often lacks an obvious hook. They are sometimes mistaken for small kingfishers.

The Black Butcherbird, C. quoyi, from the rainforests and mangroves of the north of Australia is all black, with a blue-grey bill. The widespread Pied Butcherbird, C. nigrogularis, is larger and boldly marked in black and white.


Pied Butcher Bird Cracticus nigrogularis

The Pied Butcherbird is a medium-sized black and white bird (33cm - 37cm). It has a full black hood, dark brown eye and long, hooked, grey and black bill. It has a broad white collar that goes all around its neck and a black bib (throat area). The rest of the underparts are white and the legs are black. The upper parts are mostly black, with large patches of white on the wings and rump. In flight, the white corners of the otherwise black tail are easily seen. Both sexes have identical plumage, but the male is slightly larger than the female. The Pied Butcherbird's voice is a beautiful, melodious fluting, sometimes given in turn by several individuals. Many people consider this the best singer of Australia's birds.

Young Pied Butcherbirds are generally duller than the adults are. The areas of black are replaced with brown and white areas are washed with buff. The birds also have an ill-defined bib, which becomes more distinct with age.

The Pied Butcherbird is larger and more boldly marked than the Grey Butcherbird, C. torquatus, and can be separated from the Black-backed Butcherbird, C. mentalis, of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, which lacks a black bib. It can be distinguished from other black and white birds, such as the Australian Magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen, and the Magpie-lark, Grallina cyanoleuca, by the black head and bib separated from the black back by a complete white collar, and white underparts. The bill is much larger than that of the Magpie-lark.

Phaps chalcoptera

Common Bronzewings are medium-sized, heavily built pigeons. The male has a yellow-white forehead and pink breast. Both sexes have a clear white line below and around the eye and patches of green, blue and red in the wing, characteristic of all bronzewings. The Common Bronzewing is a cautious pigeon, and rarely allows close approach. If startled, it flies away with a clatter, keeping low to the ground while moving in a steady, direct manner. Young Common Bronzewings are duller and browner than the adults. The metallic wing patch is absent or not easily seen.

patches of green, blue and red in the wing, characteristic of all bronzewings. The Common Bronzewing is a cautious pigeon, and rarely allows close approach. If startled, it flies away with a clatter, keeping low to the ground while moving in a steady, direct manner. Young Common Bronzewings are duller and browner than the adults. The metallic wing patch is absent or not easily seen.

Acridotheres tristis

The Common Myna is brown with a black head. It has a yellow bill, legs and bare eye skin. In flight it shows large white wing patches. The Common Myna is a member of the starling family and is also known as the Indian Myna or Indian Mynah.

starling family and is also known as the Indian Myna or Indian Mynah.

Ocyphaps lophotes

The Crested Pigeon is a stocky pigeon with a conspicuous thin black crest. Most of the plumage is grey-brown, becoming more pink on the underparts. The wings are barred with black, and are decorated with glossy green and purple patches. The head is grey, with an pinkish-red ring around the eye. If startled, this pigeon takes to the air with a characteristic whistling flight, and glides with down turned wings. The whistling sound is produced by the air passing over a modified primary feather on the wing. Upon landing, the pigeon swings its tail high in the air.

black, and are decorated with glossy green and purple patches. The head is grey, with an pinkish-red ring around the eye. If startled, this pigeon takes to the air with a characteristic whistling flight, and glides with down turned wings. The whistling sound is produced by the air passing over a modified primary feather on the wing. Upon landing, the pigeon swings its tail high in the air.

The Crested Tern is the second largest of the terns found in Australia and one of the most commonly seen species. It measures 49 cm in length and has a pale yellow bill, scruffy black crest, grey wings and back, and a white neck and underparts. Although it is often observed on its own, the Crested Tern also frequently forms mixed flocks with other species. Most common calls are a raspy 'kirrick' or 'krrow'.

The largest of the terns is the Caspian Tern, S. caspia. This measures 50 to 55 cm, and has a huge red bill. The Lesser Crested Tern, S. bengalensis, with which the Crested Tern may be confused, is slightly smaller and has a bright orange bill when breeding, and it is absent from Australia's south.

wings and back, and a white neck and underparts. Although it is often observed on its own, the Crested Tern also frequently forms mixed flocks with other species. Most common calls are a raspy 'kirrick' or 'krrow'.

The largest of the terns is the Caspian Tern, S. caspia. This measures 50 to 55 cm, and has a huge red bill. The Lesser Crested Tern, S. bengalensis, with which the Crested Tern may be confused, is slightly smaller and has a bright orange bill when breeding, and it is absent from Australia's south.

Platycercus elegans

There are several colour forms of the Crimson Rosella. The form it is named for has mostly crimson (red) plumage and bright blue cheeks. The feathers of the back and wing coverts are black broadly edged with red. The flight feathers of the wings have broad blue edges and the tail is blue above and pale blue below and on the outer feathers. Birds from northern Queensland are generally smaller and darker than southern birds. The 'Yellow Rosella' has the crimson areas replaced with light yellow and the tail more greenish. The 'Adelaide Rosella' is intermediate in colour, ranging from yellow with a reddish wash to dark orange. Otherwise, all the forms are similar in pattern. Young Crimson Rosellas have the characteristic blue cheeks, but the remainder of the body plumage is green-olive to yellowish olive (occasionally red in some areas). The young bird gradually attains the adult plumage over a period of 15 months

coverts are black broadly edged with red. The flight feathers of the wings have broad blue edges and the tail is blue above and pale blue below and on the outer feathers. Birds from northern Queensland are generally smaller and darker than southern birds. The 'Yellow Rosella' has the crimson areas replaced with light yellow and the tail more greenish. The 'Adelaide Rosella' is intermediate in colour, ranging from yellow with a reddish wash to dark orange. Otherwise, all the forms are similar in pattern. Young Crimson Rosellas have the characteristic blue cheeks, but the remainder of the body plumage is green-olive to yellowish olive (occasionally red in some areas). The young bird gradually attains the adult plumage over a period of 15 months

Corvus orru

The Torresian Crow is a large glossy black crow with short throat hackles (feathers). The feathers of the head and neck have white bases. The eye is white with a fine blue eye-ring. Immature birds are duller black with a brown eye. When landing, this species characteristically shuffles its wings. It will be seen outside breeding season in large flocks. It has also been called the Australian Crow.

Immature birds are duller black with a brown eye. When landing, this species characteristically shuffles its wings. It will be seen outside breeding season in large flocks. It has also been called the Australian Crow.

The Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii is an estrildid finch found in dry savanna, tropical (lowland) dry grassland and shrubland habitats in northern and eastern Australia. They are sometimes referred to as Bicheno's Finch; and also as Owl Finch, owing to the dark ring of feathers around their faces.

The name of the species commemorate James Ebenezer Bicheno, a colonial secretary of Van Diemen's Land appointed in September 1842.

referred to as Bicheno's Finch; and also as Owl Finch, owing to the dark ring of feathers around their faces.

The name of the species commemorate James Ebenezer Bicheno, a colonial secretary of Van Diemen's Land appointed in September 1842.

The Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa, at 35-38cm is slightly smaller than a Swamphen. The Bill and frontal shield is red with a yellow tip. The iris is olive, while the body slate-grey and the wings & rump browner. The tail is black with white sides to undertail coverts. Legs red, although sometimes olive below the knee. Sexes are alike, but immature are paler, lack colour on the bill and have green legs. They swim with a jerking head motion.

& rump browner. The tail is black with white sides to undertail coverts. Legs red, although sometimes olive below the knee. Sexes are alike, but immature are paler, lack colour on the bill and have green legs. They swim with a jerking head motion.

Eagles Heritage was established in 1987 out of a need to provide homes for permanently disabled birds of prey and owls which had been handed in and cared for by volunteers, but which, due to the nature of their injuries, were unable to make a recovery sufficient for their return to the wild. The fauna you see on display at Eagles Heritage are permanently disabled rehabilitation patients, captive bred birds and individuals which have been tranferred in from other facilities. Many more birds are rehabilitated and returned to the wild each year.

Away from the public view, seven acres at Eagles Heritage has been set aside for wildlife rehabilitation, including a hospital and specialised facilities designed to help sick, injured and orphaned raptors return to the wild. The centre provides training and support for volunteer wildlife rehabilitators who wish to work with these unique and amazing birds. Education opportunities are also available for animal health professionals and students seeking to expand their skills.

Eagles Heritage is proud to be associated with the Society for the Preservation of Raptors (Inc.), a not-for-profit association dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of birds of prey and owls.

nature of their injuries, were unable to make a recovery sufficient for their return to the wild. The fauna you see on display at Eagles Heritage are permanently disabled rehabilitation patients, captive bred birds and individuals which have been tranferred in from other facilities. Many more birds are rehabilitated and returned to the wild each year.

Away from the public view, seven acres at Eagles Heritage has been set aside for wildlife rehabilitation, including a hospital and specialised facilities designed to help sick, injured and orphaned raptors return to the wild. The centre provides training and support for volunteer wildlife rehabilitators who wish to work with these unique and amazing birds. Education opportunities are also available for animal health professionals and students seeking to expand their skills.

Eagles Heritage is proud to be associated with the Society for the Preservation of Raptors (Inc.), a not-for-profit association dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and conservation of birds of prey and owls.

Platycercus eximius

Eastern Rosellas are medium-sized colourful parrots with distinctive white cheek patches. It has a red head, neck and breast, with yellowish to greenish upper parts, a yellow underbody and a yellow-green to blue-green rump, with a red undertail. The shoulders are bright blue. Females are usually similar to males, but sometimes duller and young birds are even duller and can be aged by their bill colour, which is yellow or orange, changing to off-white when mature.

underbody and a yellow-green to blue-green rump, with a red undertail. The shoulders are bright blue. Females are usually similar to males, but sometimes duller and young birds are even duller and can be aged by their bill colour, which is yellow or orange, changing to off-white when mature.

The Eclectus Parrot, Eclectus roratus, is a parrot native to the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, northeastern Australia and the Maluku Islands (Moluccas). It is unusual in the parrot family for its extreme sexual dimorphism. The males of the species are bright green, having bright candy-corn-coloured upper mandibles and black lower mandibles, and blue or red tail and wing feathers; while the females have red heads and blue to purple breasts, with black beaks. Joseph Forshaw, in his book Parrots of the World, noted that the first European ornithologists to see Eclectus Parrots thought they were of two distinct species. Large populations of this parrot exist in Papua New Guinea, where they are sometimes considered pests for eating fruit off trees. Their bright feathers are also used by native tribespeople as decorations.

extreme sexual dimorphism. The males of the species are bright green, having bright candy-corn-coloured upper mandibles and black lower mandibles, and blue or red tail and wing feathers; while the females have red heads and blue to purple breasts, with black beaks. Joseph Forshaw, in his book Parrots of the World, noted that the first European ornithologists to see Eclectus Parrots thought they were of two distinct species. Large populations of this parrot exist in Papua New Guinea, where they are sometimes considered pests for eating fruit off trees. Their bright feathers are also used by native tribespeople as decorations.

Chalcophaps indica

The iridescent green wings and shoulders are the most striking features of the emerald ground dove. The head and underside of the male are a pale wine colour, while the beak is bright red. The female in contrast has a more orange coloured beak and the head and breast areas are more greyish-brown. These are relatively small pigeons, rarely exceeding 26cm in length.


Pigeons produce a rich, regurgitated food for their chicks, sometimes known as 'pigeon milk'. On this diet the hatchlings grow at a rapid rate and can fly within a couple of weeks of hatching.



Habitat: As its common name suggests, much of its time is spent on the ground foraging for food, although it is a strong flier when necessary. Its preferred habitat are the rainforests and wet eucalypt forests of coastal eastern and northern Australia.


Diet: Seed and fruit eaters, emerald doves will readily eat and disperse the seeds of many introduced plant pests such as lantana, inkweed and wild tobacco.


Reproduction: Common to all pigeons, male emerald doves carry out an impressive courtship display with rhythmic bowing and cooing repeated many times. Both male and female contribute to building the untidy platform of twigs in which two white eggs are deposited.

bright red. The female in contrast has a more orange coloured beak and the head and breast areas are more greyish-brown. These are relatively small pigeons, rarely exceeding 26cm in length.


Pigeons produce a rich, regurgitated food for their chicks, sometimes known as 'pigeon milk'. On this diet the hatchlings grow at a rapid rate and can fly within a couple of weeks of hatching.



Habitat: As its common name suggests, much of its time is spent on the ground foraging for food, although it is a strong flier when necessary. Its preferred habitat are the rainforests and wet eucalypt forests of coastal eastern and northern Australia.


Diet: Seed and fruit eaters, emerald doves will readily eat and disperse the seeds of many introduced plant pests such as lantana, inkweed and wild tobacco.


Reproduction: Common to all pigeons, male emerald doves carry out an impressive courtship display with rhythmic bowing and cooing repeated many times. Both male and female contribute to building the untidy platform of twigs in which two white eggs are deposited.

(Phaps histrionica)

As the name suggest, the Flock Bronzewing is one of the most gregarious of Australian pigeons. It lives in flocks and breeds in loose groups in small areas. These days the flocks seldom numbers more than a few hundred birds, although several thousand have been seen together after a good breeding season. The population declined was due to the decrease of native grasses after the introduction of sheep. If disturbed they will rise simultaneously, with a roar of wings and circle the area before leaving or settling again.

Habitat

The Flock Bronzewing stronghold is Barkly Tableland, NT but it is usually common from northwestern Queensland across to the Northwest of Western Australia. They live open grassland plains, clumped grasses, small shrubs with open spaces.

Diet

Flock Bronzewings are ground-feeders and eats the seeds of grasses, particularly Mitchell grass, and herbage.

Breeding

The Flock Bronzewing is a colonial breeder. Most nesting occurs after wet season or rainy periods when grass has grown. The Flock Bronzewing is lazy and won’t build a nest but make a scrapping under a tussock of grass meagerly lined. Two eggs are laid and both sexes incubate.

Behaviour

Out in the wild, you will catch sight of these fellas sitting in flock out in the plains or on the banks of waterholes in direct and intense sunlight. When an observer approaches a flock, each bird keeps very still, camouflaged by its colours. When the observer is close the flock rises en masse, and with a roar of wings they circle the area before leaving or settling again.

flocks seldom numbers more than a few hundred birds, although several thousand have been seen together after a good breeding season. The population declined was due to the decrease of native grasses after the introduction of sheep. If disturbed they will rise simultaneously, with a roar of wings and circle the area before leaving or settling again.

Habitat

The Flock Bronzewing stronghold is Barkly Tableland, NT but it is usually common from northwestern Queensland across to the Northwest of Western Australia. They live open grassland plains, clumped grasses, small shrubs with open spaces.

Diet

Flock Bronzewings are ground-feeders and eats the seeds of grasses, particularly Mitchell grass, and herbage.

Breeding

The Flock Bronzewing is a colonial breeder. Most nesting occurs after wet season or rainy periods when grass has grown. The Flock Bronzewing is lazy and won’t build a nest but make a scrapping under a tussock of grass meagerly lined. Two eggs are laid and both sexes incubate.

Behaviour

Out in the wild, you will catch sight of these fellas sitting in flock out in the plains or on the banks of waterholes in direct and intense sunlight. When an observer approaches a flock, each bird keeps very still, camouflaged by its colours. When the observer is close the flock rises en masse, and with a roar of wings they circle the area before leaving or settling again.

Forest Kingfisher
Description :
Looks like the Sacred Kingfisher, except it has a white "flash" on its wing and a brighter underbelly Its tail is a strong blue, as is its head which has a wide black stripe from its bill to its ear

Location & Habitat :
Found in forests boarding the coast, rivers, mangroves etc in North Eastern Australia, but its range goes further inland than the Collared Kingfisher

Feeding :
feeds mainly on insects and small reptiles, captured by pouncing from a low perch

black stripe from its bill to its ear

Location & Habitat :
Found in forests boarding the coast, rivers, mangroves etc in North Eastern Australia, but its range goes further inland than the Collared Kingfisher

Feeding :
feeds mainly on insects and small reptiles, captured by pouncing from a low perch

Callocephalon fimbriatum


The Gang-gang Cockatoo, or Gang Gang for short, is a small, stocky cockatoo with a wispy crest, large, broad wings and a short tail. The adult male has a distinctive scarlet red head and crest, with the rest of the body slate-grey. The adult female has a dark grey head and crest, with the feathers of the underparts edged pink and yellow. In both sexes, the feathers of the upperparts and wings are faintly edged pale-grey, giving a barred appearance, with females having additional yellow edging to their feathers that increases this barred effect. Young birds are similar to the adult female, with young males differing by having a red crown and forehead and a shorter, less twisted red crest. Gang-gangs are gregarious but relatively quiet cockatoos, and may usually be located in food trees by the sounds of feeding and falling debris.

scarlet red head and crest, with the rest of the body slate-grey. The adult female has a dark grey head and crest, with the feathers of the underparts edged pink and yellow. In both sexes, the feathers of the upperparts and wings are faintly edged pale-grey, giving a barred appearance, with females having additional yellow edging to their feathers that increases this barred effect. Young birds are similar to the adult female, with young males differing by having a red crown and forehead and a shorter, less twisted red crest. Gang-gangs are gregarious but relatively quiet cockatoos, and may usually be located in food trees by the sounds of feeding and falling debris.

The Golden Pheasant or Chinese Pheasant, (Chrysolophus pictus) is a gamebird of the order Galliformes (gallinaceous birds) and the family Phasianidae. It is native to forests in mountainous areas of western China but feral populations have been established in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

The adult male is 90-105 cm in length, its tail accounting for two-thirds of the total length. It is unmistakable with its golden crest and rump and bright red body. The deep orange "cape" can be spread in display, appearing as an alternating black and orange fan that covers all of the face except its bright yellow eye, with a pinpoint black pupil.

Males have a golden-yellow crest with a hint of red at the tip. The face, throat, chin, and the sides of neck are rusty tan. The wattles and orbital skin are both yellow in colour, and the ruff or cape is light orange. The upper back is green and the rest of the back and rump are golden-yellow in colour. The tertiaries are blue whereas the scapulars are dark red. Another characteristic of the male plumage is the central tail feathers which are black spotted with cinnamon as well as the tip of the tail being a cinnamon buff. The upper tail coverts are the same colour as the central tail feathers. Males also have a scarlet breast, and scarlet and light chestnut flanks and underparts. Lower legs and feet are a dull yellow.

The female (hen) is much less showy, with a duller mottled brown plumage similar to that of the female Common Pheasant. She is darker and more slender than the hen of that species, with a proportionately longer tail (half her 60-80 cm length). The female's breast and sides are barred buff and blackish brown, and the abdomen is plain buff. She has a buff face and throat. Some abnormal females may later in their lifetime get some male plumage. Lower legs and feet are a dull yellow.

Both males and females have yellow legs and yellow bills.

Despite the male's showy appearance, these hardy birds are very difficult to see in their natural habitat, which is dense, dark young conifer forests with sparse undergrowth. Consequently, little is known of their behaviour in the wild.

western China but feral populations have been established in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

The adult male is 90-105 cm in length, its tail accounting for two-thirds of the total length. It is unmistakable with its golden crest and rump and bright red body. The deep orange "cape" can be spread in display, appearing as an alternating black and orange fan that covers all of the face except its bright yellow eye, with a pinpoint black pupil.

Males have a golden-yellow crest with a hint of red at the tip. The face, throat, chin, and the sides of neck are rusty tan. The wattles and orbital skin are both yellow in colour, and the ruff or cape is light orange. The upper back is green and the rest of the back and rump are golden-yellow in colour. The tertiaries are blue whereas the scapulars are dark red. Another characteristic of the male plumage is the central tail feathers which are black spotted with cinnamon as well as the tip of the tail being a cinnamon buff. The upper tail coverts are the same colour as the central tail feathers. Males also have a scarlet breast, and scarlet and light chestnut flanks and underparts. Lower legs and feet are a dull yellow.

The female (hen) is much less showy, with a duller mottled brown plumage similar to that of the female Common Pheasant. She is darker and more slender than the hen of that species, with a proportionately longer tail (half her 60-80 cm length). The female's breast and sides are barred buff and blackish brown, and the abdomen is plain buff. She has a buff face and throat. Some abnormal females may later in their lifetime get some male plumage. Lower legs and feet are a dull yellow.

Both males and females have yellow legs and yellow bills.

Despite the male's showy appearance, these hardy birds are very difficult to see in their natural habitat, which is dense, dark young conifer forests with sparse undergrowth. Consequently, little is known of their behaviour in the wild.

Tyto capensis
Family: Tytonidae
Order: Strigiformes

Description
The Grass Owl is a medium-sized, rather slim owl with long slender legs that are sparsely feathered. The heart-shaped facial disc is white in the male and pale orange buff with dark speckles in the female. It is outlined by a narrow pale ruff with dark edging at the bottom. The eyes are relatively small (for an owl) and have buff and black 'tear' marks below them. The upper parts of the owl are chocolate and buff while the underparts are pale, flushed orange-buff and highly spotted. The wings are rather long and broad, barred dark brown and buff with silvery spots. The underwing is white with fine dark spotting and darkish wing tips. The undertail is white with several narrow dark grey bars. The Grass Owl has a slow flapping and gliding flight with the legs trailing behind or dangling low to catch prey with the feet.

Description
The Grass Owl is a medium-sized, rather slim owl with long slender legs that are sparsely feathered. The heart-shaped facial disc is white in the male and pale orange buff with dark speckles in the female. It is outlined by a narrow pale ruff with dark edging at the bottom. The eyes are relatively small (for an owl) and have buff and black 'tear' marks below them. The upper parts of the owl are chocolate and buff while the underparts are pale, flushed orange-buff and highly spotted. The wings are rather long and broad, barred dark brown and buff with silvery spots. The underwing is white with fine dark spotting and darkish wing tips. The undertail is white with several narrow dark grey bars. The Grass Owl has a slow flapping and gliding flight with the legs trailing behind or dangling low to catch prey with the feet.

Chlamydera nuchalis

The male Great Bowerbird builds an elaborate bower from twigs and grass which he decorates with objects such as shells, bones, stones, fruit, leaves, and flowers. He then performs a parading display to attract his mate. The bower is used only for mating; afterwards the female builds her nest far from the bower and incubates and rears the young alone.

performs a parading display to attract his mate. The bower is used only for mating; afterwards the female builds her nest far from the bower and incubates and rears the young alone.

Size: 90-100cm Habitat: Found Australia wide excepting our most arid regions. This Egret is the largest white Egret in Australia. Located near rivers, lakes, swamps, floodwaters and mudflats. Diet consists of small fish, crustaceans and amphibians. Notes: White bird, bill longer than other Egrets, long legs. Breeding season varies depending on location.

consists of small fish, crustaceans and amphibians. Notes: White bird, bill longer than other Egrets, long legs. Breeding season varies depending on location.

Great Egret Scientific name: Ardea alba

The Great Egret's overall plumage is white, and, for most of the year, when not breeding, the bill and facial skin are yellow. The feet are dark olive-grey or sooty black, as are the legs. During the breeding season, the bill turns mostly black and the facial skin becomes green. Also at this time, long hair-like feathers (nuptial plumes) hang across the lower back, and the legs become pinkish-yellow at the top. Young Great Egrets are similar to the adults, but have a blackish tip to the bill.

Similar species

The Great Egret can be confused with other white egrets found in Australia. It can be distinguished by the length of its neck, which is greater than the length of its body (and with a noticeable kink two-thirds of the way up), a dark line extending from the base of the bill to behind the eye and the overall larger size.

Distribution

Great Egrets occur throughout most of the world. They are common throughout Australia, with the exception of the most arid areas.

Habitat

Great Egrets prefer shallow water, particularly when flowing, but may be seen on any watered area, including damp grasslands. Great Egrets can be seen alone or in small flocks, often with other egret species, and roost at night in groups.

Feeding

The Great Egret usually feeds alone. It feeds on molluscs, amphibians, aquatic insects, small reptiles, crustaceans and occasionally other small animals, but fish make up the bulk of its diet. The Great Egret usually hunts in water, wading through the shallows, or standing motionless before stabbing at prey. Birds have also been seen taking prey while in flight.

Breeding

The Great Egret breeds in colonies, and often in association with cormorants, ibises and other egrets. Both sexes construct the nest, which is a large platform of sticks, placed in a tree over the water. The previous years' nest may often be re-used. Both sexes also incubate the eggs and care for the young (usually two or three).

or sooty black, as are the legs. During the breeding season, the bill turns mostly black and the facial skin becomes green. Also at this time, long hair-like feathers (nuptial plumes) hang across the lower back, and the legs become pinkish-yellow at the top. Young Great Egrets are similar to the adults, but have a blackish tip to the bill.

Similar species

The Great Egret can be confused with other white egrets found in Australia. It can be distinguished by the length of its neck, which is greater than the length of its body (and with a noticeable kink two-thirds of the way up), a dark line extending from the base of the bill to behind the eye and the overall larger size.

Distribution

Great Egrets occur throughout most of the world. They are common throughout Australia, with the exception of the most arid areas.

Habitat

Great Egrets prefer shallow water, particularly when flowing, but may be seen on any watered area, including damp grasslands. Great Egrets can be seen alone or in small flocks, often with other egret species, and roost at night in groups.

Feeding

The Great Egret usually feeds alone. It feeds on molluscs, amphibians, aquatic insects, small reptiles, crustaceans and occasionally other small animals, but fish make up the bulk of its diet. The Great Egret usually hunts in water, wading through the shallows, or standing motionless before stabbing at prey. Birds have also been seen taking prey while in flight.

Breeding

The Great Egret breeds in colonies, and often in association with cormorants, ibises and other egrets. Both sexes construct the nest, which is a large platform of sticks, placed in a tree over the water. The previous years' nest may often be re-used. Both sexes also incubate the eggs and care for the young (usually two or three).

Great Skua, Stercorarius skua, is a large seabird in the skua family Stercorariidae. In Britain, it is sometimes known by the name Bonxie, a Shetland name of unknown origin.[1]

This is a large skua 50–58cm in length with a 125–140cm wingspan. It breeds in Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands and the Scottish islands, with a few on mainland Scotland. It breeds on coastal moorland and rocky islands, usually laying two spotted olive-brown eggs in grass-lined nests. Like other skuas, it will fly at the head of a human or other intruder approaching its nest. Although it cannot inflict serious damage, such an experience with a bird of this size is frightening. It is a migrant, wintering at sea in the Atlantic Ocean and regularly reaching North American waters.

This bird eats mainly fish, which it often obtains by robbing gulls, terns and even Gannets of their catches. It will also directly attack and kill other seabirds, up to the size of Great Black-backed Gulls. Like most other skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year, showing less agility and more brute force than the smaller skuas when it harasses its victims. A common technique is to fly up to a Gannet in mid-air and grab it by the wing, so that it stalls and falls into the sea, where the Great Skua then physically attacks it until it surrenders its catch.

Adults are streaked greyish brown, with a black cap, juveniles are a warmer brown and unstreaked below. Their tail is short and blunt. The flight is direct and powerful. This Skua's call is a harsh hah-hah-hah-hah; quacking and croaking noises have also been heard. Distinguishing this skua from the other North Atlantic skuas (Arctic Skua, Pomarine Skua and Long-tailed Skua) is relatively straightforward. The Herring Gull size, massive barrel chest and white wing flashes of this bird are distinctive even at a distance. It is sometimes said to give the impression of a Common Buzzard (which in America would be called a hawk). Identification of this skua is only complicated when it is necessary to distinguish it from the closely related large southern-hemisphere skuas. Some authorities still regard the Great Skua as conspecific with some of these southern skuas, and as a group they have sometimes been separated in the genus Catharacta, although currently this is not commonly followed.

Genetic studies have found surprising similarities between the Great Skua and the Pomarine Skua, despite their dissimilar appearance. Many ornithologists now believe either that the Great Skua originated as a hybrid between the Pomarine Skua and one of the southern-hemisphere species [Furness and Hamer, 2003], presumably as a result of vagrancy or migration across the equator by the southern species, or that the Pomarine Skua evolved from hybridization of the Great Skua and one of the small Arctic species (see Pomarine Skua for details).

Unusual behaviour by St Kilda's Bonxies was recorded in 2007 during research into recent falls in the Leach's Storm-petrel population. Using night vision gear, ecologists observed the skuas predating on the petrels at night, a remarkable strategy for a seabird.[2]

50–58cm in length with a 125–140cm wingspan. It breeds in Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands and the Scottish islands, with a few on mainland Scotland. It breeds on coastal moorland and rocky islands, usually laying two spotted olive-brown eggs in grass-lined nests. Like other skuas, it will fly at the head of a human or other intruder approaching its nest. Although it cannot inflict serious damage, such an experience with a bird of this size is frightening. It is a migrant, wintering at sea in the Atlantic Ocean and regularly reaching North American waters.

This bird eats mainly fish, which it often obtains by robbing gulls, terns and even Gannets of their catches. It will also directly attack and kill other seabirds, up to the size of Great Black-backed Gulls. Like most other skua species, it continues this piratical behaviour throughout the year, showing less agility and more brute force than the smaller skuas when it harasses its victims. A common technique is to fly up to a Gannet in mid-air and grab it by the wing, so that it stalls and falls into the sea, where the Great Skua then physically attacks it until it surrenders its catch.

Adults are streaked greyish brown, with a black cap, juveniles are a warmer brown and unstreaked below. Their tail is short and blunt. The flight is direct and powerful. This Skua's call is a harsh hah-hah-hah-hah; quacking and croaking noises have also been heard. Distinguishing this skua from the other North Atlantic skuas (Arctic Skua, Pomarine Skua and Long-tailed Skua) is relatively straightforward. The Herring Gull size, massive barrel chest and white wing flashes of this bird are distinctive even at a distance. It is sometimes said to give the impression of a Common Buzzard (which in America would be called a hawk). Identification of this skua is only complicated when it is necessary to distinguish it from the closely related large southern-hemisphere skuas. Some authorities still regard the Great Skua as conspecific with some of these southern skuas, and as a group they have sometimes been separated in the genus Catharacta, although currently this is not commonly followed.

Genetic studies have found surprising similarities between the Great Skua and the Pomarine Skua, despite their dissimilar appearance. Many ornithologists now believe either that the Great Skua originated as a hybrid between the Pomarine Skua and one of the southern-hemisphere species [Furness and Hamer, 2003], presumably as a result of vagrancy or migration across the equator by the southern species, or that the Pomarine Skua evolved from hybridization of the Great Skua and one of the small Arctic species (see Pomarine Skua for details).

Unusual behaviour by St Kilda's Bonxies was recorded in 2007 during research into recent falls in the Leach's Storm-petrel population. Using night vision gear, ecologists observed the skuas predating on the petrels at night, a remarkable strategy for a seabird.[2]

Ailuroedus crassirostris

The Green Catbird is a large, stout green bird, spotted white, with a dusky crown, nape and face and a white bill. The eye is red. Juveniles are duller in colour.

Hooded Parrot, Psephotus dissimilis is a medium-sized, up to 26cm long, turquoise blue parrot with black head, green wing, brown back and greenish blue-bronze tail feathers edged with white. It has pale grey beak, greyish brown legs and brown eye. The female is an olive green parrot with pale blue below.

An Australian endemic, the Hooded Parrot inhabits to semi-arid areas of northeast Northern Territory. It nests in a termite mound. The female lays two to four white eggs. The diet consists mainly of seeds, berries and vegetables.

Though this species has disappeared from most of its original range, it remains common in protected areas. The Hooded Parrot is evaluated as Least Concern on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

pale grey beak, greyish brown legs and brown eye. The female is an olive green parrot with pale blue below.

An Australian endemic, the Hooded Parrot inhabits to semi-arid areas of northeast Northern Territory. It nests in a termite mound. The female lays two to four white eggs. The diet consists mainly of seeds, berries and vegetables.

Though this species has disappeared from most of its original range, it remains common in protected areas. The Hooded Parrot is evaluated as Least Concern on IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Passer domesticus

House Sparrows are actually large finches.They are usually seen in small to medium-sized groups, but may occur in huge numbers. The male has a conspicuous grey crown, black face and throat, and dark black and brown upperparts. The remainder of the under parts are pale grey-brown. When breeding, the black of the throat extends to the chest and upper belly. The bill also changes from brown to black. The female is slightly paler than the male and lacks the grey crown and black face, instead having a pale buff eye stripe. Young House Sparrows are similar to the adult female, but are duller with some mottling on the crown, and have a darker bill.

and throat, and dark black and brown upperparts. The remainder of the under parts are pale grey-brown. When breeding, the black of the throat extends to the chest and upper belly. The bill also changes from brown to black. The female is slightly paler than the male and lacks the grey crown and black face, instead having a pale buff eye stripe. Young House Sparrows are similar to the adult female, but are duller with some mottling on the crown, and have a darker bill.

Pavo cristatus

The Indian Peafowl, Pavo cristatus also known as the Common Peafowl or the Blue Peafowl is one of the species of bird in the genus Pavo of the Phasianidae family known as peafowl. The Indian Peafowl is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent. The peacock is the national bird of India.

The species is found in dry semi-desert grasslands, scrub and deciduous forests. It forages and nests on the ground but roosts on top of trees. It eats mainly seeds, but also some insects, fruits and reptiles.

Females are about 86 cm (34 in) long and weigh about 3.4 kg (7.4 lbs), while males average at about 2.12 m (7.3 ft) in full breeding plumage (107 cm/42 in when not) and weigh about 5 kg (11 lbs). The male is called a peacock, the female a peahen. The Indian Peacock has iridescent blue-green plumage. The upper tail coverts on its back are elongated and ornate with an eye at the end of each feather. These are the Peacock's display feathers. The female plumage is a mixture of dull green, grey and iridescent blue, with the greenish-grey predominating. In the breeding season, females stand apart by lacking the long 'tail feathers' also known as train, and in the non-breeding season they can be distinguished from males by the green colour of the neck as opposed to the blue on the males.

Peafowl are most notable for the male's extravagant display feathers, despite actually growing from their back is known as a 'tail' and also known as a train, a result of sexual selection, which it displays as part of courtship. This train is in reality not the tail but the enormously elongated upper tail coverts. The tail itself is brown and short as in the peahen.

The Indian Peafowl is a resident breeder in the Indian subcontinent. The peacock is the national bird of India.

The species is found in dry semi-desert grasslands, scrub and deciduous forests. It forages and nests on the ground but roosts on top of trees. It eats mainly seeds, but also some insects, fruits and reptiles.

Females are about 86 cm (34 in) long and weigh about 3.4 kg (7.4 lbs), while males average at about 2.12 m (7.3 ft) in full breeding plumage (107 cm/42 in when not) and weigh about 5 kg (11 lbs). The male is called a peacock, the female a peahen. The Indian Peacock has iridescent blue-green plumage. The upper tail coverts on its back are elongated and ornate with an eye at the end of each feather. These are the Peacock's display feathers. The female plumage is a mixture of dull green, grey and iridescent blue, with the greenish-grey predominating. In the breeding season, females stand apart by lacking the long 'tail feathers' also known as train, and in the non-breeding season they can be distinguished from males by the green colour of the neck as opposed to the blue on the males.

Peafowl are most notable for the male's extravagant display feathers, despite actually growing from their back is known as a 'tail' and also known as a train, a result of sexual selection, which it displays as part of courtship. This train is in reality not the tail but the enormously elongated upper tail coverts. The tail itself is brown and short as in the peahen.

Charadrius australis
Family: Charadriidae
Order: Charadriiformes

Featured Bird Groups
Shore birds and waders


Description
The Inland Dotterel is a medium-sized plover with a small well-rounded head, longish legs and short fine bill. It has a black band over the crown and through the eye, and a striking black Y-shaped band on a white breast. Its head, back and wings are streaked dark brown and sandy-buff. Juveniles are duller, paler and less streaked with little or no black markings evident. Inland Dotterels gather in flocks and run to escape from danger, only taking flight at the last moment.

Featured Bird Groups
Shore birds and waders


Description
The Inland Dotterel is a medium-sized plover with a small well-rounded head, longish legs and short fine bill. It has a black band over the crown and through the eye, and a striking black Y-shaped band on a white breast. Its head, back and wings are streaked dark brown and sandy-buff. Juveniles are duller, paler and less streaked with little or no black markings evident. Inland Dotterels gather in flocks and run to escape from danger, only taking flight at the last moment.

The Jabiru is also known as the Black-Necked Stork, and is found in North Eastern parts of Australia. The Jabiru grows to a height of about 1 metre tall and has long thin orange legs, a black and white marked body and a shiny blue-black neck, with a long black beak.

white marked body and a shiny blue-black neck, with a long black beak.

Dacelo novaeguineae

The Laughing Kookaburra is instantly recognisable in both plumage and voice. It is generally off-white below, faintly barred with dark brown, and brown on the back and wings. The tail is more rufous, broadly barred with black. There is a conspicuous dark brown eye-stripe through the face. It is one of the larger members of the kingfisher family.

The tail is more rufous, broadly barred with black. There is a conspicuous dark brown eye-stripe through the face. It is one of the larger members of the kingfisher family.

Cacatua sanguinea

Little Corellas are mostly white, with a fleshy blue eye-ring and a pale rose-pink patch between the eye and bill. In flight, a bright sulphur-yellow wash can be seen on the underwing and under tail. The sexes are similar in plumage, and young birds look like the adults, but are slightly smaller

underwing and under tail. The sexes are similar in plumage, and young birds look like the adults, but are slightly smaller

Phalacrocorax melanoleucos

The Little Pied Cormorant is one of the most common of Australia's waterbirds, occurring on water bodies of almost any size. It is entirely black above and white below. The face is dusky and, in adult birds, the white of the underside extends to above the eye. Immature birds resemble the adults except there is no white above the eye.

The face is dusky and, in adult birds, the white of the underside extends to above the eye. Immature birds resemble the adults except there is no white above the eye.

Gymnorhina tibicen

The Australian Magpie is black and white, but the plumage pattern varies across its range. Its nape, upper tail and shoulder are white in males, grey in females. Across most of Australia, the remainder of the body is black. In the south-east, centre, extreme south-west and Tasmania, the back and rump are entirely white. The eye of adult birds is chestnut brown.

Australia, the remainder of the body is black. In the south-east, centre, extreme south-west and Tasmania, the back and rump are entirely white. The eye of adult birds is chestnut brown.

Grallina cyanoleuca

The Magpie-lark is distinctively marked in black and white. The thin whitish bill and pale iris separate it from other similarly coloured species. The adult male Magpie-lark has a white eyebrow and black face, while the female has an all-white face with no white eyebrow. Young birds have a black forehead, a white eyebrow and a white throat. The Magpie-lark is often referred to as a Peewee or Pee Wee, after the sound of its distinctive calls.

a white eyebrow and black face, while the female has an all-white face with no white eyebrow. Young birds have a black forehead, a white eyebrow and a white throat. The Magpie-lark is often referred to as a Peewee or Pee Wee, after the sound of its distinctive calls.

Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) is a stocky ground-dwelling Australian bird about the size of a domestic chicken (to which it is distantly related). It occupies semi-arid mallee scrub on the fringes of the relatively fertile areas of southern Australia, where it is now reduced to three separate populations: the Murray-Murrumbidgee basin, west of Spencer Gulf along the fringes of the Simpson Desert, and the semi-arid fringe of Western Australia's fertile south-west corner.

the relatively fertile areas of southern Australia, where it is now reduced to three separate populations: the Murray-Murrumbidgee basin, west of Spencer Gulf along the fringes of the Simpson Desert, and the semi-arid fringe of Western Australia's fertile south-west corner.

Vanellus miles

Masked Lapwings are large, ground-dwelling birds that are closely related to the waders. The Masked Lapwing is mainly white below, with brown wings and back and a black crown. Birds have large yellow wattles covering the face, and are equipped with a thorny spur that projects from the wrist on each wing. The spur is yellow with a black tip. The Masked Lapwing has two subspecies resident in Australia. The southern subspecies has black on the hind neck and sides of breast, and has smaller facial wattles. Northern birds are smaller, without the partial black collar, but have a much larger wattle, which covers most of the side of the face. The sexes are similar in both subspecies, although the male tends to have a larger spur. Young Masked Lapwings are similar to the adult birds, but may have a darker back. The wing spur and facial wattles are either absent or smaller in size. The southern subspecies is also known as the Spur-winged Plover.

have large yellow wattles covering the face, and are equipped with a thorny spur that projects from the wrist on each wing. The spur is yellow with a black tip. The Masked Lapwing has two subspecies resident in Australia. The southern subspecies has black on the hind neck and sides of breast, and has smaller facial wattles. Northern birds are smaller, without the partial black collar, but have a much larger wattle, which covers most of the side of the face. The sexes are similar in both subspecies, although the male tends to have a larger spur. Young Masked Lapwings are similar to the adult birds, but may have a darker back. The wing spur and facial wattles are either absent or smaller in size. The southern subspecies is also known as the Spur-winged Plover.

Falco cenchroides
Family: Falconidae
Order: Falconiformes

Description
The Nankeen Kestrel is a slender falcon and is a relatively small raptor (bird of prey). The upper parts are mostly rufous, with some dark streaking. The wings are tipped with black. The underparts are pale buff, streaked with black, and the under tail is finely barred with black, with a broader black band towards the tip. Females tend to be more heavily marked and have more rufous on the crown and tail. Males have a greyish crown and tail, although the extent varies between individuals. Females are larger than males. Young Nankeen Kestrels closely resemble the adult female, with heavier markings.

Description
The Nankeen Kestrel is a slender falcon and is a relatively small raptor (bird of prey). The upper parts are mostly rufous, with some dark streaking. The wings are tipped with black. The underparts are pale buff, streaked with black, and the under tail is finely barred with black, with a broader black band towards the tip. Females tend to be more heavily marked and have more rufous on the crown and tail. Males have a greyish crown and tail, although the extent varies between individuals. Females are larger than males. Young Nankeen Kestrels closely resemble the adult female, with heavier markings.

Nycticorax caledonicus

The Nankeen Night Heron is a stocky heron with rich cinnamon upperparts, white-buff underparts, a black crown, and yellow legs and feet. The head is large, the neck short (giving a stooped appearance), and the legs relatively short. During breeding the back of the head bears three white nuptial plumes. The bill is dark olive-green, and the eyes are yellow. Young birds are heavily spotted and streaked white, brown and orange-brown. As they mature, the black cap of the adult develops first, with the body plumage remaining streaked for some time. The Nankeen Night Heron is also called the Rufous Night Heron.

(giving a stooped appearance), and the legs relatively short. During breeding the back of the head bears three white nuptial plumes. The bill is dark olive-green, and the eyes are yellow. Young birds are heavily spotted and streaked white, brown and orange-brown. As they mature, the black cap of the adult develops first, with the body plumage remaining streaked for some time. The Nankeen Night Heron is also called the Rufous Night Heron.

Phylidonyris novaehollandiae

Description
The New Holland Honeyeater is 17-18.5 cm long. It is mostly black and white, with a large yellow wing patch and yellow sides on the tail. It has a small white ear patch, a thin white whisker at the base of the bill and a white eye. This honeyeater is an active bird, and rarely sits still long enough to give an extended view. The voice comprises a loud 'chik', a fainter 'pseet' and some chattering notes. If danger, such as a bird of prey approaches, a group of honeyeaters will join together and give a loud alarm call. Sexes are similar in looks, but females are slightly smaller in size. Young birds are browner and have a grey eye.

One very similar species is the White-cheeked Honeyeater, P. nigra. This species has a single large white cheek patch and a dark eye. The two species frequently occur together.

Distribution and Habitat
The New Holland Honeyeater is common in heath, forests, woodland and gardens, mainly where grevilleas and banksias are found. Its range extends throughout southern Australia, from about Brisbane, Queensland, to just north of Perth, Western Australia. It is inquisitive and approaches humans. It also mixes with other types of honeyeaters.

Food and Feeding

New Holland Honeyeaters are active feeders. They mostly eat the nectar of flowers, and busily dart from flower to flower in search of this high-energy food. Other food items include fruit, insects and spiders. Birds may feed alone, but normally gather in quite large groups. Most feeding takes place in lower areas of bushes and thickets.


New Holland Honeyeater egg © Australian Museum Breeding
New Holland Honeyeaters breed at any time of the year, but most activity takes place in summer and winter. The cup-shaped nest is made of bark and grasses, bound together with spider web. It is lined with soft material and is placed in a bush or tree, anywhere from ground level up to 6 m. The two to three eggs hatch after about 18 days and the young leave the nest after a further 16 days. Both sexes feed the chicks. Owing to the long breeding season, a pair of adults may raise two or three broods in a year.

white ear patch, a thin white whisker at the base of the bill and a white eye. This honeyeater is an active bird, and rarely sits still long enough to give an extended view. The voice comprises a loud 'chik', a fainter 'pseet' and some chattering notes. If danger, such as a bird of prey approaches, a group of honeyeaters will join together and give a loud alarm call. Sexes are similar in looks, but females are slightly smaller in size. Young birds are browner and have a grey eye.

One very similar species is the White-cheeked Honeyeater, P. nigra. This species has a single large white cheek patch and a dark eye. The two species frequently occur together.

Distribution and Habitat
The New Holland Honeyeater is common in heath, forests, woodland and gardens, mainly where grevilleas and banksias are found. Its range extends throughout southern Australia, from about Brisbane, Queensland, to just north of Perth, Western Australia. It is inquisitive and approaches humans. It also mixes with other types of honeyeaters.

Food and Feeding

New Holland Honeyeaters are active feeders. They mostly eat the nectar of flowers, and busily dart from flower to flower in search of this high-energy food. Other food items include fruit, insects and spiders. Birds may feed alone, but normally gather in quite large groups. Most feeding takes place in lower areas of bushes and thickets.


New Holland Honeyeater egg © Australian Museum Breeding
New Holland Honeyeaters breed at any time of the year, but most activity takes place in summer and winter. The cup-shaped nest is made of bark and grasses, bound together with spider web. It is lined with soft material and is placed in a bush or tree, anywhere from ground level up to 6 m. The two to three eggs hatch after about 18 days and the young leave the nest after a further 16 days. Both sexes feed the chicks. Owing to the long breeding season, a pair of adults may raise two or three broods in a year.

Philemon corniculatus

The Noisy Friarbird is a large member of the honeyeater family with a distinctive naked black head and a strong bill with a prominent casque (bump) at the base. The upperparts are dark brown to grey, the underbody is off-white, with silver-white feathers around the throat and upper breast, and the tail has a white tip. It is a noisy and conspicuous bird mainly seen in small groups, usually up in trees.

are dark brown to grey, the underbody is off-white, with silver-white feathers around the throat and upper breast, and the tail has a white tip. It is a noisy and conspicuous bird mainly seen in small groups, usually up in trees.

Platycercus venustus
During the day northern Rosellas sit quietly among the topmost branches of the trees. These inconspicuous quiet birds seldom congregate in large flocks and generally seen in pairs. They live in north west and northern Australia from Napier, Broome Bay to Nicholson River. Towards the start of breeding season northern Rosellas squabble, chatter and shake their tails. The average number of eggs is five, but they can lay as many as 7.

pairs. They live in north west and northern Australia from Napier, Broome Bay to Nicholson River. Towards the start of breeding season northern Rosellas squabble, chatter and shake their tails. The average number of eggs is five, but they can lay as many as 7.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), also known colloquially as seahawk, fish hawk or fish eagle, is a medium-large fish-eating bird of prey or raptor. However, It is not the same as a sea-eagle. It is found on all continents except Antarctica although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant. It is widely distributed because it tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location which is near a body of water and provides an adequate food supply. It is divided into four similar subspecies.

Because the Osprey has many unique characteristics, it has been given its own taxonomic genus, Pandion, and family, Pandionidae. It is a medium-sized raptor, reaching 60 cm (24 in) in length with a 1.8 m (6 ft) wingspan. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly whitish on the head and underparts, with a brownish eyepatch and wings.

As its other common names suggest, the Osprey's diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It has evolved particular physical characteristics and exhibits some unique behaviours to assist in hunting and catching prey.

on all continents except Antarctica although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant. It is widely distributed because it tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location which is near a body of water and provides an adequate food supply. It is divided into four similar subspecies.

Because the Osprey has many unique characteristics, it has been given its own taxonomic genus, Pandion, and family, Pandionidae. It is a medium-sized raptor, reaching 60 cm (24 in) in length with a 1.8 m (6 ft) wingspan. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly whitish on the head and underparts, with a brownish eyepatch and wings.

As its other common names suggest, the Osprey's diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It has evolved particular physical characteristics and exhibits some unique behaviours to assist in hunting and catching prey.

Pacific Baza, Aviceda subcristata, also known as the Crested Hawk, is a slender, medium-sized hawk with a distinctive crest. Its upperside is mainly dark brown, with a grey head and yellow eyes. It is conspicuously barred white and dark brown on the breast and on the underside of the tail and flight feathers. Females are slightly larger than males. It is found in coastal and subcoastal areas of northern and eastern Australia, Wallacea, New Guinea and adjacent islands. It feeds on stick insects (especially when breeding) as well as other large insects, tree frogs, lizards, small birds and fruit. It nests high in forest and woodland trees, with a clutch size of 2-4.

conspicuously barred white and dark brown on the breast and on the underside of the tail and flight feathers. Females are slightly larger than males. It is found in coastal and subcoastal areas of northern and eastern Australia, Wallacea, New Guinea and adjacent islands. It feeds on stick insects (especially when breeding) as well as other large insects, tree frogs, lizards, small birds and fruit. It nests high in forest and woodland trees, with a clutch size of 2-4.

Anas superciliosa

The Pacific Black Duck is mostly mid-brown in colour, with each feather edged buff. The head pattern is characteristic, with a dark brown line through the eye, bordered with cream above and below and a dark brown crown. The upper wing colour is the same as the back, with a bright glossy green patch in the secondary flight feathers. The white underwing is conspicuous in flight. Young Pacific Black Ducks are similar to the adults in plumage.

above and below and a dark brown crown. The upper wing colour is the same as the back, with a bright glossy green patch in the secondary flight feathers. The white underwing is conspicuous in flight. Young Pacific Black Ducks are similar to the adults in plumage.

Ardea pacifica

Also known as the White Necked Heron

General Characteristics:

Body is grey-black, head and neck largely white in colour.

Perch, roost and nest in open or bare trees.

Diet:

Tadpoles, frogs, crustaceans, fish and snails.

Habitat:

Typically found in inland ephemeral rivers and swamps. Uncommon on the NSW coast.

Distribution in NSW:

Found throughout NSW.

Body is grey-black, head and neck largely white in colour.

Perch, roost and nest in open or bare trees.

Diet:

Tadpoles, frogs, crustaceans, fish and snails.

Habitat:

Typically found in inland ephemeral rivers and swamps. Uncommon on the NSW coast.

Distribution in NSW:

Found throughout NSW.

Falco peregrinus

Peregrine Falcons are large, powerfully built raptors (birds of prey), with a black hood, blue-black upperparts and creamy white chin, throat and underparts, which are finely barred from the breast to the tail. The long tapered wings have a straight trailing edge in flight and the tail is relatively short. The eye-ring is yellow, with the heavy bill also yellow, tipped black. Although widespread throughout the world, it is not a common species.

barred from the breast to the tail. The long tapered wings have a straight trailing edge in flight and the tail is relatively short. The eye-ring is yellow, with the heavy bill also yellow, tipped black. Although widespread throughout the world, it is not a common species.

Strepera graculina

The Pied Currawong is a large, mostly black bird, with a bright yellow eye. Small patches of white are confined to the under tail, the tips and bases of the tail feathers and a small patch towards the tip of each wing (visible in flight). The bill is large and black and the legs are dark grey-black. Both sexes are similar, although the female may sometimes be greyer on the underparts. Young Pied Currawongs are duller and browner than the adults.

small patch towards the tip of each wing (visible in flight). The bill is large and black and the legs are dark grey-black. Both sexes are similar, although the female may sometimes be greyer on the underparts. Young Pied Currawongs are duller and browner than the adults.

, Ardea picata, is found in coastal and subcoastal areas of monsoonal northern Australia as well as some parts of Wallacea and New Guinea.

It is a small heron, with dark slaty wings, body and crested head, with a white throat and neck. Immature birds lack the crest as well as the dark colouring on the head and may look like small versions of the White-necked Heron. Its habitat mainly comprises a range of wetlands and wet grasslands. It feeds on insects and other small aquatic animals. It nests in trees, including mangroves, often colonially with other species of heron.

crested head, with a white throat and neck. Immature birds lack the crest as well as the dark colouring on the head and may look like small versions of the White-necked Heron. Its habitat mainly comprises a range of wetlands and wet grasslands. It feeds on insects and other small aquatic animals. It nests in trees, including mangroves, often colonially with other species of heron.

Pied Imperial-pigeon, (Ducula bicolor) also known as the Nutmeg Pigeon, Torresian Imperial-pigeon or Torres Strait Pigeon is a pigeon which is a widespread resident breeding bird on mainly small islands adjoining the Indian Ocean from the Nicobars in an arc to New Guinea. It is also found in northern Australia in coastal areas from the Kimberlies (in Western Australia) to the Great Barrier Reef, in the east (off Queensland). Birds residing in the Kimberlies are non-migratory, while the birds east of Queensland are migratory. Migratory birds in the east arrive from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in August and depart February to April. They generally can be found in rainforests, eucalyptus woodland, coastal scrubs, creeks, rivers, mangroves and islands.

It builds an untidy stick nest in a tree, usually a coconut palm and lays a single white egg, which hatches within 23 to 25 days. The squab fledges after another three weeks. In Australia they breed between August and January in mangroves, vines, palm fronds on off-shore islands, such as the Brook Islands. In north east Queensland, they migrate daily as flocks from the islands to the mainland rainforests to eat fruit. They return to islands upon dusk.

The Pied Imperial-pigeon is a large plump pigeon, 37-44 centimetres (14-17.6 inches) length, with a 45 cm (18 in) wingspan. It is entirely white or pale cream, apart from black flight feathers (remiges) and tail (rectrices) feathers. The head can be brown, soiled by eating fruit. Its flight is fast and direct, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings which are characteristic of pigeons in general. Males that display fly steeply up, pause, tip forward and then glide downwards.

This is an arboreal dove, feeding almost exclusively on fruit. It can swallow fruits with very large seeds, the latter being regurgitated or excreted whole, depending on size, after the pulp has been removed.

Calls made by the birds are a deep "mrrrooooo", "roo-ca-hoo" and "up-ooooo".

The birds were once present in large colonies in Cairns, Australia but were subject to mass slaughter in the 19th Century because they were thought as pests. Populations rapidly dropped. The population is now slowly improving because of their protected status in Australia, where there are now an estimated 30,000. E. J. Banfield wrote in 1908 that in Dunk Island "fully 100,000 come and go evening and morning", with flying colonies as wide as two miles. It was described by Harold Frith in 1982, who stated these processions as "one of the great ornithological experiences of the tropics."

islands adjoining the Indian Ocean from the Nicobars in an arc to New Guinea. It is also found in northern Australia in coastal areas from the Kimberlies (in Western Australia) to the Great Barrier Reef, in the east (off Queensland). Birds residing in the Kimberlies are non-migratory, while the birds east of Queensland are migratory. Migratory birds in the east arrive from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in August and depart February to April. They generally can be found in rainforests, eucalyptus woodland, coastal scrubs, creeks, rivers, mangroves and islands.

It builds an untidy stick nest in a tree, usually a coconut palm and lays a single white egg, which hatches within 23 to 25 days. The squab fledges after another three weeks. In Australia they breed between August and January in mangroves, vines, palm fronds on off-shore islands, such as the Brook Islands. In north east Queensland, they migrate daily as flocks from the islands to the mainland rainforests to eat fruit. They return to islands upon dusk.

The Pied Imperial-pigeon is a large plump pigeon, 37-44 centimetres (14-17.6 inches) length, with a 45 cm (18 in) wingspan. It is entirely white or pale cream, apart from black flight feathers (remiges) and tail (rectrices) feathers. The head can be brown, soiled by eating fruit. Its flight is fast and direct, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings which are characteristic of pigeons in general. Males that display fly steeply up, pause, tip forward and then glide downwards.

This is an arboreal dove, feeding almost exclusively on fruit. It can swallow fruits with very large seeds, the latter being regurgitated or excreted whole, depending on size, after the pulp has been removed.

Calls made by the birds are a deep "mrrrooooo", "roo-ca-hoo" and "up-ooooo".

The birds were once present in large colonies in Cairns, Australia but were subject to mass slaughter in the 19th Century because they were thought as pests. Populations rapidly dropped. The population is now slowly improving because of their protected status in Australia, where there are now an estimated 30,000. E. J. Banfield wrote in 1908 that in Dunk Island "fully 100,000 come and go evening and morning", with flying colonies as wide as two miles. It was described by Harold Frith in 1982, who stated these processions as "one of the great ornithological experiences of the tropics."

Vanellus miles also called Masked Lapwing

Ninox strenua
Family: Strigidae
Order: Strigiformes

Description
The Powerful Owl is a large owl with a relatively small head and a rounded tail. It is dark grey to dark grey-brown above, with white barring, and off-white below, with distinctive dark v-shaped chevrons. The eyes are yellow, set in a dark grey/brown facial mask. The legs are feathered and the yellow to orange feet are massive, with sharp talons. The sexes are alike but the female is smaller, with a narrower head. Juvenile birds are downy white on the head and underparts, the underparts are sparsely streaked, and they have much shorter tails than the adults. Powerful Owls are the largest of the Australian nocturnal birds (night birds).

Description
The Powerful Owl is a large owl with a relatively small head and a rounded tail. It is dark grey to dark grey-brown above, with white barring, and off-white below, with distinctive dark v-shaped chevrons. The eyes are yellow, set in a dark grey/brown facial mask. The legs are feathered and the yellow to orange feet are massive, with sharp talons. The sexes are alike but the female is smaller, with a narrower head. Juvenile birds are downy white on the head and underparts, the underparts are sparsely streaked, and they have much shorter tails than the adults. Powerful Owls are the largest of the Australian nocturnal birds (night birds).

Princess Parrot or Alexandra's Parrot, Polytelis alexandrae, is an Australian bird of the parrot family Psittacidae. It is a medium sized parrot, 34 to 46 centimetres long (the males are larger). The plumage is mostly green with a pink throat, bluish crown and rump and bright green shoulders. The tail is long and narrow.

This species is nomadic, arriving in small groups to breed and then disappearing. It is one of Australia’s least known parakeets because it is so elusive, even though it is spread across the interior of Australia. It inhabits arid woodland and scrub with spinifex, eucalypts, acacias, etc. 4 to 6 rounded white eggs are laid in a hollow in a eucalypt or desert oak. They are becoming quite rare in the wild and their numbers seem to be dwindling. They feed on the seeds of grasses and shrubs. They are unusual among parrots in engaging in mobbing behaviour against predators.

The name "Princess Parakeet" was given in honour of Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who later married the Prince of Wales Edward VII and eventually became the Queen of England. Other names for the species include: Queen Alexandra Parrot (or Parakeet), Princess of Wales Parakeet, Rose-throated Parakeet and Spinifex Parrot.

plumage is mostly green with a pink throat, bluish crown and rump and bright green shoulders. The tail is long and narrow.

This species is nomadic, arriving in small groups to breed and then disappearing. It is one of Australia’s least known parakeets because it is so elusive, even though it is spread across the interior of Australia. It inhabits arid woodland and scrub with spinifex, eucalypts, acacias, etc. 4 to 6 rounded white eggs are laid in a hollow in a eucalypt or desert oak. They are becoming quite rare in the wild and their numbers seem to be dwindling. They feed on the seeds of grasses and shrubs. They are unusual among parrots in engaging in mobbing behaviour against predators.

The name "Princess Parakeet" was given in honour of Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who later married the Prince of Wales Edward VII and eventually became the Queen of England. Other names for the species include: Queen Alexandra Parrot (or Parakeet), Princess of Wales Parakeet, Rose-throated Parakeet and Spinifex Parrot.

Merops ornatus
Family: Meropidae
Order: Coraciiformes

Description
A striking, colourful bird, the Rainbow Bee-eater is medium sized, with a long slim curved bill and a long tail with distinctive tail-streamers. It has a golden crown and a red eye set in a wide black stripe from the base of the bill to the ears, which is edged with a thin blue line. The throat is orange-yellow, with a broad black band separating it from a green breast. The upperparts are green, with the flight feathers coppery and black tipped. The underwings are bright orange, with a black edge. The lower abdomen is blue. The tail is black, including the long tail streamers, with a blue tinge. Females have shorter, thicker tail streamers than males, but are otherwise similar. Young birds are duller and greener, lacking the black band on the chest and the long tail streamers.

Description
A striking, colourful bird, the Rainbow Bee-eater is medium sized, with a long slim curved bill and a long tail with distinctive tail-streamers. It has a golden crown and a red eye set in a wide black stripe from the base of the bill to the ears, which is edged with a thin blue line. The throat is orange-yellow, with a broad black band separating it from a green breast. The upperparts are green, with the flight feathers coppery and black tipped. The underwings are bright orange, with a black edge. The lower abdomen is blue. The tail is black, including the long tail streamers, with a blue tinge. Females have shorter, thicker tail streamers than males, but are otherwise similar. Young birds are duller and greener, lacking the black band on the chest and the long tail streamers.

Trichoglossus haematodus

The Rainbow Lorikeet is unmistakable with its bright red beak and colourful plumage. Both sexes look alike, with a blue (mauve) head and belly, green wings, tail and back, and an orange/yellow breast. They are often seen in loud and fast-moving flocks, or in communal roosts at dusk.

and an orange/yellow breast. They are often seen in loud and fast-moving flocks, or in communal roosts at dusk.

Platycercus spurius
Family: Psittacidae
Adult, Pemberton, W.A.
© 1992, P. Eves


Status: Resident / Uncommon
The Red-capped Parrot is a shy and inconspicuous parrot. It prefers tall marri treetops where it feeds using it's long slender bill to extract the seeds. It also feeds on the fruits and seeds of other eucalyptus, hakea and grevillia, as well as orchard fruits and occasionally insects. The Red-capped Parrot feeds quietly and will flush easily from shrubs, taking off with harsh, metallic calls and rapid flight. In Perth, the Red-capped Parrot is found in isolated area, especially in the southern suburbs where marri are present. They can be distinguished from the Australian Ringnecks by their colourful plumage and long tapered tail.

© 1992, P. Eves


Status: Resident / Uncommon
The Red-capped Parrot is a shy and inconspicuous parrot. It prefers tall marri treetops where it feeds using it's long slender bill to extract the seeds. It also feeds on the fruits and seeds of other eucalyptus, hakea and grevillia, as well as orchard fruits and occasionally insects. The Red-capped Parrot feeds quietly and will flush easily from shrubs, taking off with harsh, metallic calls and rapid flight. In Perth, the Red-capped Parrot is found in isolated area, especially in the southern suburbs where marri are present. They can be distinguished from the Australian Ringnecks by their colourful plumage and long tapered tail.

Anthochaera carnunculata

The Red Wattlebird is a large, noisy honeyeater. The common name refers to the fleshy reddish wattle on the side of the neck. The plumage is grey-brown on the body, with prominent white streaks and yellow on the belly. The face is pale and the tail is long with a white-tip. Young Red Wattlebirds are duller than the adult and have a brown, rather than reddish, eye. The wattle is also very small and pale.

prominent white streaks and yellow on the belly. The face is pale and the tail is long with a white-tip. Young Red Wattlebirds are duller than the adult and have a brown, rather than reddish, eye. The wattle is also very small and pale.

The head, back and flight feathers of the male regent bowerbird are coloured in a rich golden-yellow, with the remainder of the bird being black with a purple sheen. Its forehead is sometimes tinted crimson, and it has bright yellow eyes.

The male moults into this plumage when he is four years old – until then, he resembles a female. The female is coloured in shades of dull brown, olive-brown, and yellow-brown on the upper parts of her body, and pale buff with brown mottling underneath.

crimson, and it has bright yellow eyes.

The male moults into this plumage when he is four years old – until then, he resembles a female. The female is coloured in shades of dull brown, olive-brown, and yellow-brown on the upper parts of her body, and pale buff with brown mottling underneath.

Platalea regia

The Royal Spoonbill is a large white waterbird with black, spatulate (spoon-shaped) bill, facial skin, legs and feet. During the breeding season, it has a distinctive nuchal (back of head or nape of neck) crest, which can be up to 20 cm long in male birds (usually shorter in females). The crest can be erected during mating displays to reveal bright pink skin underneath. Breeding adults also have a creamy-yellow wash across the lower neck and upper breast and a strip of bright pink skin along the edge of the underwings which is obvious when the bird opens its wings. The facial skin is black with a yellow patch above the eye and a red patch in the middle of the forehead, in front of the crest feathers. Females are slightly smaller with shorter legs and bill. Out of breeding season, the nuchal crests are reduced, the underwing is not bright pink and the plumage is less brilliant, often appearing 'dirty'. Young birds are similar to non-breeding adults without a crest or coloured face patches, and are slightly smaler with a shorter, smoother bill. The Royal Spoonbill is most often seen wading in shallow waters, sweeping its submerged bill back and forth in a wide arc to find food.

head or nape of neck) crest, which can be up to 20 cm long in male birds (usually shorter in females). The crest can be erected during mating displays to reveal bright pink skin underneath. Breeding adults also have a creamy-yellow wash across the lower neck and upper breast and a strip of bright pink skin along the edge of the underwings which is obvious when the bird opens its wings. The facial skin is black with a yellow patch above the eye and a red patch in the middle of the forehead, in front of the crest feathers. Females are slightly smaller with shorter legs and bill. Out of breeding season, the nuchal crests are reduced, the underwing is not bright pink and the plumage is less brilliant, often appearing 'dirty'. Young birds are similar to non-breeding adults without a crest or coloured face patches, and are slightly smaler with a shorter, smoother bill. The Royal Spoonbill is most often seen wading in shallow waters, sweeping its submerged bill back and forth in a wide arc to find food.

Ninox rufa is a species of owl in the Strigidae family. It is found in Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montanes.

subtropical or tropical moist montanes.

Todiramphus sanctus

The Sacred Kingfisher is a medium sized kingfisher. It has a turquoise back, turquoise blue rump and tail, buff-white underparts and a broad cream collar. There is a broad black eye stripe extending from bill to nape of neck. Both sexes are similar, although the female is generally lighter with duller upper parts. Young birds are similar to the female, but have varying amounts of rusty-brown edging to feathers on the collar and underparts, and buff edges on the wing coverts.

eye stripe extending from bill to nape of neck. Both sexes are similar, although the female is generally lighter with duller upper parts. Young birds are similar to the female, but have varying amounts of rusty-brown edging to feathers on the collar and underparts, and buff edges on the wing coverts.

Larus novaehollandiae

The Silver Gull has a white head, tail and underparts, with a light grey back and black-tipped wings. In adult birds the bill, legs and eye-ring are bright orange-red.

Casuarius casuarius

The Cassowary's large size, its large greyish helmet (casque) and the red wattle hanging from the neck, make it easy to identify. The feathers of the body are black and hair-like. The bare skin of the head and fore-neck is blue, while the rear of the neck is red. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but the female is generally larger than the male, with a taller casque, and is brighter in colour. Young Cassowaries are browner than adults, and have duller coloured head and neck. The chicks are striped yellow and black. If a Cassowary is approached it will generally stand its ground. If the intruder approaches too close, the bird will stretch itself as tall as possible, ruffle its feathers and let at a loud hiss in an attempt to scare the intruder off. The birds are equipped with quite dangerous claws, and will readily attack a persistent intruder, although they usually retreat into the dense rainforest.

hair-like. The bare skin of the head and fore-neck is blue, while the rear of the neck is red. Both sexes are similar in appearance, but the female is generally larger than the male, with a taller casque, and is brighter in colour. Young Cassowaries are browner than adults, and have duller coloured head and neck. The chicks are striped yellow and black. If a Cassowary is approached it will generally stand its ground. If the intruder approaches too close, the bird will stretch itself as tall as possible, ruffle its feathers and let at a loud hiss in an attempt to scare the intruder off. The birds are equipped with quite dangerous claws, and will readily attack a persistent intruder, although they usually retreat into the dense rainforest.

Sturnus vulgaris
Family: Sturnidae
Order: Passeriformes

Description
The Common Starling has a wide variation in plumage. Both sexes are similar, although the female is less glossy than the male. In autumn, when the plumage is new, birds are glossed black, with a purple and green shine, and the tips of the body feathers have large white spots. At this time the bill is dark and the legs are brown. With wear, the white spots are lost, while the bill and legs turn yellow. During the breeding season adults become glossy-black without any spots. Young birds are dull grey-brown.

Description
The Common Starling has a wide variation in plumage. Both sexes are similar, although the female is less glossy than the male. In autumn, when the plumage is new, birds are glossed black, with a purple and green shine, and the tips of the body feathers have large white spots. At this time the bill is dark and the legs are brown. With wear, the white spots are lost, while the bill and legs turn yellow. During the breeding season adults become glossy-black without any spots. Young birds are dull grey-brown.

Threskiornis spinicollis

The Straw-necked Ibis is a large waterbird with a naked black head, long downcurved black bill and yellow throat plumes. It has a glossy blue-black back, with metallic purple, green and bronze sheen, a white nape and sides of neck and white underparts. Its preference for grassland insects such as grasshoppers and locusts have earnt it the name of Farmer's Friend.

purple, green and bronze sheen, a white nape and sides of neck and white underparts. Its preference for grassland insects such as grasshoppers and locusts have earnt it the name of Farmer's Friend.

Cacatua galerita

The Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a large white parrot. It has a dark grey-black bill, a distinctive sulphur-yellow crest and a yellow wash on the underside of the wings. Sexes are similar, although the female can be separated at close range by its red-brown eye (darker brown in the male). This is a noisy and conspicuous cockatoo, both at rest and in flight. Young Sulphur-crested Cockatoos resemble the adults.

similar, although the female can be separated at close range by its red-brown eye (darker brown in the male). This is a noisy and conspicuous cockatoo, both at rest and in flight. Young Sulphur-crested Cockatoos resemble the adults.

Malurus cyaneus

This litle bird measures 14 cm, including the tail. The adult male has a blue head and tail which is shown in the picture. The female is a brownish colour. Their tails always stick up and when they move about they hop and do not walk.

up and when they move about they hop and do not walk.

Superb Fairy-wren males defend a territory of between 0.5 and 2 ha, and there is some evidence from radio tracking that territories are smaller in urban areas. Fairy-wrens live in family groups, with the young of previous years remaining in their parents' territory and contributing to the care of their younger siblings. Males are more likely than females to stay with their parents, and so, during the breeding season, it is common to see a brown female accompanied by several blue males. During the non-breeding season, males moult into a brown plumage, similar to the female's, except that males retain their blue tails. The black beak of males is also a good way of distinguishing them from females and juveniles, which have a chestnut-coloured beak.

the young of previous years remaining in their parents' territory and contributing to the care of their younger siblings. Males are more likely than females to stay with their parents, and so, during the breeding season, it is common to see a brown female accompanied by several blue males. During the non-breeding season, males moult into a brown plumage, similar to the female's, except that males retain their blue tails. The black beak of males is also a good way of distinguishing them from females and juveniles, which have a chestnut-coloured beak.

Polytelis swainsonii

The Superb Parrot is a medium-sized parrot, with a swift and graceful flight. Its tail is long and the wings are backswept and pointed. Both male and female are mostly bright green, though the male has a bright yellow forehead and cheeks, with a scarlet band across the upper chest. The female is duller, with red thighs and patches of pink on the inner walls of the tail feathers. Both have a red iris and bright pink bill. The Superb Parrot is also known as the Barraband or Scarlet-breasted Parrot or the Green Leek.

green, though the male has a bright yellow forehead and cheeks, with a scarlet band across the upper chest. The female is duller, with red thighs and patches of pink on the inner walls of the tail feathers. Both have a red iris and bright pink bill. The Superb Parrot is also known as the Barraband or Scarlet-breasted Parrot or the Green Leek.

Superb Parrot, Polytelis swainsonii also known as Barraband Parrot is a parrot native to southeastern Australia. It is one of three species in the genus Polytelis.

It is a medium-sized bright green parrot, approximately 40cm long, with long tail feathers, yellow-green below and yellow eye. The male has a scarlet band upper chest, bright yellow face and throat. The female has a pale blue-green face, greyish-green throat and yellow thighs.

An Australian endemic, the Superb Parrot is restricted to the woodlands of New South Wales and Victoria. It nests on hollow limb or a hole in a tree. The diet consists mainly of eucalypt flowers, fruits, nectar and pollen.

parrot, approximately 40cm long, with long tail feathers, yellow-green below and yellow eye. The male has a scarlet band upper chest, bright yellow face and throat. The female has a pale blue-green face, greyish-green throat and yellow thighs.

An Australian endemic, the Superb Parrot is restricted to the woodlands of New South Wales and Victoria. It nests on hollow limb or a hole in a tree. The diet consists mainly of eucalypt flowers, fruits, nectar and pollen.

Podargus strigoides

The general plumage of the Tawny Frogmouth is silver-grey, slightly paler below, streaked and mottled with black and rufous. A second plumage phase also occurs, with birds being russet-red. The eye is yellow in both forms, and the wide, heavy bill is olive-grey to blackish. South-eastern birds are larger than birds from the north. Tawny Frogmouths are nocturnal birds (night birds). During the day, they perch on tree branches, often low down, camouflaged as part of the tree.

russet-red. The eye is yellow in both forms, and the wide, heavy bill is olive-grey to blackish. South-eastern birds are larger than birds from the north. Tawny Frogmouths are nocturnal birds (night birds). During the day, they perch on tree branches, often low down, camouflaged as part of the tree.

Lopholaimus antarcticus
Family: Columbidae
Order: Columbiformes

Description
The Topknot Pigeon is a large grey pigeon with a swept back crest that is grey in front and rusty red behind, giving the head an unique shape. It is darker grey above, with dark grey, rounded wings, and lighter grey below, with a pale tail band across the black tail. The eye and bill are red, and the bill has two large bluish-green bumps at the base. Females have a smaller, paler crest than males. Young birds resemble females, with more mottling and have a browner head with a much smaller crest. This species flies strongly and roosts high in tall trees. It may be seen feeding acrobatically among fruits, often hanging upside-down to reach them. It can be located by the sounds of falling fruit and its sharp screech while feeding.

Description
The Topknot Pigeon is a large grey pigeon with a swept back crest that is grey in front and rusty red behind, giving the head an unique shape. It is darker grey above, with dark grey, rounded wings, and lighter grey below, with a pale tail band across the black tail. The eye and bill are red, and the bill has two large bluish-green bumps at the base. Females have a smaller, paler crest than males. Young birds resemble females, with more mottling and have a browner head with a much smaller crest. This species flies strongly and roosts high in tall trees. It may be seen feeding acrobatically among fruits, often hanging upside-down to reach them. It can be located by the sounds of falling fruit and its sharp screech while feeding.

Scientific Name: Artamus superciliosus

A subtly attractive bird with pastel grey head, throat and uppersides highlighted with white eyebrow markings. The abdomen is buff-brown in colour. The female can be distinguished from the male by her paler colour and smaller eyebrows. Length to around 20cm.

Huge flocks of woodswallows form at certain times of the year wandering far and wide in search of food. In good seasons, nesting colonies may be formed where several pairs may nest together in a single tree.

Habitat: A common inhabitant of the open forest of eastern Australia, mainly inland away from coastal areas.

Diet: They are not true swallows but were so-named because of their habit of catching their insect prey on the wing like their small agile namesakes. They may also feed occasionally on fruits and flowers.

Reproduction: Spring and summer is the main nesting period. A small nest of grasses and twigs is built, usually fairly close to the ground in a tree fork. Two or three white eggs blotched with brown are laid and are incubated by both parents for two weeks.

female can be distinguished from the male by her paler colour and smaller eyebrows. Length to around 20cm.

Huge flocks of woodswallows form at certain times of the year wandering far and wide in search of food. In good seasons, nesting colonies may be formed where several pairs may nest together in a single tree.

Habitat: A common inhabitant of the open forest of eastern Australia, mainly inland away from coastal areas.

Diet: They are not true swallows but were so-named because of their habit of catching their insect prey on the wing like their small agile namesakes. They may also feed occasionally on fruits and flowers.

Reproduction: Spring and summer is the main nesting period. A small nest of grasses and twigs is built, usually fairly close to the ground in a tree fork. Two or three white eggs blotched with brown are laid and are incubated by both parents for two weeks.

White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) and also known as the White-bellied Fish-eagle or White-breasted Sea Eagle, is a large bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which also includes many other diurnal raptors such as kites, buzzards and harriers.

It is resident from India through southeast Asia to Australia on coasts and major waterways. This large eagle is very distinctive. The adult has white head, breast underwing coverts and tail. The upperparts are grey and the black underwing flight feathers contrast with the white coverts. The tail is short and wedge-shaped as in all Haliaeetus species.[1]

Its closest relative is the little-known Sanford's Sea-eagle of the Solomon Islands. These form a species pair, and as usual in sea eagle species pairs, as opposed to the dark-headed Sanford's, the White-bellied Sea-eagle has a white head. Talons, bill, and eyes are dark as in all Gondwanan sea eagles. This species pair has at every age at least some dark colouration in its tail, though this may not always be clearly visible in this species. Although they differ much in appearance and ecology, their ancestors diverged less than one million years ago (Wink et al., 1996[2]).

The White-bellied Sea-eagle is the second largest bird of prey found in Australia. The largest is the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Aquila audax, which stands up to 1m. The Wedge-tailed Eagle is mostly brown, with a wedge-shaped tail.

It is white on the head, rump and underparts and dark grey on the back and wings. In flight the black flight feathers on the wings are easily seen when the bird is viewed from below. The large, hooked bill is grey with a darker tip, and the eye is dark brown. The legs and feet are cream-white, with long black talons (claws). The sexes are similar. Males (around 75cm in height) are slightly smaller than females (up to 85cm). The wingspan is about 2 m.[1]

Young Sea-eagles are brown when juveniles then gradually come to resemble adults, acquiring the complete adult plumage by their fourth year.

other diurnal raptors such as kites, buzzards and harriers.

It is resident from India through southeast Asia to Australia on coasts and major waterways. This large eagle is very distinctive. The adult has white head, breast underwing coverts and tail. The upperparts are grey and the black underwing flight feathers contrast with the white coverts. The tail is short and wedge-shaped as in all Haliaeetus species.[1]

Its closest relative is the little-known Sanford's Sea-eagle of the Solomon Islands. These form a species pair, and as usual in sea eagle species pairs, as opposed to the dark-headed Sanford's, the White-bellied Sea-eagle has a white head. Talons, bill, and eyes are dark as in all Gondwanan sea eagles. This species pair has at every age at least some dark colouration in its tail, though this may not always be clearly visible in this species. Although they differ much in appearance and ecology, their ancestors diverged less than one million years ago (Wink et al., 1996[2]).

The White-bellied Sea-eagle is the second largest bird of prey found in Australia. The largest is the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Aquila audax, which stands up to 1m. The Wedge-tailed Eagle is mostly brown, with a wedge-shaped tail.

It is white on the head, rump and underparts and dark grey on the back and wings. In flight the black flight feathers on the wings are easily seen when the bird is viewed from below. The large, hooked bill is grey with a darker tip, and the eye is dark brown. The legs and feet are cream-white, with long black talons (claws). The sexes are similar. Males (around 75cm in height) are slightly smaller than females (up to 85cm). The wingspan is about 2 m.[1]

Young Sea-eagles are brown when juveniles then gradually come to resemble adults, acquiring the complete adult plumage by their fourth year.

Gallicolumba jobiensis

Size: 25cm

Status: Abundant

Diet: Seeds and fruit found on the forest floor.

Habitat: Tropical forest and adjacent woodlands

Breeding: Two eggs are layed on a stick platform usually Spring to Summer.

White-breasted Ground Doves nest in colonies, they need to be housed large planted avaries as they can get very aggressive towards each other.

Diet: Seeds and fruit found on the forest floor.

Habitat: Tropical forest and adjacent woodlands

Breeding: Two eggs are layed on a stick platform usually Spring to Summer.

White-breasted Ground Doves nest in colonies, they need to be housed large planted avaries as they can get very aggressive towards each other.

White-breasted Woodswallow, Artamus leucorynchus is a small passerine bird which breeds from the Andaman Islands east through Indonesia to Fiji and northern Australia.

This woodswallow's soft-plumage is charcoal grey apart from the white underparts that give the species its English and scientific names. Despite its brush-tipped tongue, usually associated with nectar feeders, it catches insects on the wing.

White-breasted Woodswallow has large, pointed wings and is very agile in powered and gliding flight. This is a nomadic species, following the best conditions for flying insects, and often roosting in large flocks.

The nest is a small structure built on a branch. The normal clutch is three eggs.

soft-plumage is charcoal grey apart from the white underparts that give the species its English and scientific names. Despite its brush-tipped tongue, usually associated with nectar feeders, it catches insects on the wing.

White-breasted Woodswallow has large, pointed wings and is very agile in powered and gliding flight. This is a nomadic species, following the best conditions for flying insects, and often roosting in large flocks.

The nest is a small structure built on a branch. The normal clutch is three eggs.

White-browed Woodswallow (Artamus superciliosus) is a moderately-sized passerine bird native to inland Australia. Like all woodswallows, it has a brush-tipped tongue but feeds almost exclusively on flying insects.

White-browed Woodswallows are highly nomadic. Pairs, small parties, and sometimes flocks of thousands wander irregularly around inland Australia, often trending north to winter in the Northern Territory and central Queensland, and south in spring to nest. Their heartland is the area centered on the Murray-Darling Basin, but they range far beyond this area, and in drought years frequently reach coastal south-east Australia. They are uncommon in Western Australia but small numbers regularly associate with flocks of the Masked Woodswallows.

flying insects.

White-browed Woodswallows are highly nomadic. Pairs, small parties, and sometimes flocks of thousands wander irregularly around inland Australia, often trending north to winter in the Northern Territory and central Queensland, and south in spring to nest. Their heartland is the area centered on the Murray-Darling Basin, but they range far beyond this area, and in drought years frequently reach coastal south-east Australia. They are uncommon in Western Australia but small numbers regularly associate with flocks of the Masked Woodswallows.

Size: 17cm

Habitat: Distributed across Australia's inland regions, through out VIC and most of NSW, the White plumed Honeyeater inhabits open forests, usually near water. Diet consists of insects and nectar.

Notes: Olive/lemon coloured bird with dark eye and yellow face. White stripe on side of neck with grey line across top. Breeds Winter-Spring-Summer.

and nectar.

Notes: Olive/lemon coloured bird with dark eye and yellow face. White stripe on side of neck with grey line across top. Breeds Winter-Spring-Summer.

Platalea flavipes

The Yellow-billed Spoonbill is a large, white waterbird with a yellow face and spatulate (spoon-shaped) bill, and yellow legs and feet. During breeding season, the facial skin is outlined in black, the lacy outer wing plumes are tipped black and there are long hackles on its upper breast. Out of breeding, the face is yellow with no black outline and the lacy plumes and hackles are reduced or absent. Young birds are similar to adults, but have black markings on the inner flight feathers (tertials). It is most often seen wading slowly in shallow waters, sweeping its bill from side to side to feed.

outlined in black, the lacy outer wing plumes are tipped black and there are long hackles on its upper breast. Out of breeding, the face is yellow with no black outline and the lacy plumes and hackles are reduced or absent. Young birds are similar to adults, but have black markings on the inner flight feathers (tertials). It is most often seen wading slowly in shallow waters, sweeping its bill from side to side to feed.

Platycercus elegans