February

Animal of the Day 59 - Feb 28

The Brown Quail (Synoicus ypsilophorus) is a small, ground-dwelling bird found in Australasia. They are native to mainland Australia, Tasmania, and Papua New Guinea and introduced to New Zealand and Fiji. These large-ish quail prefer grasslands, shrublands, agricultural areas, and wetlands.   

They have a plump, stocky build with variable brown plumage with dark markings, providing excellent camouflage. Males and females have subtle differences in their markings. Often found in small groups, they are primarily ground-dwelling, preferring to run or hide rather than fly. These very shy birds are often seen on grass verges where they feed on seeds, grasses, shoots, and small invertebrates.   

Animal of the Day 58 - Feb 27

The Pink-clawed Fiddler Crab is also known as the "polished fiddler crab" or "pink-clawed fiddler crab."  Its scientific name is Tubuca polita. They are found in northern Australia, including the Torres Strait Islands, where they live in mud or sandy mud, often near mangroves.     

A key characteristic is the male's large claw, which often exhibits a rose-pink hue. This significantly enlarged claw, which is used for displays and combat. Females have two smaller, equal-sized claws. They are known for their waving displays, particularly by males, which are used to attract mates and defend territories.

Animal of the Day 57 - Feb 26

The Green Oriole, also known as the Australasian Yellow Oriole (Oriolus flavocinctus), is a medium-sized songbird found in northern Australia and parts of New Guinea. Known as the sound of the tropics, this lovely bird has a striking plumage with a combination of lush greens and yellows. Adults typically have an olive-green back and a bright yellow-green underbelly, along with a long, red bill and red eyes.   

Green Oriole prefer tropical habitats, including monsoon forests, mangroves, and woodlands. They can also be found in gardens and parks. They are primarily found in northern Australia, including the Top End, the Kimberley region, and northern Queensland but they also inhabit some areas of southern New Guinea. 

Animal of the Day 56 - Feb 25

The platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is a truly remarkable and unique mammal native to Australia. It's a semi-aquatic, egg-laying mammal, classed as a monotreme. This unusual looking animals has a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail. Males possess venomous spurs on their hind legs and they use electroreception to locate prey underwater.   

Platypus are found in freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes in eastern Australia, including Tasmania. As carnivores, they feed on aquatic invertebrates like insect larvae, shrimp, and worms. Surprisingly, they live in burrows along the banks of waterways and are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).   

Animal of the Day 55 - Feb 24

The Brush Bronzewing (Phaps elegans) is a species of pigeon native to Australia. They are relatively small, stocky pigeons with plumage that is primarily dark olive-brown, with chestnut colouring on the nape and shoulders, and blue-grey underparts. They are named for the iridescent blue and green bars on their wing feathers.

Endemic to Australia, these attractive birds are found in the southern and southwestern regions, including Tasmania. They prefer dense coastal heathland, forests, woodlands, and mallee areas where they primarily feed on seeds, berries, and small insects, foraging on the ground.

Considered uncommon partly because they are so shy and cautious.

Animal of the Day 54 - Feb 23

The Australian Heath Monitor is a species of monitor lizard also known as Rosenberg's monitor. Its scientific name is Varanus rosenbergi. It is a large, fast-moving predator, reaching up to 1.5 meters in length. The body is dark grey and it has yellow or white spots and distinctive blackish cross-bands, especially on its tail.

They are found in southern Australia, including the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia, preferring habitats like sandy heathlands, open woodlands, and sclerophyll forests.

Animal of the Day 53 - Feb 22

The Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala) is a fascinating and often controversial Australian bird. They are primarily grey birds with a black head and a distinctive yellow patch behind the eye. The beak and feet are orange-yellow.

Native to eastern and southeastern Australia, they thrive in open woodlands and forests. However, they have also adapted very well to human-modified environments like parks and gardens. They are highly social birds and live in colonies where they exhibit aggressive territorial behaviour, often driving away other bird species.

Noisy Miners are very vocal, with a range of loud calls. They practice mobbing behaviour, where they will gang up on and harass potential predators. Their aggressive nature can also negatively impact biodiversity by reducing the presence of other native bird species. 

Animal of the Day 52 - Feb 21

The Sand Monitor (Varanus gouldii) exhibits a fascinating array of colours due to a combination of factors. Firstly, they are found across a wide range of habitats in Australia, from arid deserts to coastal regions and woodlands. Different populations have adapted to their local environments, resulting in variations in colour and pattern. For example, individuals in desert areas tend to be lighter and more sandy-coloured, while those in forested areas may be darker with more distinct markings.

Like many reptiles, Sand Monitors may change colour as they age. Juveniles often have brighter and more contrasting patterns, which may fade as they mature. Additionally, there can be subtle colour differences between males and females, though these are not always easily noticeable.

The diverse colouration of Sand Monitors serves an important purpose: camouflage. By blending in with their surroundings, they can effectively ambush prey and avoid detection by predators. The specific colours and patterns of a Sand Monitor are often well-suited to its preferred habitat. 

Animal of the Day 51 - Feb 20

The Little Pied Cormorant is a common waterbird found throughout Australia and New Zealand (although they are called Little Shags there). They are a relatively small cormorant, around 50-66 cm long and have distinctive black and white plumage. They are black on top and white underneath. The bill is a great way to identify them as it is short and stubby and bright yellow.

Little Pied Cormorants are found in both fresh and saltwater environments, including lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastlines. They are often seen alone but also in flocks at times, especially where food is plentiful.

Animal of the Day 50 - Feb 19

The Red-necked Pademelon (Thylogale thetis) is a small, forest-dwelling marsupial found in the eastern coastal regions of Australia.

They are characterized by their brownish-grey fur, creamy underbelly, and a distinct reddish coloration on their neck and shoulders, hence their name. They have a short, thick tail and are relatively small compared to other wallaby species.

Red-necked Pademelons are primarily nocturnal, spending their days resting in dense vegetation and emerging at dusk to feed on grasses, leaves, and shrubs. They are shy and elusive creatures, often found in rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests, particularly where these habitats meet grasslands. 

Animal of the Day 49 - Feb 18

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) are fascinating birds. They are always loud, very greedy and often aggressive. They provide endless entertainment and photographic opportunities. Their unique calls make their presence obvious. In fact, they have a specialized vocal organ called a syrinx that allows them to produce their complex, loud calls.

Kookaburras have adapted well to living alongside humans, especially in suburban areas. They've learned that humans often provide food sources, either intentionally or unintentionally. 

Animal of the Day 48 - Feb 17

Red Kangaroo are an interesting marsupial. Only the males are bright red and this is because of a combination of their natural pigments, sexual selection, and the potential benefits of camouflage in their habitat.

Like many other mammals, red kangaroos have pigments in their fur that give it colour. In their case, the dominant pigment is pheomelanin, which produces reddish and brownish hues. While the males are distinctly red, the females are more of a blue-gray colour.

While it might seem like a bright red color would make them stand out, in the arid and semi-arid regions where they live, the reddish-brown colour can actually help them blend in with the environment, especially when the light is right. 

Animal of the Day 47 - Feb 16

Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) have distinct and noticeable markings that contribute to their visual appeal and serve important purposes. Their coloration isn't random; it's a product of natural selection. The most significant driver of Zebra Finch colouration is sexual selection. Females tend to prefer males with more vibrant and elaborate ornamentation. These brighter colors and patterns signal good genes and overall health, indicating a male's ability to forage effectively and resist parasites. Think of the bright red beak, the chestnut flanks, and the black and white barring – these are all traits that females find attractive. Males, therefore, have evolved these displays to increase their chances of mating.

The specific patterns and colors of Zebra Finches also help them distinguish members of their own species from other finch species. This is crucial for ensuring that they mate with the correct individuals and avoid hybridization. The distinct facial markings, for example, are a key visual cue for species identification. 

Animal of the Day 46 - Feb 15

The Southwestern Carpet Python (Morelia spilota imbricata) is a subspecies of carpet python found in the southwestern region of Australia. They are the largest pythons found in the Perth region, with some individuals reaching up to 4 meters in length. However, most are typically around 2 meters long. They have a distinctive pattern resembling an oriental carpet, hence their name. This pattern helps them camouflage in their environment.

Their coloration can vary but generally includes a base colour of olive to black with markings in cream, gold, or brown. They are commonly found in the southwest of Western Australia and inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and even urban areas.

These interesting snakes are primarily nocturnal, meaning they are most active at night. They are semi-arboreal, spending time both on the ground and in trees. As constrictors, they kill their prey by suffocating them. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals (like rats and mice), birds, reptiles, and frogs. 

Animal of the Day 45 - Feb 14

The Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), also known as the Grey Plover in Europe and Australia, is a medium-sized shorebird with a distinctive migratory pattern. They breed in the high Arctic regions, including Northern Alaska, Arctic Canada and Northern Eurasia.

They are long-distance migrants, spending the winter in coastal areas across a wide range of locations. These include both the east and west coasts of the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and down to coastal southern South America. Numbers of them also reach as far afield as the West Indies, the coasts of Africa, southern Asia, and Australia.

They may look rather plain in non-breeding plumage (and are often mistaken for the Pacific Golden Plover) but they are stunning in breeding colours.

Animal of the Day 44 - Feb 13

The Western Ringtail Possum has a few unique characteristics that distinguish it from other possums. Firstly, compared to the more common Brushtail Possum, the Western Ringtail is smaller and has shorter, usually darker fur. It also has a distinctive tail. It is slender, prehensile and has a long white tip. This tail is as long as or longer than the rest of its body, and it's used for balance and carrying nest materials.

The Western Ringtail Possum is critically endangered. It faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. Fortunately, the communities around its habitat in places like Busselton go to great lengths to try to protect it. 

Animal of the Day 43 - Feb 12

The Baudin's Black-Cockatoo (Zanda baudinii) is an endangered endemic bird of south west Australia. They have a striking appearance with mostly greyish-black plumage, prominent white cheek patches, and a distinctive white band on their tail.

They are distinguished from their cousins, the Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo by their long and narrow upper bill.

These cockatoos prefer the moist, temperate forests of southwest Australia, particularly those with Marri and Karri trees. Their diet mainly consists of seeds from eucalyptus trees, banksias, and hakeas and they also have a taste for fruits from orchards. Baudin's Black-Cockatoos have a very low reproductive rate, typically raising only one chick every two years. This makes population recovery challenging. 

Animal of the Day 42 - Feb 11

The Striped Rocket Frog (Litoria nasuta) is a fascinating amphibian found in northern and eastern Australia, and even in parts of New Guinea. They have a slender body with a pointed snout, and their long legs make them excellent jumpers.

Their coloration is quite variable, but they typically have a base color of brown, reddish-brown, or yellow-brown, with darker brown stripes running along their back. This striping pattern is what gives them their name. They also have a distinctive dark stripe that runs from their snout, across their eye, and down to their groin.

These frogs prefer coastal areas, and you'll often find them in swamps, ponds, and flooded grasslands, particularly in forests and open woodlands. They are ground-dwelling frogs, meaning they spend most of their time on land rather than climbing trees.

Striped rocket frogs are known for their impressive jumping abilities. They can cover quite a distance in a single leap, which helps them escape predators and catch prey. They are most active at night, when they come out to hunt for insects and spiders. 

Animal of the Day 41 - Feb 10

The Australian Yellow White-eye (Zosterops luteus), is a small bird native to northern Australia. It's also sometimes called the Canary White-eye. They have a bright olive-green back, a yellow underside, and a distinctive ring of white feathers around their eyes. This white ring is what gives them the "white-eye" name.

You'll usually find them in mangrove forests and nearby areas and as social birds, they are often seen in pairs or small groups. These birds are nectar feeders, meaning they primarily eat nectar from flowers. They have a short, sharp beak and a special brush-tipped tongue that helps them collect nectar. Adults also eat insects, especially when feeding their young.

Animal of the Day 40 - Feb 9

The Swamplands Lashtail Dragon (Tropicagama temporalis) is a species of dragon lizard native to northern Australia, New Guinea, and some islands in southeastern Indonesia. They are also sometimes referred to as the Northern Water Dragon or the Ta Ta Lizard, due to their habit of waving their arms. This behaviour is used for communication and thermoregulation.

Swamplands Lashtails are slender lizards with long limbs and tails. They have a distinctive white stripe running from their snout to their hind legs, bordered by dark bands. They also possess a prominent crest of scales along their back. They are semi-arboreal and commonly found in a variety of habitats, including coastal dunes, tropical savannah woodlands, monsoon forests, paperbark swamps and billabongs.

Swamplands Lashtails are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other invertebrates. They are also known to eat small vertebrates, such as frogs and lizards. A common sight in many urban areas of northern Australia, they thrive in gardens and parks. This has made them an important food source for birds of prey, such as hawks and kites.

Animal of the Day 39 - Feb 8

The Azure Kingfisher (Alcedo azurea) is a small, brightly colored bird with a striking appearance. It's a small bird, about 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 in) long. The upperparts are a deep azure blue with a violet sheen. In contrast, the underparts are bright orange, sometimes described as chestnut or rufous.

The throat is pale orange-white. In addition, there is a distinctive orange stripe on each side of the neck and a small orange spot before each eye.

The legs and feet and orangey/red and the bill is long, thick, and black. Unusually, it has two forward-pointing toes on each foot (most kingfishers have three).

The Azure Kingfisher is a dazzling bird with a vibrant combination of blue and orange, making it a favourite among birdwatchers. 

Animal of the Day 38 - Feb 7

The Spotted Predatory Katydid (Chlorobalius leucoviridis) is a fascinating insect native to the arid regions of Australia. It is a green grasshopper-like large insect with distinctive white spots and lines across its body and wings. It has large spines on its front legs, which it uses to grasp and hold onto prey.

They typically live in shrubs and small trees and unlike most katydids that are herbivores, the Spotted Predatory Katydid is a carnivore and has a specialized diet consisting mainly of male cicadas. The Spotted Predatory Katydid is an "acoustic aggressive mimic". This means it imitates the sounds and movements of female cicadas to lure males within striking distance.

It can mimic a wide range of cicada species, even those it hasn't encountered before. 

Animal of the Day 37 - Feb 6

Rainbow Bee-eaters (Merops ornatus) are one of my favourite sights and sounds of rural Australia. They are found across most of the country, only really avoiding the driest and hottest parts. Usually seen in small groups, they sit on wires and posts, darting out to catch bugs on the wing. Their buzzy call is distinctive and as attractive as they are.

Plumage is a delightful mix of blues, greens, golds and black. They can range from appearing much greener or bluer at times.  The Rainbow Bee-eater is so pretty that it is one of the few birds that I always have to photograph no matter how many images I already have.

Animal of the Day 36 - Feb 5

The Western Netted Dragon (Ctenophorus reticulatus) is a species of lizard in the family Agamidae. It is found in South Australia, Western Australia and southern Northern Territory.

The Western Netted Dragon has a snout-to-vent length of 108 mm. It has a blunt snout, short limbs, and round head. The adult males are red with black reticula; the females are paler with elongated dark blotches, while the juveniles are olive-grey.

These attractive dragons are found in arid and semi-arid regions, rocky areas, woodland and shrubland. They are diurnal (day-active) lizards and spend the days basking on rocks and logs. It is a burrowing species and will retreat to its burrow at night or when threatened. 

Animal of the Day 35 - Feb 4

Australian Brushturkeys are unique in the bird world because they don't actually look after their chicks in the traditional sense. The male Brushturkey is responsible for building and maintaining a large mound of composting vegetation. This mound acts as an incubator for the eggs. He constantly monitors the temperature inside the mound, adding or removing material to keep it at the ideal level for incubation. These mounds can be used again and again, sometimes for decades.  

The temperature inside the mound influences the sex ratio of the chicks. Warmer temperatures tend to produce more females, while cooler temperatures result in more males.  

Once the eggs are laid and buried in the mound, the female's job is done. Neither parent provides any care for the chicks after they hatch.

The chicks are incredibly precocious. They hatch fully feathered and ready to fend for themselves. They can run, fly, and forage for food immediately.

Brushturkeys have evolved this unique strategy likely due to the warm climate and abundance of food in their habitat. The composting mound provides a stable incubation environment, and the chicks are well-developed enough to survive independently from day one.

Animal of the Day 34 - Feb 3

The Bumblebee Robber Fly (Laphria flava) is seriously odd looking winged insect. They are characterized by their robust build, bristly bodies, and a short, stout proboscis (a long, pointed mouthpart used for feeding). They are known for their aggressive hunting techniques and primarily feed on other insects.  They hunt other insects using ambush strategies. They patiently wait for their prey to come within striking distance and then launch a swift attack, capturing their target mid-flight. These aggressive flie use their sharp proboscis to inject their prey with saliva containing neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes, which quickly paralyzes and digests the insides of the victim. The fly then sucks up the liquefied material through its proboscis.  Lovely!

Animal of the Day 33 - Feb 2

The Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) is the smallest nocturnal bird in Australia, about the size of a small pigeon. Their feathers are a mix of grey, brown, and black, providing excellent camouflage against tree bark and leaf litter. This mottling varies geographically, with birds in humid areas being darker and those in arid regions being paler and more rufous.

They have a characteristic head pattern with three dark stripes across their crown. These stunning little birds possess large, forward-facing eyes, typical of nocturnal birds, which help them see in low-light conditions. Also aiding their detection of prey are the long, hair-like bristles around their beak, called rictal bristles.

Australian Owlet-nightjars are one of the most widespread and common birds of Australia, found across most woodland areas of Australia, except for dense rainforests.

Animal of the Day 32 - Feb 1

The thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is a small Australian lizard that is covered in spines. It is also known as the thorny lizard, thorny dragon, and moloch. The Thorny Devil is the only species in the genus Moloch.

Thorny Devils are found in the arid scrublands and deserts of central Australia. They are well-adapted to their harsh environment, with a number of unique features that help them to survive.

One of the most remarkable features of the Thorny Devil is its ability to collect water from the air and from its own body. The lizard's skin is covered in tiny grooves that channel water to its mouth. This allows them to survive in areas where there is little or no rainfall.