The Amazing Birds of Australia

Australian King parrots have striking red heads and vibrant green bodies. They inhabit the forests of eastern and southeastern Australia and are often seen in woodlands and rainforests. These birds dine on seeds and fruits. King parrots are shy and prefer blending in with the dense foliage.

Black swans are among the most elegant birds in Australia. They inhabit wetlands and rivers gliding across the water. These birds have red bulls and an elegant look to them. Black swans are strong and territorial especially during breeding season. They form monogamous pairs. They primarily eat aquatic vegetation and plant matter.

Brolgas are known for their distinctive dances. (pictured above) They stand tall in the wetlands, and the cranes begin their elaborate mating dance that involves a series of leaps and calls. Brolgas are very social and seen in flocks traveling together. They inhabit places in Northern Australia. They consume plant material, insects and invertebrates, and small vertebrates such as frogs and mice.

Emus are giant Australian birds, second in size to ostriches. They are flightless birds that roam the open landscape of the outback, recognized by their long legs and curious gazes. They can run with incredible speed, reaching up to 50 km/h when sprinting. This allows them to travel great distances in search of food and water. Emus are gentle giants seen in pairs or small groups. They have a varied diet that includes fruit, leaves, grasses, and seeds as well as insects and arthropods.

Galahs are recognized by their distinctive pink and gray plumage. They can be seen across most of Australia. These are social birds seen in flocks and have a playful nature. Their social behavior includes feeding habits and foraging together in groups looking for nuts and seeds. Galahs are intelligent birds that can mimic sounds and learn new tricks.

Kookaburras have an iconic sound that has been compared to the echoing laughter of humans. They have striking blue and white plumage and are the largest members of the kingfisher family. These birds prefer habitats where there are many trees so they can perch and spot their prey. Kookaburras dine on a variety of things, from insects to small reptiles.

Little penguins are also known as fairy penguins and are the smallest penguin species. They inhabit coastal regions and are known for their nightly parades, returning to shore after a day of fishing. These birds have blue and white plumage and are social animals seen in large colonies. They communicate by giving off distinctive calls.

Rainbow lorikeets are birds with multicolored plumage featuring a mix of blues, greens, yellows, and reds. These birds inhabit coastal regions where they can be seen in flowering trees and shrubs sipping nectar. Their brush-tipped tongues are perfectly adapted for their diet, allowing them to feed on the sweet nectar of many native plants. Rainbow lorikeets are seen in large flocks being social and noisy.

Southern cassowaries inhabit the tropical rainforests of Australia These are flightless birds and are known for being solitary and territorial. They are recognized by their helmet-like casques and vivid blue skin. Cassowaries play a vital role in their ecosystem. They are key seed dispersers, aiding in the regeneration of the forest.

Sulphur-crested cockatoos inhabit forests and urban areas in Australia. They are known for their bright white bodies and yellow crests. The birds make raucous calls that echo through the trees. These birds are highly intelligent and are known to solve complex problems and seen playing with objects in their environment. Cockatoos form strong social bonds and are seen in large flocks.

Superb lyrebirds are unusual in that the noises they make sound like chainsaws in the forest. These birds are known for their ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds. They inhabit the rainforests of Victoria and New South Wales. They have elaborate tail feathers, resembling a lyre. Superb lyrebirds are shy and like to blend in with their environment, often camouflaging among the underbrush.

Tawny frogmouths blend in with tree branches. These are nocturnal birds found throughout Australia. They inhabit forests and woodlands. Tawny frogmouths are known for their large eyes and wide mouths. Their diet consists of insects and small invertebrates. They hold a special place in Australian folklore, often symbolizing wisdom and stealth.

Wedge-tailed eagles are the largest birds of prey on the continent with an impressive wingspan. These birds are great hunters, seen gliding in search of prey. Eagles have keen eyesight so they can spot food sources from great heights. Wedge-tailed eagles are a symbol of power and freedom. They primarily eat ground-dwelling animals. Their diet consists mainly of mammals and reptiles, with rabbits, wallabies, and small kangaroos being the most common prey. They also consume snakes, lizards, large birds, possums, foxes, and feral cats.