April

Animal of the Day 120 Apr 30

The Burton's Legless Lizard (Lialis burtonis) is a fascinating and widespread species of lizard belonging to the family Pygopodidae, also known as snake-lizards. Despite their snake-like appearance, they are indeed lizards, distinguished by features such as external ear openings (which snakes lack), fleshy tongues (unlike the forked tongues of snakes), and the presence of tiny, flap-like hind limbs (though these are often difficult to see).   

They can grow to a significant length, typically ranging from 40 to 80 cm in total length, with some individuals reaching up to 90 cm. With considerable variation in colour and pattern across their extensive range, they can be shades of grey, brown, reddish-brown, or even yellowish, often with stripes, blotches, or spots. This variation is likely an adaptation to different environments and camouflage needs.  

Burton's Legless Lizard boasts one of the widest distributions of any Australian reptile, occurring across almost the entire continent. 

Animal of the Day 119 Apr 29

The Lovely Fairywren (Malurus amabilis) is a small, vibrant bird belonging to the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. It is endemic to northeastern Australia. Breeding males are quite striking with a pale blue cap, black lores, throat, and breast, contrasting with a white belly and reddish-brown wings. They have a long, dark blue tail often held cocked upwards.   

Females and non-breeding males look similar, with a blue back, crown, and cheeks, a white belly that extends up to the chin, and brownish wings. They have distinctive white eye-rings and white in front of their eyes, giving them a spectacled appearance. Their tail is also long and has a white fringe.

Lovely Fairywrens are found in coastal far northern Queensland. Specifically, their range extends from the tip of Cape York Peninsula south to around Townsville on the east coast and near Kowanyama on the Gulf of Carpentaria. They typically inhabit the edges of rainforests, mangroves, and other areas with dense vegetation. They are considered the most arboreal of all fairywrens and can be found up to 20 meters high in trees, especially in rainforest areas. However, they generally stick to the shrubby edges rather than venturing deep into the rainforest.  

Animal of the Day 118 Apr 28

The Dugong (Dugong dugon) is a large, herbivorous marine mammal, often referred to as a sea cow, that spends its entire life in the ocean. It is the only living species of the family Dugongidae. Adult dugongs can reach up to 3 metres in length and weigh as much as 400 kilograms. They have a stout, torpedo-shaped body with thick, smooth skin that is typically grey-brown in colour. A key feature is their broad, flattened muzzle, which is angled downwards and covered with sensitive bristles used for finding and feeding on seagrass. They have paddle-like front flippers and a distinctive fluke-like tail, similar to that of a dolphin, which they use for propulsion. Unlike dolphins, dugongs lack a dorsal fin. Notably, males have tusks that erupt as forward-pointing incisors, and these may also be visible in older females.

Dugongs are exclusively marine mammals that inhabit warm, shallow coastal waters where seagrass beds are abundant. They are herbivores, feeding almost entirely on seagrass, and an adult can consume up to 30 kg of seagrass per day. Australia is home to the largest remaining populations of dugongs in the world. They are found in the shallow coastal waters of northern Australia.

Animal of the Day 117 Apr 27

The Australian Boobook (Ninox boobook) is the smallest and one of the most common owls found across the Australian mainland. It was previously known as the Southern Boobook. Their plumage is typically dark brown on the upperparts with prominent pale spots, and the underparts are paler with brown streaks. However, there is considerable colour variation across their range.

Australian Boobooks are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide variety of habitats across Australia but they are generally absent from dense rainforests. They require tree hollows or similar sheltered spots for roosting during the day and nesting.

To find this attractive bird, listen for their distinctive "boo-book" or "mopoke" call at night. This two-note hoot is a common sound in many areas or look for them roosting during the day in dense foliage of trees. They often choose spots that offer good camouflage.

Animal of the Day 116 Apr 26

The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is a large, herbivorous sea turtle easily recognized by its smooth, heart-shaped carapace (upper shell), which is typically olive to dark brown or black with lighter mottling. Despite its name, the turtle is named for the greenish colour of its fat, not its shell. A key characteristic is the presence of a single pair of prefrontal scales between its eyes, distinguishing it from other sea turtles. Adults can grow to over a metre in carapace length and weigh an average of 150 kg. Their jaws have serrated edges adapted for their herbivorous diet of seagrasses and algae.   

Green Sea Turtles have a wide distribution throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of Australia. They are commonly seen swimming over coral gardens and foraging in seagrass beds within reef systems like the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef. Seagrass beds are primary feeding grounds for adult turtles.  

During the nesting season (which varies by region but is generally in the warmer months), female turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs on sandy beaches. 

Animal of the Day 115 Apr 25

The Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) is a small, long-tailed dove known for its gentle and persistent cooing call, which sounds somewhat like soft laughter, hence its name. They have a distinctive appearance. The head and underparts are a pinkish-buff colour, paling to grey on the crown and nape. A key identifying feature is the prominent necklace of small, black-spotted reddish-brown feathers around the lower neck and upper breast. The back and wings are a dull brown with greyish-blue patches on the wings. The tail is relatively long and dark, with white edges that are noticeable in flight. 

Laughing Doves are adaptable and thrive in a variety of habitats, particularly those associated with human settlements. They tend to avoid dense forests and undisturbed natural environments. Whilst this successful dove has a wide natural distribution across Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, it is an introduced species in Australia. Since its arrival, it has successfully established and spread across a significant portion of Western Australia, particularly in the southwest and extending into more arid inland areas of the state. 

Animal of the Day 114 Apr 24

The Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) is a distinct species of bottlenose dolphin, often found in warmer, shallower coastal waters compared to the Common Bottlenose Dolphin. They typically grow up to 2.6 metres in length and can weigh up to 230 kg when mature. Calves are around 1 metre long at birth, weighing between 9 and 21 kg.   

They have a robust body with a curved dorsal fin. Their back is usually dark grey, fading to a lighter grey or almost white on their belly. A key distinguishing feature from the common bottlenose dolphin is the presence of dark grey or black speckles and spots on the underside of adults, which increase with age. They also tend to have a more slender body and a longer, more slender rostrum (beak) compared to the common bottlenose dolphin.   

Animal of the Day 113 Apr 23

The Masked Woodswallow (Artamus personatus) is a distinctive and nomadic species with a striking black mask that extends from the forehead, through the eyes, and down to the upper chest. This mask contrasts sharply with the pale grey to off-white forehead and throat. Their bill is a pale bluish-grey with a black tip, and it is relatively stout, typical of woodswallows which use it for catching insects in flight.

Masked Woodswallows are adapted to open and semi-open habitats, particularly arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. They are commonly found in open woodlands, shrublands, grasslands, and cultivated areas, often where there are scattered trees or shrubs for perching. 

These attractive birds show a preference for drier inland areas but can also be found in more temperate regions, especially during migrations.

Highly nomadic birds, they follow food sources such as insect swarms. This behaviour leads to fluctuations in their local abundance and distribution. They can appear in large numbers in an area where conditions are favourable and then move on as resources become scarce.  

Animal of the Day 112 Apr 22

The Orca (Orcinus orca), also known as the killer whale, is the largest member of the oceanic dolphin family and a highly recognizable marine mammal. They are powerful animals, with males typically ranging from 5.6 to 9 metres in length and weighing up to 6.6 tonnes. Females are generally smaller, reaching lengths of 4.5 to 7.7 metres and weighing between 1.3 and 3.6 tonnes. Calves are born at approximately 2.6 metres long.

They have a distinctive and striking black and white colours. Their backs and pectoral fins are mostly black, except for a greyish saddle patch behind the dorsal fin and a white oval eyespot above and behind each eye. The underside, lower jaw, and parts of the flanks and tail flukes are bright white. This contrast is a form of camouflage called disruptive coloration.  

Orcas have a cosmopolitan distribution and can be found in all of the world's oceans, from the Arctic to the Antarctic and in tropical seas. In Australia, they are observed in various locations, with some areas being more prominent for sightings.

Animal of the Day 111 Apr 21

The Inland Thornbill (Acanthiza apicalis) is a small, insectivorous bird endemic to Australia. The upperparts are generally grey-brown, contrasting with a distinctive reddish-brown rump. Underparts are off-white with noticeable dark streaks on the throat and breast. A key identifying feature is the white flecking or scalloping on its forehead and the eye is a striking dark red. The tail is often held cocked upwards and has a dark band near the tip with a thin white terminal band.   

Inland Thornbills are found in a variety of inland habitats, primarily dry eucalypt and Callitris woodlands, as well as mallee and acacia scrublands. Interestingly, in the southwestern parts of Western Australia, they can also inhabit wetter environments such as sandplain heaths and karri and jarrah forests.   

This species is widespread across inland Australia, generally west of the Great Dividing Range. Their range extends from north-western Victoria, western New South Wales, and Queensland, through central Northern Territory, and across most of Western Australia south of the Tropic of Capricorn. They are also found throughout most of South Australia, except for the south-eastern region.

Animal of the Day 110 Apr 20

The Australian Wolf Spider belongs to the family Lycosidae, a large group of ground-hunting spiders known for their speed and agility, much like wolves, hence their name. They vary in size from 1.2 cm to 5 cm in body length, with females generally larger than males. Typically hairy spiders, they have a mottled pattern of grey, brown, black, or white markings, often providing excellent camouflage. 

They possess eight eyes arranged in three rows, with four smaller eyes in the bottom row, two large eyes in the middle row, and two medium-sized eyes in the top row. This arrangement gives them excellent eyesight, crucial for hunting. Their eyes reflect green when a light is shone on them at night.   

Wolf spiders are found throughout Australia in a wide variety of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, forests, coastal heaths, alpine meadows, and inland scrublands.   

They are also commonly found in suburban backyards and gardens, where they may live in leaf litter or burrows in the ground. Some species construct burrows that can be up to 25 cm deep, sometimes with a trapdoor made of pebbles, twigs, or other materials.   

Unlike many spiders that rely on webs, wolf spiders are active hunters. They use their speed and agility to stalk, chase, and pounce on their prey. Their diet mainly consists of ground-dwelling invertebrates such as crickets, ants, flies, grasshoppers, and other spiders. Larger species may also prey on small vertebrates like frogs, toads, and lizards, including the Cane Toad.   

Animal of the Day 109 Apr 19

The White-winged Fairywren (Malurus leucopterus) is a small passerine belonging to the Australasian wren family, Maluridae. These fairywrens are found in the drier, inland regions of the continent, specifically in arid and semi-arid open country with low shrubland. Their distribution stretches from the coast of Western Australia, eastwards (but not in the north) through central and southern Queensland, central New South Wales, and into the northwest of Victoria.   

You can find White-winged Fairywrens in open, arid, and semi-arid habitats with sparse, low vegetation such as saltbush and tall grasses. They are often seen perched on top of these bushes. 

Animal of the Day 108 Apr 18

The Australian Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) is a relatively small crocodilian species endemic to the northern regions of Australia. Often called "freshies", they possess a slender snout, distinguishing them from their larger and more robust cousin, the Saltwater Crocodile. Their coloration typically ranges from a light brown to grey, often adorned with darker bands or blotches along their body and tail.  

These crocodiles are primarily found in freshwater environments across northern Australia, including:

Rivers and creeks: They inhabit the upstream, non-tidal sections.

Lakes and billabongs: These still water bodies are common habitats.  

Swamps and lagoons: Freshwater wetlands also provide suitable homes.  

Their distributions spans

Western Australia: Particularly in the Kimberley region.

Northern Territory: They are widespread throughout the freshwater systems.

Queensland: Their range extends across the northern parts of the state.  

While they are primarily freshwater dwellers, they can occasionally venture into brackish waters, especially in areas where Saltwater Crocodiles are absent. The presence of the larger and more dominant Saltwater Crocodiles often restricts freshies to more inland, freshwater habitats.   

Animal of the Day 107 Apr 17

The Spotted Scrubwren (Sericornis maculatus) is a small, insect-eating bird found in coastal southern Australia. It was only recently recognized as a distinct species in 2019, having previously been considered a subspecies of the White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis).   

It is a small bird, typically around 11-13 cm long. It has a distinctive appearance that helps to differentiate it from the White-browed Scrubwren:

Face: It has a dark face with a clear white eyebrow and a white chin stripe.   

Eyes: Its iris is pale, often described as white or cream.   

Upperparts: The upperparts are primarily olive-brown.   

Shoulder: It has a noticeable black-and-white patch on the shoulder.   

Underparts: The chin is white, and the breast and upper belly have fine black streaking. The rest of the underparts are paler.   

Sexual Dimorphism: Males tend to have more distinct spotting on the throat and breast compared to females, which are slightly duller in colour, particularly on the face.

The Spotted Scrubwren is found in a specific region of southern coastal Australia, ranging from just north of Adelaide in South Australia westward to Shark Bay in Western Australia.   

Animal of the Day 106 Apr 16

The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an arboreal marsupial native to Australia. They belong to the family Phascolarctidae, with their closest living relatives being wombats.

Koalas are herbivores with a specialized diet consisting primarily of eucalyptus leaves. They have a long caecum (part of the large intestine) containing symbiotic bacteria that help them break down the tough and relatively low-nutrient eucalyptus leaves. An adult koala can eat up to 1.3 kilograms of leaves per day.

They inhabit a range of open forests and woodlands, with their distribution largely determined by the presence of specific eucalyptus tree species they feed on. They are often found in higher densities in areas with more fertile soils and along watercourses. Koalas are mostly solitary animals with relatively well-defined home ranges. They are known for their sedentary lifestyle, often sleeping for up to 18-20 hours a day to conserve energy due to their low-nutrient diet. 

Animal of the Day 105 Apr 15

The Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus) is a medium-sized bird of prey found throughout Australia and surrounding islands. They have a brown head and upperparts, with a reddish-brown collar. Their underparts are barred with reddish-brown and white and the tail is long and rounded. Females are noticeably larger than males.

Brown Goshawk are skilled hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects,  often hunting by stealth, perching in trees and then pouncing on their prey. Because of this, they inhabit a variety of timbered habitats, including forests, woodlands, and even suburban areas.   

Widespread across Australia, they are also found in New Guinea, the Lesser Sunda Islands, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. While they are found across most of Australia, they are less common in very arid inland areas.   

Animal of the Day 104 Apr 14

The Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) is a small marsupial native to Western Australia. These seriously cute animals are actually a small species of wallaby, about the size of a domestic cat.   

They have thick, coarse, grey-brown fur, short, rounded ears, and a relatively short tail.   

Quokkas are herbivores, primarily eating grasses and the leaves, stems, and bark of various plants. They're known for their seemingly smiling expressions, which has earned them the nickname "happiest animal in the world."   

While they can be seen during the day, they are primarily nocturnal. Rottnest Island is the most well-known location for Quokkas. While their numbers have declined on the mainland, you can still find them in some isolated, scattered populations in the southwest region. These populations are typically found in areas with dense vegetation, such as swamps and coastal heath.

Animal of the Day 103 Apr 13

The Black Honeyeater (Sugomel niger) is a small, nomadic honeyeater native to Australia. Males are strikingly black and white, with a black head, neck, wings, and upperparts, and a white underbody with a black stripe down the chest. Females have a more subdued appearance, with a brown head and upper body, and a speckled grey-brown chest.   

They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, favoring open woodlands and shrublands and are often found in areas with Emu-bush (Eremophila species), Mulga, and mallee eucalypt woodlands.   

These tiny honeyeaters feed on nectar and insects, using their long, slender, down-curved bill to probe flowers. Interestingly, they have also been observed eating charcoal and ash from old campfires. Their movements are influenced by the availability of food sources, particularly the flowering of plants like Emu-bush and mistletoe.   

Black Honeyeaters are found across inland Australia from New South Wales through to Western Australia. As nomadic birds, their presence in any one location can vary greatly.

Animal of the Day 102 Apr 12

The Red-legged Ctenotus Skink is scientifically known as Ctenotus labillardieri. It is also commonly called the common south-west ctenotus, or Labillardier's ctenotus and is from the family Scincidae.   

This interesting lizard is easily identified by its reddish-brown legs, which are distinctively marked with black marbling. There is also a pale dorsolateral stripe that runs continuously along its body. The underside of the skink is typically yellow and they can reach a snout-to-vent length of up to 7.5 cm.   

This species is endemic to southwestern Western Australia, including some of the region's offshore islands, preferring natural habitats such as forests, shrublands, and freshwater wetlands. They can be found in altitudes ranging from sea level up to 1,095 metres.

Animal of the Day 101 - Apr 11

The Red-capped Parrot (Purpureicephalus spurius) is a striking and distinctive parrot native to southwestern Australia. The male is known for the vibrant crimson cap but he also sports lime-green cheeks and rump. This multi-coloured parrot has a breast of blue-purple and red underparts. Females are generally duller in colour compared to male with a greenish crown and cheeks and paler underparts.

Red-capped parrots are endemic to the southwestern region of Western Australia. They are most commonly found in eucalypt forests, woodlands, and scrubs, particularly those featuring marri and jarrah trees, although you may also spot them along roadsides and in orchards. 

Animal of the Day 100 - Apr 10

The Australian Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus) is a highly venomous snake found in southern Australia, including its coastal islands and Tasmania. They are known for their highly variable colour patterns, which can range from banded (like a tiger) to solid colors. These are relatively large, stout-bodied snakes and are known to produce a potent neurotoxic venom.   

Tiger Snakes are often found in areas near water, such as swamps, wetlands, and waterways. Although they are very shy and more likely to move away from humans than toward them, when threatened, they will flatten their bodies and hiss loudly. Tiger snake venom is very potent, and bites should be treated as medical emergencies.   

Animal of the Day 99 - Apr 9

The Australian White-browed Robin (Poecilodryas superciliosa) is endemic to northeastern Australia, specifically found in Queensland. Preferring habitats such as forests, woodlands, and scrub, it is often located near water sources.   

The most distinctive feature of this shy robin is the prominent white "eyebrow" stripe above its eyes. It has olive-brown upperparts and pale underparts, with white markings on its wings. It is known to have a habit of flicking its wings, and cocking its tail.

Animal of the Day 98 - Apr 8

The Ornate Crevice Dragon (Ctenophorus ornatus) is a type of lizard found in Western Australia. It belongs to the family Agamidae (dragon lizards) and is primarily found on granite outcrops in Western Australia. 

A distinctive feature is the flattened body, which is an adaptation for living in crevices. The skin has distinctive and colourful patterns and they are also known to display head bobbing behaviours. While they are very skittish, these features make them easy to identify. They prefer to live in rocky areas, particularly granite outcrops, where they can find shelter in crevices.

Animal of the Day 97 - Apr 7

The Banded Stilt (Cladorhynchus leucocephalus) is a unique and fascinating wading bird native to Australia. It belongs to the stilt and avocet family, Recurvirostridae, but is the sole member of its genus, Cladorhynchus.

Adults in breeding plumage are easily recognized by their striking red-brown band across their white breast. They also have black wings, a white body, and long, pinkish-red legs, while their bills are slender and black. Primarily inhabiting saline lakes and wetlands, both inland and coastal, they are nomadic, moving in response to rainfall and water availability. They can be found throughout much of southern Australia.   

These attractive waders are highly gregarious, often forming large flocks and their movements are unpredictable, driven by the fluctuating water levels in Australia's arid interior. They breed after heavy rains, when ephemeral salt lakes fill with water.    

Animal of the Day 96 - Apr 6

The Western Brush-tailed Wallaby (Notamacropus irma) is found in the southwestern coastal region of Western Australia. They have a distinctive pale to mid-grey coat with prominent white facial stripes. The black markings on its paws, means it is sometimes called the "Black-gloved Wallaby."   

Unusually, this marsupial is diurnal, with peak activity at dawn and dusk. It is mainly a grazer, feeding on grasses and so prefers open forests and woodlands, particularly those with grassy understories.

Animal of the Day 95 - Apr 5

The Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is often referred to locally as the Jabiru. They are very large wading birds, standing over a meter tall, with a striking black and white plumage.  A key identifying feature is their glossy black neck and head, coupled with long, bright red legs. 

You can tell the sexes apart by their eye colour: males have dark brown eyes, while females have yellow eyes.  They are primarily found in the wetlands, floodplains, and swamps of northern and eastern Australia, preferring areas with shallow water, where they can easily hunt for food. As carnivores, their diet consists of fish, frogs, eels, crustaceans, reptiles, and large insects and they use their long, powerful bills to spear or snatch their prey from the water.   

In the breeding season, they build large, platform-like nests high in tall trees, often near water.  Pairs tend to mate for life, and both parents participate in incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.    

Animal of the Day 94 - Apr 4

The South-Western Crevice-Skink (Egernia napoleonis) is a species of skink from in Australia. It is native to Western Australia and is found in a variety of habitats, including heathlands, woodlands, and rocky outcrops. They are known to inhabit crevices, hence their name.

They are relatively large skinks and as omnivores, they feed on insects, fruits, and other small animals. 

Animal of the Day 93 - Apr 3

The Fluttering Shearwater (Puffinus gavia) is a species of seabird. It belongs to the family Procellariidae, which includes shearwaters, petrels, and other seabirds. It is endemic to New Zealand, where it breeds and outside of the breeding season, it migrates to areas like Australia and the Solomon Islands, where they are commonly seen in eastern and southeastern Australian waters.

Its natural habitats are open seas and rocky shores. It has a distinctive "flutter-glide" flight pattern, which gives it its name. The plumage is dark-brown on the upperparts and white underneath. Often seen in flocks, their diet consists of schooling fish, small pelagic crustacea, and squid.

Animal of the Day 92 - Apr 2

The Mulga Snake is also commonly known as the King Brown Snake (Pseudechis australis). It belongs to the genus Pseudechis, which is part of the black snake family. Despite the name, they are not closely related to true brown snakes. They are found throughout most of Australia, excluding the southern and eastern coastal regions and prefer environments like woodlands, grasslands, and deserts.   

These are large, venomous snakes with varying colour, depending on their habitat. One of the most venomous snakes in Australia, they produce large amounts of venom. Any bite should be treated as a medical emergency. They are known to eat a variety of prey, including other snakes.

Animal of the Day 91 - Apr 1

The Painted Firetail, also known as the Painted Finch (Emblema pictum), is a beautiful and distinctive small finch native to Australia. It is recognized by its striking red markings, particularly on the face and rump of the male. Both males and females have black and white spotted underparts and a slender build.   

They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, preferring rocky areas with spinifex grass and are often found near water sources. The range of these stunning birds is across inland Australia, including parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, and South Australia.