by Peter Rowland | Monday, February 28, 2022
Orioles & Figbirds (Family Oriolidae) A widespread family with three species in Australia, none endemic, the Australasian Figbird Sphecotheres vielloti , Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus and the Green Oriole O. flavocinctus. The orioles are found from...
by Peter Rowland | Monday, October 19, 2020
Penguins (Family Spheniscidae) Penguins are confined to the southern hemisphere. Fourteen species of these mostly ocean-dwelling, flightless birds have been recorded in Australia, most as vagrants. The Little Penguin Eudyptula minor is the only species to breed on the...
by Peter Rowland | Monday, October 19, 2020
Sunbirds Family Nectariniidae A single breeding resident, the Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis occurs in Australia, but is also in North Moluccas and New Guinea. Strong sexual dimorphism, with the male brightly coloured, and long, strongly decurved bill....
by Peter Rowland | Monday, October 19, 2020
Butcherbirds, Currawongs and Magpie (Family Cracticidae) Adults are typically black or grey, most with small to large patches of white, with the notable exception of the Black Butcherbird Mellioria quoyi of northern Qld and New Guinea. Three of the nine species have...
by Peter Rowland | Monday, October 19, 2020
Cockatoos (Family Cacatuidae) Eleven of Australia’s 14 species are endemic, with the others shared with New Guinea. Medium to large crested birds, except the Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus is more slender and parrot-like, with two toes facing forwards and two facing...
