# List of birds of New South Wales

New South Wales is a state in Australia of great biodiversity, with 622 species of bird recorded.
This list is based on the 1996 classification by Charles Sibley and Burt Monroe (though there has been a recent (2008) extensive revision of Australian birds by Leslie Christidis and Walter E. Boles), which has resulted in some lumping and splitting. Their system has been developed over nearly two decades and has strong local support, but deviates in important ways from more generally accepted schemes. Supplemental updates follow The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2022 edition.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.
* (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in New South Wales
* (E) Endemic - a species endemic to New South Wales
* (I) Introduced - a species introduced to New South Wales as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions

## Ostriches

Order: Struthioniformes Family: Struthionidae
This order is not native to Australia, but feral populations of one species have become established.
* Common ostrich, Struthio camelus (I)

## Cassowaries and emu

Order: Casuariiformes Family: Casuariidae
This family of flightless ratite birds is represented by two living species in Australia. Another two species are found in New Guinea. The extinct, geographically isolated King and Kangaroo Island emus were historically considered to be separate species to mainland emus. However, genetic evidence from 2011 suggests that all three are conspecific.
* Emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae

## Magpie goose

Order: Anseriformes Family: Anseranatidae
The family contains a single species, the magpie goose. It was an early and distinctive offshoot of the anseriform family tree, diverging after the screamers and before all other ducks, geese and swans, sometime in the late Cretaceous. The single species is found across Australia.
* Magpie goose, Anseranas semipalmata

## Ducks, geese, and waterfowl

Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are adapted for an aquatic existence, with webbed feet, bills that are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils.
* Plumed whistling-duck, Dendrocygna eytoni
* Wandering whistling-duck, Dendrocygna arcuata
* Canada goose, Branta canadensis (A)
* Cape Barren goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae (A)
* Freckled duck, Stictonetta naevosa
* Mute swan, Cygnus olor (I)
* Black swan, Cygnus atratus
* Radjah shelduck, Radjah radjah (A)
* Australian shelduck, Tadorna tadornoides
* Paradise shelduck, Tadorna variegata (A)
* Green pygmy-goose, Nettapus pulchellus (A)
* Cotton pygmy-goose, Nettapus coromandelianus (A)
* Australian wood duck, Chenonetta jubata
* Garganey, Spatula querquedula (A)
* Australian shoveler, Spatula rhynchotis
* Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata (A)
* Pacific black duck, Anas superciliosa
* Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (I)
* Northern pintail, Anas acuta (A)
* Gray teal, Anas gracilis
* Chestnut teal, Anas castanea
* Pink-eared duck, Malacorhynchus membranaceus
* Hardhead, Aythya australis
* Blue-billed duck, Oxyura australis (A)
* Musk duck, Biziura lobata

## Megapodes

Order: Galliformes Family: Megapodiidae
Megapodiidae are represented by various species in the Australasian region. They are commonly referred to as "mound-builders" due to their habit of constructing large mounds to incubate their eggs.
* Australian brushturkey, Alectura lathami
* Malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata

## Guineafowl

Order: Galliformes Family: Numididae
Numididae are not native to Australia, but feral populations of one species exist in New South Wales.
* Helmeted guineafowl, Numida meleagris (I)

## New World quail

Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits.
* California quail Callipepla californica (I)

## Pheasants, grouse, and allies

Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
Phasianidae consists of the pheasants and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump, with broad, relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds or have been domesticated as a food source for humans.
* Indian peafowl, Pavo cristatus (I)
* Red junglefowl, Gallus gallus (I)
* Brown quail, Synoicus ypsilophora
* Blue-breasted quail, Synoicus chinensis
* Stubble quail, Coturnix pectoralis

## Grebes

Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.
* Australasian grebe, Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
* Hoary-headed grebe, Poliocephalus poliocephalus
* Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus

## Pigeons and doves

Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
* Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
* White-headed pigeon, Columba leucomela
* Spotted dove, Streptopelia chinensis (I)
* Laughing dove, Streptopelia senegalensis (I)
* Brown cuckoo-dove, Macropygia phasianella
* Pacific emerald dove, Chalcophaps longirostris
* Common bronzewing, Phaps chalcoptera
* Brush bronzewing, Phaps elegans
* Flock bronzewing, Phaps histrionica
* Crested pigeon, Ocyphaps lophotes
* Squatter pigeon, Geophaps scripta
* Wonga pigeon, Leucosarcia melanoleuca
* Diamond dove, Geopelia cuneata
* Peaceful dove, Geopelia placida
* Bar-shouldered dove, Geopelia humeralis
* Wompoo fruit-dove, Ptilinopus magnificus
* Superb fruit-dove, Ptilinopus superbus
* Rose-crowned fruit-dove, Ptilinopus regina
* Torresian imperial-pigeon, Ducula spilorrhoa
* Topknot pigeon, Lopholaimus antarcticus

## Bustards

Order: Otidiformes Family: Otididae
Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays.
* Australian bustard, Ardeotis australis

## Cuckoos

Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.
* Pheasant coucal, Centropus phasianinus
* Pacific koel, Eudynamys orientalis
* Long-tailed koel, Urodynamis taitensis (A)
* Channel-billed cuckoo, Scythrops novaehollandiae
* Horsfield's bronze-cuckoo, Chrysococcyx basalis
* Black-eared cuckoo, Chrysococcyx osculans
* Shining bronze-cuckoo, Chrysococcyx lucidus
* Little bronze-cuckoo, Chrysococcyx minutillus
* Pallid cuckoo, Cuculus pallidus
* Fan-tailed cuckoo, Cacomantis flabelliformis
* Brush cuckoo, Cacomantis variolosus
* Oriental cuckoo, Cuculus optatus (A)

## Frogmouths

Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Podargidae
The frogmouths are a distinctive group of small nocturnal birds related to swifts found from India across southern Asia to Australia.
* Tawny frogmouth, Podargus strigoides
* Marbled frogmouth, Podargus ocellatus

## Nightjars and allies

Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
* Spotted nightjar, Eurostopodus argus
* White-throated nightjar, Eurostopodus mystacalis

## Owlet-nightjars

Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Aegothelidae
The owlet-nightjars are a distinctive group of small nocturnal birds related to swifts found from the Maluku Islands and New Guinea to Australia and New Caledonia.
* Australian owlet-nightjar, Aegotheles cristatus

## Swifts

Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.
* White-throated needletail, Hirundapus caudacutus
* Australian swiftlet, Aerodramus terraereginae (A)
* Uniform swiftlet, Aerodramus vanikorensis (A)
* Pacific swift, Apus pacificus

## Rails, gallinules, and coots

Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.
* Corn crake, Crex crex (A)
* Lewin's rail, Lewinia pectoralis
* Lord Howe rail, Gallirallus sylvestris Outlying islands only
* Buff-banded rail, Gallirallus philippensis
* Black-tailed nativehen, Tribonyx ventralis
* Australian crake, Porzana fluminea
* Dusky moorhen, Gallinula tenebrosa
* Eurasian coot, Fulica atra
* Australasian swamphen, Porphyrio melanotus
* Lord Howe swamphen, Porphyrio albus Outlying islands only Extinct
* White-browed crake, Poliolimnas cinereus
* Pale-vented bush-hen, Amaurornis moluccana
* Baillon's crake, Zapornia pusilla
* Spotless crake, Zapornia tabuensis

## Cranes

Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances".
* Brolga, Antigone rubicunda

## Thick-knees

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.
* Bush thick-knee, Burhinus grallarius
* Beach thick-knee, Esacus magnirostris

## Stilts and avocets

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin straight bills.
* Pied stilt, Himantopus leucocephalus
* Banded stilt, Cladorhynchus leucocephalus (A)
* Red-necked avocet, Recurvirostra novaehollandiae

## Oystercatchers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.
* Pied oystercatcher, Haematopus longirostris
* South Island oystercatcher, Haematopus finschi (A)
* Sooty oystercatcher, Haematopus fuliginosus

## Plovers and lapwings

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.
* Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
* American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica (A)
* Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva
* Gray-headed lapwing, Vanellus cinereus (A)
* Banded lapwing, Vanellus tricolor
* Masked lapwing, Vanellus miles
* Lesser sand-plover, Charadrius mongolus
* Greater sand-plover, Charadrius leschenaultii
* Double-banded plover, Charadrius bicinctus
* Red-capped plover, Charadrius ruficapillus
* Kentish plover, Charadrius alexandrinus (A)
* Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (A)
* Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus (A)
* Oriental plover, Charadrius veredus
* Red-kneed dotterel, Erythrogonys cinctus
* Hooded plover, Thinornis cucullatus
* Black-fronted dotterel, Elseyornis melanops
* Inland dotterel, Peltohyas australis

## Plains-wanderer

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Pedionomidae
The plains-wanderer is a quail-like ground bird. They are excellent camouflagers, and will first hide at any disturbance. If they're approached too close, they will run as opposed to flying, which they are very poor at.
* Plains-wanderer, Pedionomus torquatus

## Painted-snipes

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted-snipes are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured.
* Australian painted-snipe, Rostratula australis

## Jacanas

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of waders found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat.
* Comb-crested jacana, Irediparra gallinacea

## Sandpipers and allies

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.
* Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda (A)
* Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
* Little curlew, Numenius minutus (A)
* Far Eastern curlew, Numenius madagascariensis
* Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica
* Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa
* Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica (A)
* Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
* Great knot, Calidris tenuirostris
* Red knot, Calidris canutus
* Ruff, Calidris pugnax
* Broad-billed sandpiper, Calidris falcinellus
* Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata
* Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea
* Long-toed stint, Calidris subminuta
* Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis
* Sanderling, Calidris alba
* Dunlin, Calidris alpina (A)
* Little stint, Calidris minuta (A)
* White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis (A)
* Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis (A)
* Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos (A)
* Asian dowitcher, Limnodromus semipalmatus
* Latham's snipe, Gallinago hardwickii
* Pin-tailed snipe, Gallinago stenura (A)
* Terek sandpiper, Xenus cinereus
* Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
* Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
* Gray-tailed tattler, Tringa brevipes
* Wandering tattler, Tringa incana
* Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus (A)
* Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
* Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes (A)
* Marsh sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis
* Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
* Common redshank, Tringa totanus (A)

## Buttonquail

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young.
* Red-backed buttonquail, Turnix maculosus
* Black-breasted buttonquail, Turnix melanogaster
* Buff-breasted buttonquail, Turnix olivii
* Painted buttonquail, Turnix varius
* Red-chested buttonquail, Turnix pyrrhothorax
* Little buttonquail, Turnix velox

## Pratincoles and coursers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings, and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings, and long, pointed bills which curve downwards.
* Australian pratincole, Stiltia isabella
* Oriental pratincole, Glareola maldivarum (A)

## Skuas and jaegers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants.
* South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki (A)
* Brown skua, Stercorarius antarcticus
* Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
* Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
* Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (A)

## Gulls, terns, and skimmers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns, and skimmers. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years. Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish.
* Sabine's gull, Xema sabini (A)
* Silver gull, Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae
* Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus (A)
* Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (A)
* Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan (A)
* Pacific gull, Larus pacificus
* Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus (A)
* Kelp gull, Larus dominicanus
* Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
* Black noddy, Anous minutus (A)
* Gray noddy, Anous albivitta (A)
* White tern, Gygis alba
* Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
* Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus (A)
* Aleutian tern, Onychoprion aleuticus (A)
* Little tern, Sternula albifrons
* Australian fairy tern, Sternula nereis (A)
* Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
* Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
* Black tern, Chlidonias niger (A)
* White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
* Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida
* Black-fronted tern, Chlidonias albostriatus (A)
* Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii (A)
* White-fronted tern, Sterna striata
* Black-naped tern, Sterna sumatrana
* Common tern, Sterna hirundo
* Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (A)
* Great crested tern, Thalasseus bergii
* Lesser crested tern, Thalasseus bengalensis (A)

## Tropicbirds

Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their long wings have black markings, as does the head.
* White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (A)
* Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus (A)
* Red-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon rubricauda (A)

## Penguins

Order: Sphenisciformes Family: Spheniscidae
Penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in Antarctica. Only one species, the little penguin, breeds on the Australian coast.
* Little penguin, Eudyptula minor
* Fiordland penguin, Eudyptula pachyrhynchus (A)
* Macaroni penguin, Eudyptula chrysolophus (A)
* Southern rockhopper penguin, Eudyptula chrysocome (A)

## Albatrosses

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are a family of large seabird found across the Southern and North Pacific Oceans. The largest are among the largest flying birds in the world.
* Yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos
* Gray-headed albatross, Thalassarche chrysostoma (A)
* Buller's albatross, Thalassarche bulleri
* White-capped albatross, Thalassarche cauta
* Salvin's albatross, Thalassarche salvini (A)
* Chatham albatross, Thalassarche eremita (A)
* Black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris
* Sooty albatross, Phoebetria fusca (A)
* Light-mantled albatross, Phoebetria palpebrata (A)
* Royal albatross, Diomedea epomophora (A)
* Wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans

## Southern storm-petrels

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Oceanitidae
The southern storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. Their flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.
* Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
* Gray-backed storm-petrel, Garrodia nereis (A)
* White-faced storm-petrel, Pelagodroma marina
* White-bellied storm-petrel, Fregetta grallaria (A)
* New Zealand storm-petrel, Fregetta maoriana (A)
* Black-bellied storm-petrel, Fregetta tropica (A)

## Northern storm-petrels

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
Though the members of this family are similar in many respects to the southern storm-petrels, including their general appearance and habits, there are enough genetic differences to warrant their placement in a separate family.
* Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hydrobates castro (A)
* Tristram's storm-petrel, Hydrobates tristrami (A)

## Shearwaters and petrels

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium nasal septum, and a long outer functional primary flight feather.
* Southern giant-petrel, Macronectes giganteus
* Northern giant-petrel, Macronectes halli (A)
* Southern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialoides (A)
* Antarctic petrel, Thalassoica antarctica (A)
* Cape petrel, Daption capense
* Kerguelen petrel, Aphrodroma brevirostris (A)
* Great-winged petrel, Pterodroma macroptera
* Gray-faced petrel, Pterodroma gouldi
* Kermadec petrel, Pterodroma neglecta (A)
* Herald petrel, Pterodroma heraldica (A)
* Providence petrel, Pterodroma solandri
* Soft-plumaged petrel, Pterodroma mollis
* Barau's petrel, Pterodroma baraui (A)
* White-headed petrel, Pterodroma lessonii
* Mottled petrel, Pterodroma inexpectata (A)
* Juan Fernandez petrel, Pterodroma externa (A)
* White-necked petrel, Pterodroma cervicalis
* Black-winged petrel, Pterodroma nigripennis (A)
* Cook's petrel, Pterodroma cookii (A)
* Gould's petrel, Pterodroma leucoptera
* Collared petrel, Pterodroma brevipes (A)
* Vanuatu petrel, Pterodroma occulta (A)
* Blue petrel, Halobaena caerulea (A)
* Fairy prion, Pachyptila turtur
* Broad-billed prion, Pachyptila vittata (A)
* Salvin's prion, Pachyptila salvini
* Antarctic prion, Pachyptila desolata
* Slender-billed prion, Pachyptila belcheri
* Fulmar prion, Pachyptila crassirostris (A)
* Bulwer's petrel, Bulweria bulwerii (A)
* Tahiti petrel, Pseudobulweria rostrata
* Gray petrel, Procellaria cinerea (A)
* White-chinned petrel, Procellaria aequinoctialis (A)
* Parkinson's petrel, Procellaria parkinsoni
* Westland petrel, Procellaria westlandica (A)
* Streaked shearwater, Calonectris leucomelas
* Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea (A)
* Pink-footed shearwater, Ardenna creatopus (A)
* Flesh-footed shearwater, Ardenna carneipes
* Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis (A)
* Wedge-tailed shearwater, Ardenna pacifica
* Buller's shearwater, Ardenna bulleri
* Sooty shearwater, Ardenna grisea
* Short-tailed shearwater, Ardenna tenuirostris
* Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus (A)
* Hutton's shearwater, Puffinus huttoni
* Newell's shearwater, Puffinus newelli (A)
* Fluttering shearwater, Puffinus gavia
* Little shearwater, Puffinus assimilis (A)
* Tropical shearwater, Puffinus bailloni (A)
* Common diving-petrel, Pelecanoides urinatrix
* South Georgia diving-petrel, Pelecanoides georgicus (A)

## Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years.
* Black-necked stork, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

## Frigatebirds

Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black, or black-and-white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have coloured inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.
* Lesser frigatebird, Fregata ariel (A)
* Great frigatebird, Fregata minor (A)

## Boobies and gannets

Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium-large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.
* Masked booby, Sula dactylatra (A)
* Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
* Red-footed booby, Sula sula (A)
* Australasian gannet, Morus serrator

## Anhingas

Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Anhingas or darters are cormorant-like water birds with long necks and long, straight bills. They are fish eaters which often swim with only their neck above the water.
* Australasian darter, Anhinga novaehollandiae

## Cormorants and shags

Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of coloured skin on the face. The bill is long, thin and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed, a distinguishing feature among the order Pelecaniformes.
* Little pied cormorant, Microcarbo melanoleucos
* Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
* Little black cormorant, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
* Pied cormorant, Phalacrocorax varius
* Black-faced cormorant, Phalacrocorax fuscescens (A)

## Pelicans

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with distinctive pouches under their bills. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes.
* Australian pelican, Pelecanus conspicillatus

## Herons, egrets, and bitterns

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons, and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills.
* Australasian bittern, Botaurus poiciloptilus
* Black-backed bittern, Ixobrychus dubius
* Black bittern, Ixobrychus flavicollis
* Gray heron, Ardea cinerea (A)
* Pacific heron, Ardea pacifica
* Great-billed heron, Ardea sumatrana (A)
* Purple heron, Ardea purpurea (A)
* Great egret, Ardea alba
* Intermediate egret, Ardea intermedia
* White-faced heron, Egretta novaehollandiae
* Little egret, Egretta garzetta
* Pacific reef-heron, Egretta sacra
* Pied heron, Egretta picata (A)
* Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
* Striated heron, Butorides striata
* Nankeen night-heron, Nycticorax caledonicus

## Ibises and spoonbills

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.
* Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
* Australian ibis, Threskiornis moluccus
* Straw-necked ibis, Threskiornis spinicollis
* Royal spoonbill, Platalea regia
* Yellow-billed spoonbill, Platalea flavipes

## Osprey

Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
* Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

## Hawks, eagles, and kites

Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
* Black-shouldered kite, Elanus axillaris
* Letter-winged kite, Elanus scriptus (A)
* Black-breasted kite, Hamirostra melanosternon
* Square-tailed kite, Lophoictinia isura
* Pacific baza, Aviceda subcristata
* Little eagle, Hieraaetus morphnoides
* Wedge-tailed eagle, Aquila audax
* Swamp harrier, Circus approximans
* Spotted harrier, Circus assimilis
* Gray goshawk, Accipiter novaehollandiae
* Brown goshawk, Accipiter fasciatus
* Collared sparrowhawk, Accipiter cirrocephalus
* Red goshawk, Erythrotriorchis radiatus (A)
* Black kite, Milvus migrans
* Whistling kite, Haliastur sphenurus
* Brahminy kite, Haliastur indus
* White-bellied sea-eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster

## Barn-owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.
* Sooty owl, Tyto tenebricosa
* Australian masked-owl, Tyto novaehollandiae
* Australasian grass-owl, Tyto longimembris
* Western barn owl, Tyto alba

## Owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
* Powerful owl, Ninox strenua
* Barking owl, Ninox connivens
* Southern boobook, Ninox boobook
* Morepork, Ninox novaeseelandiae

## Kingfishers

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails.
* Azure kingfisher, Ceyx azureus
* Laughing kookaburra, Dacelo novaeguineae
* Blue-winged kookaburra, Dacelo leachii (A)
* Red-backed kingfisher, Todiramphus pyrrhopygius
* Forest kingfisher, Todiramphus macleayii
* Torresian kingfisher, Todiramphus sordidus
* Sacred kingfisher, Todiramphus sanctus

## Bee-eaters

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia, and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies, and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar.
* Rainbow bee-eater, Merops ornatus

## Rollers

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not.
* Dollarbird, Eurystomus orientalis

## Falcons and caracaras

Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.
* Nankeen kestrel, Falco cenchroides
* Australian hobby, Falco longipennis
* Brown falcon, Falco berigora
* Gray falcon, Falco hypoleucos
* Black falcon, Falco subniger
* Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus

## Cockatoos

Order: Psittaciformes Family: Cacatuidae
The cockatoos share many features with other parrots including the characteristic curved beak shape and a zygodactyl foot, with two forward toes and two backwards toes. They differ, however in a number of characteristics, including the often spectacular movable headcrest.
* Red-tailed black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus banksii
* Glossy black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus lathami
* Yellow-tailed black-cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus funereus
* Gang-gang cockatoo, Callocephalon fimbriatum
* Pink cockatoo, Lophochroa leadbeateri
* Galah, Eolophus roseicapilla
* Long-billed corella, Cacatua tenuirostris
* Little corella, Cacatua sanguinea
* Sulphur-crested cockatoo, Cacatua galerita
* Cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus

## Old World parrots

Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae
Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Many parrots are vividly coloured, and some are multi-coloured. In size they range from 8 cm (3.1 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Old World parrots are found from Africa east across south and southeast Asia and Oceania to Australia and New Zealand.
* Superb parrot, Polytelis swainsonii
* Regent parrot, Polytelis anthopeplus
* Australian king-parrot, Alisterus scapularis
* Red-winged parrot, Aprosmictus erythropterus
* Ground parrot, Pezoporus wallicus
* Night parrot, Pezoporus occidentalis
* Bourke's parrot, Neophema bourkii
* Blue-winged parrot, Neophema chrysostoma
* Elegant parrot, Neophema elegans (A)
* Orange-bellied parrot, Neophema chrysogaster (A)
* Turquoise parrot, Neophema pulchella
* Scarlet-chested parrot, Neophema splendida (A)
* Swift parrot, Lathamus discolor
* Australian ringneck, Barnardius barnardi
* Crimson rosella, Platycercus elegans
* Eastern rosella, Platycercus eximius
* Pale-headed rosella, Platycercus adscitus
* Greater bluebonnet, Northiella haematogaster
* Red-rumped parrot, Psephotus haematonotus
* Mulga parrot, Psephotus varius
* Paradise parrot, Psephotus pulcherrimus
* Double-eyed fig-parrot, Cyclopsitta diophthalma
* Budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus
* Little lorikeet, Parvipsitta pusilla
* Purple-crowned lorikeet, Parvipsitta porphyrocephala
* Musk lorikeet, Glossopsitta concinna
* Scaly-breasted lorikeet, Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus
* Rainbow lorikeet, Trichoglossus moluccanus
* Red-collared lorikeet, Trichoglossus rubritorquis

## Pittas

Order: Passeriformes Family: Pittidae
Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards and are stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails, and stout bills. Many are brightly coloured. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects, and similar invertebrates.
* Noisy pitta, Pitta versicolor

## Lyrebirds

Order: Passeriformes Family: Menuridae
Lyrebirds are most notable for their superb ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds from their environment, and the striking beauty of the male bird's huge tail when it is fanned out in courtship display.
* Albert's lyrebird, Menura alberti
* Superb lyrebird, Menura novaehollandiae

## Scrub-birds

Order: Passeriformes Family: Atrichornithidae
The scrub-bird family is ancient and is understood to be most closely related to the lyrebirds, and probably also the bowerbirds and treecreepers.
* Rufous scrub-bird, Atrichornis rufescens

## Bowerbirds

Order: Passeriformes Family: Ptilonorhynchidae
The bowerbirds are small to medium-sized passerine birds. The males notably build a bower to attract a mate. Depending on the species, the bower ranges from a circle of cleared earth with a small pile of twigs in the center to a complex and highly decorated structure of sticks and leaves.
* Green catbird, Ailuroedus crassirostris
* Regent bowerbird, Sericulus chrysocephalus
* Satin bowerbird, Ptilonorhynchus violaceus
* Spotted bowerbird, Chlamydera maculata

## Australasian treecreepers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Climacteridae
The Climacteridae are medium-small, mostly brown-coloured birds with patterning on their underparts.
* White-throated treecreeper, Cormobates leucophaea
* White-browed treecreeper, Climacteris affinis
* Red-browed treecreeper, Climacteris erythrops
* Brown treecreeper, Climacteris picumnus

## Fairywrens

Order: Passeriformes Family: Maluridae
Maluridae is a family of small, insectivorous passerine birds endemic to Australia and New Guinea. They are socially monogamous and sexually promiscuous, meaning that although they form pairs between one male and one female, each partner will mate with other individuals and even assist in raising the young from such pairings.
* Gray grasswren, Amytornis barbatus
* Striated grasswren, Amytornis striatus
* Short-tailed grasswren, Amytornis merrotsyi
* Thick-billed grasswren, Amytornis modestus
* Eyrean grasswren, Amytornis goyderi
* Southern emuwren, Stipiturus malachurus
* Mallee emu-wren, Stipiturus mallee (A)
* Purple-backed fairywren, Malurus assimilis
* Variegated fairywren, Malurus lamberti
* Splendid fairywren, Malurus splendens
* Superb fairywren, Malurus cyaneus
* White-winged fairywren, Malurus leucopterus
* Red-backed fairywren, Malurus melanocephalus

## Honeyeaters

Order: Passeriformes Family: Meliphagidae
The honeyeaters are a large and diverse family of small to medium-sized birds most common in Australia and New Guinea. They are nectar feeders and closely resemble other nectar-feeding passerines.
* Eastern spinebill, Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
* Pied honeyeater, Certhionyx variegatus
* Lewin's honeyeater, Meliphaga lewinii
* White-fronted honeyeater, Purnella albifrons
* Yellow-faced honeyeater, Caligavis chrysops
* Yellow-tufted honeyeater, Lichenostomus melanops
* Purple-gaped honeyeater, Lichenostomus cratitius (A)
* Bell miner, Manorina melanophrys
* Noisy miner, Manorina melanocephala
* Yellow-throated miner, Manorina flavigula
* Black-eared miner, Manorina melanotis
* Spiny-cheeked honeyeater, Acanthagenys rufogularis
* Little wattlebird, Anthochaera chrysoptera
* Regent honeyeater, Anthochaera phrygia
* Red wattlebird, Anthochaera carunculata
* Mangrove honeyeater, Gavicalis fasciogularis
* Singing honeyeater, Gavicalis virescens
* Yellow-plumed honeyeater, Ptilotula ornata
* White-plumed honeyeater, Ptilotula penicillata
* Fuscous honeyeater, Ptilotula fusca
* Gray-fronted honeyeater, Ptilotula plumula
* Gibber chat, Ashbyia lovensis
* Crimson chat, Epthianura tricolor
* Orange chat, Epthianura aurifrons
* White-fronted chat, Epthianura albifrons
* Black honeyeater, Sugomel niger
* Dusky myzomela, Myzomela obscura (A)
* Scarlet myzomela, Myzomela sanguinolenta
* Tawny-crowned honeyeater, Gliciphila melanops
* Banded honeyeater, Cissomela pectoralis (A)
* Brown honeyeater, Lichmera indistincta
* Crescent honeyeater, Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus
* New Holland honeyeater, Phylidonyris novaehollandiae
* White-cheeked honeyeater, Phylidonyris niger
* White-eared honeyeater, Nesoptilotis leucotis
* Blue-faced honeyeater, Entomyzon cyanotis
* White-throated honeyeater, Melithreptus albogularis
* White-naped honeyeater, Melithreptus lunatus
* Brown-headed honeyeater, Melithreptus brevirostris
* Black-chinned honeyeater, Melithreptus gularis
* Striped honeyeater, Plectorhyncha lanceolata
* Painted honeyeater, Grantiella picta
* Little friarbird, Philemon citreogularis
* Noisy friarbird, Philemon corniculatus

## Bristlebirds

Order: Passeriformes Family: Dasyornithidae
Bristlebirds are long-tailed, sedentary, ground-frequenting birds. The common name of the family is derived from the presence of prominent rictal bristles - three stiff, hair-like feathers curving downwards on either side of the gape.
* Eastern bristlebird, Dasyornis brachypterus

## Pardalotes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Pardalotidae
Pardalotes spend most of their time high in the outer foliage of trees, feeding on insects, spiders, and above all lerps (a type of sap-sucking insect).
* Spotted pardalote, Pardalotus punctatus
* Red-browed pardalote, Pardalotus rubricatus
* Striated pardalote, Pardalotus striatus

## Thornbills and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Acanthizidae
Thornbills are small passerine birds, similar in habits to the tits.
* Pilotbird, Pycnoptilus floccosus
* Rockwarbler, Origma solitaria (E)
* Yellow-throated scrubwren, Sericornis citreogularis
* White-browed scrubwren, Sericornis frontalis
* Large-billed scrubwren, Sericornis magnirostra
* Redthroat, Pyrrholaemus brunneus
* Speckled warbler, Pyrrholaemus sagittatus
* Rufous fieldwren, Calamanthus campestris
* Striated fieldwren, Calamanthus fuliginosus
* Chestnut-rumped heathwren, Hylacola pyrrhopygia
* Shy heathwren, Hylacola cauta
* Buff-rumped thornbill, Acanthiza reguloides
* Brown thornbill, Acanthiza pusilla
* Inland thornbill, Acanthiza apicalis
* Yellow-rumped thornbill, Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
* Chestnut-rumped thornbill, Acanthiza uropygialis
* Yellow thornbill, Acanthiza nana
* Striated thornbill, Acanthiza lineata
* Weebill, Smicrornis brevirostris
* White-throated gerygone, Gerygone olivacea
* Brown gerygone, Gerygone mouki
* Western gerygone, Gerygone fusca
* Mangrove gerygone, Gerygone levigaster
* Lord Howe gerygone, Gerygone insularis Outlying islands only Extinct
* Southern whiteface, Aphelocephala leucopsis
* Banded whiteface, Aphelocephala nigricincta (A)

## Pseudo-babblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Pomatostomidae
The pseudo-babblers are small to medium-sized birds endemic to Australia and New Guinea. They are ground-feeding omnivores and highly social.
* Gray-crowned babbler, Pomatostomus temporalis
* White-browed babbler, Pomatostomus superciliosus
* Hall's babbler, Pomatostomus halli
* Chestnut-crowned babbler, Pomatostomus ruficeps

## Logrunners

Order: Passeriformes Family: Orthonychidae
The Orthonychidae is a family of birds with a single genus, Orthonyx, which comprises two types of passerine birds endemic to Australia and New Guinea, the logrunners and the chowchilla. Both use stiffened tails to brace themselves when feeding.
* Australian logrunner, Orthonyx temminckii

## Quail-thrushes and jewel-babblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclosomatidae
The Cinclosomatidae is a family containing jewel-babblers and quail-thrushes.
* Spotted quail-thrush, Cinclosoma punctatum
* Chestnut quail-thrush, Cinclosoma castanotum
* Chestnut-breasted quail-thrush, Cinclosoma castaneothorax
* Cinnamon quail-thrush, Cinclosoma cinnamomeum

## Cuckooshrikes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
The cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured.
* Ground cuckooshrike, Coracina maxima
* Barred cuckooshrike, Coracina lineata
* Black-faced cuckooshrike, Coracina novaehollandiae
* White-bellied cuckooshrike, Coracina papuensis
* White-winged triller, Lalage tricolor
* Varied triller, Lalage leucomela
* Common cicadabird, Edolisoma tenuirostre

## Sittellas

Order: Passeriformes Family: Neosittidae
The sittellas are a family of small passerine birds found only in Australasia. They resemble treecreepers, but have soft tails.
* Varied sittella, Neositta chrysoptera

## Whipbirds and wedgebills

Order: Passeriformes Family: Psophodidae
The Psophodidae is a family containing whipbirds and wedgebills.
* Eastern whipbird, Psophodes olivaceus
* Chirruping wedgebill, Psophodes cristatus

## Australo-Papuan bellbirds

Order: Passeriformes Family: Oreoicidae
The three species contained in the family have been moved around between different families for fifty years. A series of studies of the DNA of Australian birds between 2006 and 2001 found strong support for treating the three genera as a new family, which was formally named in 2016.
* Crested bellbird, Oreoica gutturalis

## Shrike-tits

Order: Passeriformes Family: Falcunculidae
The shrike-tits have a parrot-like bill, used for distinctive bark-stripping behaviour, which gains it access to invertebrates
* Eastern shrike-tit, Falcunculus frontatus

## Whistlers and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Pachycephalidae
The family Pachycephalidae includes the whistlers, shrikethrushes, and some of the pitohuis.
* Gray shrikethrush, Colluricincla harmonica
* Arafura shrikethrush, Colluricincla megarhyncha
* Rufous shrikethrush, Colluricincla rufogaster
* Olive whistler, Pachycephala olivacea
* Red-lored whistler, Pachycephala rufogularis
* Gilbert's whistler, Pachycephala inornata
* Golden whistler, Pachycephala pectoralis
* Rufous whistler, Pachycephala rufiventris

## Old World orioles

Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles.
* Olive-backed oriole, Oriolus sagittatus
* Australasian figbird, Sphecotheres vieilloti

## Woodswallows, bellmagpies, and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Artamidae
The woodswallows are soft-plumaged, somber-coloured passerine birds. They are smooth, agile flyers with moderately large, semi-triangular wings. The cracticids: currawongs, bellmagpies and butcherbirds, are similar to the other corvids. They have large, straight bills and mostly black, white or grey plumage. All are omnivorous to some degree.
* White-breasted woodswallow, Artamus leucorynchus
* Masked woodswallow, Artamus personatus
* White-browed woodswallow, Artamus superciliosus
* Black-faced woodswallow, Artamus cinereus
* Dusky woodswallow, Artamus cyanopterus
* Little woodswallow, Artamus minor
* Gray butcherbird, Cracticus torquatus
* Pied butcherbird, Cracticus nigrogularis
* Australian magpie, Gymnorhina tibicen
* Pied currawong, Strepera graculina
* Grey currawong, Strepera versicolor

## Fantails

Order: Passeriformes Family: Rhipiduridae
The fantails are small insectivorous birds which are specialist aerial feeders.
* Willie-wagtail, Rhipidura leucophrys
* Rufous fantail, Rhipidura rufifrons
* Gray fantail, Rhipidura albiscapa

## Drongos

Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
The drongos are mostly black or dark grey in colour, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground.
* Spangled drongo, Dicrurus bracteatus

## Birds-of-Paradise

Order: Passeriformes Family: Paradisaeidae
The birds-of-paradise are best known for the striking plumage possessed by the males of most species, in particular highly elongated and elaborate feathers extending from the tail, wings or head. These plumes are used in courtship displays to attract females.
* Paradise riflebird, Ptiloris paradiseus

## Monarch flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching.
* White-eared monarch, Carterornis leucotis
* Black-faced monarch, Monarcha melanopsis
* Spectacled monarch, Symposiachrus trivirgatus
* Magpie-lark, Grallina cyanoleuca
* Leaden flycatcher, Myiagra rubecula
* Satin flycatcher, Myiagra cyanoleuca
* Restless flycatcher, Myiagra inquieta
* Shining flycatcher, Myiagra alecto (A)

## White-winged chough and apostlebird

Order: Passeriformes Family: Corcoracidae
They are found in open habitat in eastern Australia, mostly open eucalypt woodlands and some forest that lacks a closed canopy. They are highly social, spend much of their time foraging through leaf litter with a very distinctive gait, calling to one another almost constantly
* White-winged chough, Corcorax melanorhamphos
* Apostlebird, Struthidea cinerea

## Crows, jays, and magpies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.
* House crow, Corvus splendens (A)
* Torresian crow, Corvus orru
* Little crow, Corvus bennetti
* Australian raven, Corvus coronoides
* Little raven, Corvus mellori (A)
* Forest raven, Corvus tasmanicus

## Australasian robins

Order: Passeriformes Family: Petroicidae
Most species of Petroicidae have a stocky build with a large rounded head, a short straight bill and rounded wingtips. They occupy a wide range of wooded habitats, from subalpine to tropical rainforest, and mangrove swamp to semi-arid scrubland. All are primarily insectivores, although a few supplement their diet with seeds.
* Jacky-winter, Microeca fascinans
* Scarlet robin, Petroica multicolor
* Flame robin, Petroica phoenicea (A)
* Rose robin, Petroica rosea
* Pink robin, Petroica rodinogaster
* Red-capped robin, Petroica goodenovii
* Hooded robin, Melanodryas cucullata
* White-faced robin, Tregellasia leucops
* Pale-yellow robin, Tregellasia capito
* Eastern yellow robin, Eopsaltria australis
* Southern scrub-robin, Drymodes brunneopygia

## Larks

Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.
* Horsfield's bushlark, Mirafra javanica
* Eurasian skylark, Alauda arvensis (I)

## Cisticolas and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.
* Golden-headed cisticola, Cisticola exilis

## Reed warblers and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae
The members of this family are usually rather large for "warblers". Most are rather plain olivaceous brown above with much yellow to beige below. They are usually found in open woodland, reedbeds, or tall grass. The family occurs mostly in southern to western Eurasia and surroundings, but it also ranges far into the Pacific, with some species in Africa.
* Oriental reed warbler, Acrocephalus orientalis (A)
* Australian reed warbler, Acrocephalus australis

## Grassbirds and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae
Locustellidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and the Australian region. They are smallish birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and tend to be drab brownish or buffy all over.
* Spinifexbird, Poodytes carteri
* Little grassbird, Poodytes gramineus
* Brown songlark, Cincloramphus cruralis
* Rufous songlark, Cincloramphus mathewsi
* Tawny grassbird, Cincloramphus timoriensis

## Swallows

Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.
* Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica (A)
* Welcome swallow, Hirundo neoxena
* Fairy martin, Petrochelidon ariel
* Tree martin, Petrochelidon nigricans
* White-backed swallow, Cheramoeca leucosterna

## Bulbuls

Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.
* Red-whiskered bulbul, Pycnonotus jocosus (I)

## Leaf warblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Phylloscopidae
Leaf warblers are a family of small insectivorous birds found mostly in Eurasia and ranging into Wallacea and Africa. The species are of various sizes, often green-plumaged above and yellow below, or more subdued with grayish-green to grayish-brown colors.
* Arctic warbler, Phylloscopus borealis (A)
* Kamchatka leaf warbler, Phylloscopus examinandus (A)

## White-eyes, yuhinas, and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
The white-eyes are small birds of rather drab appearance, the plumage above being typically greenish-olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast, or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As the name suggests, many species have a white ring around each eye.
* Australian yellow white-eye, Zosterops luteus
* Silver-eye, Zosterops lateralis
* Robust white-eye, Zosterops strenuus Outlying islands only Extinct

## Starlings

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.
* Norfolk starling, Aplonis fusca Outlying islands only Extinct
* European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)
* Rosy starling, Pastor roseus (A)
* Common myna, Acridotheres tristis (I)

## Thrushes and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
* Bassian thrush, Zoothera lunulata
* Russet-tailed thrush, Zoothera heinei
* Song thrush, Turdus philomelos
* Eurasian blackbird, Turdus merula (I)

## Flowerpeckers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicaeidae
The flowerpeckers are very small, stout, often brightly coloured birds, with short tails, short thick curved bills, and tubular tongues.
* Mistletoebird, Dicaeum hirundinaceum

## Sunbirds and spiderhunters

Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Their flight is fast and direct on short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed.
* Olive-backed sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis (A)

## Waxbills and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colours and patterns.
* Diamond firetail, Stagonopleura guttata
* Beautiful firetail, Stagonopleura bella
* Red-browed firetail, Neochmia temporalis
* Painted firetail, Emblema pictum (A)
* Star finch, Bathilda ruficauda (A)
* Plum-headed finch, Aidemosyne modesta
* Double-barred finch, Stizoptera bichenovii
* Zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata
* Black-throated finch, Poephila cincta (A)
* Scaly-breasted munia, Lonchura punctulata (I)
* Chestnut-breasted munia, Lonchura castaneothorax

## Old World sparrows

Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small passerine birds, typically small, plump, brown or grey with short tails and short powerful beaks. They are seed-eaters, but also consume small insects.
* House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
* Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus (I)

## Wagtails and pipits

Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails and comprises the wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. These are slender ground-feeding insectivores of open country.
* Gray wagtail, Motacilla cinerea (A)
* Eastern yellow wagtail, Motacilla tschutschensis (A)
* Citrine wagtail, Motacilla citreola (A)
* White wagtail, Motacilla alba (A)
* Australian pipit, Anthus australis

## Finches, euphonias, and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are small to moderately large seed-eating passerine birds with a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have 12 tail feathers and nine primary flight feathers. Finches have a bouncing flight, alternating bouts of flapping with gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.
* European greenfinch, Chloris chloris (I)
* Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea (I)
* Lesser redpoll, Acanthis cabaret (I)
* European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis (I)