Phillip Island is home to a wide variety of birds, from seabirds to shorebirds and woodland birds. This unique island is home to over 180 species of birds, including some that are endangered or vulnerable.
Visitors to the island can experience a wide range of birdwatching opportunities, from the majestic flight of the white-bellied sea eagle to the colorful flashes of the rainbow lorikeet.
Phillip Island is a haven for birdwatchers, with its diverse habitats, abundant food sources, and protected areas. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ornithologist, Phillip Island has something to offer you.
1. Short-tailed shearwater
The short-tailed shearwater, also known as the slender-billed shearwater, Yolla, moon bird, and muttonbird in Australia, is an abundant seabird species found in Australian waters. It is one of the few native Australian bird species in which the chicks are harvested commercially.
This species of seabird is often found near the coast, nesting in burrows, and foraging for food out at sea. It is a migratory species, flying from Australia to the North Pacific to breed in the summer months.
The short-tailed shearwater is a medium-sized seabird, with a wingspan ranging from 76–89 cm. It has a dark grey-brown upper plumage, a white underside, and a long, slender black bill. Its tail is short and wedge-shaped and is used for quick turns and fast flight.
The muttonbird, as it is commonly known in Australia, is an important species for local communities, as it has been harvested by Indigenous Australians for centuries for use in ceremonies and as a food source.
The chicks of the species are commercially harvested for their oil, which is used for cooking and cosmetics.
The short-tailed shearwater is an important species for the marine ecosystem, as it helps to keep the food web in balance by eating small fish, squid, and marine invertebrates.
It is also an important species for coastal communities, as it helps to provide nutrients for coastal vegetation. Overall, the short-tailed shearwater is an important species for both marine and coastal ecosystems, as well as for local Indigenous communities.
It is an abundant species, and its chicks are commercially harvested, making it an important species for the local economy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Ardenna |
| Species | A. tenuirostris |
2. Little penguin
The Little Penguin is a species of penguin that is native to New Zealand and is known by a few different names. It is commonly referred to as the Little Blue Penguin or Blue Penguin because of its slate-blue colored plumage.
Additionally, it is known by its Māori name, Kororā, and its Boonwurrung name, Djinan Yawa-dji Goyeep. Little Penguins can be found along the coasts of New Zealand, and they are the smallest species of penguin in the world.
They are usually between 13 and 16 inches in height and typically weigh between 2 and 4 pounds. Although their colors may vary, they usually have a slate-blue back, a white front, and a white underside.
The Little Penguin is an important species in New Zealand, and its conservation is essential for the preservation of New Zealand’s coastal ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Sphenisciformes |
| Family | Spheniscidae |
| Genus | Eudyptula |
| Species | E. minor |
3. Cape Barren goose
The Cape Barren goose is a species of large goose that is native to southern Australia. It is one of the largest waterfowl species in the region and is found in both coastal and inland areas.
The species is easily recognizable by its distinctive grey plumage with a white head and neck. The male and female are similar in size and plumage, but the female is slightly darker. The Cape Barren goose feeds mainly on grasses and sedges, as well as some aquatic plants.
It nests on the ground and lays up to four eggs at a time. The Cape Barren goose is an important species in southern Australia, as it plays an important role in the region’s ecology.
The species is considered to be of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning that it is not currently threatened with extinction. However, it is still subject to challenges such as habitat loss, predation, and changes in its food sources due to human activities.
Therefore, it is important that humans take steps to protect this species so that it can continue to thrive in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cereopsis |
| Species | C. novaehollandiae |
4. Hooded dotterel
The Hooded Dotterel, also known as the Hooded Plover, is a species of bird belonging to the family Charadriidae. This species is native to the southern regions of Australia and can be found residing on beaches and lagoons along the coast.
Within this species, there are two distinct subspecies that are found in two distinct populations – one in the east and one in the west. These two populations are quite isolated and do not often overlap.
The Hooded Dotterel is a small, elegant bird, with a white underbelly and a brown or gray back. It is easily recognizable by its white forehead, which is unique compared to other species of birds in the same family.
It primarily feeds on small insects, as well as larvae, worms, and other invertebrates. This species is listed as vulnerable, due to its limited range and populations which are in danger of becoming extinct.
Conservation efforts are underway to ensure that the Hooded Dotterel is able to survive and remain a part of the Australian ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Thinornis |
| Species | T. cucullatus |
5. Pacific gull
The Pacific gull is a species of gull native to the coasts of Australia. It can be seen from Carnarvon in the west to Sydney in the east, although it has become uncommon in some of the more southern parts of the Australian coast.
This is due to the arrival of the kelp gull, a species that has been “self-introduced” since the 1940s. The kelp gull is a much larger and more aggressive species and has been able to out-compete the Pacific gull in some areas for food and nesting sites.
As a result, the population of Pacific gulls has declined in some areas, while the population of kelp gulls has grown. Conservation efforts are currently underway to help protect the Pacific gull and to prevent the further displacement of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. pacificus |
6. Superb fairywren
The superb fairywren (Malurus cyaneus) is a colorful and vibrant bird found across south-eastern Australia. It is a member of the passerine bird family Maluridae, which is a group of small to medium-sized birds.
The fairywren is a small, stocky bird with a rounded tail and a pointed head. It has a bright blue-grey back, a black tail, and a bright reddish-orange face, throat, and breast.
It is highly active and social, often seen foraging in small flocks or pairs. The superb fairywren is a common and familiar bird across south-eastern Australia, found in a variety of habitats including forests, woodlands, heathlands, and suburban gardens.
It is an omnivorous species, feeding on insects, spiders, nectar, and other small invertebrates. It is a bold and assertive bird, often chasing larger animals away from its territory. The superb fairywren is an important species in Australia and is protected in some areas.
It is also an important part of the local culture, featured in art, literature, and as a mascot for some sporting teams. It is a resilient species, able to cope with the degradation of its habitat and urbanization.
It is a species of conservation concern, and its population is monitored as part of conservation efforts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Maluridae |
| Genus | Malurus |
| Species | M. cyaneus |
7. Black-shouldered kite
The black-shouldered kite is a small bird of prey native to Australia. It is characterized by its black-and-white plumage, with distinctive black shoulders and wings, and a white head and chest.
It can be found in open habitats such as grasslands, woodlands, and savannas across the country. Its diet consists primarily of small mammals and reptiles, which it hunts by hovering in the air and then quickly descending to catch its prey.
It is an important part of the local ecosystem, helping to keep populations of small mammals and reptiles in check. In addition, it is an important part of the Australian cultural landscape, with many Aboriginal stories featuring the bird.
The black-shouldered kite is an iconic species of Australia, and its presence is an important part of the country’s natural heritage.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Elanus |
| Species | E. axillaris |
8. New Holland honeyeater
The New Holland honeyeater is an important species of bird found throughout southern Australia. This species was one of the first to be scientifically described in Australia, and it was given the scientific name Certhia novaehollandiae.
The New Holland honeyeater is a member of the honeyeater family and is found in a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, heaths, and urban areas. It is a medium-sized honeyeater, with a length of around 20 cm and a weight of 30-35 g.
Its plumage is mostly grey-brown to black, with white patches on the wings and tail. The New Holland honeyeater has a characteristic call, a rapid, metallic ‘chit-chit-chit’.
It is a socially active bird, often seen in pairs or small flocks, as it forages for insects, nectar, and fruit. This species is of conservation concern, as its population has been in decline due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Meliphagidae |
| Genus | Phylidonyris |
| Species | P. novaehollandiae |
9. Greater crested tern
The greater crested tern is a species of seabird belonging to the family Laridae. It is also known as crested tern or swift tern due to its swift flying ability.
This species of bird nests in large colonies along coastlines and islands in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World. These nesting sites provide a safe and secure environment for the birds to lay their eggs and raise their young.
The colonies are often found near sources of food such as coastal fish, crustaceans, and mollusks which the birds feed upon. The greater crested tern is a social bird and can often be seen in small groups or large flocks foraging together.
The beauty and agility of this species of bird make it a delight to watch in its natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Thalasseus |
| Species | T. bergii |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Phillip Island is a wonderful place for bird watchers to observe a variety of birds in their natural habitat.
With its diverse range of habitats, Phillip Island is home to a wide variety of native and migratory birds, making it a great place to observe and appreciate the beauty and complexity of avian life.
Not only that, but its proximity to the coast ensures that visitors can also observe seabirds, providing a truly unique experience. Phillip Island is an ideal destination for anyone interested in bird watching and appreciating all that nature has to offer.