51 Common Townsville Birds

Townsville is a city located in northeastern Australia that boasts of some of the most diverse birdlife in the region. The city’s warm climate and wetland areas have made it an ideal habitat for several bird species.

The birdlife in Townsville varies from native species like honeyeaters, kingfishers, and cockatoos to migratory birds from the northern hemisphere like sandpipers and plovers.

Whether it’s the sound of a kookaburra laughing or the sight of rainbow lorikeets flocking in groups, the birdlife in Townsville is a fascinating sight to see.

In this article, we will delve into some of the bird species found in Townsville and explore what makes them unique.

1. Lesser Crested Tern

The lesser crested tern is a beautiful bird belonging to the Laridae family. It can be found breeding in subtropical coastal parts of the world, mainly from Red Sea across Indian Ocean.

Its genus name comes from Ancient Greek word Thalasseus which means fisherman and its specific bengalensis refers to Bengal, historically referring to much of northern India and Bangladesh.

The adult has white plumage with grey on wings and back; black cap extending behind eye; long pointed bill yellow tipped red at base, orange legs and feet.

They feed primarily by plunge-diving for fish near shore but may also take some insects or scavenge off boats or piers when given opportunity.

This species nests in colonies often on beaches or islands with other seabirds where it lays two eggs per clutch that are incubated for about a month before hatching.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Laridae
Genus	Thalasseus
Species	T. bengalensis

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2. Rainbow Bee-Eater

The Rainbow bee-eater (Merops ornatus) is a delightful near passerine bird belonging to the bee-eater family Meropidae.

It is found exclusively in Australia, making it one of only two species of its kind throughout the world; its closest relative being located in Southern and Eastern Africa – the olive bee-eater (Merops superciliosus).

Its stunning plumage features a unique palette of colours including shades pinkish reds, blues, greens and yellows which make for an impressive display when seen up close.

Due to their diet consisting mainly on bees and other insects they have adapted specialised beaks with serrated edges that allow them to easily capture their prey mid flight.

A truly remarkable sight indeed.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Coraciiformes
Family	Meropidae
Genus	Merops
Species	M. ornatus

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3. Pheasant Coucal

The Pheasant Coucal is a species of cuckoo native to Australia, Timor and New Guinea.

It can be found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests as well as mangrove forests but has also adapted well to agricultural areas such as cane fields in Northern Australia.

This makes it an unusual bird among the Australian cuckoos since unlike most other birds from this family, it doesn’t rely on its hosts for incubation and raising offsprings – instead, it does all that by itself.

The female typically lays three eggs which are oval-shaped with light blue colouring that fades over time.

Pheasant coucals have dark brown feathers with some lighter markings around their necks and wings making them look quite unique compared to other birds within the same family.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Centropus
Species	C. phasianinus

4. Orange-Footed Scrubfowl

The Orange-footed Scrubfowl is a small Megapode of the family Megapodiidae found in several islands from Lesser Sunda Islands to southern New Guinea and northern Australia.

It has a dark brown coloration with bright orange legs and feet that stand out against its body, making it quite an eye-catching species.

The bird’s size is roughly equal to that of a domestic chicken.

This species feeds mainly on insects, fruits, seeds and roots but will also scavenge for carrion or feed on worms when available.

They are typically solitary birds except during breeding season when they tend to form colonies near their nesting sites usually along beaches or sand dunes where they can use the heat generated by the sun reflecting off the sand in order to incubate their eggs without having build nests themselves.

Overall this unique bird stands apart from other members of its family due to its striking plumage as well as being one of few ground dwelling megapodes instead of tree dwellers like most others within this group which makes them relatively easy to spot among greenery if you know what you’re looking for.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Megapodiidae
Genus	Megapodius
Species	M. reinwardt

5. Rose-Crowned Fruit Dove

The Rose-crowned Fruit Dove is a beautiful and vibrant bird found mainly in the forests of Australia, New Guinea and some parts of Indonesia.

It has an unmistakable appearance due to its grey head and breast, orange belly, whitish throat and yellow-orange iris.

The crown on its head is pinkish-red with a yellow border which sets it apart from other fruit doves. This species can grow up to 22 cm long and have greyish green bills as well as feet.

In Indonesian subspecies however have white crowns instead of red ones.

They are generally found in small groups feeding on fruits or berries near trees or shrubs but they may also be seen alone occasionally when searching for food during the day time

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Ptilinopus
Species	P. regina

6. Varied Triller

The varied triller is a small, colorful bird belonging to the cuckoo-shrike family. Native to New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago as well as parts of eastern Australia, this species prefers warm, fairly moist climates.

It has an unmistakable plumage that includes white wings with black barring and bright yellow underparts.

The head is grayish-brown while its tail feathers are largely brown but tipped in white.

Its call consists of a series of short whistles which it uses both for communication among flock members and territorial defense against other birds or predators in the area.

Although not widely known compared to some other avian species, these delightful birds can be seen flitting about their natural habitats if one knows where to look.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Campephagidae
Genus	Lalage
Species	L. leucomela

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7. Noisy Friarbird

The Noisy Friarbird is a native of Southern New Guinea and Eastern Australia. It’s easily recognisable due to its brown-grey colouration, as well as the prominent knob on its head which is bare black skinned.

This bird belongs to the honeyeater family Meliphagidae, making it one of several species referred to as friarbirds with their featherless heads.

The diet for this particular species consists mainly of insects such as bees and ants, but also nectar from flowers when in season.

First described by ornithologist John Latham in 1802, they are commonly found near woodlands close to water sources like rivers or streams where there is plenty of food available during breeding season which usually occurs between August and December each year.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Meliphagidae
Genus	Philemon
Species	P. corniculatus

8. Pied Heron

The Pied Heron is a small bird found in coastal and subcoastal areas of northern Australia, Wallacea, and New Guinea. It has no recognised subspecies and was first described by John Gould in 1845.

The average length of the adult heron can range from 43-55 cm long with a wingspan between 68-93cm wide.

Its distinctive appearance comes from its white chestnut body plumage as well as its gray crown feathers that are tipped black making it easily recognisable amongst other birds.

This species feeds on fish, amphibians, rodents and invertebrates which they hunt both during the day or at night depending on their location and preference for hunting times.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Ardeidae
Genus	Egretta
Species	E. picata

9. Great Knot

The Great knot is an impressive small wader species belonging to the Calidrid family. It has a slender bill and grey colouring, which is what inspired its genus name “Calidris” from Aristotle’s term for some waterside birds.

During breeding season it inhabits tundra in northeast Siberia where it builds nests on the ground and lays around four eggs at one time.

Its diet consists of insects, crustaceans, molluscs and worms which are found along coastal areas during migration; they may also roost together with other bird species such as Bar-tailed Godwit or Dunlin when not migrating or breeding.

The Great Knot’s population numbers have recently declined due to hunting pressure, loss of habitat through climate change and pollution-related incidents – making them vulnerable conservation concern.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Scolopacidae
Genus	Calidris
Species	C. tenuirostris

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10. Greater Sand Plover

The Greater Sand Plover is a small wader, belonging to the plover family of birds. It’s scientific name Charadrius leschenaultii comes from the Latin word for a yellowish bird mentioned in the 4th century Vulgate.

These birds are typically found along coasts and sandy beaches where they feed on insects, mollusks and crustaceans.

They have grey-brown upperparts with white underparts and characteristic black bands across their chest as well as a prominent white forehead patch.

The Greater Sand Plovers breed mainly in India, Southeast Asia, Northern Australia and New Guinea while migrating to wintering grounds at coasts around South East Asia during nonbreeding season.

This species relies heavily on coastal wetlands so it is essential that these habitats be preserved in order for this species to survive into future generations.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Charadriidae
Genus	Charadrius
Species	C. leschenaultii

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11. Red-Capped Plover

The Red-capped Plover, also known as the Red-capped Dotterel, is a small species of plover that breeds in Australia. It has a white forehead and underparts with grey-brown upperparts.

Adult males have a rust red crown on their heads while females lack this feature but still have some brown coloration across the nape of their necks.

The wings are blackish with bright yellow margins while they possess faint streaks underneath them.

Their long legs are grey or greenish in color and they usually run rather than fly when flushed from cover.

They feed mainly on insects which they hunt by wading through shallow water or probing soft mudflats for food items like worms and crustaceans.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Charadriidae
Genus	Charadrius
Species	C. ruficapillus

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12. Brown Quail

The Brown Quail is a true quail of the Phasianidae family found in Australia, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea and other parts of the Pacific. It’s small size and ground-dwelling habits make it quite common in its range.

The bird has brown feathers on its upper body with black stripes running down either side, while its underside is white or pale yellow.

Its diet consists mainly of grass seeds and insects as well as leaves from various plants.

These birds are usually seen foraging around dawn or dusk when they search actively for food but can also be observed at night using their sharp hearing to detect predators nearby.

Overall this pretty little bird makes an interesting addition to any garden.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Galliformes
Family	Phasianidae
Genus	Synoicus
Species	S. ypsilophorus

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13. Oriental Cuckoo

The Oriental Cuckoo, also known as Horsfields cuckoo, is a species of bird in the family Cuculidae. It was formerly classified as a subspecies of Himalayan cuckoo but its differences in voice and size made it worthy to be treated separately.

This medium-sized songbird has brown upperparts with white spots and rufous underparts with dark barring.

The wings are barred blackish-brown on their outer webs while the tail feathers have broad bars at their tips forming two white bands across them.

Although they breed mainly where conifers grow, these birds can often be seen flitting through deciduous forest edges or woodlands during migration season when they fly south from northern Asia to spend winter in Southeast Asia.

They feed mostly on caterpillars and other insects which makes them important pest controllers for our environment.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Cuculus
Species	C. optatus

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14. Dusky Moorhen

The dusky moorhen is a species of bird found in India, Australia, New Guinea, Borneo and Indonesia. It has dark plumage with an iridescent green sheen on its back and wings.

Its beak and legs are yellow-orange in color. The tail is long and pointed. Dusky moorhens live around freshwater wetlands such as swamps or ponds where they feed largely on aquatic vegetation but may also eat small insects or fish if available.

They often live alongside other birds from the same genus like purple swamphens or Eurasian coots which have similar appearances but different habitats preferences than their own species’.

Although timid when approached by humans these birds still make fascinating subjects for observation due to their unique behaviors within family groups that can help us understand more about them.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Rallidae
Genus	Gallinula
Species	G. tenebrosa

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15. Red-Backed Buttonquail

The red-backed buttonquail is a small ground bird found in Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and the Solomon Islands.

It has fourteen recognised subspecies and can be known by names such as black-backed or orange-breasted buttonquail.

These birds are usually seen alone or in pairs but never more than four together at any one time. With its distinctive mottled brown feathers it blends into its environment seamlessly so that they may be hard to spot even when close up.

The diet of this species consists mainly of seeds which they scratch from the soil using their feet; however insects make up an important part of their diet too.

They live mostly on open grasslands with scattered shrubs for cover where there is plenty of food available throughout the year making them well suited to living in these areas

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Turnicidae
Genus	Turnix
Species	T. maculosus

16. Rufous Fantail

The Rufous Fantail is a small passerine bird found in Australia, Indonesia, Micronesia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

It inhabits rainforests, wet forests, swamp woodlands and mangroves which makes it quite adaptable.

These birds are usually black-breasted with distinctive rufous wings and tail feathers that they use to fan out while looking for food on branches or shrubs.

They also often flick their tails from side to side as they search for insects like flies or moths.

The call of the Rufous Fantail consists of a series of high pitched notes that can be heard during its breeding season from September through February when mating pairs sing together near nesting sites such as tree hollows or rock crevices.

Despite their relatively small size these birds make an impressive presence thanks to their bold colors displayed in flight making them easy to spot even at great distances.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Rhipiduridae
Genus	Rhipidura
Species	R. rufifrons

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17. White-Bellied Cuckooshrike

The white-bellied cuckooshrike is a captivating bird found in Australia, the Moluccas, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

It has an alluring appearance with its pale blue-grey head and upperparts combined with a short black mask that extends from its beak to its eyes (Lores), finishing off with a fine white rear eye-ring.

Its wings are rounded which help it soar through open woodlands usually as part of mixed species flocks.

This amazing creature enjoys eating insects such as butterflies and moths caught on wing at night or during twilight hours but will also feed on fruit when available.

The White bellied Cuckooshrike is truly an extraordinary example of nature’s beauty.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Campephagidae
Genus	Coracina
Species	C. papuensis

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18. White-Breasted Woodswallow

The White-breasted Woodswallow is a medium-sized passerine bird found in the Andaman Islands, Indonesia and Northern Australia.

Its name may be misleading as it does not belong to the family of true swallows but rather belongs to Artamidae which also includes butcherbirds, currawongs and Australian magpie.

These birds are mainly greyish brown with white belly patch and long wings having two pale bars on them.

They feed on insects like ants, beetles etc., captured from foliage or air during flight.

Breeding season for this species starts from October till December when they build their cup shaped nests out of twigs near tree trunks or branches usually high up in trees for protection against predators such as snakes or raptors.

Male woodswallows can often been seen singing loudly while displaying its aerial maneuvering capabilities trying to attract potential mates.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Artamidae
Genus	Artamus
Species	A. leucorynchus

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19. Common Cicadabird

The Common Cicadabird is a species of bird found in Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. It typically inhabits temperate forest or subtropical moist lowland forests.

This slender-billed bird has olive green upperparts with white streaking on its back and wings and yellow under parts with some dark barring on its breast.

Its song consists of loud cicada like calls that can be heard from up to several hundred meters away.

The common cicadabird feeds primarily on insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers and beetles which it catches by sallying out from an exposed perch before returning to the same spot once again.

Overall this small passerine makes for an interesting addition to any local wildlife area.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Campephagidae
Genus	Edolisoma
Species	E. tenuirostre

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20. White-Necked Heron

The white-necked heron, or Pacific heron, is a species of large water bird found across much of Australia. It has also been spotted in Indonesia, New Guinea and New Zealand but is rarer in Tasmania.

These birds are nomadic by nature and move from one water source to the next depending on availability.

They have long legs which enable them to wade through shallow waters looking for prey such as fish, crustaceans and insects.

Their feathers are greyish with a distinctive white neck patch that gives these birds their name – they can be seen standing tall at the edge of rivers or lakes watching for movement underwater before diving down gracefully into the depths.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Ardeidae
Genus	Ardea
Species	A. pacifica

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21. Sacred Kingfisher

The Sacred Kingfisher is a medium-sized bird found throughout Australia, New Zealand and the western Pacific. It inhabits mangroves, woodlands, forests and river valleys.

Its binomial name Halcyon sanctus was introduced by Nicholas Aylward Vigors and Thomas Horsfield in 1827 when they described an Australian specimen of this species.

The kingfisher has bright blue feathers on its back with striking orange or red underparts depending on their geographical location.

They feed mainly off fish but will also take crustaceans as well as other small aquatic prey like insects.

When breeding season arises these magnificent birds build elaborate nests out of mud pellets inside hollows near water sources making them one of the most unique avian creatures around.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Coraciiformes
Family	Alcedinidae
Subfamily	Halcyoninae
Genus	Todiramphus
Species	T. sanctus

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22. Little Kingfisher

The Little Kingfisher is a small and vibrant species of kingfishers found in the subfamily Alcedininae.

It has an exquisite coloration, with its upperparts being mainly blue or greenish-blue while its head and underparts are bright orange to red.

Its bill is long, thin, and black. This beautiful bird inhabits tropical moist lowland forests near bodies of water such as rivers and streams where they can hunt for fish at night using their sharp vision. They also feed on aquatic insects like dragonflies during the day.

The name Ceyx derives from Greek mythology – which refers to a seabird that was drowned by Zeus himself. A fascinating animal indeed.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Coraciiformes
Family	Alcedinidae
Subfamily	Alcedininae
Genus	Ceyx
Species	C. pusillus

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23. Australasian Darter

The Australasian Darter, also known as the Australian Darter, is a species of bird in the darter family. It can be found across Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

This large bird has an impressive wingspan between 86-94 cm and weighs up to 2.6 kgs.

First discovered by John Gould in 1847, this long necked creature loves to swim and hunt for food underwater before drying its feathers on tree branches or rocks afterwards – like other Anhingidae species do.

They mainly feed on fish but will eat crustaceans too if they are around. With beautiful black plumage with white markings on their wings and tail these birds stand out from most others due to their unique style when it comes to fishing.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Suliformes
Family	Anhingidae
Genus	Anhinga
Species	A. novaehollandiae

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24. Australian Swiftlet

The Australian swiftlet (Aerodramus terraereginae) is a small bird native to Queensland in north-eastern Australia.

It belongs to the genus Aerodramus, which is part of the Apodidae family, commonly known as swifts or aerial insectivores.

This species was previously included in the white-rumped swiftlet but has since been recognised as its own distinct species and consists of two subspecies that are sometimes considered separate species altogether.

The Australian Swiftlet can be distinguished by its greenish upperparts with pale edges on some feathers, along with a grey throat and breast.

Its underparts are usually lighter than its backside and it also features an elongated forked tail typical of most swifts.

These birds prefer open woodlands where they feed mainly on insects caught midair over rivers or lakes closeby their nesting sites located high up within trees or buildings like churches or abandoned mineshafts.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Apodiformes
Family	Apodidae
Genus	Aerodramus
Species	A. terraereginae

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25. Wompoo Fruit Dove

The Wompoo Fruit Dove is a beautiful bird native to New Guinea and eastern Australia. It has an impressive wingspan of up to 45 cm, although they tend to be much smaller in the northern regions.

The dove’s plumage varies from purple around its neck, chest and upper belly, with greyish-brown feathers covering the rest of its body.

This species lives mainly on fruit but will occasionally feed on insects for extra protein and nutrition.

They can also often be seen sipping nectar from flowers or drinking water off leaves in humid rainforest environments.

Although these birds are not currently threatened by extinction, their numbers have decreased due to deforestation of their natural habitats as well as hunting pressure from humans living near them.

Fortunately however conservation efforts are being made across many areas which may help ensure that this lovely species survives into future generations.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Ptilinopus
Species	P. magnificus

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26. Australian White Ibis

The Australian white ibis is a native wading bird of Australia. With its predominantly white plumage and long downcurved bill, it is easily recognized.

The bird is often found foraging for food on open grasslands, pastures and urban areas such as parks and gardens.

Despite being closely related to the African sacred ibis, the Australian white ibis is a separate species. It has a bare, black head and black legs.

The bird is well adapted to urban environments and often scavenges for food from waste bins or on streets.

While it has been subjected to negative perceptions due to its scavenging behavior, it remains an important member of the Australian ecosystem.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Threskiornithidae
Genus	Threskiornis
Species	T. molucca

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27. Little Friarbird

The Little Friarbird, also called Yellow-throated Friarbird, is a small bird native to northern and eastern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. This species of bird belongs to the Philemon genus and is the smallest of the friarbirds.

It lives a very active life, often seen chasing other honeyeaters and can be quite vocal.

Despite its small size, it is easy to spot and recognize due to its distinct yellow throat feathers. This bird species has adapted well to its environment and is a common sight in its range.

The Little Friarbird is a fascinating bird and is a great addition to any bird watching excursion in Australia or southern Papua New Guinea.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Meliphagidae
Genus	Philemon
Species	P. citreogularis

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28. Olive-Backed Oriole

The olive-backed oriole is a medium-sized bird found in northern and eastern Australia and south-central New Guinea. It is known for its noisy and conspicuous behavior, making it easy to spot.

This bird was first described by John Latham in 1801, and is the most widespread Australasian oriole. With its distinctive white belly, this bird is a common sight among trees and bushes.

The olive-backed oriole belongs to the Coracias genus and has four sub-species.

It is a passerine bird that is often vocal, producing a range of calls and songs. If you’re ever in northern or eastern Australia or south-central New Guinea, keep an eye out for the olive-backed oriole and its beautiful plumage.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Oriolidae
Genus	Oriolus
Species	O. sagittatus

29. Peaceful Dove

The Peaceful dove is a native bird of Australia and Papua New Guinea. It is a petite pigeon, ranging in size from 19 to 21 centimeters.

This bird belongs to the Geopelia family and is closely related to the Zebra dove of southeast Asia and the Barred dove of eastern Indonesia.

Although until recently, all three species were classified as a single species – Geopelia Striata. The peaceful dove, also known as the Zebra dove, is a peaceful bird with a gentle nature.

Due to their docile temperament, they are often kept as pets. Despite their small size, they are able to fly quickly and gracefully.

The colorful appearance of their feathers, mixed with their pleasant cooing sound, makes the Peaceful dove an enjoyable sight for bird watchers.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Columbiformes
Family	Columbidae
Genus	Geopelia
Species	G. placida

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30. Australian Owlet-Nightjar

The Australian owlet-nightjar, also known as the moth owl, is a nocturnal bird found in open woodland in Australia and southern New Guinea.

Despite facing challenges from introduced species, it remains the most common nocturnal bird in Australia and is not currently considered threatened.

This small to medium-sized bird is known for its distinctive call and unique behavior, such as roosting in tree hollows during the day.

With its impressive adaptability and resilience, the Australian owlet-nightjar is a testament to the hardiness and tenacity of Australia’s diverse wildlife.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Clade	Strisores
Order	Aegotheliformes
Family	Aegothelidae
Genus	Aegotheles
Species	A. cristatus

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31. Pallid Cuckoo

The Pallid cuckoo is known for its distinct dark bill, olive-grey feet and dark eye with a gold eye-ring.

It belongs to the cuckoo family and is found in Australia with occasional migration to nearby islands.

This bird species measures between 28 and 33 cm in size. It is easily distinguishable from other cuckoos due to its unique markings.

Despite being similar in appearance, the Pallid cuckoo is not related to the European Cuckoo.

It is a brownish-grey bird that flies quickly through the trees and feeds on insects, spiders and caterpillars.

The Pallid cuckoo is a bird that often becomes a brood parasite, meaning it lays its eggs in other birds’ nests, leaving the host birds to raise its young.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Cacomantis
Species	C. pallidus

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32. Great Bowerbird

The Great bowerbird is one of the resident birds in northern Australia, known for its striking appearance and sculptural skills.

This bird is quite common in a broad range of forest and woodland habitats, including vine, monsoon, and mangrove swamps.

Like other bowerbirds, their breeding considerations are crucial, and they build bowers that are decorated with an assortment of colorful objects.

Males put up bowers and perform courtship displays, trying to attract females for mating.

These bowers can be up to a meter tall and have a unique artistic look, as the birds use feathers, flowers, stones, leaves, and shells to create unique and intricate designs.

The species also exhibits a unique vocalisation during breeding season as males use sounds to attract females.

In summary, the Great bowerbird is a fascinating bird with its unique sculptural skills, vibrant appearance, and impressive courtship displays.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Ptilonorhynchidae
Genus	Chlamydera
Species	C. nuchalis

33. Brown Honeyeater

The brown honeyeater is a bird species belonging to the Meliphagidae family. With their brush-tipped tongues, they are adapted for nectar feeding. Honeyeaters are found mainly in Australia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia.

However, the brown honeyeater is unique in that it is also found on the island of Bali, making it the only honeyeater species to occur there.

The bird has brown plumage, which helps it to blend in with its surroundings, enabling it to evade detection by predators.

Brown honeyeaters feed on insects and nectar found in the flowers of various plant species. The species is known for its melodious calls and is a common sight in gardens, parks, and open woodlands.

Despite being widespread, the brown honeyeater is not considered endangered.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Meliphagidae
Genus	Lichmera
Species	L. indistincta

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34. Rufous Whistler

The Rufous whistler has reddish-brown and grey feathers that are not particularly flashy. However, it more than makes up for its subdued appearance with its impressive singing ability.

This bird species can be found in New Caledonia and Australia, where it is known for its variety of melodies and calls.

The Rufous whistler is a member of the Pachycephalidae family, which is known for its many musical calls.

It was initially classified in the Sylvia genus by the English ornithologist J.

Overall, the Rufous whistler is not the most visually striking bird, but its beautiful songs and calls make it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Pachycephalidae
Genus	Pachycephala
Species	P. rufiventris

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35. Yellow-Billed Spoonbill

The yellow-billed spoonbill is a social bird belonging to the ibis and spoonbill family. It is found natively in Australia, with occasional sightings in New Zealand, Norfolk Island, and Lord Howe Island.

Its distinctness from other members of its genus was noted by ornithologist John Gould, who called it Platalea flavipes. With its distinctive yellow-tipped bill, it is easily recognizable.

The yellow-billed spoonbill primarily feeds on small aquatic creatures, using its bill like a spoon to scoop up food from the water.

It is also known for its striking white plumage, which contrasts with the black feathers on its wings. As a gregarious species, it is known for congregating in groups, especially during breeding season.

Despite its vulnerable status due to habitat loss and hunting pressures, conservation efforts are in place to protect this unique bird.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Pelecaniformes
Family	Threskiornithidae
Genus	Platalea
Species	P. flavipes

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36. White-Throated Honeyeater

The White-throated honeyeater bird primarily inhabits regions of New Guinea, eastern and northern Australia. It belongs to the Meliphagidae family and measures around 11.5 to 14.5 cm in length.

The bird has olive-green feathers on the upper side, and white plumage beneath, with a black head. An additional pale blue or white feature lies over the eyes, with a small white stripe across the nape.

The bird displays a distinct melodic tweeting sound to attract mates or indicate their presence. The White-throated honeyeater was identified by John Gould in 1848. The bird feeds on nectar from flowers, insects, and small fruits.

Urbanization causes no significant reduction in their population as they have adapted well to it.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Meliphagidae
Genus	Melithreptus
Species	M. albogularis

37. Beach Stone-Curlew

The beach stone-curlew is a large ground-dwelling bird found in Australasia and Southeast Asia. Weighing up to 1 kg, it is one of the largest shorebirds in the world.

With a distinct appearance, this bird has a sturdy body and long legs, making it well-suited for hunting on the beach.

The male species typically weighs a mean of 1,032 g, while the female species weighs around 1,000 g.

Its size and weight make it the heaviest living member of the Charadriiformes family outside of gulls.

The beach stone-curlew is also known as the beach thick-knee, owing to the distinctive thick joint on its leg.

This bird has become vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting, and conservation efforts have been initiated to protect the species.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Charadriiformes
Family	Burhinidae
Genus	Esacus
Species	E. magnirostris

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38. Leaden Flycatcher

The leaden flycatcher is a bird species that belongs to the Monarchidae family. Males of this species are lustrous azure with white underparts, while females have a leaden head, mantle, and back, along with rufous throat and breast.

They typically measure around 15 cm in length. Found mainly in eastern and northern Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, these birds prefer subtropical or tropical mangroves as their natural habitat.

They are known for their distinctive fly-catching behavior, where they prey on insects in mid-air.

The leaden flycatcher is a skilled hunter and is known for its agility and accuracy when catching insects.

These birds are also known for their melodious songs, which can be heard in their natural habitats. They are a valued part of the ecosystem and are fascinating to observe.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Monarchidae
Genus	Myiagra
Species	M. rubecula

39. Black-Faced Monarch

The black-faced monarch is a passerine bird found along the eastern coast of Australia and in New Guinea.

It belongs to the family Monarchidae and is known for its beautiful black and white coloration with a distinctive black face.

During the austral winter, most birds migrate to New Guinea. The species was first described in 1818 as Muscicapa melanopsis by Louis Vieillot.

The bird is known for its melodious song and can often be heard singing in its habitat of rainforests, woodlands, and coastal scrubs.

Its diet consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which it catches by agilely flitting from branch to branch.

The black-faced monarch is an important species in its ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and playing a key role in the food chain.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Monarchidae
Genus	Monarcha
Species	M. melanopsis

40. White-Throated Nightjar

The White-throated Nightjar, also known as the White-throated Eared-Nightjar, is a bird species found exclusively in Eastern Australia. During winters, it migrates to Papua New Guinea.

This species of nightjar belongs to the family Caprimulgidae and inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forests. Previously called Eurostopodus albogularis, it was later renamed as Eurostopodus mystacalis.

This bird is characterized by the white throat patch that gives it its name. It is an elusive bird that feeds on insects, often caught mid-flight. Despite its nocturnal nature and common call, its population is not yet vulnerable.

However, habitat destruction might present a threat in the future. Bird watchers and bird enthusiasts can spot this bird on night walks or during early mornings.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Clade	Strisores
Order	Caprimulgiformes
Family	Caprimulgidae
Genus	Eurostopodus
Species	E. mystacalis

41. Little Bronze Cuckoo

The Little Bronze Cuckoo, a member of the Cuculidae family, can be found in Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and northern and eastern Australia, in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

As the world’s smallest cuckoo bird, it only weighs around 17 grams and measures 15 cm in length. It is distinct from other cuckoos with its bronze-green body, white undertail, and long tail with a white tip.

The male bird is known for its unique call “pia-pia-pia,” which it uses to attract a mate during breeding season.

Little Bronze Cuckoo subspecies rufomerus and crassirostris are often considered separate species due to their distinct physical characteristics.

The Little Bronze Cuckoo is an interesting bird to observe in the wild with its small size and beautiful coloring.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Cuculiformes
Family	Cuculidae
Genus	Chrysococcyx
Species	C. minutillus

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42. Yellow Honeyeater

The Yellow honeyeater bird is a unique species found only in Australia that belongs to the family Meliphagidae. It can be spotted in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, as well as mangrove forests.

This bird feeds on the nectar of flowers and is attracted to the Coelandria smillieae plant, also known as the bottlebrush orchid.

During the month of August in northern Queensland, the bird can be seen hovering in front of these beautiful flowers.

With its vibrant yellow coloring and small size, the Yellow honeyeater stands out in the dense foliage of its habitat.

Overall, this bird is a fascinating and important component of Australia’s diverse wildlife.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Meliphagidae
Genus	Stomiopera
Species	S. flava

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43. Radjah Shelduck

The Radjah shelduck is a unique bird species found mostly in New Guinea and Australia, as well as some of the Moluccas. It has several common names, such as raja shelduck, black-backed shelduck, and Burdekin duck in Australia.

The bird’s name, radjah, comes from the Moluccan people’s name for it on the island of Buru in Indonesia. This species was formerly classified in the genus Tad but is now considered a shelduck.

The Radjah shelduck possesses distinct physical features that set it apart from other waterfowl, including a black head and hindneck with a white throat and forehead.

It is a fascinating bird known for its unique calls and behaviors, which are specific to its habitat and environment.

The conservation status of the Radjah shelduck is currently of least concern as their populations are relatively stable.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Radjah Reichenbach, 1853
Species	R. radjah

44. White-Gaped Honeyeater

The White-gaped honeyeater is a species of bird found only in Australia. It can be found in subtropical or tropical lowland forests and mangrove forests.

Previously called Lichenostomus, it was reclassified under Stomiopera based on genetic analysis. It belongs to the family Meliphagidae and is known for its distinct white gape, or mouth area.

The bird’s diet consists mainly of nectar and insects. As an endemic species, it is an essential part of Australia’s biodiversity, and its conservation status is currently listed as least concern.

The White-gaped honeyeater is known for its distinctive calls and is a common sight for bird enthusiasts in its native habitat.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Meliphagidae
Genus	Stomiopera
Species	S. unicolor

45. Green Pygmy Goose

The Green pygmy goose is a diminutive perching duck that can be found in northern Australia and southern New Guinea.

Ornithologist John Gould first described this species in 1842 and its Latin name, pulchellus, means “pretty.” The Green pygmy goose is part of the Nettapus genus, which is an ancient and unique group of ducks found in Afro-Asia.

There are no known subspecies of this adorable bird.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Anseriformes
Family	Anatidae
Genus	Nettapus
Species	N. pulchellus

46. White-Winged Triller

The White-winged triller is a bird that belongs to the cuckooshrike family, Campephagidae. They are small in size and can be found throughout mainland Australia, New Guinea and eastern Indonesia.

They are resident or nomadic in the warmer parts of their range and a summer breeding migrant to the cooler southern parts. These birds are known for their beautiful white wings that make them easily identifiable.

They are active birds and can be seen flitting from one branch to another. The White-winged triller is an insectivore and feeds on small insects and arthropods.

They build their nests in shrubs and trees. These birds have a melodious call and are a treat to watch in their natural habitat.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Campephagidae
Genus	Lalage
Species	L. tricolor

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47. Black-Chinned Honeyeater

The black-chinned honeyeater is a species of bird found exclusively in Australia. They belong to the Meliphagidae family of passerine birds. They are typically found in temperate forests, as well as subtropical and tropical dry forests.

There are two subspecies of the black-chinned honeyeater. It was first described by John Gould in 1837 under the name Haematops gularis.

This bird is known for its black chin, which gives it its name. It is also recognized for its melodic and unique song.

The black-chinned honeyeater primarily feeds on nectar, insects, and occasionally fruits. It plays a crucial role in pollination and is therefore an essential part of the ecosystem.

Although it is not considered a threatened species, loss of habitat due to land use changes and other human activities have been known to impact its populations.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Meliphagidae
Genus	Melithreptus
Species	M. gularis

48. Restless Flycatcher

The restless flycatcher, also known as razor grinder or scissors grinder, is a passerine bird found in eastern and southern Australia. It is known for its distinctive call, which distinguishes it from its close relatives.

Although it was once thought to have subspecies in New Guinea and Northern Australia, it is now considered a separate species in these regions.

The bird belongs to the family Monarchidae, and is a true flycatcher, catching insects in flight.

It is a small and restless bird, constantly on the move as it searches for prey. The restless flycatcher is not considered endangered, but habitat loss due to human activity poses a threat to its population.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Monarchidae
Genus	Myiagra
Species	M. inquieta

49. Australian Bustard

The Australian bustard is a large bird that inhabits grasslands and woodlands in northern Australia and southern New Guinea. Standing at one metre in height, the bird has a wingspan twice as long.

The Australian bustard is a nomadic species, capable of flying long distances to areas where food is abundant. It is a ground-dwelling bird and is commonly found in open agricultural country.

As a nomadic bird, the Australian bustard is always in search of food, and their ability to travel long distances makes them a fascinating species.

Despite their large size, they are skilled fliers and can take to the skies to move around. With their magnificent wingspan, they are a beautiful sight to see when in flight.

The Australian bustard is an important part of the ecosystem in the areas they inhabit, contributing to the biodiversity of the region.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Otidiformes
Family	Otididae
Genus	Ardeotis
Species	A. australis

50. Spotted Nightjar

The Spotted nightjar, also known as the Spotted eared-nightjar, is a bird species belonging to the Caprimulgidae family. It is commonly found in mainland Australia and some Indonesian islands.

This bird inhabits open forests, woodlands, and savannah woodlands. It is larger and more colorful than other nightjars. Its natural habitats include spinifex and tussock grassland, mangroves, and scrub.

The Spotted nightjar is a nocturnal bird that preys on insects, which it catches while flying. It has a distinct appearance, with a mottled pattern on its wings and spotted feathers on its head.

The Spotted nightjar is a remarkable bird species, unique in its size, color, and habitat preferences.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Clade	Strisores
Order	Caprimulgiformes
Family	Caprimulgidae
Genus	Eurostopodus
Species	E. argus

51. Pale-Vented Bush-Hen

The pale-vented bush-hen is a medium sized waterbird that can be found in various regions such as Australia, the Moluccan Islands, New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago and the Solomon Islands.

It has a blue-grey colouration with a distinctive buff vent and undertail. This bird typically inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.

Its body length ranges from 25 to 30 cm. Although relatively common in its natural habitat, the pale-vented bush-hen is not well known to many people.

It is an interesting bird that may be worth observing due to its unique colouration and distinct features. If you’re in the areas where these birds frequent, keep an eye out for this elusive species.

Scientific classification:

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Aves
Order	Gruiformes
Family	Rallidae
Genus	Amaurornis
Species	A. moluccana

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