by Peter Rowland | Monday, October 19, 2020
Jacanas (Family Jacanidae) Two species of these lily-trotting birds, with grotesquely elongated toes, appear in Australia. The Australian Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea is the only breeding species, while the Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus...
by Peter Rowland | Monday, October 19, 2020
Kingfishers (Family Alcedinidae) Both the Azure and Little Kingfishers feed on small fish, insects and crustaceans. They are both found in well-vegetated riverine areas, swamps and mangroves. The Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus is found in Australia’s north and east...
by Peter Rowland | Monday, October 19, 2020
Oystercatchers (Family Haematopodidae) Both the Australian Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris and Sooty Oystercatcher H. fuliginosus are endemic to Australia. The only other species recorded in Australia is the vagrant South Island Pied Oystercatcher H....
by Peter Rowland | Monday, October 19, 2020
Parrots and Lorikeets (Family Psittacidae) A large family, with 43 species recorded in Australia, including the extinct Paradise Parrot Psephotellus pulcherrimus, which is the only mainland species of bird to have become extinct since European settlement. Thirty-six...
by Peter Rowland | Monday, October 19, 2020
Pelicans (Family Pelecanidae) Large black and white birds, with a large, pouched bill. The Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus is the only pelican occurring in Australia and has not been recorded breeding in any other country. Australian Pelican Birds Home...
