Diamond Dove This tiny dove is the smallest dove in the world. The calls are distinctive. One call consists of long coos which may be repeated up to five times. The other call is of two notes, the first of which is often burry and the second clear. Diamond Doves feed almost entirely on the seeds of grasses and legumes, but eat some leaves and insects. They take very small seeds. Breeding is strongly influenced by food and rainfall and may occur throughout the year but the peak is usually in spring… Continue reading
Common Bronzewing Bronzewings are often encountered when they burst unexpectedly from cover near to you. Less often they may be seen with throated extended uttering their repetitive ‘oom’ calls from high in the canopy. As a result, their beauty is often not fully appreciated. The iridescent panels in the wings are not merely bronze but range from pink through to various blues, greens and purple, even in a single panel, depending on the angle of light between the bird and the observer. Try Googling ‘bronzewing’ to see some marvellous photographs showing the… Continue reading
Brush Bronzewing Brush Bronzewings and Common Bronzewings are similar in appearance, however, Common Bronzewings are light-coloured, plump and grey. In contrast Brush Bronzewings are small, darker and brown. Both birds have iridescent colour patches in their wing coverts but the Brush Bronzewing has only two rows, while Common Bronzewings have 4-5 such rows. Brush Bronzewings live on seeds whether from native or introduced plants. A small proportion of insects are also eaten. Breeding occurs can throughout the year, but mainly in spring and early summer when food supplies are at a maximum…. Continue reading
Australian Reed Warbler Every autumn the reed beds fall silent as the Australian Reed Warblers head north for the warmer climes of northern Australia, and every spring they burst into life with the return of the songsters. Each male defends his small patch of reeds from neighbouring males with complex songs issued at high volume, at the same time advertising his territory to any females who may be interested. They live on small insects, spiders and other invertebrates found by foraging in the dense undergrowth. Breeding is from September to February, whenever singing… Continue reading
Apostlebird Apostlebirds are found in garrulous groups of from 3-20 birds. Many of these are about twelve in number, hence the common name. They are ground feeders living mainly on seeds and insects, but will also take leaves, shoots, small mammals and the eggs of birds. They are co-operative breeders with one breeding pair, the rest of the group being helpers. Breeding occurs in the spring and summer (from August to February). They build a mud nest similar but smaller, than that of White-winged Choughs, being a mud bowl reinforced with… Continue reading
Australian Magpie With their striking black-and-white plumage, it is no wonder they are a favourite mascot of numerous footy teams and other organisations. Their carolling, even late at night, is one of the most Australian of sounds, and they are regarded as one of the best songbirds in the world. Both sexes sing and often do so together (carolling) or by taking turns (duetting). They can have a substantial repertoire which includes mimics of other birds and animals found in their territory. Sometimes they will sing for long periods on their own… Continue reading