By Charles J Sharp – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Australasian Darter also known as the Australian Darter or snakebird is a large, slim waterbird. This magnificent bird resembles the cormorant but is much more regal in appearance. These birds are often sited at Wonga Wetlands in Albury as it has a permanent water source.

DESCRIPTION

The Australasian Darter is a large waterbird measuring between 86 and 94 centimetres in length and weighing around 2.6 kilograms. It is easily recognised by its long, snake-like neck, sharply pointed bill, and long, rounded tail. Male darters display dark brownish-black plumage with glossy black upper wings, streaked with distinctive white and silver-grey markings. Their breast is chestnut-coloured especially in the breeding season, and a noticeable white stripe runs along the neck. In contrast, females and juveniles have a paler appearance; their head and neck are light grey with white streaks, and their underparts are creamy white.

HABITAT & DISTRIBUTION

This species is widely distributed across Australia. Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. Australasian Darters prefer freshwater wetlands, lakes, rivers, and sheltered coastal waters where fallen trees or stumps provide suitable resting spots. They are also occasionally spotted in a calm seas close to the shore.

BREEDING

During the breeding season, male darters attract mates through elaborate displays, which include wing waving and the grasping of twigs. Chicks develop rapidly and begin flying roughly 50 days after hatching. Both male and female darters contribute to nest building, but the male is responsible for decorating the nest with fresh green leaves. The nest itself is usually a platform constructed from sticks and lined with softer materials for comfort. Breeding may occur at various times throughout the year, depending on local water conditions. In some areas, breeding has been recorded from August to May, with chicks hatching and growing quickly.

BEHAVIOUR

 Australasian Darters are often observed swimming with their bodies submerged, leaving only their neck visible above the water, which gives the impression of a snake gliding across the surface. They are frequently seen perched on trees or stumps, spreading their wings to dry. Their cross-shaped silhouette allows them to soar smoothly on rising thermals.

FEEDING

The diet of the Australasian Darter consists mainly of fish. They hunt by diving underwater, usually to depths greater than 60 centimetres, and catch their prey by impaling it with their sharp bill. Smaller fish are swallowed while still underwater, while larger fish are brought to the surface, flicked into position, and swallowed head-first.

CONSERVATION STATUS

According to the IUCN, the Australasian Darter is classified as Least Concern. The population is considered stable overall, although numbers may fluctuate in response to changing wetland conditions.

REFERENCES

Online resources include:

• Birdlife Australia

By JJ Harrison , CC BY-SA 4.0

DESCRIPTION

The Noisy Friarbird is a large honeyeater, around 31–35 cm in length, with a distinctive bald black head, a prominent knob on its bill, and pale grey-brown plumage. Its underbelly is lighter, and its wings and tail are slightly darker. It has dark eyes, and a strong, curved bill adapted for feeding on nectar. This species is highly vocal, producing a range of loud, raucous calls. Their bald head resembles a friar’s tonsure, which is how they got their name. I recently heard a flock of these noisy friarbirds in some redgums in the old riverbed on the Condon farm down Lees lane.

HABITAT

Noisy Friarbirds prefer open woodlands, dry forests, coastal scrublands, and riverine habitats, particularly those with abundant flowering trees such as eucalypts, banksias, and grevilleas. They are also commonly seen in urban areas, gardens, and parks, especially where flowering plants are available. These birds thrive in a variety of environments but rely on nectar-rich vegetation for sustenance. These birds prefer habitats with a mix of tall trees and open space, which allow them to forage efficiently while also providing suitable nesting sites. During colder months, some populations migrate to warmer areas in search of flowering trees.

BREEDING

The breeding season occurs from August to January. The female builds a cup-shaped nest in tree branches and lays 2–4 eggs, which hatch after about 14 days. The female is primarily responsible for incubation, but both parents help feed the chicks once they hatch. The young birds leave the nest after about two weeks.

BEHAVIOUR

 Noisy Friarbirds are known for their loud, harsh, and repetitive calls, often described as a “yak-yak” or “chock-chock.” They are often seen in pairs or small groups and can be highly aggressive and fearless chasing away other birds from feeding areas taking on much larger birds if necessary.

FOOD

Their diet mainly consists of nectar from native flowers, which they access using their specialized bill. They also eat insects and other invertebrates, which they catch in flight or forage for in foliage. Friarbirds enjoy fruit from native and introduced trees and occasionally, they may eat small reptiles or raid other birds’ nests for eggs and young.

DISTRIBUTION

Noisy Friarbirds are widely distributed across eastern and northern Australia, ranging from Victoria and South Australia to Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. They are also found in parts of Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. Their movement patterns vary, with some populations being migratory, travelling in search of flowering trees.

Pollination Role: As Friarbirds feed on nectar, they help pollinate many native plants, making them important to the ecosystem.

CONSERVATION STATUS

The Noisy Friarbird is classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN due to its wide distribution and stable population. However, threats of habitat loss due to deforestation and urban expansion is a real thing. Other threats also include reduction in flowering trees, which limits their food sources and predation by introduced species like cats and foxes. Despite these threats, Noisy Friarbirds remain widespread and adaptable, often thriving in urban areas where suitable flowering plants are present.

REFERENCES

Online resources include:

• Birds in Backyards
• E-Birds
• Birdlife Australia
• Wikipedia
• The Australian Museum

Modifications made By Diliff

I recently heard the whistling kite whilst I was enjoying  the beautiful autumn weather down on the property at Lees Lane. I didn’t see it but the sound was so distinctive that I recognised it immediately. It is a classic environment for this whistling kite as it has big old gumtrees, waterways and clear open paddocks. So, lots food and shelter.

DESCRIPTION

The Australian Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) is a medium-sized bird of prey with a pale head, brown body, and long wings. It has a slightly forked tail and a wingspan of about 120–145 cm. Its name comes from its distinctive, high-pitched whistling call. In flight, it glides gracefully with wings held in a shallow V-shape. 

HABITAT

Whistling Kites are found in a variety of open environments, especially near water. Their habitats include wetlands, rivers and lakes, farmlands, and open woodlands and grasslands. They avoid dense forests and deserts.

BREEDING

The breeding season is mainly from July to December, but it can vary by location. Nests are built high in trees from sticks and are often reused each year. Usually, 1–3 eggs are laid per clutch. Incubation lasts about 35 days. Chicks fledge (leave the nest) at around 6–8 weeks old, with both parents caring for them.

BEHAVIOUR

 Whistling Kites are known for soaring in circles on warm air currents. They make a whistling call while flying or perched. They feed on carrion (dead animals), fish, small mammals, reptiles, and insects. They are often seen near roads and waterways, looking for food, and may also be seen around bushfires, searching for prey flushed out by the flames.

CONSERVATION STATUS

The Whistling Kite is classified as Least Concern (LC). It is common and widespread across mainland Australia. Although habitat loss, poisoning from pest control, and pollution are potential threats, the overall population remains stable.

INTERESTING FACTS

Whistling Kites are also found in New Guinea and New Caledonia. In some Aboriginal cultures, they are called ‘firehawks’ because they have been observed spreading fire by carrying burning sticks to flush out prey. These birds are excellent scavengers and help clean up the environment by feeding on dead animals.

REFERENCES

Online resources include:

• Birds in Backyards
• E-Birds
• Wikipedia

Books : “The Complete Guide to Australian Birds'” by George Adams

Uploaded to Wikipedia by snowmanradio

The Golden Whistler is a vibrant, musical bird found across Australia’s wooded habitats, known for its striking plumage and melodious calls. It is a common species with stable populations and fascinating breeding behaviours. These beautiful songbirds inhabit the Mill park and Pioneer Mine areas at Mitta.

Keep your eyes peeled in these areas.

DESCRIPTION

The Golden Whistler is a medium-sized songbird, measuring 16–18 cm in length. Males are vividly coloured, with a bright yellow underside, olive-green back, black head and chest-band, and a white throat. Females are duller, typically grey-brown with pale underparts and a buff wash. Both sexes have red-brown eyes and dark bills and legs. They belong to the family Pachycephalidae, meaning “thick-head,” referencing its robust neck and head.

HABITAT

This species thrives in dense wooded environments, including rainforests, woodlands, mallee, mangroves, and scrublands. Occasionally, they visit parks and orchards but prefer areas with thick vegetation.

BEHAVIOUR

 Breeding occurs from September to January. Both sexes build a shallow bowl-shaped nest using twigs, grass, bark, and spider web, placed up to 6 m high in a tree fork. They raise one brood per season, with 2–3 eggs incubated for 15 days, and chicks fledging after 12 days. Both parents share incubation and care duties.

FOOD

Golden Whistlers feed on a mix of insects, spiders, small arthropods, and berries. They forage alone, typically in the lower to middle levels of trees, picking prey from leaves and bark. They may also join mixed-species feeding flocks.

DISTRIBUTION

Golden Whistlers are found throughout eastern, southern, and parts of western Australia, including Tasmania. They also occur in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands. Most populations are sedentary, though some in southeastern Australia migrate north during winter. The species has one of the highest numbers of subspecies among birds—up to 59, depending on classification.

CONSERVATION STATUS

Golden Whistlers are found throughout eastern, southern, and parts of western Australia, including Tasmania. They also occur in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands. Most populations are sedentary, though some in southeastern Australia migrate north during winter.

REFERENCES

Online resources include:

• Birds in Backyards
• Bird Life Australia
• E-Birds
• Wikipedia
• The Australian Museum

The Powerful Owl is a large species of owl native to eastern Australia. It is known for its striking appearance, with a wingspan that can reach up to 1.4 meters (4.6 feet). The sexes are similar in appearance with the female being slightly smaller. Adult owls typically weigh between 1.2 to 2.5 kilograms (2.6 to 5.5 pounds). They have a distinctive dark brown and white plumage, with large yellow eyes and a prominent facial disc. It also has a relatively small head and rounded tail. The Powerful Owl’s robust structure and powerful talons are adaptations for hunting. In this photo it has illustrated its ability to turn its head in a 180 degrees direction. The Powerful Owl has been sited by some around the Dartmouth area.

HABITAT

Powerful Owls inhabit a variety of forested environments, including moist eucalyptus forests, woodlands, and suburban areas with significant tree cover. They are primarily found in areas that provide ample nesting sites and plentiful food sources, such as larger trees for roosting and hunting.

BEHAVIOUR

These owls are nocturnal and are known for their silent flight, which helps them ambush prey. Their diet primarily consists of medium-sized mammals, such as possums and gliders, but they will also eat birds and reptiles. Powerful Owls are solitary or live in pairs, and they are known for their distinctive call, which can echo through the forest at night.

BREEDING

Breeding season for the Powerful Owl typically occurs from July to October. They use tree hollows for nesting, often returning to the same site each year. The female lays 1 to 3 eggs, which are incubated primarily by her for about 35 days. The young owls fledge after about 10 to 12 weeks but may remain dependent on their parents for several months.

CONSERVATION

The Powerful Owl is classified as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat loss from logging, land clearing, and urban development. Conservation efforts focus on habitat preservation, as well as creating wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats. Community education and involvement are also crucial for their protection.

INTERESTING FACTS

In summary, the Powerful Owl is a remarkable bird of prey, playing an essential role in its ecosystem. Understanding its habitat, behaviour, and conservation needs is vital for ensuring its survival in the wild.

REFERENCES

• The Complete Guide to Australian Birds-George Adams
• Bird Life Australia
• Field Guide to Australian Birds- Michael Morcombe
• Wikipedia

Photography by Joseph C Boone

DESCRIPTION

• Male: Striking glossy blue-black plumage with violet and turquoise iridescence, contrasting with bright blue eyes. 
• Female: Subdued olive-brown colour, providing camouflage for nesting.
• All Bower birds are olive-brown until the males reach maturity at age 7 and change to the glossy blue-black plumage.

LOCATION

Native to eastern Australia, including Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.

BEHAVIOUR

• Bower Building: Males construct elaborate bowers (avenues of sticks) on the ground, adorned with blue items (flowers, feathers, berries) to attract females.
• Courtship Displays: Males perform intricate dances and vocalizations to court females.
• Intelligent Mimicry: Known for mimicking sounds from their environment, including other bird species and mechanical noises.

FEEDING

• Omnivorous diet includes fruits, insects, and nectar.
• They may raid crops or orchards, causing occasional conflicts with farmers.

BREEDING

HABITAT

• Prefers wet forests, rainforests, and areas with dense vegetation.
• Thrives in both natural and modified habitats.

CONSERVATION STATUS

• The Satin Bowerbird is not currently considered globally threatened.
• However, local populations may be impacted by habitat loss and human activities.

• Bower Decoration: Males are meticulous decorators of their bowers, often preferring blue items, and have been known to steal objects from neighbouring bowers.
• Longevity: Satin Bowerbirds can live up to 11 years in the wild.
• Learning and Memory: These birds demonstrate impressive learning abilities, both in terms of acquiring complex songs Top of Form

The Mitta Valley has had large populations of Bower Birds for many years.

Photography by JJ Harison

Medium-sized heron with cinnamon-brown plumage. Red eyes, black cap on the head, yellow legs.

HABITAT

Found in wetlands, mangroves, estuaries, and riverbanks.  Both coastal and inland habitats.

BEHAVIOUR

Nocturnal hunter.

Solitary or in small groups.

Patient and stealthy approach to hunting.

BREEDING

FEEDING BEHAVIOUR

Diet includes fish, crustaceans, insects, and amphibians.

They use their sharp bills to snatch prey, and their nocturnal habits gives them an advantage in capturing unsuspecting prey under cover of darkness.

Photography by Fir002 from Wikipedia

Found in Australia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and southwestern Pacific islands.

“Nankeen” refers to the pale-yellow colour of their plumage.

Not globally threatened, but susceptible to habitat loss.

Distinctive booming “wok” call during the breeding season.

There has been a recent sighting of the ‘Nankeen NightHeron’ near the ‘Witches Garden’ in the Mitta Valley.