by Peter Rowland | Thursday, October 15, 2020
Magpie Goose (Family Anseranatidae) The sole living representative of this family is the Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata. It differs from the ducks, geese and swans of the family Anatidae by having only partially webbed toes. This large goose is widespread...
by Peter Rowland | Thursday, October 15, 2020
Mound-builders (Family Megapodiidae) Three species of these mostly ground-dwelling birds are found in Australia. They are collectively known as mound-builders or megapodes (large feet) from the mounds of rotting vegetation they use to incubate their eggs, which can...
by Peter Rowland | Thursday, October 15, 2020
Ostriches (Family: Struthionidae) The Ostrich Struthio camelus is the tallest bird in Australia, and is flightless, lacking a keel on the sternum. Individuals are characterised by their strong legs, feet that lack a hind toe (possessing only two forward facing toes),...
by Peter Rowland | Thursday, October 15, 2020
Pheasants & Quail (Family Phasianidae) These cryptic, ground-dwelling birds of grasslands, have short, rounded wings. Eight species occur in Australia, including one endemic (Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis) and two breeding resident species (Brown Quail...
by Peter Rowland | Monday, October 19, 2020
Scrubwrens, Gerygones & Thornbills (Family Acanthizidae) The ‘little brown birds’, the scrubwrens, gerygones and thornbills, can be either terrestrial or arboreal. All members of this family have thin beaks and short, weak, rounded legs. The Lord Howe Gerygone...
