March

Animal of the Day 90 - Mar 31

Australian Soldier Crabs are small, fascinating crustaceans that are known for their mass appearances on sandy beaches and mudflats. They are easily recognized by their small, round bodies and their tendency to gather in large numbers. Coloration is typically a light blue, sometimes with purplish or orange markings on their legs. They are famous for their behaviour of creating small, round pellets of sand as they feed.   

Typically, these crabs emerge in large "armies" during low tide to feed on organic matter in the sand. When disturbed, they quickly burrow into the sand in a corkscrew-like motion. They are one of the few crab species that can walk forward, in addition to sideways.   

They are found in intertidal zones, including sandy beaches, mudflats, and estuaries and their distribution spans across various parts of Australia, and also into areas of southeast Asia.

Animal of the Day 89 - Mar 30

The Australian Little Crow (Corvus bennetti) is a fascinating bird species found across much of Australia. It's the smallest crow species in Australia and has glossy black plumage with a bluish-green sheen. A distinguishing feature is its white iris and a blue ring around the pupil.   

It has white bases to the neck and head feathers, visible when ruffled. This helps distinguish it from other corvid species.  

It primarily inhabits dry, open woodlands, particularly in inland and western Australia and is often found in arid and semi-arid regions, sometimes in farmlands and around human settlements.   

Like other crows, it is an omnivorous bird, feeding on insects, seeds, grains, and carrion and forages mainly on the ground. 

Animal of the Day 88 - Mar 29

The South-western Spiny-tailed Gecko (Strophurus spinigerus) is also known as the Soft Spiny-tailed Gecko and found in southwestern Australia. It is characterized by the spiny tubercles on its back and tail. Inhabiting forests and shrublands, they are insectivorous, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates.  

These interesting geckos are known for their distinctive spiny tails, which serve as a defense. They have another mechanism where they can squirt a foul smelling fluid from their tail.

Animal of the Day 87 - Mar 28

The Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata) is a distinctive waterbird native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It's the sole living representative of the family Anseranatidae. It has a striking black and white plumage and a distinctive knob on its head, which is more prominent in males. Different from most other waterbirds, its feet are only partially webbed.

They are typically found in wetlands, floodplains, and grassy plains where their diet consists mainly of vegetation, such as grasses, seeds, and aquatic plants. Often gathered in large, noisy flocks, they are known for their honking calls.   

Animal of the Day 86 - Mar 27

The Western Blue-tongued Skink (Tiliqua occipitalis) is a fascinating reptile native to Australia. It's a relatively large skink, known for its distinctive blue tongue and has a banded pattern, typically with brown and pale bands across their body and tail. A notable feature is the black markings behind their eyes.    

These attractive reptiles are primarily found in Western Australia, but also in parts of South Australia, the Northern Territory, Victoria, and New South Wales. They prefer habitats like grasslands, dunes, shrublands, and sparse woodlands.

This blue-tongue is diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. When threatened, they display their blue tongue and may hiss to deter predators. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects, spiders, snails, plants, and carrion.

Animal of the Day 85 - Mar 26

The Grey-headed Honeyeater (Ptilotula keartlandi) is a charming Australian bird with some distinctive features. It's a medium-sized honeyeater with a noticeable grey crown and a dark grey cheek patch, bordered by a yellow plume. The underparts are typically olive-yellow with brown streaks and the bill is dark, sometimes with a yellowish base.   

It's endemic to Australia, found primarily in inland, arid, and semi-arid regions where they inhabit woodlands, scrublands, and rocky areas.   

While called a honeyeater, their diet consists largely of insects, which they glean from foliage and branches. They also consume nectar from flowering trees and shrubs.

These uncommon honeyeater are often seen in pairs or small groups and are known to be active and vocal birds. They can be quite pugnacious, and will defend feeding territories.   

Animal of the Day 84 - Mar 25

The Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) is a unique and fascinating marine mammal. They are the only seal species that is exclusively found in Australian waters. Their breeding range extends from the Houtman Abrolhos Islands in Western Australia to The Pages Islands in South Australia.   

These large sea creatures exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females look quite different. Males are larger, with a dark brown coat and a distinctive pale mane while females are smaller, with a silvery-gray to fawn coat.   

They prefer coastal habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky islands, and reefs and they are skilled divers and feed on a variety of marine life, including fish, squid, and octopus. 

Animal of the Day 83 - Mar 24

The Banded Lapwing (Vanellus tricolor) is a distinctive shorebird native to Australia. It's a medium-sized bird with a noticeable black band across its white chest. The head has a black cap, complemented by a white throat, and a white stripe above its eye. Its upperparts are grey-brown, and its underparts are white. Most notably is the small red wattle above its yellow bill.   

These ground dwelling birds are found throughout southern Australia, including Tasmania where they prefer open grasslands, agricultural lands, and other areas with short grass. They tend to avoid dense forests.

They are often seen in small groups or flocks foraging for insects by tapping their feet on the ground to disturb them. Known for their defensive behavior when nesting, they will often engage in distraction displays to protect their young. Nests are simple in scrapes on the ground, so the need for protection is great.   

Animal of the Day 82 - Mar 23

The "4 o'clock moth" refers to the moth species Dysphania numana. They are relatively large moths. Adults are notable for their striking coloration: dark blue wings with pale spots, and orange markings, particularly along the hindwing edges and banding on the body. 

These moths are found in tropical Australia, and also in areas of Melanesia, and south, east and southeast Asia. They inhabit areas where their host plant, often Carallia species (a type of freshwater mangrove), grows.   

They are often seen flying in the late afternoon, which is where their common name comes from. The caterpillar stage of this moth can be seen in variations of yellow and green, and have dark spot patterns.

Animal of the Day 81 - Mar 22

The Mulga Parrot (Psephotellus varius) is a vibrant and captivating bird species native to the arid and semi-arid regions of inland southern Australia. Males are strikingly colorful, with a mix of green, yellow, red, and blue plumage. Females are generally duller, with predominantly brownish-green coloration.   

They inhabit dry scrublands and lightly wooded grasslands, often dominated by mulga trees (hence their name) and their range extends across the interior of southern Australia.   

These colourful parrots typically feed on the ground, consuming seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects. They nest in tree hollows and are often seen near nests in pairs or small groups.   

Animal of the Day 80 - Mar 21

The Northern Dwarf Tree Frog (Litoria bicolor) is a small species of tree frog found in northern Australia and parts of Indonesia. They are small and slender, typically reaching up to 3 cm in length. Their dorsal (back) surface is usually green, often with a bronze stripe along the sides and they have a pale underside.

This tiny frog inhabits northern Australia, from the Kimberley region of Western Australia to Queensland, and also the Aru Islands of Indonesia. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation, such as marshes, swamps, and grasslands, and are also found near streams and floodplains.   

Like other species, they are often called "sedge frogs" due to their preference for sedge-filled habitats. They breed during the wet season, laying eggs on submerged vegetation in temporary pools. Males can be heard calling from elevated positions near breeding sites.   

They are part of the Litoria fallax complex, which means that they are very similar to other small green tree frogs in the region.

Animal of the Day 79 - Mar 20

The Pallid Cuckoo (Heteroscenes pallidus) is a fascinating bird species found throughout Australia. It's a medium-sized cuckoo with a slender, hawk-like appearance. Adults typically have pale gray plumage, with darker wings and back and they have a distinctive yellow ring around their eyes. Their undertail displays black and white barring.

They are widely distributed across Australia, inhabiting open forests, woodlands, and open country but they can also be found in urban parks and gardens.   

Like many cuckoos, the Pallid Cuckoo is a brood parasite. This means it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species, leaving the host birds to raise their young. Its distinctive, loud, ascending whistle is a common sound in Australian woodlands, and has earned it the nickname "Brainfever Bird" due to its repetitive nature.   

Pallid Cuckoos are known to use a wide variety of host species, including honeyeaters, woodswallows, and Willie Wagtails. The young cuckoo will eject the host young or eggs from the nest.

Animal of the Day 78 - Mar 19

The Shingleback Skink (Tiliqua rugosa) is a distinctive Australian lizard, with a robust, heavily armoured body with rough, overlapping scales, giving them a "shingle" or "pinecone" appearance. Their most notable feature is their short, stumpy tail, which closely resembles their head, a clever defence mechanism to confuse predators. They also possess a bright blue tongue, which they use to startle potential threats.   

They are found throughout southern Australia, in arid and semi-arid regions where they inhabit grasslands, shrublands, and sandy dunes. Shingleback Skinks are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods, including insects, spiders, snails, carrion, fruits, and flowers.   

They are slow-moving and relatively docile. Often form monogamous pairs, mating with the same partner for many years and they are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young.   

Interestingly, they are also known locally as the stumpy-tail skink, bobtail lizard, or sleepy lizard.

Animal of the Day 77 - Mar 18

The Purple-crowned Lorikeet (Parvipsitta porphyrocephala) is a small, vibrant lorikeet native to southern Australia. It has a bright orange or red patch on its forehead and cheeks and, of course, a distinctive purple crown on its head. The body is primarily green, and it has a blue patch on its throat and to finish off, iIt has a red under wing patch.   

It's found across southern Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales where it prefers eucalypt woodlands and forests. It primarily feeds on nectar and pollen from eucalypt flowers but will also consume fruits, seeds, and insects.   

Like other lorikeet, this is a very social bird, often seen in flocks. They are known for rapid, direct flight and their loud screeching calls.

Animal of the Day 76 - Mar 17

The Numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus) is a unique and fascinating Australian marsupial. Numbats have a highly specialized diet, feeding almost exclusively on termites. They have a long, sticky tongue that they use to lap up these insects.   

Unlike most marsupials, which are nocturnal, numbats are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They have a slender body with reddish-brown fur, often with a distinctive pattern of white stripes across their back and a long, bushy tail.   

Historically, numbats were widespread across southern Australia by today, their range is significantly reduced, with remaining populations primarily found in Western Australia where they prefer woodland habitats.   

They are a very unique marsupial, and are the only member of their family, Myrmecobiidae.

Animal of the Day 75 - Mar 16

The Bar-breasted Honeyeater (Ramsayornis fasciatus) is a distinct bird species found in northern Australia. It belongs to the family Meliphagidae, which encompasses honeyeaters.   

It's a small bird with a distinctive appearance, known for the dark barring across its pale breast, which gives it its name. It has a generally brownish and whitish coloration.

This attractive honeyeater is endemic to northern Australia where it prefers habitats near water, such as those with mangroves, paperbark trees, and other vegetation along streams and swamps.   

Animal of the Day 74 - Mar 15

The Olive Python (Liasis olivaceus) is a large, non-venomous python species native to Australia. They are named for their olive-green to brownish coloration, though they can also exhibit shades of chocolate. They have a sleek, smooth appearance due to their high scale count. These large snakes are one of Australia's biggest pythons, capable of reaching significant lengths.   

They are found across northern Australia, from Western Australia to Queensland and prefer habitats near water, such as rocky gorges, waterholes, and river courses. However, they also inhabit woodlands, forests, and savannas.   

They are carnivores, feeding on a variety of prey, including mammals (e.g., rock wallabies, rodents), birds, reptiles (e.g., lizards). Known to be powerful constrictors, they are also primarily nocturnal, strong swimmers. Even though they are non-venomous, they do possess sharp teeth.

Animal of the Day 73 - Mar 14

The Large-billed Gerygone (Gerygone magnirostris) is a small bird species found in northern Australia and New Guinea. It belongs to the family Acanthizidae, along with thornbill and scrubwren.   

It's a small bird with a relatively "large" bill compared to other gerygones. It has brownish upperparts and off-white underparts. It has a pale, broken eyering and, notably, a bright red eye (in adults). This helps with identifying these cryptic little birds.   

It primarily inhabits mangrove areas and thick vegetation along rivers.   

Animal of the Day 72 - Mar 13

The Short-beaked Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is a fascinating and unique mammal found throughout Australia and parts of New Guinea. It's one of only two surviving monotreme species (the other being the platypus), meaning it's a mammal that lays eggs.   

This endearing animal is covered in coarse hair and spines, giving it a distinctive appearance.   

It has a short, powerful snout and strong claws for digging. It primarily feeds on ants and termites, using its long, sticky tongue to capture them.   

Echidna are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and arid regions. When threatened, it curls into a ball, exposing its sharp spines for protection.   

Females lay a single egg, which they incubate in a pouch on their abdomen. The young echidna, called a "puggle," hatches and stays in the pouch until its spines begin to develop.

Animal of the Day 71 - Mar 12

The Red-backed Fairywren (Malurus melanocephalus) is a delightful small bird native to Australia, known for the striking plumage of the male during its breeding season. The male in breeding plumage is very distinctive, with a black head, upperparts, and tail, and a vibrant red back. Females and non-breeding males are typically brownish, making them less conspicuous.   

They prefer habitats with tall grasses and low shrubs, such as grasslands, savannahs, and areas near rivers and coastal regions. Their range is along the northern and eastern coastlines of Australia, from the Kimberley region in the northwest to the Hunter Region in New South Wales.   

These sweet little birds are primarily insectivorous, feeding on small insects and arthropods. They live in social groups, often consisting of a breeding pair and helper birds and are known for their vocal abilities.

Animal of the Day 70 - Mar 11

The Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus) is a large and very common kangaroo found across southern Australia. They inhabit a wide range of areas across southern Australia, from Western Australia to parts of New South Wales and Queensland.

They are large macropods, with males significantly larger than females and their fur ranges from pale grey to brown. Both sexes have a distinctive dark face.   

This big marsupial live in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, open forests, grasslands and heaths. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk when they can be found grazing, feeding mainly on grasses. They live in social groups called mobs. 

Animal of the Day 69 - Mar 10

In essence, the Sahul Sunbird (Cinnyris frenatus) is a small, vibrant bird found across a broad region of Australasia, known for its active nature and the striking plumage of the male. 

It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Olive-backed Sunbird, which is now known as the Garden Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis). Recent taxonomic revisions have elevated it to a separate species.    

It is found in a region spanning from Sulawesi eastward to New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, as well as occurring in northeastern Australia.   

It is a small, active bird and males have a distinctive iridescent blue throat patch. Both males and females have an olive back and a yellow belly. They inhabit a variety of environments, including mangroves, forest edges, open scrubland, and even parks and gardens.   

Animal of the Day 68 - Mar 9

The Short-nosed Sea Snake (Aipysurus apraefrontalis) is a fascinating, yet critically endangered, marine reptile found in the waters off Western Australia. It primarily inhabits coral reefs and surrounding areas off the coast of northwestern Australia, including areas between Exmouth and Broome, and around offshore reefs like Ashmore Reef. There are thought to be distinct populations, one being around Ashmore reef, and another being along the coastal regions of western Australia. 

It's a relatively small sea snake, growing to about 1 meter in length. It has a distinctive small head and pointed snout. The coloration is typically light brown with darker, sometimes purplish, crossbands.   

It's a fully aquatic reptile, but like all sea snakes, it must surface to breathe. It forages for small fish and eels in and around coral reefs and they are venomous.

Animal of the Day 67 - Mar 8

The Little Grassbird (Poodytes gramineus) is a small, often heard but seldom seen, bird found in Australia and West Papua, Indonesia. It's an Old World warbler belonging to the family Locustellidae. 

It's a relatively inconspicuous, dull-colored bird, typically olive-brown or brown-grey. It has a pale eyebrow and dark grey streaks on its throat, crown, and cheeks and its underparts are also streaky.   

This shy little bird prefers dense wetland vegetation, such as reed beds, rushes, lignum swamps, and salt marshes. It can also be found in temporary wetlands after rainfall.   

Animal of the Day 66 - Mar 7

The Western Heath Dragon, scientifically known as Ctenophorus adelaidensis, is a species of agamid lizard found in Western Australia. It primarily inhabits sandplains with heath and banksia vegetation along the lower coast of Western Australia, specifically between Kalbarri and Perth.   

Adults typically display a grey coloration with dark blotches. Compared to other Ctenophorus species, they tend to be relatively slow-moving, often preferring to scuttle rather than sprint.

Animal of the Day 65 - Mar 6

The Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) is Australia's largest bird of prey, and one of the biggest eagles in the world. Females are larger than males, with a wingspan reaching up to 2.3 meters and weighing up to 5.3 kg. Plumage is dark brown to black plumage with a distinctive wedge-shaped tail.

Unmistakable in the air as they soar effortlessly on thermals, often reaching great heights. They have powerful talons used for grasping prey. They are found throughout mainland Australia, Tasmania, and southern New Guinea, preferring wooded areas and open forests, but they can adapt to various habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and alpine regions.

Their diet is primarily carrion (dead animals), but also hunts live prey, including rabbits, hares, kangaroos, and birds.   

Animal of the Day 64 - Mar 5

The Ornate Stone Gecko, scientifically known as Diplodactylus ornatus, is a species of gecko native to Australia. It is a small to medium-sized gecko, reaching about 10 cm in length. It has a distinctive pattern of dark brown or black blotches on a lighter background (usually grey or beige). Blotches may form a network or appear as irregular spots and the underbelly is usually pale. The tail is relatively short and thick

This gecko is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, heaths, grasslands and rocky areas across southeastern Australia, including parts of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

Animal of the Day 63 - Mar 4

The Norfolk Island parakeet, scientifically known as Cyanoramphus cookii, is a vibrant green parrot endemic to Norfolk Island, the small Australian territory in the Tasman Sea. It has predominantly bright green plumage with a red forehead and forecrown and light blue wingtips. 

They are social birds, often found in pairs, family groups, or flocks primarily found in the rainforests of Norfolk Island National Park. They will also venture into surrounding plantations and orchards. Seeds make up the majority of their diet, especially in winter but they also consume fruits, shoots, blossoms, bark, and leaves   

Fewer than 100 mature individuals remain in the wild.

Animal of the Day 62 - Mar 3

The term "Painted Crayfish" most commonly refers to the Tropical Rock Lobster, scientifically known as Panulirus versicolor. This species of spiny lobster is found in the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region, including the coral reefs of northern Australia. It's highly prized for its vibrant colors and delicious meat.   

They have a beautiful, elaborately colored shell with hues of jade, black, turquoise, and purple. This makes them stand out from other crayfish. The flesh is firm, sweet, and retains its shape well during cooking. It's often considered a delicacy, especially when served as sashimi. I prefer to see them live and kicking!   

Animal of the Day 61 - Mar 2

The Purple-gaped Honeyeater (Lichenostomus cratitius) is a species of bird in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae. It is endemic to semi-arid southern Australia, where it inhabits mallee, tall heath, and associated low eucalypt woodland.    

It is a medium-sized honeyeater that is grey-olive above, buffish yellow below. The head has a distinctive pattern with a black eyestripe against a grey background. The gape (corner of the mouth) is purple and there is a yellow streak on the throat.   

This uncommon honeyeater feeds mainly on nectar and insects, preferring nectar from flowering mallee eucalypts and banksias. It forages for insects under bark and catches flying insects on the wing.   

Animal of the Day 60 - Mar 1

The Perentie (Varanus giganteus) is a truly impressive reptile. It's Australia's largest monitor lizard, and one of the largest lizards in the world. They can grow to lengths exceeding 2.5 meters (over 8 feet).   

Perenties are found in arid regions of Australia, including deserts, rocky outcrops, and gorges.   

They prefer areas with plenty of shelter, such as burrows and rock crevices. Their bodies are long and powerful with strong limbs and claws. Their coloration is typically a yellowish-cream base with darker patterns and they have a very long, strong tail.   

Perenties are carnivores, feeding on a wide range of prey, including insects, reptiles (including other lizards and snakes), birds and their eggs, small mammals and carrion.