May

Animal of the Day 151 May 31

The Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) is a small, agile marsh tern known for its graceful flight and distinct appearance, especially during breeding season. In breeding plumage, the Whiskered Tern is quite striking. It has a prominent black crown that extends to the nape, contrasting sharply with its white cheeks and sides of the neck. The upperparts, upper wings, and tail are a medium grey, while the underparts are a darker grey to slate grey, becoming white on the undertail. Its eyes are dark brown, and both the bill and legs are a vibrant red.

In non-breeding plumage, the Whiskered Tern becomes much paler. The underparts turn white, the forehead becomes white, and the dark crown is streaked with white. The lores and ear coverts remain dark, while the bill and legs become blackish. Juvenile birds have a pale grey back, rump, and upper wings, heavily mottled with brownish-grey, particularly along the leading edge of the inner wing.

The Whiskered Tern has a wide global distribution, found across southern Europe, Asia, south-eastern Africa, Madagascar, and Australia. In Australia, the Whiskered Tern is scattered across most mainland regions, avoiding only the most arid central zones. It is particularly common in northern and north-eastern Australia, and in the south-east interior, especially within the Murray-Darling Basin.

Animal of the Day 150 May 30

The Black Flying-fox (Pteropus alecto), often referred to as the Black Fruit Bat, is one of Australia's largest bat species and a crucial component of its ecosystems. It is characterized by its predominantly short, jet-black fur covering its entire body. Some individuals may have a reddish-brown or yellow-brown collar around the back of their neck and shoulders, and occasionally, white-tipped hairs on their belly can give a frosted appearance. A key identification feature that distinguishes it from the similar Grey-headed Flying-fox is that the fur on its lower legs generally stops at the knees, leaving the lower leg unfurred. It has dark brown eyes, sometimes with faint reddish-brown eye rings.

Black Flying-foxes are nocturnal and during the day, they gather in large communal roosts called camps, often shared with other flying-fox species. They are highly social and can form camps containing thousands, or even hundreds of thousands, of individuals. They have excellent eyesight and a keen sense of smell, which they use to locate food. Their diet consists primarily of nectar and pollen from flowering native trees such as eucalypts, paperbarks, and turpentines, as well as the fruit of native rainforest trees and vines. When native food sources are scarce, especially during droughts, they may resort to feeding on cultivated fruits in orchards. They play a vital ecological role as pollinators and seed dispersers, crucial for the regeneration and health of Australia's forests.

Animal of the Day 149 May 29

The Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) is a large, robust seabird with a streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a relatively short, wedge-shaped tail. Adults are characterized by their dark chocolate-brown plumage on the head, neck, back, and upper wings, which sharply contrasts with a bright white belly and underwings. This distinct demarcation line across the lower breast is a key identification feature. The underside of the wings is also mostly white, except for broad brown edges. Males typically have blue or grayish-blue facial skin around the eyes and a blue-grey bill with a yellowish base, which can become more intense during breeding. Females generally have bright yellow facial skin and a yellow bill that may shade to grey. 

Brown Boobies are strong flyers and agile hunters. They feed by plunge-diving headfirst into the water from heights of 1 to 15 meters, often remaining submerged for a significant period to pursue their prey, which consists primarily of small fish (like flying fish and mullet) and squid. They can also snatch prey directly from the surface or even pursue flying fish in the air.

Animal of the Day 148 May 28

The Horn-eyed Ghost Crab (Ocypode ceratophthalmus) is a well-adapted inhabitant of sandy tropical beaches. Its name ghost crab comes from its generally pale colouration, which provides excellent camouflage against the sand, and its incredibly fast movements, allowing it to disappear into its burrows or the surf. This medium to large-sized ghost crab typically has a carapace width of around 6-8 cm and is often described as being bluish-grey with distinctive brown markings, though its colour can vary to blend with its surroundings, sometimes even appearing green, blue, or reddish-purple.

The most distinctive feature, and the one that gives it its common name, is the presence of long, skinny, horn-like eyestalks that extend beyond the eyes into pointed tips. These "horns" are longer in adults and may be shorter or even absent in juveniles. Its body shell is box-shaped, and its pincers (chelae) are long and pale-coloured. While both males and females have claws, one claw is typically larger than the other.

Horn-eyed Ghost Crabs are semi-terrestrial, meaning they spend time both on land and in the water. They breathe air through moistened gills and must periodically return to the sea or moist sand to re-wet them. They are incredibly swift runners, among the fastest crustaceans on sandy beaches, capable of reaching speeds of up to 7.2 km/hr. This speed, combined with their camouflage, makes them incredibly elusive

Animal of the Day 147 May 27

The Australian Shelduck (Tadorna tadornoides) is a striking waterfowl species native to Australia. It's a large duck with distinctive plumage and a characteristic honking call. They exhibit sexual dimorphism in their plumage. Males have a black head and neck, a chestnut breast band, a grey back and wings with a prominent white patch on the inner wing (conspicuous in flight), and a black tail. The flanks are grey, and the belly is black. During the breeding season, the male develops a knob on his forehead above the base of the bill.

Females have a white patch around the eye and a chestnut breast band, similar to the male but often less sharply defined. The rest of her plumage is generally similar to the male's, with a black head and neck, grey back and wings with the white patch, and a black tail.

Australian Shelducks are adaptable and can be found in a variety of open habitats with access to water. They have a wide distribution across southern Australia but are generally absent from the drier inland regions and the far north of the continent. Their populations can be somewhat nomadic, particularly during dry periods when they may move in search of suitable water bodies and feeding grounds.

Animal of the Day 146 May 26

The Northern Death Adder (Acanthophis praelongus)  is a highly venomous snake with a distinctive appearance. Like all death adders, it has a short, thick body and a broad, triangular head that is distinctly set off from a narrow neck, giving it a somewhat viper-like appearance (though they are actually elapids, related to cobras).

Its colouration typically ranges from brown to grey, often with irregular darker cross-bands along its body. The tail tip is usually white or cream, and this is a crucial feature for its hunting strategy (see below). The dorsal scales are typically strongly keeled in 21 rows at midbody, which can help differentiate it from other death adder species. It's a relatively robust snake, with adults typically ranging from 40 to 70 cm in length.

A key behavioural characteristic is its ambush predatory style. Unlike many other Australian venomous snakes that actively forage, the Northern Death Adder lies camouflaged among leaf litter, sand, or gravel, often for extended periods. It then uses its specially modified, grub-like tail tip as a lure, twitching it to attract unsuspecting prey (frogs, lizards, small mammals, and birds) within striking distance. When prey approaches, it strikes with remarkable speed.

Animal of the Day 145 May 25

The Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata) is a petite and elegant bird, one of Australia's smallest dove species. It's known for its delicate appearance and distinctive markings. It is a very small, slender dove, typically ranging from 19 to 24 cm in length and weighing around 33-35 grams. Its most striking feature is the bright orange-red eye-ring that encircles its dark brown eyes. The head, neck, and breast are generally a pale blue-grey, fading to a darker grey-brown on the upper body and upper tail. Its wings and back are smoky brown, adorned with distinctive fine white spots, which are what give the bird its "diamond" name. In flight, a large chestnut panel is visible on the primary feathers. The underparts are creamy white, and the legs and feet are pink. Females tend to be slightly browner in overall plumage, and their eye-rings may be slightly less prominent than those of males. Their call is a soft, mournful cooing.

The Diamond Dove is endemic to Australia and is widely distributed across the arid and semi-arid regions of central, western, and northern Australia.

Animal of the Day 144 May 24

The Northern Golden Orb Weaver is a captivating spider known for its immense, shimmering golden webs. Its scientific name is Nephila pilipes. Female Northern Golden Orb Weavers are quite large, with a body length typically ranging from 25 to 50 mm, though some exceptional individuals can reach up to 7 cm. Their legs are remarkably long and slender, and the overall leg span can be very impressive, sometimes exceeding 15-20 cm. The cephalothorax (the fused head and thorax) is often covered in short, silvery-grey hair. The abdomen is typically a dark yellow-brown with yellow stripes, though it can also be mostly black or brown, covered with dense hairs. A distinct feature of Nephila pilipes compared to other Nephila species is that it often displays bright yellow patches on the undersides of many leg joints and a yellow sternum (chest plate). The upper half of the eye row bulges towards the rear. Males are, in stark contrast, tiny, usually only 5-6 mm in body length, and generally light brown.

The "golden" in their name refers to the distinctive, often striking, yellow to golden hue of their silk. These large, non-sticky orb webs can measure over one meter in diameter, with support lines extending several meters. The webs are incredibly strong, even capable of occasionally trapping small birds or bats, though their primary prey consists of flying insects like flies, beetles, locusts, wood moths, and cicadas. The spider typically sits at the hub of its web, often with its front legs facing downwards. They may also create a "barrier network" of threads a few centimetres away from the main orb, sometimes decorated with debris, which likely serves as an early warning system against predators or windblown leaves.

Animal of the Day 143 May 23

The Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae) is arguably one of Australia's most spectacularly coloured birds, often referred to as the "rainbow finch" or "Lady Gouldian Finch" (named after the wife of British ornithologist John Gould). This small, striking grassfinch is renowned for its vibrant plumage, which sets it apart from almost all other Australian birds. Adults display a brilliant array of colours:

Back and Wings: Bright green

Belly: Yellow

Breast: Vibrant purple

Rump: Bright blue

Tail: Black, often with elongated central streamers.

Head/Face: This is where the most famous variation occurs. There are three distinct "morphs" or colour forms for the facial mask:

Black-faced: The most common form, making up about 75% of wild birds.

Red-faced: Found in about 25% of the population.

Yellow-faced: Very rare, resulting from a lack of red pigment in red-faced birds.

Males are generally more brightly coloured than females, with the female's breast being a lighter mauve compared to the male's vibrant purple. Juveniles are quite dull in comparison, typically an ashy grey on the head and hind neck, becoming olive on the back and tail, with brownish-white underparts and a faint yellow tinge on the belly. Their beaks are blackish on top and pinkish-white on the bottom, with a red tip.

Animal of the Day 142 May 22

The Western Laughing Tree Frog (Litoria ridibunda) is a medium-sized frog, typically reaching up to 6 cm in body length. Its dorsal coloration is quite variable, ranging from grey, brown, reddish-brown, to yellow-brown, often with pale brown mottling. A subtle, thin black stripe may extend from behind the eye to the arm. The belly is white, and in males, the throat is also white.

One of its distinguishing features is its eyes: the pupil is horizontal, and the iris displays a striking red in the upper half and silver in the lower half. Its fingers are about one-third webbed, and its toes are almost fully webbed, both equipped with large terminal discs that aid in climbing. The most notable feature, giving it its common name, is its call: a loud, cackling sound that resembles a laugh. 

The Western Laughing Tree Frog is found in western Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. This species was previously lumped in with Litoria rothii, which is now understood to be restricted to eastern Queensland, the eastern Northern Territory, and southern New Guinea.

Animal of the Day 141 May 21

The Australian Grass Owl (Tyto longimembris), also known as the Eastern Grass Owl or Australasian Grass-owl, is a medium-sized, slim owl recognized by its long, slender, sparsely feathered legs. It possesses a characteristic heart-shaped facial disc, which is typically white in males and pale orange-buff with dark speckles in females, outlined by a narrow pale ruff. Its eyes are relatively small and dark brown, with buff and black 'tear' marks below them. The upper parts of the owl are chocolate and buff, while the underparts are pale, flushed orange-buff, and heavily spotted. Its broad wings are barred dark brown and buff with silvery spots, and the underwing is white with fine dark spotting and darkish wing tips. The undertail is white with several narrow dark grey bars.

They are primarily found in open tussock grasslands, coastal heath, lignum, swamps, and agricultural land (such as sugar cane and rice fields). While it has been recorded occasionally in all mainland states, it is most common in northern and north-eastern Australia.

Animal of the Day 140 May 20

The Australian Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis), is a stunning, non-venomous snake native to the tropical rainforests of the Cape York Peninsula in far north Queensland, Australia. Adults Green Tree Pythons are a vibrant emerald green with a yellowish belly. Some individuals may also display white or yellow markings along their spine. Interestingly, hatchlings look quite different, emerging in bright sulphur yellow or reddish-orange hues before transitioning to their adult green coloration within 1-2 years. They have a distinct diamond-shaped head and a slender body, typically reaching lengths of 1.5 to 1.8 meters. Their prehensile tail is a crucial adaptation for their arboreal lifestyle, allowing them to grip branches securely.

They prefer the dense foliage and high humidity of tropical rainforests. As ambush predators, they patiently wait on branches for unsuspecting prey to pass by. They even use their differently coloured tail tip as a lure to attract prey. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals and birds. Juvenile snakes often feed on smaller prey like lizards and frogs.

Green Tree Pythons are known for their unique resting posture, looping their body over branches in a saddle-like position with their head resting in the middle of the coils. Juveniles are often active during the day, while adults are primarily nocturnal hunters.

Animal of the Day 139 May 19

The Brown Falcon (Falco berigora) is a medium-sized falcon that is a familiar sight across much of the Australian continent. It is a highly variable species in terms of plumage colour, which has led to some historical confusion with other falcons.  

They typically measure between 40 and 50 cm in length, with females being slightly larger than males. They can range in colour from very pale, almost white or light rufous, through various shades of brown, to very dark, almost black. Often, they have a paler underside that is streaked or spotted with brown.  

Brown Falcons are adaptable and thrive in a wide variety of open habitats across Australia, including woodlands, grasslands, arid and semi-arid regions. They are also frequently seen in farming areas, where they hunt rodents and insects. They generally avoid dense rainforests and heavily urbanized areas without significant green spaces. Due to their wide distribution and preference for open habitats, Brown Falcons are often readily observed across Australia.

Animal of the Day 138 May 18

The Frill-necked Lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) is a truly iconic Australian reptile, instantly recognizable for the large frill of skin that encircles its neck. This spectacular display is used for defense, courtship, and thermoregulation. They are relatively large lizards, with males typically reaching up to 85 cm in total length, although some can be larger. Females are generally smaller, reaching around 70 cm.

The most distinctive feature is the large, circular frill of skin around their neck, supported by elongated cartilaginous spines. When folded, the frill lies flat against the body and is not very noticeable. However, when threatened or during courtship, it can be flared out dramatically, reaching up to 20-30 cm in diameter. The frill's color can vary but often includes shades of orange, red, yellow, and black.   

Their body colour is typically a mottled brown, grey, or reddish-brown, providing excellent camouflage against tree trunks and leaf litter. They also have a slender body with long, powerful legs adapted for both quadrupedal and bipedal locomotion. They are surprisingly agile and can run quickly on their hind legs, using their tail for balance. The tail can make up about two-thirds of their total length.   

Frill-necked Lizards are primarily arboreal but also spend time on the ground, especially when foraging or moving between trees. Distribution in Australia is largely confined to the warmer, northern parts of the continent. 

Animal of the Day 137 May 17

The Yellow-tinted Honeyeater (Ptilotula flavescens) is a small and active honeyeater with distinctive yellow markings. They are relatively small honeyeaters, typically measuring around 13-15 cm in length and as their name suggests, they have a noticeable yellow wash or tint to their plumage. The upperparts are generally greyish-olive, with a more prominent yellow on the edges of the flight feathers and tail feathers. Underparts are paler, often greyish-white, with a variable degree of yellow wash, particularly on the chest and flanks.

A key identifying feature is the presence of a bright yellow patch of bare skin below and slightly behind the eye. This patch is often bordered by a dark line. They also have a pale whitish or yellowish eyebrow.   

Yellow-tinted Honeyeaters are primarily found in tropical and subtropical open forests and woodlands with a preference for habitats with an abundance of flowering trees and shrubs, which provide their main food source of nectar. They also inhabit monsoon forests, paperbark swamps, and sometimes drier eucalypt woodlands, particularly when flowering.

Animal of the Day 136 May 16

The Agile Wallaby (Macropus agilis) is a common and widespread macropod found in northern Australia and parts of Papua New Guinea. It is a medium-sized wallaby characterized by its agile movements and distinctive coloration. These attractive wallabies are one of the larger species and males are significantly larger than females, typically weighing between 9 and 27 kg and measuring up to 1.5 metres in total length (including the tail). Females weigh between 7 and 16 kg and are generally shorter.

With an attractive sandy-brown to reddish-brown coat on their back and head and paler underparts, the distinctive feature is the pale stripe on their hip, which is usually quite prominent. Their ears are relatively large and reddish-brown on the outside with paler fur inside. The tail is long, well-furred, and often has a darker tip. Their limbs are long and powerful, adapted for hopping.

As their name suggests, they are agile and can move quickly and efficiently across various terrains. They are known for their speed and agility when evading predators. Agile Wallabies are adaptable and inhabit a variety of habitats, typically near water sources. They often graze in open areas at night and seek shelter in denser vegetation during the day.   

Animal of the Day 135 May 15

The Double-barred Finch (Stizoptera bichenovii) is a small and attractive finch native to Australia. They have a distinctive and striking plumage with a white face and prominent black outline forming a facial disc. 

These seriously cute finches are primarily found in dry open forests, woodlands, and grasslands near water sources, with a preference for areas with scattered trees and shrubs, as well as grassy undergrowth. They can also adapt to human-modified landscapes such as farmland, gardens, and parks, especially where there are native grasses and shrubs.   

Animal of the Day 134 May 14

The Canary Yellow-clawed Fiddler Crab (Austruca mjoebergi, formerly Uca mjoebergi) is a vibrant and easily recognizable species of fiddler crab, named for the bright yellow colour of the major claw in males. These fascinating crustaceans are known for their asymmetrical claws and the elaborate waving displays performed by males during courtship and territorial defence.  

Fiddler crabs are generally small, and this species is no exception. The carapace (the hard upper shell) of adult males typically reaches a width of around 2 to 2.5 cm, with females being slightly smaller.  

The enlarged claw of the male is used for signalling rather than feeding. The carapace of males is usually a dark olive-green or brownish, often with mottling. Females have two smaller feeding claws and a more uniform olive-green to brown carapace. The walking legs are generally a duller yellow or orange.  

Canary Yellow-clawed Fiddler Crabs are intertidal inhabitants, meaning they live in the zone between high and low tide, preferring sheltered mudflats in mangrove forests, estuaries, and tidal creeks. They dig and live in burrows in the soft mud or sand, using these for shelter from predators and extreme tidal conditions, as well as for mating.  

Animal of the Day 133 May 13

The Spotted Harrier (Circus assimilis) is a slender, medium-sized raptor with distinctive plumage and hunting behaviour. It belongs to the harrier family (Accipitridae), a group of birds of prey known for their low flight over open country while searching for prey. Adults have a striking appearance with upperparts generally a medium grey, and noticeable reddish-brown spots or streaks, particularly on the back and wing coverts. The underparts are white or pale grey, heavily marked with fine reddish-brown streaks or spots, giving them a ‘spotted’ look, hence their name. They have a characteristic white rump, a feature common to many harriers, which is conspicuous in flight. The wingtips are often darker, and they have a barred tail.   

A key identifier is the distinct facial disc of feathers around their eyes, which aids in locating prey by sound. This is sometimes described as being similar to an owl.

Spotted Harriers are adapted to open and lightly wooded habitats. Their range is widespread across mainland Australia, but its distribution is somewhat patchy and influenced by habitat availability and rainfall. They are often seen flying low over grasslands, agricultural fields, and open woodlands, quartering the ground in search of prey.

Animal of the Day 132 May 12

The Black-flanked Wallaby (Petrogale lateralis), also known as the Black-footed Rock-wallaby in some regions, is a medium-sized macropod characterized by its agility and preference for rocky habitats. It exhibits distinct black markings on its flanks and feet.   

These attractive wallabies have a stocky build with strong limbs adapted for climbing and leaping among rocks. Their fur is generally a reddish-brown to grey-brown on the back, fading to a paler grey or buff on the belly. The most distinctive features are the prominent black stripes running from the elbow to the ankle on their forelimbs and the black feet. They also have a dark stripe running from the shoulder towards the hip, which can be quite pronounced. The tail is bushy and often darker towards the tip, aiding in balance. 

Black-flanked Wallabies are obligate rock dwellers, meaning they are almost exclusively found in and around rocky outcrops, cliffs, and boulder fields. These habitats provide shelter from predators, protection from the elements, and access to food resources. They often utilize caves, crevices, and overhangs for refuge during the day. As incredibly agile animals, they can move swiftly and confidently across steep and uneven terrain with rough, textured soles and strong claws that provide excellent grip. 

Animal of the Day 131 May 11

The Black-faced Cuckooshrike (Coracina novaehollandiae) is a common and conspicuous bird found throughout much of Australia. Despite its name, it is not closely related to cuckoos or true shrikes but belongs to the family Campephagidae, which includes other cuckooshrikes and trillers.   

These striking birds have a distinctive appearance with a prominent black face mask that extends from the forehead, through the eyes, and onto the throat and upper chest. The rest of the upperparts are a smooth, medium grey, including the crown, nape, back, wings, and tail. The underparts are a paler grey, often appearing almost white on the lower belly and undertail coverts. 

Black-faced Cuckooshrikes are adaptable and inhabit a wide range of open woodlands, forests, and shrublands across Australia, but they generally avoid dense rainforests and treeless plains. Due to their relatively large size, distinctive markings, and widespread distribution, Black-faced Cuckooshrikes are often readily observed.

Animal of the Day 130 May 10

The Golden Ghost Crab (Ocypode convexa) is a striking species of ghost crab known for its sandy-yellow to golden coloration and its preference for sandy beaches in the warmer parts of Australia. They are a moderately sized ghost crab, with a carapace (the main body shell) that can reach up to 5-6 cm in width. Males tend to be slightly larger than females.

Their most distinctive feature is their overall sandy-yellow to golden colour, which provides excellent camouflage against the pale sands they inhabit. This can vary slightly depending on the environment. Like other ghost crabs, they have a squarish, box-like carapace with a pair of stalked eyes that can rotate 360 degrees, giving them excellent all-around vision. One of their claws is typically larger than the other, especially in males, which is used for signalling, fighting, and sometimes for manipulating food. The smaller claw is used for feeding. The claws are often a similar sandy-yellow colour to the body.

Golden Ghost Crabs are primarily found on sandy beaches in tropical and subtropical regions, preferring fine to medium-grained sand and are often seen on the upper parts of the beach, above the high tide mark. They dig and live in burrows in the sand, which they use for shelter from predators and the heat of the day. These burrows can be quite complex and deep.  

Animal of the Day 129 May 9

The White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor) is a distinctive small to medium-sized passerine bird known for the striking white panels on the wings of the male. He has glossy black upperparts, head, throat, and upper chest. A prominent white patch covers most of the wing coverts, creating a very noticeable white panel on the wing in flight and at rest. His belly and undertail coverts are white. The tail is black with white outer feathers, which are often visible at the tips. He has dark eyes, a dark grey to black bill, and grey legs and feet.

The adult female has grey-brown upperparts and a grey head. Her underparts are off-white to pale buff, with fine dark streaks on the breast and flanks and the wings are also grey-brown but have two pale buff or whitish wing bars instead of the large white panel seen in males. Her tail is similar to the male's but with less distinct white edges.

White-winged Trillers are found in a variety of open habitats, often with scattered trees or shrubs but they tend to avoid dense forests and very arid, treeless deserts. Due to this preference for open habitats, White-winged Trillers can be observed in many areas across Australia.

Animal of the Day 128 May 8

The Lozenge-marked Dragon (Ctenophorus scutulatus) is a small to medium-sized species of dragon lizard endemic to Australia. As their name suggests, they have a series of prominent, dark-edged lozenge or diamond-shaped blotches running down their back, often contrasting with a lighter background colour which can be sandy brown, reddish-brown, or greyish. The flanks may have additional markings or stripes.

The base colour and intensity of the markings can vary depending on the subspecies and locality. During the breeding season, males can exhibit brighter colours, sometimes developing yellowish or reddish hues on their flanks and limbs. Females are generally less bright. The scales are small, granular scales, with a row of slightly enlarged vertebral scales forming a low crest along the back.

Lozenge-marked Dragons are typically found in semi-arid to arid zones with hard to stony soils.   

Their preferred habitats include open acacia woodlands and chenopod shrublands (saltbush and bluebush plains). They are often associated with sparse vegetation, gravelly plains, and areas with scattered rocks or small shrubs that provide shelter. This species is primarily found in Western Australia.   

Animal of the Day 127 May 7

The Star Finch (Neochmia ruficauda) is a small, striking finch native to Australia. They are easily recognizable due to their bright and distinctive colours with males having a brilliant scarlet face, throat, and upper breast. The crown and nape are olive-green. The back, wings, and tail are olive-green with prominent white spots. The lower breast and belly are yellow, also adorned with white spots. They have a small, pointed red bill and a red eye-ring. Females are generally duller in colour. 

Star Finches primarily inhabit tropical and subtropical grassy woodlands, particularly near water sources such as swamps, lagoons, and streams. They favour areas with tall grasses and sedges, often with scattered trees and shrubs that provide cover and perching sites. Distribution in Australia is restricted to the north and northeast of the continent.   

Animal of the Day 126 May 6

The Raspy Cricket belongs to the family Gryllacrididae, a group of flightless insects found predominantly in the Southern Hemisphere, with Australia boasting the highest diversity with over 120 species. They are also known as leaf-rolling crickets or wood crickets.   

Raspy Crickets typically grow to about 5 cm in length. They are usually gray to brown in colour and are characterized by their long antennae and the absence of wings in most species. A notable feature is their ability to produce silk from their mouthparts at all life stages. This silk is used to construct nests, either as linings in ground burrows or to hold leaves together to form shelters in trees or on the ground. Some species incorporate organic material like leaves and sand into their silken nests for camouflage and stability. When disturbed, raspy crickets can produce a raspy sound, likely as a defense mechanism.   

These large crickets inhabit a variety of environments and are typically nocturnal, spending the day within their constructed nests and foraging for food at night. As omnivores they eat a wide range of insects, plants, seeds and nectar. 

Animal of the Day 125 May 5

The Musk Duck (Biziura lobata) is a highly distinctive and somewhat unusual Australian native duck. It is the only living member of its genus and is known for its peculiar appearance and behaviors, especially during the breeding season. They are relatively large and stout-bodied ducks with males being significantly larger than females. They have a broad, flattened bill and a long, stiff, and spiky tail that is often held erect or fanned out.

Their plumage is generally dark brown to black, often with paler mottling or speckling. Males can appear almost entirely black during the breeding season. Adult males develop a prominent, leathery lobe or sac of skin that hangs beneath the bill. This lobe is inflated during courtship displays and can vary in size and shape. They also have a strong, musky odor, which gives the species its name. The legs are set far back on their body, making them well-adapted for swimming and diving but rather clumsy on land. They have large, lobed feet that aid in propulsion underwater.   

The male Musk Duck performs elaborate courtship displays, involving inflating the bill lobe, producing a range of unusual calls and splashes, and fanning his tail. The female will swim around him and decide if she is impressed enough to mate.  

Animal of the Day 124 May 4

The Black-naped Snake (Neelaps bimaculatus) -is a small, mildly venomous, burrowing snake. The 'bimaculatus' in its scientific name refers to the distinctive black patches on its head and nape (the back of the neck). It's a terrestrial and nocturnal species. It seeks shelter under fallen timber, rocks, deep leaf litter, in soil cracks, and abandoned animal burrows. As a carnivore, it primarily feeds on small skinks and geckos, and will also known to hunt other small snakes, small mammals, and frogs.

This species is endemic to Australia and its distribution is primarily in South Australia and Western Australia. Preferred habitats include desert, low shrubland, open forest, open scrub, tall shrubland, and woodland.  

Animal of the Day 123 May 3

The Red-collared Lorikeet (Trichoglossus rubritorquis) is a vibrant and noisy medium-sized parrot belonging to the lorikeet tribe. It was previously considered a subspecies of the Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) but is now recognized as a distinct species. They are strikingly colourful birds with a deep blue head, contrasting with a vivid orange-red collar that extends around the nape of the neck and upper breast. The rest of the underparts are generally green.

Like their Rainbow cousins, Red-collared Lorikeets are very vocal, producing a constant stream of loud, screeching, and chattering calls, especially when in flocks. However, it has a more restricted distribution within Australia, primarily found across the northern parts of the country.

Animal of the Day 122 May 2

The Common Knob-tailed Gecko (Nephrurus amyae) is a fascinating and distinctive species of gecko endemic to Australia. It belongs to a group of geckos known for their unique knob-like tails and large eyes. They are relatively small to medium-sized geckos, typically reaching a total length of about 12-15 cm, with the tail accounting for a significant portion of this length.

Their most striking feature is their tail, which is short, stout, and ends in a prominent, rounded knob, which is thought to play a role in fat storage. The body are somewhat flattened and robust. With a range of earthy colours, they often have patterns of irregular bands or blotches in shades of reddish-brown, orange-brown, or grey against a paler background. These patterns provide excellent camouflage in their arid habitats. The skin has a slightly rough or textured appearance. Lastly, they possess large, prominent eyes with vertical pupils, characteristic of nocturnal geckos, giving them excellent night vision.   

Common Knob-tailed Geckos are terrestrial and primarily inhabit arid and semi-arid environments, commonly found in spinifex grasslands, mulga woodlands, rocky outcrops, and areas with sandy or gravelly soils. Usually they often shelter in burrows (either self-excavated or abandoned by other animals), under rocks, or within leaf litter during the day to escape the heat.   

Animal of the Day 121 May 1

The Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides) is a master of camouflage and a common nocturnal bird found throughout most of Australia. Despite their owl-like appearance, they are not closely related to owls but belong to the nightjar family (Podargidae).   

Tawny Frogmouths have a stocky build with a large, broad head and a wide, frog-like mouth – hence their name. Their eyes are large and yellow or orange-red, and they have a relatively small bill that is hooked at the tip. Plumage is predominantly grey, white, black, and rufous, intricately patterned to resemble tree branches and bark. This exceptional camouflage allows them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings during the day. They have a somewhat upright stance when perched.   

Tawny Frogmouths are adaptable and inhabit a wide variety of wooded habitats across Australia. Found in all states and territories of Australia, except for some of the driest central desert regions where they may be less common or absent.