List of birds of Queensland facts for kids
Queensland is Australia's second-largest state, but it's home to the most different kinds of birds! You can find 684 types of birds here, which is way more than other states like New South Wales or West Australia.
Why so many birds? Queensland has all sorts of natural places, from dry deserts to lush rainforests, and from swampy mangrove forests to open woodlands. This huge variety of homes makes Queensland a true paradise for birds and for people who love watching them!
This list of birds uses a common way to group them. You'll see some special tags next to certain birds:
- (A) Accidental: This means the bird doesn't usually live in Queensland and only shows up rarely or by accident.
- (E) Endemic: This bird lives only in Queensland and nowhere else in the world!
- (I) Introduced: These birds were brought to Queensland by people, either on purpose or by accident. They aren't naturally from here.
Contents
- Big Flightless Birds
- Ground-Dwelling Birds
- Water Birds
- Grebes
- Pigeons and Doves
- Bustards
- Cuckoos
- Night Birds
- Swifts
- Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
- Cranes
- Thick-knees
- Stilts and Avocets
- Oystercatchers
- Plovers and Lapwings
- Plains-wanderer
- Painted-Snipes
- Jacanas
- Sandpipers and Allies
- Buttonquail
- Pratincoles and Coursers
- Skuas and Jaegers
- Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
- Tropicbirds
- Penguins
- Albatrosses
- Storm-Petrels
- Shearwaters and Petrels
- Storks
- Frigatebirds
- Boobies and Gannets
- Anhingas
- Cormorants and Shags
- Pelicans
- Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns
- Ibises and Spoonbills
- Birds of Prey
- Colorful Birds
- Kingfishers
- Bee-eaters
- Rollers
- Falcons and Caracaras
- Cockatoos
- Old World Parrots
- Pittas
- Lyrebirds
- Scrub-birds
- Bowerbirds
- Australasian Treecreepers
- Fairywrens
- Honeyeaters
- Bristlebirds
- Pardalotes
- Thornbills and Allies
- Pseudo-Babblers
- Logrunners
- Quail-Thrushes and Jewel-Babblers
- Cuckooshrikes
- Sittellas
- Whipbirds and Wedgebills
- Australo-Papuan Bellbirds
- Shrike-tits
- Whistlers and Allies
- Old World Orioles
- Boatbills
- Woodswallows, Bellmagpies, and Allies
- Fantails
- Drongos
- Birds-of-Paradise
- Monarch Flycatchers
- White-winged Chough and Apostlebird
- Crows, Jays, and Magpies
- Australasian Robins
- Larks
- Cisticolas and Allies
- Reed Warblers and Allies
- Grassbirds and Allies
- Swallows
- Bulbuls
- White-eyes and Allies
- Starlings
- Thrushes and Allies
- Old World Flycatchers
- Flowerpeckers
- Sunbirds and Spiderhunters
- Waxbills and Allies
- Old World Sparrows
- Wagtails and Pipits
- Finches and Allies
- See also
Big Flightless Birds
Ostriches
Order: Struthioniformes Family: Struthionidae
Ostriches aren't originally from Australia. However, some have escaped and now live in the wild in Queensland.
- Common ostrich, Struthio camelus (I)
Cassowaries and Emus
Order: Casuariiformes Family: Casuariidae
This family includes large, flightless birds. Australia has two living types. Other kinds are found in New Guinea. Long ago, some emus lived on King Island and Kangaroo Island. Scientists used to think they were different species, but now we know they were the same as the emus on the mainland.
- Southern cassowary, Casuarius casuarius
- Emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae
Magpie Goose
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anseranatidae
This family has only one bird, the magpie goose. It's a very old type of water bird, different from other ducks and geese. You can find it all over Australia.
- Magpie goose, Anseranas semipalmata
Ducks, Geese, and Swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
This group includes ducks, geese, and swans. They are all made for living in water! They have webbed feet, flat bills, and special oily feathers that shed water easily.
- Spotted whistling-duck, Dendrocygna guttata
- Plumed whistling-duck, Dendrocygna eytoni
- Wandering whistling-duck, Dendrocygna arcuata
- Cape Barren goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae
- Freckled duck, Stictonetta naevosa
- Mute swan, Cygnus olor (I)
- Black swan, Cygnus atratus
- Radjah shelduck, Radjah radjah
- Australian shelduck, Tadorna tadornoides
- Green pygmy-goose, Nettapus pulchellus
- Cotton pygmy-goose, Nettapus coromandelianus
- Australian wood duck, Chenonetta jubata
- Garganey, Spatula querquedula (A)
- Australian shoveler, Spatula rhynchotis
- Pacific black duck, Anas superciliosa
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (I)
- Grey teal, Anas gracilis
- Chestnut teal, Anas castanea
- Pink-eared duck, Malacorhynchus membranaceus
- Hardhead, Aythya australis
- Blue-billed duck, Oxyura australis (A)
- Musk duck, Biziura lobata
Ground-Dwelling Birds
Megapodes
Order: Galliformes Family: Megapodiidae
These birds are famous for being "mound-builders." They build huge piles of dirt and plants to keep their eggs warm!
- Australian brushturkey, Alectura lathami
- Orange-footed scrubfowl, Megapodius reinwardt
Guineafowl
Order: Galliformes Family: Numididae
Guineafowl are not native to Australia. However, some have escaped and now live in the wild in Queensland.
- Helmeted guineafowl, Numida meleagris (I)
Pheasants and Quails
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
This family includes pheasants and their relatives. They are usually plump birds that live on the ground. Many of them are hunted for food or raised on farms.
- Indian peafowl, Pavo cristatus (I)
- Brown quail, Synoicus ypsilophora
- Blue-breasted quail, Synoicus chinensis
- Stubble quail, Coturnix pectoralis
- Red junglefowl, Gallus gallus (I)
- Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (I)
Water Birds
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-sized birds that dive in freshwater. They have special lobed toes that help them swim and dive really well. But because their feet are so far back on their bodies, they look a bit clumsy on land!
- Australasian grebe, Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
- Hoary-headed grebe, Poliocephalus poliocephalus
- Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus
Pigeons and Doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are birds with strong bodies, short necks, and thin bills.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
- White-headed pigeon, Columba leucomela
- Spotted dove, Streptopelia chinensis (I)
- Brown cuckoo-dove, Macropygia phasianella
- Asian emerald dove, Chalcophaps indica
- Pacific emerald dove, Chalcophaps longirostris
- Common bronzewing, Phaps chalcoptera
- Brush bronzewing, Phaps elegans
- Flock bronzewing, Phaps histrionica
- Crested pigeon, Ocyphaps lophotes
- Spinifex pigeon, Geophaps plumifera
- Squatter pigeon, Geophaps scripta
- Wonga pigeon, Leucosarcia melanoleuca
- Diamond dove, Geopelia cuneata
- Peaceful dove, Geopelia placida
- Bar-shouldered dove, Geopelia humeralis
- Wompoo fruit-dove, Ptilinopus magnificus
- Orange-fronted fruit-dove, Ptilinopus aurantiifrons (A)
- Superb fruit-dove, Ptilinopus superbus
- Rose-crowned fruit-dove, Ptilinopus regina
- Orange-bellied fruit-dove, Ptilinopus iozonus (A)
- Elegant imperial-pigeon, Ducula concinna (A)
- Pacific imperial-pigeon, Ducula pacifica
- Island imperial-pigeon, Ducula pistrinaria
- Collared imperial-pigeon, Ducula mullerii
- Torresian imperial-pigeon, Ducula spilorrhoa
- Topknot pigeon, Lopholaimus antarcticus
Bustards
Order: Otidiformes Family: Otididae
Bustards are large birds that live on the ground, mostly in dry, open areas. They eat both plants and small animals. They have strong legs and big toes, and they walk steadily, looking for food.
- Australian bustard, Ardeotis australis
Cuckoos
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
This family includes cuckoos. These birds have thin bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Many cuckoos in the Old World are "brood parasites," meaning they lay their eggs in other birds' nests for them to raise!
- Pheasant coucal, Centropus phasianinus
- Asian koel, Eudynamys scolopaceus
- Australian koel, Eudynamys cyanocephalus
- Channel-billed cuckoo, Scythrops novaehollandiae
- Horsfield's bronze-cuckoo, Chrysococcyx basalis
- Black-eared cuckoo, Chrysococcyx osculans
- Shining bronze-cuckoo, Chrysococcyx lucidus
- Little bronze-cuckoo, Chrysococcyx minutillus
- Pallid cuckoo, Cuculus pallidus
- Chestnut-breasted cuckoo, Cacomantis castaneiventris
- Fan-tailed cuckoo, Cacomantis flabelliformis
- Brush cuckoo, Cacomantis variolosus
- Oriental cuckoo, Cuculus optatus
Night Birds
Frogmouths
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Podargidae
Frogmouths are a special group of small birds that are active at night. They are found from India to Australia.
- Tawny frogmouth, Podargus strigoides
- Marbled frogmouth, Podargus ocellatus
- Papuan frogmouth, Podargus papuensis
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized birds that are active at night and usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Their soft feathers help them blend in with tree bark or leaves.
- Spotted nightjar, Eurostopodus argus
- White-throated nightjar, Eurostopodus mystacalis
- Large-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus macrurus
Owlet-Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Aegothelidae
Owlet-nightjars are small birds that are active at night. They are found in places like New Guinea and Australia.
- Australian owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles cristatus
Swifts
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds that spend most of their lives flying! They have very short legs and almost never land on the ground. Instead, they perch on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long, swept-back wings that look like a boomerang.
- Papuan spinetailed swift, Mearnsia novaeguineae (A)
- White-throated needletail, Hirundapus caudacutus
- Glossy swiftlet, Collocalia esculenta (A)
- Australian swiftlet, Aerodramus terraereginae (E)
- Uniform swiftlet, Aerodramus vanikorensis (A)
- Pacific swift, Apus pacificus
- House swift, Apus nipalensis (A)
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
This is a big family of small to medium-sized birds like rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. They usually live in thick plants near lakes, swamps, or rivers. They are often shy and hard to spot. Most have strong legs and long toes, which help them walk on soft ground.
- Lewin's rail, Lewinia pectoralis
- Chestnut rail, Gallirallus castaneoventris
- Buff-banded rail, Gallirallus philippensis
- Black-tailed nativehen, Tribonyx ventralis
- Australian crake, Porzana fluminea
- Dusky moorhen, Gallinula tenebrosa
- Eurasian coot, Fulica atra
- Australasian swamphen, Porphyrio melanotus
- Pale-vented bush-hen, Amaurornis moluccana
- White-browed crake, Poliolimnas cinereus
- Red-necked crake, Rallina tricolor
- Baillon's crake, Zapornia pusilla
- Spotless crake, Zapornia tabuensis
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large birds with long legs and long necks. When they fly, their necks are stretched out, which is different from herons. Many cranes have amazing and loud dances to find a mate.
- Sarus crane, Antigone antigone
- Brolga, Antigone rubicunda
Thick-knees
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
Thick-knees are a group of wading birds found in warm parts of the world. They are medium to large birds with strong bills, big yellow eyes, and feathers that help them hide. Even though they are "waders," most prefer dry or semi-dry places.
- Bush thick-knee, Burhinus grallarius
- Beach thick-knee, Esacus magnirostris
Stilts and Avocets
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
This family includes avocets and stilts. Avocets have long legs and bills that curve upwards. Stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.
- Pied stilt, Himantopus leucocephalus
- Banded stilt, Cladorhynchus leucocephalus (A)
- Red-necked avocet, Recurvirostra novaehollandiae
Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
Oystercatchers are large, noisy birds that look a bit like plovers. They have strong bills that they use to smash open or pry apart molluscs (like clams and oysters).
- Pied oystercatcher, Haematopus longirostris
- South Island oystercatcher, Haematopus finschi (A)
- Sooty oystercatcher, Haematopus fuliginosus
Plovers and Lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
This family includes plovers and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies and short, thick necks. They live in open areas all over the world, often near water.
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica (A)
- Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva
- Banded lapwing, Vanellus tricolor
- Masked lapwing, Vanellus miles
- Lesser sand-plover, Charadrius mongolus
- Greater sand-plover, Charadrius leschenaultii
- Double-banded plover, Charadrius bicinctus
- Red-capped plover, Charadrius ruficapillus
- Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (A)
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus (A)
- Little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius (A)
- Oriental plover, Charadrius veredus
- Red-kneed dotterel, Erythrogonys cinctus
- Hooded plover, Thinornis cucullatus (A)
- Black-fronted dotterel, Elseyornis melanops
- Inland dotterel, Peltohyas australis
Plains-wanderer
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Pedionomidae
The plains-wanderer is a ground bird that looks a bit like a quail. They are masters of camouflage and will hide if they feel threatened. If you get too close, they prefer to run rather than fly, as they are not very good at flying.
- Plains-wanderer, Pedionomus torquatus
Painted-Snipes
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted-snipes have short legs and long bills. They look similar to true snipes but are much more colorful.
- Australian painted-snipe, Rostratula australis
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
Jacanas are wading birds found in tropical areas. You can easily spot them by their huge feet and claws. These big feet help them walk on floating plants in the shallow lakes they love.
- Comb-crested jacana, Irediparra gallinacea
Sandpipers and Allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
This is a large and varied family of small to medium-sized shorebirds, including sandpipers, curlews, and godwits. Most of these birds eat small insects and other tiny creatures they find in mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills allow many species to feed in the same places without competing for food.
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Little curlew, Numenius minutus
- Far Eastern curlew, Numenius madagascariensis
- Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica
- Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Great knot, Calidris tenuirostris
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Ruff, Calidris pugnax
- Broad-billed sandpiper, Calidris falcinellus
- Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea
- Long-toed stint, Calidris subminuta
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina (A)
- Little stint, Calidris minuta (A)
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis (A)
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos (A)
- Asian dowitcher, Limnodromus semipalmatus (A)
- Latham's snipe, Gallinago hardwickii
- Swinhoe's snipe, Gallinago megala
- Terek sandpiper, Xenus cinereus
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus (A)
- Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
- Grey-tailed tattler, Tringa brevipes
- Wandering tattler, Tringa incana
- Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes (A)
- Marsh sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
- Common redshank, Tringa totanus (A)
Buttonquail
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Turnicidae
Buttonquails are small, plain-looking birds that run on the ground, similar to true quails. What's interesting is that the female is usually brighter in color and starts the courtship. The male then takes care of incubating the eggs and raising the young.
- Red-backed buttonquail, Turnix maculosus
- Black-breasted buttonquail, Turnix melanogaster
- Buff-breasted buttonquail, Turnix olivii (E)
- Painted buttonquail, Turnix varius
- Red-chested buttonquail, Turnix pyrrhothorax
- Little buttonquail, Turnix velox
Pratincoles and Coursers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae
This family includes pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings, and long forked tails. It also includes coursers, which have long legs, short wings, and long, downward-curving bills.
- Australian pratincole, Stiltia isabella
- Oriental pratincole, Glareola maldivarum
Skuas and Jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
Skuas and jaegers are medium to large birds, usually grey or brown. They nest on the ground in cold regions and fly long distances to warmer places.
- South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki (A)
- Brown skua, Stercorarius antarcticus
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (A)
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
This family includes gulls, terns, and skimmers. Gulls are usually grey or white with black markings. They have strong bills and webbed feet. Terns are generally medium to large seabirds, often grey or white with black on their heads. Most terns catch fish by diving, but some pick insects off the water. Skimmers are a small family of tropical birds that look like terns. They have a longer lower bill, which they use to skim the water surface for small fish while flying low.
- Silver gull, Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus (A)
- Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (A)
- Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan (A)
- Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris (A)
- Pacific gull, Larus pacificus (A)
- Slaty-backed gull, Larus schistisagus (A)
- Kelp gull, Larus dominicanus (A)
- Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
- Black noddy, Anous minutus
- Grey noddy, Anous albivitta (A)
- White tern, Gygis alba
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
- Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus
- Little tern, Sternula albifrons
- Australian fairy tern, Sternula nereis (A)
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
- Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
- White-fronted tern, Sterna striata
- Black-naped tern, Sterna sumatrana
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (A)
- Great crested tern, Thalasseus bergii
- Lesser crested tern, Thalasseus bengalensis
Tropicbirds
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are thin white birds that live over tropical oceans. They have super long feathers in the middle of their tails. Their long wings and heads have black markings.
- White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus
- Red-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon rubricauda
Penguins
Order: Sphenisciformes Family: Spheniscidae
Penguins are a group of birds that live in water and cannot fly. They live mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, especially near Antarctica. Only one type, the little penguin, breeds on the coast of Australia.
- Little penguin, Eudyptula minor
Albatrosses
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
Albatrosses are a family of large seabirds found in the Southern and North Pacific Oceans. The biggest ones are among the largest flying birds in the world!
- Yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos
- Grey-headed albatross, Thalassarche chrysostoma (A)
- Buller's albatross, Thalassarche bulleri (A)
- White-capped albatross, Thalassarche cauta
- Salvin's albatross, Thalassarche salvini (A)
- Black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris
- Sooty albatross, Phoebetria fusca (A)
- Light-mantled albatross, Phoebetria palpebrata (A)
- Royal albatross, Diomedea epomophora
- Wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans
Storm-Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Oceanitidae
Southern storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds. They are related to petrels and eat tiny sea creatures and small fish from the water's surface, often while hovering. Their flight looks like a butterfly or even a bat.
- Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
- White-faced storm-petrel, Pelagodroma marina
- White-bellied storm-petrel, Fregetta grallaria (A)
- New Zealand storm-petrel, Fregetta maoriana (A)
- Black-bellied storm-petrel, Fregetta tropica (A)
- Polynesian storm-petrel, Nesofregetta fuliginosa (A)
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
These storm-petrels look and act a lot like the southern storm-petrels. However, they have enough genetic differences that scientists put them in their own family.
- Leach's storm-petrel, Hydrobates leucorhous (A)
- Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hydrobates castro (A)
- Matsudaira's storm-petrel, Hydrobates matsudairae
Shearwaters and Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
This is the main group of medium-sized "true petrels." They have nostrils that are joined together and a long outer flight feather.
- Southern giant-petrel, Macronectes giganteus
- Northern giant-petrel, Macronectes halli (A)
- Southern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialoides (A)
- Cape petrel, Daption capense
- Great-winged petrel, Pterodroma macroptera
- Grey-faced petrel, Pterodroma gouldi (A)
- Kermadec petrel, Pterodroma neglecta
- Herald petrel, Pterodroma heraldica (A)
- Providence petrel, Pterodroma solandri
- Soft-plumaged petrel, Pterodroma mollis (A)
- White-headed petrel, Pterodroma lessonii (A)
- Mottled petrel, Pterodroma inexpectata (A)
- Juan Fernandez petrel, Pterodroma externa (A)
- White-necked petrel, Pterodroma cervicalis
- Black-winged petrel, Pterodroma nigripennis
- Cook's petrel, Pterodroma cookii (A)
- Gould's petrel, Pterodroma leucoptera (A)
- Collared petrel, Pterodroma brevipes (A)
- Stejneger's petrel, Pterodroma longirostris (A)
- Fairy prion, Pachyptila turtur
- Broad-billed prion, Pachyptila vittata (A)
- Salvin's prion, Pachyptila salvini
- Antarctic prion, Pachyptila desolata (A)
- Slender-billed prion, Pachyptila belcheri (A)
- Bulwer's petrel, Bulweria bulwerii (A)
- Tahiti petrel, Pseudobulweria rostrata
- White-chinned petrel, Procellaria aequinoctialis (A)
- Parkinson's petrel, Procellaria parkinsoni (A)
- Westland petrel, Procellaria westlandica (A)
- Streaked shearwater, Calonectris leucomelas
- Flesh-footed shearwater, Ardenna carneipes
- Wedge-tailed shearwater, Ardenna pacifica
- Buller's shearwater, Ardenna bulleri
- Sooty shearwater, Ardenna grisea
- Short-tailed shearwater, Ardenna tenuirostris
- Hutton's shearwater, Puffinus huttoni
- Fluttering shearwater, Puffinus gavia
- Little shearwater, Puffinus assimilis (A)
- Tropical shearwater, Puffinus bailloni (A)
- Common diving-petrel, Pelecanoides urinatrix (A)
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, and long-necked wading birds with strong, long bills. Storks don't make sounds with their voices, but they clatter their bills together to communicate at their nests. Their nests can be huge and used for many years!
- Black-necked stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are mostly black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colorful throat pouches that they can inflate. They don't swim or walk well and can't take off from flat ground. They have the largest wingspan compared to their body weight of any bird, meaning they can stay in the air for over a week!
- Lesser frigatebird, Fregata ariel
- Great frigatebird, Fregata minor
Boobies and Gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
This family includes gannets and boobies. Both are medium-large seabirds that live near coasts and dive headfirst into the water to catch fish.
- Masked booby, Sula dactylatra
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
- Red-footed booby, Sula sula
- Australasian gannet, Morus serrator
Anhingas
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Anhingas, also called darters, are water birds that look like cormorants. They have long necks and long, straight bills. They eat fish and often swim with only their neck above the water.
- Australasian darter, Anhinga novaehollandiae
Cormorants and Shags
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Cormorants are medium to large water birds, usually with dark feathers and colorful skin on their faces. They have long, thin, hooked bills. Their feet have four webbed toes, which is a special feature in their bird group.
- Little pied cormorant, Microcarbo melanoleucos
- Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
- Little black cormorant, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
- Pied cormorant, Phalacrocorax varius
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a unique pouch under their bills. Like other birds in their group, they have four webbed toes.
- Australian pelican, Pelecanus conspicillatus
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
This family includes bitterns, herons, and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to have shorter necks and are more cautious. Birds in this family fly with their necks pulled back, unlike storks or ibises.
- Australasian bittern, Botaurus poiciloptilus
- Yellow bittern, Ixobrychus sinensis (A)
- Black-backed bittern, Ixobrychus dubius
- Black bittern, Ixobrychus flavicollis
- Pacific heron, Ardea pacifica
- Great-billed heron, Ardea sumatrana
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Intermediate egret, Ardea intermedia
- White-faced heron, Egretta novaehollandiae
- Little egret, Egretta garzetta
- Pacific reef-heron, Egretta sacra
- Pied heron, Egretta picata
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Striated heron, Butorides striata
- Nankeen night-heron, Nycticorax caledonicus
Ibises and Spoonbills
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
This family includes ibises and spoonbills. They are large birds that live on land and in water. They have long, wide wings and are strong flyers, even though they are big.
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
- Australian ibis, Threskiornis moluccus
- Straw-necked ibis, Threskiornis spinicollis
- Royal spoonbill, Platalea regia
- Yellow-billed spoonbill, Platalea flavipes
Birds of Prey
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
This family has only one bird, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor that specializes in eating fish. You can find them all over the world.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
This family includes hawks, eagles, kites, and harriers. These birds of prey have strong, hooked beaks to tear meat from their prey. They also have powerful legs, sharp talons, and excellent eyesight.
- Black-shouldered kite, Elanus axillaris
- Letter-winged kite, Elanus scriptus
- Black-breasted kite, Hamirostra melanosternon
- Square-tailed kite, Lophoictinia isura
- Pacific baza, Aviceda subcristata
- Little eagle, Hieraaetus morphnoides
- Gurney's eagle, Aquila gurneyi (A)
- Wedge-tailed eagle, Aquila audax
- Swamp harrier, Circus approximans
- Spotted harrier, Circus assimilis
- Grey goshawk, Accipiter novaehollandiae
- Brown goshawk, Accipiter fasciatus
- Collared sparrowhawk, Accipiter cirrocephalus
- Red goshawk, Erythrotriorchis radiatus
- Black kite, Milvus migrans
- Whistling kite, Haliastur sphenurus
- Brahminy kite, Haliastur indus
- White-bellied sea-eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster
Barn-Owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn-owls are medium to large owls with big heads and a special heart-shaped face. They have long, strong legs with powerful talons.
- Sooty owl, Tyto tenebricosa
- Australian masked-owl, Tyto novaehollandiae
- Australasian grass-owl, Tyto longimembris
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are birds of prey that hunt alone at night. They have large eyes that face forward, good hearing, a beak like a hawk, and a circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
- Rufous owl, Ninox rufa
- Powerful owl, Ninox strenu
- Barking owl, Ninox connivens
- Southern boobook, Ninox boobook
- Morepork, Ninox novaeseelandiae
Colorful Birds
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and short tails.
- Azure kingfisher, Ceyx azureus
- Little kingfisher, Ceyx pusillus
- Laughing kookaburra, Dacelo novaeguineae
- Blue-winged kookaburra, Dacelo leachii
- Red-backed kingfisher, Todiramphus pyrrhopygius
- Forest kingfisher, Todiramphus macleayii
- Torresian kingfisher, Todiramphus sordidus
- Sacred kingfisher, Todiramphus sanctus
- Yellow-billed kingfisher, Syma torotoro
- Little paradise-kingfisher, Tanysiptera hydrocharis (A)
- Buff-breasted paradise-kingfisher, Tanysiptera sylvia
Bee-eaters
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
Bee-eaters are a group of birds known for their rich, bright colors. They have slender bodies and usually long central tail feathers. All of them have long, curved bills and pointed wings, which make them look a bit like swallows when flying.
- Rainbow bee-eater, Merops ornatus
Rollers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers are about the size of crows but are more closely related to kingfishers and bee-eaters. They are also very colorful, mostly with blues and browns.
- Dollarbird, Eurystomus orientalis
Falcons and Caracaras
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
This family includes falcons. They are different from hawks and eagles because they kill their prey with their beaks instead of their talons.
- Nankeen kestrel, Falco cenchroides
- Australian hobby, Falco longipennis
- Brown falcon, Falco berigora
- Grey falcon, Falco hypoleucos
- Black falcon, Falco subniger
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
Cockatoos
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Cacatuidae
Cockatoos share many features with other parrots, like their curved beak and feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward. But they are special because of their often amazing movable crests of feathers on their heads.
- Palm cockatoo, Probosciger aterrimus
- Red-tailed black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus banksii
- Glossy black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus lathami
- Yellow-tailed black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus funereus
- Pink cockatoo, Lophochroa leadbeateri
- Galah, Eolophus roseicapilla
- Long-billed corella, Cacatua tenuirostris (I)
- Little corella, Cacatua sanguinea
- Sulphur-crested cockatoo, Cacatua galerita
- Cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus
Old World Parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae
Parrots have a strong, curved bill, stand upright, and have strong legs with clawed feet. Many parrots are very colorful, and some have many different colors. They range in size from about 8 centimeters (3 inches) to 1 meter (3 feet) long. Old World parrots are found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Superb parrot, Polytelis swainsonii (A)
- Australian king-parrot, Alisterus scapularis
- Red-winged parrot, Aprosmictus erythropterus
- Eclectus parrot, Eclectus roratus
- Red-cheeked parrot, Geoffroyus geoffroyi
- Ground parrot, Pezoporus wallicus
- Night parrot, Pezoporus occidentalis
- Bourke's parrot, Neophema bourkii
- Blue-winged parrot, Neophema chrysostoma
- Turquoise parrot, Neophema pulchella
- Scarlet-chested parrot, Neophema splendida
- Swift parrot, Lathamus discolor
- Australian ringneck, Barnardius barnardi
- Crimson rosella, Platycercus elegans
- Northern rosella, Platycercus venustus
- Eastern rosella, Platycercus eximius
- Pale-headed rosella, Platycercus adscitus
- Greater bluebonnet, Northiella haematogaster
- Red-rumped parrot, Psephotus haematonotus
- Mulga parrot, Psephotus varius
- Golden-shouldered parrot, Psephotus chrysopterygius (E)
- Paradise parrot, Psephotus pulcherrimus
- Red-capped parrot, Purpureicephalus spurius
- Double-eyed fig-parrot, Cyclopsitta diophthalma
- Budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus
- Musk lorikeet, Glossopsitta concinna
- Little lorikeet, Parvipsitta pusilla
- Varied lorikeet, Psitteuteles versicolor
- Coconut lorikeet, Trichoglossus haematodus
- Red-collared lorikeet, Trichoglossus rubritorquis
- Rainbow lorikeet, Trichoglossus moluccanus
- Scaly-breasted lorikeet, Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus
Pittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pittidae
Pittas are medium-sized songbirds with strong legs, short tails, and stout bills. Many are brightly colored. They spend most of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects, and other small creatures.
- Papuan pitta, Erythropitta macklotii
- Noisy pitta, Pitta versicolor
Lyrebirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Menuridae
Lyrebirds are famous for their amazing ability to copy sounds from their environment, like other birds, animals, and even human-made noises. The male's huge tail is also incredibly beautiful when he fans it out to attract a mate.
- Albert's lyrebird, Menura alberti
- Superb lyrebird, Menura novaehollandiae
Scrub-birds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Atrichornithidae
The scrub-bird family is very old and is thought to be closely related to lyrebirds.
- Rufous scrub-bird, Atrichornis rufescens
Bowerbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ptilonorhynchidae
Bowerbirds are small to medium-sized songbirds. The males are known for building special structures called "bowers" to attract a female. These bowers can be simple circles of cleared earth with twigs or complex, decorated structures of sticks and leaves.
- Spotted catbird, Ailuroedus melanotis (E)
- Black-eared catbird, Ailuroedus melanotis
- Green catbird, Ailuroedus crassirostris
- Tooth-billed bowerbird, Scenopoeetes dentirostris (E)
- Golden bowerbird, Amblyornis newtoniana (E)
- Regent bowerbird, Sericulus chrysocephalus
- Satin bowerbird, Ptilonorhynchus violaceus
- Spotted bowerbird, Chlamydera maculata
- Great bowerbird, Chlamydera nuchalis
- Fawn-breasted bowerbird, Chlamydera cerviniventris
Australasian Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Climacteridae
These treecreepers are medium-small birds, mostly brown with patterns on their undersides.
- White-throated treecreeper, Cormobates leucophaea
- White-browed treecreeper, Climacteris affinis
- Red-browed treecreeper, Climacteris erythrops
- Brown treecreeper, Climacteris picumnus
- Black-tailed treecreeper, Climacteris melanurus
Fairywrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Maluridae
Fairywrens are small, insect-eating songbirds found only in Australia and New Guinea. They form pairs, but both the male and female might mate with other birds and even help raise the chicks from those other pairings!
- Grey grasswren, Amytornis barbatus
- Opalton grasswren, Amytornis rowleyi (E)
- Carpentarian grasswren, Amytornis dorotheae
- Short-tailed grasswren, Amytornis merrotsyi
- Eyrean grasswren, Amytornis goyderi
- Kalkadoon grasswren, Amytornis ballarae (E)
- Southern emuwren, Stipiturus malachurus
- Rufous-crowned emuwren, Stipiturus ruficeps
- Purple-crowned fairywren, Malurus coronatus
- Purple-backed fairywren, Malurus assimilis
- Variegated fairywren, Malurus lamberti
- Lovely fairywren, Malurus amabilis (E)
- Splendid fairywren, Malurus splendens
- Superb fairywren, Malurus cyaneus
- White-winged fairywren, Malurus leucopterus
- Red-backed fairywren, Malurus melanocephalus
Honeyeaters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Meliphagidae
Honeyeaters are a large and diverse family of small to medium-sized birds, most common in Australia and New Guinea. They feed on nectar from flowers and look a lot like other birds that eat nectar.
- Eastern spinebill, Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
- Pied honeyeater, Certhionyx variegatus
- Yellow-spotted honeyeater, Meliphaga notata (E)
- Lewin's honeyeater, Meliphaga lewinii
- Graceful honeyeater, Microptilotis gracilis
- Cryptic honeyeater, Microptilotis imitatrix (E)
- Yellow honeyeater, Stomiopera flava (E)
- White-gaped honeyeater, Stomiopera unicolor
- White-fronted honeyeater, Purnella albifrons
- Yellow-faced honeyeater, Caligavis chrysops
- Yellow-tufted honeyeater, Lichenostomus melanops
- Bell miner, Manorina melanophrys
- Noisy miner, Manorina melanocephala
- Yellow-throated miner, Manorina flavigula
- Bridled honeyeater, Bolemoreus frenatus (E)
- Eungella honeyeater, Bolemoreus hindwoodi (E)
- Spiny-cheeked honeyeater, Acanthagenys rufogularis
- Little wattlebird, Anthochaera chrysoptera
- Regent honeyeater, Anthochaera phrygia
- Red wattlebird, Anthochaera carunculata
- Varied honeyeater, Gavicalis versicolor
- Mangrove honeyeater, Gavicalis fasciogularis
- Singing honeyeater, Gavicalis virescens
- White-plumed honeyeater, Ptilotula penicillata
- Yellow-tinted honeyeater, Ptilotula flavescens
- Fuscous honeyeater, Ptilotula fusca
- Grey-headed honeyeater, Ptilotula keartlandi
- Grey-fronted honeyeater, Ptilotula plumula
- Brown-backed honeyeater, Ramsayornis modestus
- Bar-breasted honeyeater, Ramsayornis fasciatus (E)
- Rufous-banded honeyeater, Conopophila albogularis
- Rufous-throated honeyeater, Conopophila rufogularis
- Grey honeyeater, Conopophila whitei
- Gibber chat, Ashbyia lovensis
- Yellow chat, Epthianura crocea
- Crimson chat, Epthianura tricolor
- Orange chat, Epthianura aurifrons
- White-fronted chat, Epthianura albifrons
- Black honeyeater, Sugomel niger
- Dusky myzomela, Myzomela obscura
- Red-headed myzomela, Myzomela erythrocephala
- Scarlet myzomela, Myzomela sanguinolenta
- Green-backed honeyeater, Glycichaera fallax
- Banded honeyeater, Cissomela pectoralis
- Brown honeyeater, Lichmera indistincta
- New Holland honeyeater, Phylidonyris novaehollandiae
- White-cheeked honeyeater, Phylidonyris niger
- White-streaked honeyeater, Trichodere cockerelli (E)
- White-eared honeyeater, Nesoptilotis leucotis
- Blue-faced honeyeater, Entomyzon cyanotis
- White-throated honeyeater, Melithreptus albogularis
- White-naped honeyeater, Melithreptus lunatus
- Brown-headed honeyeater, Melithreptus brevirostris
- Black-chinned honeyeater, Melithreptus gularis
- Tawny-breasted honeyeater, Xanthotis flaviventer
- Macleay's honeyeater, Xanthotis macleayanus (E)
- Striped honeyeater, Plectorhyncha lanceolata
- Painted honeyeater, Grantiella picta
- Little friarbird, Philemon citreogularis
- Helmeted friarbird, Philemon buceroides
- Silver-crowned friarbird, Philemon argenticeps
- Noisy friarbird, Philemon corniculatus
Bristlebirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dasyornithidae
Bristlebirds have long tails and spend most of their time on the ground. They get their name from the stiff, hair-like feathers around their mouths.
- Eastern bristlebird, Dasyornis brachypterus
Pardalotes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pardalotidae
Pardalotes spend most of their time high up in the outer leaves of trees. They eat insects, spiders, and especially "lerps," which are tiny sap-sucking insects.
- Spotted pardalote, Pardalotus punctatus
- Red-browed pardalote, Pardalotus rubricatus
- Striated pardalote, Pardalotus striatus
Thornbills and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acanthizidae
Thornbills are small songbirds that act a lot like tits (another type of small bird).
- Fernwren, Oreoscopus gutturalis (E)
- Yellow-throated scrubwren, Sericornis citreogularis
- White-browed scrubwren, Sericornis frontalis
- Atherton scrubwren, Sericornis keri (E)
- Tropical scrubwren, Sericornis beccarii
- Large-billed scrubwren, Sericornis magnirostra
- Redthroat, Pyrrholaemus brunneus
- Speckled warbler, Pyrrholaemus sagittatus
- Rufous fieldwren, Calamanthus campestris
- Chestnut-rumped heathwren, Hylacola pyrrhopygia
- Buff-rumped thornbill, Acanthiza reguloides
- Mountain thornbill, Acanthiza katherina (E)
- Brown thornbill, Acanthiza pusilla
- Inland thornbill, Acanthiza apicalis
- Yellow-rumped thornbill, Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
- Chestnut-rumped thornbill, Acanthiza uropygialis
- Slaty-backed thornbill, Acanthiza robustirostris
- Yellow thornbill, Acanthiza nana
- Striated thornbill, Acanthiza lineata
- Weebill, Smicrornis brevirostris
- Fairy gerygone, Gerygone palpebrosa
- White-throated gerygone, Gerygone olivacea
- Large-billed gerygone, Gerygone magnirostris
- Brown gerygone, Gerygone mouki
- Western gerygone, Gerygone fusca
- Mangrove gerygone, Gerygone levigaster
- Southern whiteface, Aphelocephala leucopsis
- Banded whiteface, Aphelocephala nigricincta
Pseudo-Babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pomatostomidae
Pseudo-babblers are small to medium-sized birds found only in Australia and New Guinea. They eat a variety of foods from the ground and are very social birds.
- Grey-crowned babbler, Pomatostomus temporalis
- White-browed babbler, Pomatostomus superciliosus
- Hall's babbler, Pomatostomus halli
- Chestnut-crowned babbler, Pomatostomus ruficeps
Logrunners
Order: Passeriformes Family: Orthonychidae
This family includes logrunners and chowchillas. Both types of birds use their stiff tails to balance themselves when they are looking for food.
- Australian logrunner, Orthonyx temminckii
- Chowchilla, Orthonyx spaldingii (E)
Quail-Thrushes and Jewel-Babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclosomatidae
This family includes jewel-babblers and quail-thrushes.
- Spotted quail-thrush, Cinclosoma punctatum
- Chestnut-breasted quail-thrush, Cinclosoma castaneothorax
- Cinnamon quail-thrush, Cinclosoma cinnamomeum
Cuckooshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
Cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized songbirds. They are mostly greyish with white and black, though some are brightly colored.
- Ground cuckooshrike, Coracina maxima
- Barred cuckooshrike, Coracina lineata
- Black-faced cuckooshrike, Coracina novaehollandiae
- White-bellied cuckooshrike, Coracina papuensis
- White-winged triller, Lalage tricolor
- Varied triller, Lalage leucomela
- Common cicadabird, Edolisoma tenuirostre
Sittellas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Neosittidae
Sittellas are a family of small songbirds found only in Australia and nearby islands. They look like treecreepers but have soft tails.
- Papuan sittella, Neositta papuensis
- Varied sittella, Neositta chrysoptera
Whipbirds and Wedgebills
Order: Passeriformes Family: Psophodidae
This family includes whipbirds and wedgebills.
- Eastern whipbird, Psophodes olivaceus
- Chiming wedgebill, Psophodes occidentalis
- Chirruping wedgebill, Psophodes cristatus
Australo-Papuan Bellbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oreoicidae
The three types of birds in this family have been moved between different bird families for many years. Recent studies of their DNA showed that they should be in their own new family, which was officially named in 2016.
- Crested bellbird, Oreoica gutturalis
Shrike-tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Falcunculidae
Shrike-tits have a bill that looks like a parrot's. They use it to strip bark from trees to find insects.
- Eastern shrike-tit, Falcunculus frontatus
Whistlers and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pachycephalidae
This family includes whistlers and shrikethrushes.
- Sandstone shrikethrush, Colluricincla woodwardi
- Bower's shrikethrush, Colluricincla boweri (E)
- Grey shrikethrush, Colluricincla harmonica
- Rufous shrikethrush, Colluricincla rufogaster
- Olive whistler, Pachycephala olivacea
- Golden whistler, Pachycephala pectoralis
- Black-tailed whistler, Pachycephala melanura
- Gray whistler, Pachycephala simplex
- Rufous whistler, Pachycephala rufiventris
- White-breasted whistler, Pachycephala lanioides
Old World Orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
Old World orioles are colorful songbirds. They are not related to the New World orioles found in the Americas.
- Olive-backed oriole, Oriolus sagittatus
- Green oriole, Oriolus flavocinctus
- Australasian figbird, Sphecotheres vieilloti
Boatbills
Order: Passeriformes Family: Machaerirhynchidae
Boatbills are related to woodswallows and butcherbirds. They are found in New Guinea and northern Queensland.
- Yellow-breasted boatbill, Machaerirhynchus flaviventer
Woodswallows, Bellmagpies, and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Artamidae
Woodswallows are soft-feathered, dark-colored songbirds. They are smooth, agile flyers with fairly large, triangular wings. The cracticids, which include currawongs, bellmagpies, and butcherbirds, are similar to other crow-like birds. They have large, straight bills and are mostly black, white, or grey. All of them eat a variety of foods.
- White-breasted woodswallow, Artamus leucorynchus
- Masked woodswallow, Artamus personatus
- White-browed woodswallow, Artamus superciliosus
- Black-faced woodswallow, Artamus cinereus
- Dusky woodswallow, Artamus cyanopterus
- Little woodswallow, Artamus minor
- Black-backed butcherbird, Cracticus mentalis
- Grey butcherbird, Cracticus torquatus
- Pied butcherbird, Cracticus nigrogularis
- Black butcherbird, Cracticus quoyi
- Australian magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen
- Pied currawong, Strepera graculina
Fantails
Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhipiduridae
Fantails are small birds that eat insects. They are experts at catching insects in the air.
- Northern fantail, Rhipidura rufiventris
- Willie-wagtail, Rhipidura leucophrys
- Rufous fantail, Rhipidura rufifrons
- Arafura fantail, Rhipidura dryas
- Grey fantail, Rhipidura albiscapa
- Mangrove fantail, Rhipidura phasiana
Drongos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
Drongos are mostly black or dark grey, sometimes with shiny colors. They have long, forked tails. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched. They catch insects in flight or pick them up from the ground.
- Spangled drongo, Dicrurus bracteatus
Birds-of-Paradise
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paradisaeidae
Birds-of-paradise are famous for the amazing feathers of the males. These feathers are often very long and fancy, growing from their tails, wings, or heads. They use these beautiful feathers in special dances to attract females.
- Trumpet manucode, Manucodia keraudrenii
- Paradise riflebird, Ptiloris paradiseus
- Victoria's riflebird, Ptiloris victoriae (E)
- Magnificent riflebird, Ptiloris magnificus
Monarch Flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
Monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized songbirds that eat insects, catching them in flight.
- White-eared monarch, Carterornis leucotis
- Black-faced monarch, Monarcha melanopsis
- Black-winged monarch, Monarcha frater
- Spectacled monarch, Symposiachrus trivirgatus
- Frill-necked monarch, Arses lorealis (E)
- Pied monarch, Arses kaupi
- Magpie-lark, Grallina cyanoleuca
- Leaden flycatcher, Myiagra rubecula
- Broad-billed flycatcher, Myiagra ruficollis
- Satin flycatcher, Myiagra cyanoleuca
- Restless flycatcher, Myiagra inquieta
- Paperbark flycatcher, Myiagra nana
- Shining flycatcher, Myiagra alecto
White-winged Chough and Apostlebird
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corcoracidae
These birds live in open areas of eastern Australia, like woodlands. They are very social and spend a lot of time looking for food in leaf litter, often calling to each other.
- White-winged chough, Corcorax melanorhamphos
- Apostlebird, Struthidea cinerea
Crows, Jays, and Magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
This family includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. Corvids are larger than average songbirds, and some of the bigger ones are very smart.
- House crow, Corvus splendens (A)
- Torresian crow, Corvus orru
- Little crow, Corvus bennetti
- Australian raven, Corvus coronoides
- Little raven, Corvus mellori (A)
- Forest raven, Corvus tasmanicus
Australasian Robins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Petroicidae
Most birds in this family have a strong body, a large round head, a short straight bill, and rounded wingtips. They live in many different wooded places, from cold mountains to tropical rainforests. They mainly eat insects, but some also eat seeds.
- Jacky-winter, Microeca fascinans
- Lemon-bellied flycatcher, Microeca flavigaster
- Yellow-legged flycatcher, Microeca griseoceceps
- Scarlet robin, Petroica multicolor
- Flame robin, Petroica phoenicea (A)
- Rose robin, Petroica rosea
- Red-capped robin, Petroica goodenovii
- Hooded robin, Melanodryas cucullata
- White-faced robin, Tregellasia leucops
- Pale-yellow robin, Tregellasia capito
- Eastern yellow robin, Eopsaltria australis
- Mangrove robin, Eopsaltria pulverulenta
- White-browed robin, Poecilodryas superciliosa (E)
- Buff-sided robin, Poecilodryas cerviniventris
- Ashy robin, Heteromyias albispecularis
- Grey-headed robin, Heteromyias cinereifrons (E)
- Northern scrub-robin, Drymodes superciliaris (E)
Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small ground birds known for their often fancy songs and display flights. Most larks have plain feathers. They eat insects and seeds.
- Horsfield's bushlark, Mirafra javanica
Cisticolas and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
Cisticolas are warblers found mostly in warmer southern parts of the Old World. They are usually very small birds with plain brown or grey feathers, living in open areas like grasslands.
- Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
- Golden-headed cisticola, Cisticola exilis
Reed Warblers and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae
Birds in this family are usually quite large for "warblers." Most are plain olive-brown on top and yellow to beige underneath. They are often found in open woodlands, reedbeds, or tall grass.
- Oriental reed warbler, Acrocephalus orientalis (A)
- Australian reed warbler, Acrocephalus australis
Grassbirds and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae
This family includes small insect-eating songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia. They are small birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and they tend to be plain brownish or buffy all over.
- Spinifexbird, Poodytes carteri
- Little grassbird, Poodytes gramineus
- Brown songlark, Cincloramphus cruralis
- Rufous songlark, Cincloramphus mathewsi
- Tawny grassbird, Cincloramphus timoriensis
Swallows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
This family of birds is made for catching food in the air. They have thin, streamlined bodies, long pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide mouth. Their feet are good for perching, not walking.
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Welcome swallow, Hirundo neoxena
- Red-rumped swallow, Cecropis daurica (A)
- Fairy martin, Petrochelidon ariel
- Tree martin, Petrochelidon nigricans
- White-backed swallow, Cheramoeca leucosterna
Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colorful with yellow, red, or orange patches, but most are plain, with uniform olive-brown to black feathers. Some types have distinct crests on their heads.
- Red-whiskered bulbul, Pycnonotus jocosus (I)
White-eyes and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
White-eyes are small birds that look quite plain. Their feathers are usually greenish-olive on top, but some have a white or bright yellow throat or chest. As their name suggests, many have a white ring around each eye.
- Lemon-bellied white-eye, Zosterops chloris
- Ashy-bellied white-eye, Zosterops citrinella
- Australian yellow white-eye, Zosterops luteus
- Silver-eye, Zosterops lateralis
Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized songbirds. They fly strongly and directly and often gather in large groups. They prefer open areas and eat insects and fruit. Their feathers are usually dark with a shiny, metallic look.
- Metallic starling, Aplonis metallica
- Singing starling, Aplonis cantoroides
- European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)
- Common myna, Acridotheres tristis (I)
Thrushes and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
Thrushes are a group of songbirds found mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft-feathered, small to medium-sized birds that eat insects or sometimes a mix of foods, often feeding on the ground. Many have beautiful songs.
- Bassian thrush, Zoothera lunulata
- Russet-tailed thrush, Zoothera heinei
- Eurasian blackbird, Turdus merula
- Eyebrowed thrush, Turdus obscurus (A)
Old World Flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small birds that live in trees and eat insects. These birds look very different from each other, but most have weak songs and harsh calls.
- Blue rock-thrush, Monticola solitarius (A)
- Isabelline wheatear, Oenanthe isabellina (A)
Flowerpeckers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicaeidae
Flowerpeckers are very small, stout, and often brightly colored birds. They have short tails, short, thick, curved bills, and special tube-shaped tongues.
- Red-capped flowerpecker, Dicaeum geelvinkianum
- Mistletoebird, Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Sunbirds and Spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae
Sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small songbirds that mostly eat nectar from flowers. They will also eat insects, especially when feeding their young. They fly fast and straight on short wings. Most can hover like a hummingbird to get nectar, but they usually perch to feed.
- Olive-backed sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis
Waxbills and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small songbirds from the Old World tropics and Australia. They like to be in groups and often live in colonies. They eat seeds and have short, thick, but pointed bills. They all have similar body shapes and habits, but their feather colors and patterns vary a lot.
- Painted firetail, Emblema pictum
- Diamond firetail, Stagonopleura guttata
- Red-browed firetail, Neochmia temporalis
- Crimson finch, Neochmia phaeton
- Star finch, Bathilda ruficauda
- Plum-headed finch, Aidemosyne modesta
- Zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata
- Double-barred finch, Stizoptera bichenovii
- Masked finch, Poephila personata
- Long-tailed finch, Poephila acuticauda
- Black-throated finch, Poephila cincta
- Blue-faced parrotfinch, Erythrura trichroa
- Gouldian finch, Chloebia gouldiae
- Scaly-breasted munia, Lonchura punctulata (I)
- Chestnut-breasted munia, Lonchura castaneothorax
- Pictorella munia, Heteromunia pectoralis
Old World Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small songbirds, usually plump, brown or grey, with short tails and strong, short beaks. They eat seeds, but also small insects.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
- Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus (I)
Wagtails and Pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
This family includes wagtails and pipits. These are slender birds that eat insects from the ground in open areas. They have medium to long tails.
- Grey wagtail, Motacilla cinerea (A)
- Eastern yellow wagtail, Motacilla tschutschensis (A)
- White wagtail, Motacilla alba (A)
- Australian pipit, Anthus australis
Finches and Allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are small to medium-sized songbirds that eat seeds. They have strong beaks, usually cone-shaped. All finches have 12 tail feathers and nine primary flight feathers. Finches fly with a bouncing motion, flapping their wings then gliding, and most sing well.
- European greenfinch, Chloris chloris (I)
- European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis (I)
See also
- List of birds
- Lists of birds by region
- List of birds of Australia