Black Swan
Australia boasts the world's only black swan. Found across the continent except for the very dry western interior, Black Swans prefer large permanent swamps and lakes with emergent under-water vegetation. You will often see them on ornamental lakes in cities or in sheltered estuaries. They show conspicuous white flight feathers at the outer edges of their wings when they fly.
Other iconic birds are seen below: (l to r) Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Budgerigar flock, and Willie Wagtail
Other iconic birds are seen below: (l to r) Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Budgerigar flock, and Willie Wagtail
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are widespread, frequenting both tropical and temperate rainforests, palms, eucalyptus woods, farmlands and city parks and gardens. The yellow crest is not always apparent. You will often hear these birds before you see them; they make loud, raucous, screeching cries, sometimes of ear-splitting intensity. Budgerigars are found in the arid interior where they form large flocks of thousands. They drink just after sunrise or at dusk and the swirling colours of green and yellow are exciting to watch. Willie Wagtails are found all across Australia, preferring open country or farmland. They are flycatchers and their name reflects the species' habit of constantly waving its tail from side to side, largely to disturb any insects on which it will feed.
Emus are the largest of Australia's birds, at 1.5 - 2 metres tall. Their feathers are floppy and hair-like, giving them an untidy appearance. They wander nomadically in response to seasonal conditions, preferring semi-arid grasslands, scrub or open woodland, where they are extremely well adapted to the conditions.
Laughing Kookaburras are related to the kingfishers and feed on insects, reptiles, mammals and crustaceans. This one has caught a small snake. In spite of their size, (40 - 47 cm) Kookaburras are easy to miss when they are silent. They are most well-known for their familiar "laughing" calls, heard especially at dawn and dusk
Australia is home to many parrots or parrot-like birds. Perhaps the most abundant is the Galah. This pink and dove grey bird flourishes in many different types of habitat; open country, open woodland, town parks, playing fields, beaches. They feed on the ground and in the low foliage of shrubs and trees, and will come to feeders supplied with grain-type feed. In crop fields or orchards they are considered pests and can do much damage. (By the way, don't call an Australian a "Galah". It is considered very insulting.)
