January

Animal of the Day 31 - Jan 31

The Australasian Figbird (Sphecotheres vieilloti) is a medium-sized passerine bird native to northern and eastern Australia, southern New Guinea. It is a common sight in its range, often found in rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests, and even urban parks and gardens with fig trees and other fruit-bearing plants.  

Found in coastal regions of northern and eastern Australia, from the Kimberley region in Western Australia to the New South Wales/Victoria border. They are gregarious birds, often seen in flocks of up to 20 individuals. These semi-colonial groups breed together with nest closely located nests.

Animal of the Day 30 - Jan 30

The White-lipped Green Tree Frog (Litoria infrafrenata) is a large tree frog native to Australia and New Guinea. It is the world's largest tree frog, reaching up to 14 cm in length. Usually bright green, it can also be brown or even pale brown depending on the temperature and background but it always has a distinctive white stripe along its lower lip, which gives it its name.

This attractive frog lives in rainforests, cultivated areas, and around houses in coastal areas. It is restricted to areas below 1200 metres in altitude along the coastal areas of Cape York Peninsula and the wet tropics of north-eastern Queensland, Australia.

It is also the most widely distributed tree frog in the New Guinea region, spanning from eastern Indonesia, through the New Guinea mainland, to the Bismarck and the Admiralty Islands in the north. 

Animal of the Day 29 - Jan 29

The Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) has a very shy nature and this is because of a combination of its physical adaptations, behaviour, and the need to avoid predators.

Firstly, it nests on the ground, making their eggs and young vulnerable to predators. Thus shy behaviour and preference for dense cover help them avoid detection.

Next, they live in dense reedbeds and swamps, where their brown, streaky plumage provides excellent camouflage. They blend in perfectly with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot.

Lastly, they are most active at dawn and dusk, when they are foraging for food and this further reduces the chances of being seen.

A population estimate for Australia puts this vulnerable bird at under 2,000 individuals. The loss of wetland habitat is the main cause for their decline. 

Animal of the Day 28 - Jan 28

The Mertens' Water Monitor (Varanus mertensi) is a medium-sized monitor lizard native to northern Australia. It is a semi-aquatic species, well-adapted to life near water bodies. These monitors have a dark brown to black back with numerous small, cream or yellow spots. Their bellies are typically light yellow or cream. They can grow up to 1 metre in total length.  

Mertens' Water Monitors have a wide distribution across northern Australia, inhabiting coastal and inland waters. Their range extends from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, through the Top End of the Northern Territory, and into the western side of the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. They are often found near rivers, creeks, billabongs, and other water sources. While not currently listed as threatened, the introduction of cane toads poses a significant threat to their populations.

Animal of the Day 27 - Jan 27

The Baillon's Crake is named after Louis Antoine François Baillon, a French naturalist who contributed significantly to the field of botany. Other common names for this bird include the Marsh Crake or the Tiny Crake. These names reflect the bird's small size and its preference for wetland habitats.

Baillon's Crakes are known for being extremely shy and secretive.

Their small size and cryptic coloration help them blend in with their wetland environments and they rarely venture far from dense vegetation, making them difficult to spot. Easily startled, they will quickly retreat to cover at the slightest disturbance. This secretive behaviour makes them one of the most challenging bird species to observe. 

Animal of the Day 26 - Jan 26

The Slater's Ring-tailed Dragon is a species of lizard native to Western Australia. It's a relatively small lizard, typically reaching a total length of about 15-20 cm. It's known for its distinctive coloration. Males are typically bright orange or red, while females are brown or grey. Both sexes have dark bands on their tails, hence the common name. Spiny scales run along the sides of the body and provide some protection.

These stunning lizards are most active during the day, basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature. They are commonly found in arid and semi-arid regions of Western Australia, preferring areas with sparse vegetation, rocky outcrops, and sandy soils. 

Animal of the Day 25 - Jan 25

The Arctic Tern is an elegant, attractive seabird that looks particularly stunning in breeding plumage and when in flight. They have one of the longest migrations of any animal, breeding in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. Their wintering grounds are in the Southern Ocean, including as far south as the Antarctic coast.

This migration cannot be understated. These incredible birds cross the equator twice each year as they move between Arctic and Antarctic regions, flying tens of thousands of kilometres. They are occasional visitors to the south east and south west corners of Australia.  

Animal of the Day 24 - Jan 24

The Western Tree Dtella (Gehyra variegata) is a species of gecko native to inland Australia. It is a small gecko, reaching a total length of about 12.5 cm, with a snout-to-vent length of 5 cm.

These attractive geckos are primarily nocturnal, feeding on insects.

As expert climbers, they forage mostly in trees or shrubs but are also able to climb glass and other smooth surfaces. This is because of their clawed fingers and toes with large pads at the tips.

They are most commonly found in arid to sub-humid areas, including woodlands, shrublands, and rocky environments, often sheltering under loose bark, rocks, and fallen timber, as well as in crevices and under exfoliating rock. 

Animal of the Day 23 - Jan 23

Apostlebirds are highly social birds, living in groups of 8 to 18 individuals. These groups, often referred to as "clans," consist of a breeding pair and their offspring from previous years. The clan works together to raise the young. Non-breeding members assist with nest building, feeding the chicks, and defending the territory.

Individuals within the clan maintain close relationships, grooming each other and engaging in social preening. There is a clear dominance hierarchy within the clan, with the breeding pair at the top. This helps to maintain order and reduce conflict within the group. Clans are fiercely territorial, defending their feeding and nesting areas from other groups.

Apostlebirds communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, including calls, songs, and alarm calls. All of this makes them thoroughly entertaining birds to watch.

Animal of the Day 22 - Jan 22

The Western Spiny-tailed Gecko is named for the spiny protrusions on their tails. They are native to southwestern Australia and are typically grey or brown with darker markings This allows them to blend well with their rocky environment. As they are nocturnal, they have large eyes that help them see well in low light conditions when they hunt for insects.

The spiny tail is their primary defence against predators. They can also shed their tails as a distraction, a process known as autotomy. I think it is the contrast of the startling eyes against the grey skin that makes them so interesting.

Animal of the Day 21 - Jan 21

The Fairy Penguin is also known as the Little Blue Penguin and the Little Penguin. Regardless of the name, we all know that this is the tiniest of penguins and it has plumage on its back of dark blue.

Its range is around the south eastern coast of Australia and the whole coast of New Zealand. Because of their size, they are particularly vulnerable to disturbance and predation by domestic cats and dogs.

These are very endearing animals, in their appearance and the chattering sounds they make to each other. But don't get too close, they absolutely reek of fish!

Animal of the Day 20 - Jan 20

The Yellow Sand Scorpion (Lychas buchari), as the name suggests are a bright yellow to yellowish-brown colour. They are relatively small scorpions, typically reaching an average length of 55 mm. The Yellow Sand Scorpion has a unique feature of having the greatest number of pectinal teeth (26) among all Lychas species. These are comb-like structures on the underside of the scorpion, used for sensing vibrations and navigating.

These small scorpion are primarily found in arid and sandy regions of Australia, particularly in central and northern areas, preferring dunes and deserts. They are most active at night when they hunt for prey and they create burrows in the sand to shelter during the day and for breeding.

While they possess venom, their sting is generally not considered life-threatening to humans. The pain from a sting is often described as a sharp burn, with residual pain lasting for several hours. 

Animal of the Day 19 - Jan 19

The Golden-backed Black-chinned Honeyeater is a subspecies of the Black-chinned Honeyeater that is distinguished by its striking golden-yellow back and rump. It also has a smaller black chin patch and a paler breast compared to the other subspecies. Cap that off with the neon green eye shadow and this bird is unmistakable.

These stunning birds are found in the northern parts of Australia, adding a touch of vibrant colour to the local ecosystems. It is one of the most beautiful honeyeaters I have ever seen.

Animal of the Day 18 - Jan 18

The Yellow-footed Antechinus, also known as the mardo, is a small, shrew-like marsupial native to Australia. It generally has a grayish head and shoulders, grading into a yellowish-brown or reddish-orange body and a distinctive white eye-ring and a black tip to their tail.

Antechinus are more active during the day than most related species. And they forage on the ground and in trees, moving about with jerky movements.

The most remarkable feature about this attractive animals is that they have a short and intense breeding season, typically in August. Males engage in frenzied mating activity, which leads to their death shortly afterward due to stress-related immune system collapse. 

Animal of the Day 17 - Jan 17

The Barred Cuckooshrike can be found along the coastline of eastern Australia and through Papua New Guinea and the Soloman Islands. They are a rainforest bird, hence their Australian range. They are easy to identify with slate grey plumage, a barred front and bright yellow eyes. Tending to be less obvious and loud than other family members, they are hard to find in the top of the canopy.

Barred Cuckooshrikes are often seen high up in fruiting trees, where they forage for food. They are social birds, typically seen in pairs or small groups, and sometimes join mixed-species foraging flocks with other cuckooshrikes. They are known for their distinctive vocalizations. 

Animal of the Day 16 - Jan 16

The Tammar Wallaby (Macropus eugenii) is found in southwestern Western Australia and southern South Australia. It is noccturnal and at one time could be commonly found across a range of environments like coastal and heath scrub, mallee and sclerophyll forests.

They are now restricted to appropriate habitats in the south west of Western Australia. One of the best places to find them is in the Dryandra Woodlands where they emerge at dusk and can be seen in open areas in full dark. 

Animal of the Day 15 - Jan 15

The Pacific Koel (Eudynamys orientalis) is quite incredible. The male is jet black with a red eye, while the female is an assortment of colours, patterns and shades. They are migratory, only appearing in Australia during the summer.

You certainly know when they have arrived as they have an incredible call, worthy of any spooky film. They are very creative in harassing host birds like the Australian Figbird as the male will distract them, giving the female opportunity to lay her eggs. This cuckoo can be found in wooded areas, high in the canopy and there is often quite a ruckus going on around them. 

Animal of the Day 14 - Jan 14

The Common Prickly Gecko (Heteronotia binoei), also known as Bynoe's Gecko, is a relatively common and widespread lizard species in Australia. They are small geckos, typically growing to about 6 cm in length and have a distinctive appearance with a dark brown to reddish-brown body covered in small, spiky scales.

These attractive geckos are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats across Australia, including arid regions, grasslands, woodlands, and even urban areas.

Animal of the Day 13 - Jan 13

The Sacred Kingfisher is a stunning bird with a wide distribution across the Indo-Pacific region. It is common across most of Australia, except for the arid interior but can also be found throughout New Zealand and on various islands in the Pacific, including New Caledonia, New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia.

Sacred Kingfishers are actually migratory. Populations in southern Australia migrate northwards at the end of the breeding season. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, mangroves, and along river valleys. You are most likely to hear their distinctive kek-kek-kek call before you see them.

Animal of the Day 12 - Jan 12

The Southern Angle-headed Dragon (Lophosaurus spinipes) is a unique lizard found in the rainforests of eastern Australia. As the name suggests, they have a distinctive angular shape to their head. They are also equipped with a row of spines running down their back, adding to their somewhat "dragon-like" appearance.

Their coloration varies, but they often exhibit shades of brown, grey, and green, helping them blend in with their rainforest environment. As relatively slow-moving lizards, they rely on this camouflage for protection. When threatened, they may flatten their bodies against the tree trunk to make themselves appear thinner.

They are typically found in subtropical rainforests, often clinging to tree trunks and branches and they are arboreal feeding on insects and other small invertebrates that they find in the trees. 

Animal of the Day 11 - Jan 11

The Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides) is rather rare and I was thrilled to see one in Outback Queensland. Field guides describe that it is often mistaken for a kite but it is so different that I think you know when you see it, at least in this pale morph. The Little Eagle is very squat with distinctive colouring. It may appear as a dark or light morph but the short body and broad wings help to make the identification.

The Little Eagle can be found across most of Australia, except for the really dry and hot areas across the centre. It is a solitary bird with a wide range. It is an arial hunter, looking for small mammals and opportunistic bird meals. It appears to soar effortlessly in small circles. 

Animal of the Day 10 - Jan 10

The Rakali (Hydromys chrysogaster), also known as the Australian Water Rat, is a fascinating semi-aquatic mammal native to Australia. They are the largest native rat in Australia, with a sleek, streamlined body, dark brown fur, a pale belly, and a long, scaly tail with a white tip. Rakali primarily inhabit freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and wetlands. They require clean water and plenty of vegetation. They are excellent swimmers and divers, spending much of their time in the water. Rakali are nocturnal and shy, making them difficult to spot. Hence, it was a real thrill to see this one out in the open with a fish lunch. 

Animal of the Day 9 - Jan 9

The Spinifex Pigeon (Geophaps plumifera) is probably my favourite of the doves and pigeons group. It is found across northern Australia in arid patches. They are ground feeding and so are often seen scurrying around. Where human presence overlaps with their territory, they are quite tolerant and not shy. There are several sub-species, all with varying amounts of brown on the breast. They all have the unique markings on the face and a long and pointed crest. 

Animal of the Day 8 - Jan 8

The Ornate Burrowing Frog is widespread across Australia, found in grasslands, semi-arid areas and ephemeral ponds. Most frogs burrow to maintain moisture when conditions are dry and this species is no exception. They spend a significant portion of their lives underground, emerging primarily during and after rainfall.

Enthusiasts refer to this species as Licorice Allsorts because their colours are so varied. They have a robust, somewhat pudgy body shape, well-suited for their burrowing lifestyle.

Primarily active at night, they feed on a variety of small invertebrates, including insects, worms, and other small frogs. 

Animal of the Day 7 - Jan 7

The Golden-shouldered Parrot is a stunning bird. They are rare and endangered, only  found in southern Cape York Peninsula. Their range is very restricted, making them difficult to see in the wild. They inhabit tropical savannah woodlands and open grasslands. 

These unusual birds exhibit a unique and fascinating nesting behaviour. Unlike most parrots that nest in tree hollows, this species excavates its nests in terrestrial termite mounds.  They dig burrows into the sides of the termite mounds, creating a nesting chamber within. 

One of the best places to see the Golden-shouldered Parrot is at Artemis Station where efforts to save them are most evident.

Animal of the Day 6 - Jan 6

The Stimson's Python, also known as the Children's Python, is a fascinating species of non-venomous snake native to Australia. They are relatively small pythons, typically reaching lengths of about (1-1.2 meters). As they exhibit a wide range of colors and patterns making them quite variable, it can be difficult to identify them. Common colors include shades of brown, beige, and yellow, often with darker blotches or stripes. Their head is slightly wider than their neck, and they possess heat-sensing pits between their eyes and nostrils to help them locate prey. The Stimson's Python has one of the largest ranges of any Australian python - they are widespread throughout much of inland Australia. 

Animal of the Day 5 - Jan 5

There are 11 species of albatross reported on eBird in Australian waters. This number, however, has been debated for over a hundred years and largely depends on where you live and which taxonomy you refer to. But it is agreed, that most species call the southern oceans their home and are regularly seen around the country depending on where either pelagic trips depart or other vessels report them. Pelagic opportunities are available in cities all around the country.

My favourite species has to be the Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, which is an uncommon sight in Australian waters. 

Animal of the Day 4 - Jan 4

The Bare-nosed Wombat is a fascinating creature found in southeastern Australia and Tasmania. They are known for their exceptional digging abilities, creating intricate burrow systems that can extend up to 20 meters long. They are strange creatures that make cube-shaped poop, often carefully depositing them on top of  a rock.

Animal of the Day 3 - Jan 3

The Peaceful Dove is my favourite Australian bird. Sure it is not the most exotic or glamorous, but its quiet nature and equally gentle call, makes it the most lovely bird. It is widespread across northern and eastern Australia and when I hear it after being absent in central and western Australia, I am instantly reminded about how birds are good for the soul.

Animal of the Day 2 - Jan 2

Australia is famous for its crocodiles. The Estuarine Crocodile is a deadly animal and will take humans who get too close. At Cahills Crossing in the Northern Territory, you can see them close up and looking very dangerous. Between July and October a dozen or so at a time sit upstream of the crossing waiting for the tide to wash Barramundi and Mullet over the causeway and straight into their mouths. Seeing them here is quite terrifying.

Animal of the Day 1 - Jan 1

Today's animal is the Australian Ringneck Parrot. There are actually 4, very distinct sub-species of this parrot. There is a lot of debate about how these such disimilar birds can be lumped together but we just enjoy looking at them. Ringnecks as a group are often met with some disdain, considered almost a feral, nuisance species. You decide!

The Port Lincoln Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius zonarius) is the most familiar and common of the species with a dark head on a green body with flashes of yellow. It is widespread across much of South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia.  

The 28 sub-species (Barnardius zonarius semitorquatus)  has darker green extending further down the chest. However, the easiest way to tell it from the nominate Port Lincoln race is that is has a red band above its bill (although, as you can see from the photos below - it is not always visible). Its area overlaps somewhat with the PL in the south west corner of Western Australia.

The Mallee Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius barnardi) is where it starts to get interesting. It is much paler with a blue stripe through the eye and a definite red band above the bill. There is no yellow on the breast other than some spots across the breast along with red ones. These birds look very distinct from the Port Lincoln species. This Ringneck is found across open country in central Victoria, NSW and into southern Queensland.

Last up is the Cloncurry Ringneck (Barnardius zonarius macgillivrayi). These Ringneck are even paler, a pastel version of the PL race, being all pale yellow, green and blue. They are only found, surprisingly enough in the Cloncurry area, although they do have quite a large range.