Dollarbird

Scientific Name: Eurystomus orientalis

Size: Total Length up to 31cm

What does it look and sound like?

The Dollarbird visits Australia each year to breed. It has mostly dark brown upperparts, glossed heavily with blue-green on the back and wings. The underparts are brown, glossed lighter with green, and the throat and undertail are glossed with bright blue. The short, thick-set bill is orange-red, finely tipped with black. In flight, the pale blue coin-shaped patches towards the tips of its wings, that gave the bird its name, are clearly visible. Both sexes are similar, although the female is slightly duller. The distinctive, harsh “kak-kak-kak” call is repeated several times, and is often given in flight.

Young Dollarbirds are duller than the adults and lack the bright blue gloss on the throat. The bill and feet are brownish in colour instead of red.

Where is it found?

The Dollarbird arrives in northern and eastern Australia in September each year to breed. In March or April the birds return to New Guinea and adjacent islands to spend the winter.

What are its habitats & habits?

In Australia, the Dollarbird inhabits open wooded areas, normally with mature, hollow-bearing trees, which are suitable for nesting.

It feeds exclusively on flying insects. These are usually observed from a conspicuous perch and then captured in skilful aerial pursuits, before the bird returns to the same perch. Insects are also hunted while in flight. Occasionally, Dollarbirds have been seen feeding on grasshoppers on the ground, although this practice is uncommon.

In Australia the Dollarbird’s breeding season is between October and January. During this time pairs are often seen flying in characteristic rolling flights. These flights are more common in the evening, and are accompanied by cackling calls. The 3 to 4 white eggs are laid in an unlined tree hollow and are incubated by both adults. The young birds are also cared for by both parents. The same nesting site may be used for several years.