References BirdLife Australia; Birds of Australia (Pizzey & Knight) mobile app; Field Guide to Australian Birds (Michael Morcombe)

Indigenous names provided by Aunty Faye Stewart-Muir

Photo credits Images by Bruce Sandie; title image by Neeraj Sharma

Common birds of Melbourne Gardens

Melbourne Gardens were established in 1846 on the ancestral lands of the Koolin people. The Koolin

people were the First Australians and traditional custodians of the land. We acknowledge and pay

respect to the elders of the community and extend our recognition to their descendants.

Back in 1846 Melbourne would have looked quite different; the surrounding land was uncleared and

native trees, shrubs and grasses dominated the landscape creating a haven for native birds. Fast

forward over 170 years and today we see a landscape that has dramatically changed; buildings now

replace tall River Red Gums and concrete replaces grasslands. Many birds cannot live in our urban

environments. Botanic gardens and home gardens help to provide native animals with food and

shelter.

Melbourne Gardens supports breeding populations of many bird species. It also provides a stopover

point for various seasonal migrants. Over 110 species have been recorded since 1997 with some only

sighted in the last 10 years. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns may provide some

explanation, along with increased plantings of indigenous flora. Beds of rushes, sedges and aquatic

plants established during the Working Wetlands project in 2012 have provided major benefits for

wetland birds in terms of food, shelter and nesting sites.

Please remember that the Gardens and nearby parklands provide abundant natural food. Visitors are

reminded that offering of food to birds discourages natural foraging behaviour and often causes

digestive problems.

How to use this guide About the bird descriptions

TICK THE BIRDS YOU SEE INDIGENOUS NAME (BUNURONG TRIBE) Each description reveals basic information about the birds and their connection to the Gardens. Additional notes on calls, colour pattern and behaviour may be included. Note: many of the birds in this guide have plumage patterns that vary from what is shown in the images. For detailed identification of all Australian birds, refer to field guides, mobile applications (such as Pizzey & Knight and Michael Morcombe) and BirdLife Australia website.

Key to Conservation Status (Victoria) Not assessed/ Where to see the birds Unknown Secure Vulnerable Endangered Introduced in the Gardens

Black Swan

Cygnus atratus

Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata

♀ L /♂ R

GUNAWARRA

Look for black swans on Ornamental Lake often seen with their heads down and bottoms up feeding on submerged aquatic plants such as Vallisneria (Eelgrass), Potamogeton crispus (Curly-leaf Pondweed) and Cycnogeton procerum (Water Ribbons). Grey fluffy cygnets often appear in spring, hatching from large nests constructed on one of our many islands on the lake. Ornamental Lake

EKOABEL

Wood ducks are often seen in pairs or large groups grazing on lawns around Ornamental Lake and Dog Flat. In spring they breed in hollows so listen out for calls from remnant Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) such as the ‘Lions-head Tree’ located in the Lower Yarra River Habitat. They are very protective of their young and if you are taking a walk around Ornamental Lake, be prepared for a confrontation if parents with ducklings are grazing nearby. Ornamental Lake

Pacific Black Duck

Anas superciliosa

Chestnut Teal Anas castanea

♂ L / ♀ R

This common duck is identified by its distinctive black mask. It is often seen dabbling in the lake for Lemna sp (Duckweed), invertebrates and plant seeds. It is a prolific breeder and will produce many fluffy brown and yellow ducklings but only around 20% will survive. Often seen amongst other species of duck on the lake. Ornamental Lake

Chestnut Teal are often seen in pairs. The male has a distinct glossy green head which makes it easily identifiable from the female (pictured above). They are commonly seen dabbling in the shallows of Ornamental Lake and Long Island wetland looking for seeds and insects to eat. Ornamental Lake, Long Island

Hardhead

Aythya australis

Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae

DULUM

This diving duck can be seen in pairs or large groups feeding on the lawns around Ornamental Lake but more commonly observed diving for submerged aquatic plants. They build nests from sticks, down-feathers and reeds such as Eleocharis sphacelata (Tall Spike Rush) and Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani (River Club Rush). In flight they make a distinct ‘whirring’ sound. A striking characteristic of this duck is the male’s white eye. Ornamental Lake

This waterbird is commonly seen in spring on the main lake near Long Island. Blink and you will miss them as they are often disappearing underwater. They have the ability to fully submerge in order to catch prey such as insects and fish. Adults feed feathers to their young, a behaviour which is thought to protect their chicks from sharp fish bones that are swallowed. Long Island, Ornamental Lake

Nankeen Night Heron

Nycticorax caledonicus

Eastern Great Egret Ardea alba

A secretive bird that spooks easily when disturbed. Usually can be seen in the cooler months hiding amongst foliage of trees or hunting around the margins of Ornamental Lake and Long Island billabong. Thick vegetation is important for this vulnerable Victorian species. Long Island, Ornamental Lake

Ornamental Lake

A large elegant solitary bird often seen stalking prey around the lake margins. They will feed on fish, frogs and invertebrates. They build platform stick nests in trees over water and both parents will incubate eggs and care for young. In spring, look out for the appearance of breeding plumage (‘nuptial plumes’) when the birds develop long white feathers that hang across the back (pictured above). Ornamental Lake

White-faced Heron

Egretta novaehollandiae

Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos

This large bird is often seen hunting for fish and frogs either alone or in pairs around the margins of Ornamental Lake. Rainfall may trigger breeding outside of the breeding season and both parents participate in the construction of an untidy nest of sticks in trees. Look out for the appearance of breeding plumage (‘nuptial plumes’) that form as long feathers on the head, neck and back (pictured above). Ornamental Lake

This species will nest in colonies in trees either dead or alive. Platform nests are built out of sticks and droppings. A dead willow located at Ridout Island has been used for this purpose for many years and Baker Island has also been a popular choice. As their feathers are not waterproof, they are often seen holding their wings outstretched to dry. Ornamental Lake, Baker Island

Little Black Cormorant

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

The Little Black Cormorant is one of two totally black Australian cormorants. It can be distinguished from the larger (70–90 cm) Great Cormorant by its smaller (58–63 cm) size and facial features. It often forms large flocks and has been observed hunting co-operatively. Like other cormorants, they can be seen drying their wings once they've finished hunting. Ornamental Lake

KOR-RUNG-UN-UN

The Purple Swamphen is easily recognised by its large red frontal nose shield. This common water bird has extremely long toes which help prevent it from sinking in mud and allow it to walk on aquatic vegetation. It can also use its long toes to grip the soft shoots of reeds and rushes which it prefers as food. It preys on small animals including frogs, spiders, insects and snails. Ornamental Lake

Dusky Moorhen

Gallinula tenebrosa

Eurasian Coot Fulica atra

Dusky moorhens can often be seen defending their territories by chasing intruders or flicking their tail to reveal a white panel of feathers. This species will feed on algae, aquatic plants, fruits, seeds and invertebrates. They can be seen feeding in the water or along the edges of waterways. Ornamental Lake

The Eurasian Coot can be seen throughout the gardens on many of the lakes. It feeds mostly on vegetation which it finds by diving underwater, sometimes reaching depths of 7 metres. To help it dive more efficiently, it has the ability to compress its feathers which forces out any trapped air and in doing so, reduces its buoyancy and enables it to dive deeper. Ornamental Lake

Silver Gull Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae

Spotted Turtle-dove Spilopelia chinensis

This is a native Australian species which can often be seen at the Terrace Tearooms and Picnic Point lawn. They are highly successful scavengers and will sift through rubbish to find food scraps. The population of silver gulls has exploded over the years due to increased rubbish and food wastage which these birds have been able to exploit. Terrace Tearooms

Spotted turtle-doves were introduced to Australia in the 1860s and they have now almost displaced the common native pigeon (Common Bronzewing). Like other introduced birds, their success can be attributed to their ability to feed on food scraps and even commercial food such as pet food. Throughout Gardens

Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo

Calyptorhynchus funereus

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita

NGAYARONG

This cockatoo is often first noticed by its distinctive call which is far-carrying and sounds like wailing or squealing. Their presence in the Gardens is often detected by the tree ‘pruning’ that they leave behind after feeding. Their diet includes seeds from native trees or pine cones which they will tear apart in order to reach the seeds inside. Throughout Gardens

NGAYUK

Sulphur-crested cockatoos can be very noisy birds. Look out for sunflowers in bloom in the Children’s Garden – once the petals drop and the flower heads change colour, the seeds will begin to mature and these birds will seize the opportunity to feed on the highly nutritious seeds. Staff also refer to a Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) on Princes Lawn as the ‘cockatoo tree’ since they've been known to nest in the tree. Long Island, Princes Lawn

Rainbow Lorikeet

Trichoglossus moluccanus

Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus

These colourful raucous birds are often heard first and then seen. They're usually observed in pairs or large flocks often communicating that they have found good nectar-producing plants. They can be seen feeding on Aloe sp. in the Water Conservation Garden and Arid Collection, as well as eucalypt blossoms across the site. Long Island, Arid & Water Conservation Gardens

DANDAN

Walk quietly through the Long Island grassy woodlands and you may see them on the ground feeding on seed from grasses such as Rytidosperma sp (Wallaby Grass), Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass) or feasting on fruit and leaves of Einadia nutans (Climbing Saltbush). The breeding of these parrots at Long Island was made possible by plantings of native ground cover and marks their return to the Gardens after a 50 year absence. Long Island

Powerful Owl Ninox strenua

Southern Boobook Ninox boobook

Although not a regular visitor to the Gardens, powerful owls have been observed roosting in Fern Gully on several occasions. Look out for ‘white wash’ and regurgitated pellets on paths or garden beds which may indicate its presence overhead. Pellets often consist of indigestible fur and bones which can easily be seen upon inspection. Autumn and winter are the best times of the year to see them in the Gardens. They are the largest of Australia's owls. Fern Gully

MUK MUK

Over the years, Australia's smallest and most common owl has been sighted in different locations in the Gardens. One individual even decided to take up temporary residence in the lower fronds of a date palm on Princes Lawn and roosted there for several weeks. It was initially discovered by our arborists who were carrying out some routine maintenance on the tree at the time of their discovery. Observed at Children's Garden & Princess Lawn

Tawny Frogmouth

Podargus strigoides

Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguinaea

DJINITH-DJINITH

Tawny frogmouths are often confused with owls, but are more closely related to nightjars. This well camouflaged bird has often been sighted high in the canopy of a Moreton Bay Fig tree, several of which can be found in the Gardens. Staff have also observed successful breeding of this species in an Oak tree on Oak Lawn. E Gate, Path between B & C Gate

THAROWERAG

A very iconic Australian bird with a distinctive call that sounds like laughter. They will often use tree branches to perch, hunt and call from, and they rely on tree hollows for breeding. Kookaburras have been known to provide company to horticulturists while they garden and will swoop down to grab prey being disturbed by the gardening work being carried out. Oak Lawn

Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris

Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera

Spring and summer in the Gardens are the best times of year to see this bird darting about and hovering in mid-air to feed. With a beak that is perfectly adapted to reach nectar from tubular flowers, this bird can often be seen feeding on plants such as Correa, Justicia, Fuchsia, Grevillea and Salvia. Throughout Gardens, path to H Gate

YAN-GUK

This honeyeater is similar but smaller than the Red Wattlebird and has dark legs and no wattles. Look for a large chestnut patch on each wing when in flight. It has a loud raucous call that can be heard in the early hours of the morning. Beware if you have plants in your garden that attract wattlebirds as they have the potential to become an early morning alarm that cannot be silenced! Throughout Gardens

Red Wattlebird

Anthochaera carunculata

Bell Miner Manorina melanophrys

The Red Wattlebird is the second largest honeyeater in Australia. This bird feeds on nectar and can often be seen feeding on flowering eucalypts and other nectar-producing plants in the Gardens. It has a loud raucous call similar to the Little Wattlebird. It's most distinctive features are the fleshy red-wattles on its neck, pink legs and yellow belly. Throughout Gardens

TRIN-WARREEN

Stroll through our Long Island collection and you are likely to hear the familiar call of a Bell Miner, renowned for its singular, high pitched ‘tink’ call. You may see them feeding on psyllid ‘lerps’ – sugary secretions which psyllid insects produce to form a protective shelter. Psyllids are sap-sucking insects which are often found on eucalypts. Long Island

Noisy Miner

Manorina melanocephala

Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus

BIL-BIL-MAN-NERE

Noisy miners were not always seen in the Gardens. They were first observed in 2009. This native Australian bird is known for its aggressive behaviour and groups will defend their territory by harassing other native birds. In some areas noisy miners have displaced other bird species thereby depleting the population of other native birds.

Observatory Lawn

This bird is often perched high in the canopy of trees. Another similar species is the Striated Pardalote which has a striped head rather than a spotted head. Like the Bell Miner, this bird will forage on the foliage of trees for insects and psyllids and are commonly found in eucalypts. You can often hear the sound of the pardalotes beak ‘clicking’ as they glean scale insects from the leaves. Throughout Gardens

Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla

Grey Butcherbird

Cracticus torquatus

This bird is not always easy to observe but its presence can be detected by the sound of gentle chirping. They can be found in a variety of habitats but prefer shrubs and undergrowth vegetation. In recent decades this species has made something of a suburban comeback as it has learnt to adapt to suburban gardens. Throughout Gardens

DJIILBI-DJIILBI

During breeding time (Jul.–Jan.), you will most likely see a sign on Observatory Lawn warning visitors of swooping butcherbirds. During this time the birds are protecting their young and may demonstrate protective behaviour by swooping, usually accompanied by a rollicking guttural call. Oak Lawn

Australian Magpie Cracticus tibicen

Pied Currawong Strepera graculina

BARWARN

The iconic magpie is well-known by many Australians for various reasons – sometimes for their melodic call and other times for their defensive behaviour. During their nesting season, magpies have been known to swoop at anything that encroaches on their nesting site, including humans. Female magpies (pictured above), have a mottled white back while males have a shining white back. Throughout Gardens

Like magpies, pied currawongs have a distinctive and far- carrying call. Its common name derives from the sound of one of its common calls. Sometimes they have been confused with magpies although their plumage is different, being mainly black with some white patches in the wings and rump, and they have a bright yellow eye. Throughout Gardens

Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys

Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa

DJIRRI-DJIRRI

True to its name, this bird is easily recognised by the sweeping motion in which it ‘wags’ its tail. It is the largest of the Australian fantails and is known to actively defend its territory, sometimes flying directly at threatening intruders and even hitting larger birds like magpies. They’re often seen feeding on the ground. Throughout Gardens

No matter where you are in the Gardens, you will see and hear these charming birds as they actively hunt flying insects. Watch as they move swiftly through trees, often fanning their tail to maintain balance.

Throughout Gardens

Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca

Little Raven Corvus mellori

The Magpie-lark is a small black and white bird that's usually seen on the ground searching for insects and other invertebrates. One of the features that distinguish males from females is the feather-colour around the face. Males have a black face while females have white above and below the beak (pictured above). Throughout Gardens

WAANG

Among birds, ravens (and crows) are amongst the most intelligent and they're renowned for their problem-solving abilities. The Little Raven, along with the Forest and Australian Raven are all native to Victoria. All three species look very similar and it's usually their call that helps to identify them. In the Gardens, you will only find the Little Raven. Throughout Gardens

Welcome Swallow

Hirundo neoxena

Australian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus australis

At certain times of the year (late spring/summer), you may see flocks of welcome swallows flying above Observatory Lawn or Ornamental Lake as they catch insects in flight. They are often confused with martins which have shorter, more square- shaped tails and a white or cream coloured rump. Observatory Lawn, Ornamental Lake

This bird is more commonly heard than seen and is renowned for its beautiful song. Listen out for its call in spring when it arrives from northern Australia. It can be seen amongst tall reeds growing around Ornamental Lake.

Ornamental Lake

Silvereye Zosterops lateralis

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

This bird can be identified by the white ring of feathers around its eye. They are found in many parts of southern and eastern Australia where several different breeding populations occur (known as 'races'). Incredibly, the Tasmanian race migrates northward in cooler months and can be found in Victoria through to Queensland. At less than 13 cm in size, it's an impressive journey for such a tiny bird. Throughout Gardens

These birds have become problematic at the Terrace Tearooms in particular where they have become opportunistic feeders looking for food scraps that have been left behind on outdoor café tables. They also dominate nesting sites to the detriment of a wide range of native birds. The Common Myna was first introduced to Melbourne in the mid to late 1800s. It is native to south-east Asia. Terrace Tearooms and Jardin Tan

Common Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

Blackbird Turdus merula

The Common Starling is a highly adaptive introduced species. Its success can be attributed to the fact that they are able to eat almost anything when food resources become scarce. Starlings were first introduced to Victoria in the late 1850s. Throughout Gardens

As you walk through the Gardens, you will most likely hear scratching and rustling in garden beds and you will find that it’s often a Blackbird searching for food. The Blackbird was introduced at Melbourne in the 1850s. It is native to Europe, North Africa and southern Asia. The males are black with a distinctive yellow beak and females are brown with a dull brown or yellowish beak. Throughout Gardens