Observations were based on three centres;

Sydney, New South Wales (NSW) - 11^th-18^th August.
Cairns, Queensland (Q) - 18^th-24^th August
Darwin, Northern Territory (NT).-.24^th-30^th August

PRINCIPAL AREAS VISITED :

New South Wales.

Sydney city, including the Botanic Garden and the adjacent Domain. Sydney harbour, as seen from a harbour cruise .The north harbour shore in coastal heathland scrub, following the trail eastward for 1 km from the Taronga Zoo landing. The harbour shore at Rose Bay. The open sea, on the pelagic trip on the Halicat, travelling some 30 nm eastwards to the edge of the continental shelf. Botany Bay, following the shore west from Cape Banks past Sydney airport and then east to Cape Solander via Capt. Cook's landing. The Blue Mountains at Sublime and Echo Points and beyond to Lake Lyell and Glen Davis. Royal National Park.

Queensland.

The coast from Cairns north to Daintree, especially at Thala beach lodge. The Daintree river as seen from Chris Dahlberg's river cruise. Cairns esplanade. Port Douglas. The Great Barrier Reef at Agincourt reef. Inland on the plateau of the Atherton tablelands, visiting (from north to south) Mt. Lewis, Abbattoir swamp, Mary Creek Road near Mt Molloy, Pickford Road near Biboohra, the Mareeba wetlands, Wongabel state forest and Crater national park near Atherton. Lacy Creek and Licuala forests near Mission Beach.

Northern Territory

Darwin city and esplanade. North of Darwin at East Point, Lee Point and Holmes Jungle Swamp.The Arnhem highway to Kakadu, via Fogg Dam and the Adelaide river wetlands. Kakadu national park from the air and at Jabiru, Ubirr, Mamukala wetlands, Yellow Waters at Cooinda on the south alligator river, the Old Jim Jim Road, Bubba walk and Gubara walk.

SPECIES LIST

Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius)

Q. Four at Mission Beach, Licuala State Forest. Two on grass verges outside forest. One in forest proper was approachable but then turned aggressive. A fourth was "demanding" food from picnickers in the forest car park.

Australasian Little Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)

NSW. Present Lake Lyell (reservoir), Royal National Park.

Q. Marreeba Waterfowl refuge.2.

NT. Common Kakadu, Fogg Dam, Adelaide River wetlands.

Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus)

NT. Small numbers Kakadu/Adelaide River

Sydney Pelagic trip, 14^th August, on MV Halicat from Sydney Harbour to the edge of the continental shelf c 30 miles offshore. Species included:

Wandering Albatross (Diomedea exulans)

Common. Up to 8 together.

Black-browed Albatross (Diomedea melanophris)

Common. Up to 10 together.

Shy Albatross [sp] (Diomedea cauta)

Least common. c10 in all.

Yellow-nosed Albatross (Diomedea chlororhynchos)

Common. Up to 3 together.

Antarctic Giant Petrel (Macronectes giganteus)

1 immature.

Hall's Giant Petrel (Macronectes halli)

1 immature. Compared directly with previous.

Cape Petrel (Daption capense)

Common.

Providence Petrel (Pterodroma solandri)

Common. 50+ seen

Great-winged Petrel (Pterodroma macroptera)

3

White-headed Petrel (Pterodroma lessonii)

3

Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur)

3

Fluttering Shearwater (Puffinus gavia [puffinus])

Several hundred inshore.

Hutton's Shearwater (Puffinus huttoni [puffinus])

10+ with above

White-faced Storm-petrel (Pelagodroma marina)

4

Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator [bassanus])

10. Most singly and close inshore.

Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster)

Q. Small numbers common. 20+ seen Pt Douglas/Gt Barrier Reef.

Little Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos)

NSW.Common all areas, including reservoirs & lakes.

NT Common on inland wetlands.

Pied Cormorant (Phalacrocorax varius)

NSW. Small numbers present Sydney Harbour & Botany Bay.

Q. 4 at Mareeba. 4 Daintree river.

NT. At least one at Yellow Waters; only inland bird seen. Two at Lee Point.

Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)

NSW. Common Sydney Harbour/Botanic gardens.

NT. Common on inland waters.

Great Cormorant [sp] (Phalacrocorax carbo)

NSW. Small numbers Sydney Harbour & Botany Bay.

Q. 1 at Mareeba.

Australian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae [melanogaster])

NSW. One Sydney harbour N shore, "drying" on the rocks.

Q. 6+ along Daintree river. Several Mareeba wetlands.

NT. Common. Nest with two very disparate chicks seen at Yellow Waters.

Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

NSW. Small numbers Sydney Harbour/Botany Bay.

Q. Common along Cairns esplanade, resting in flocks of up to 25. 3 on Daintree river.

NT. Common. Several flocks of 20+ seen Kakadu & elsewhere. 1 on the sea at East Point, Darwin.

White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae)

NSW. Single birds seen in coastal areas. Sparse.

Q. Atherton tablelands, small numbers on paddocks. Up to 3 at Cairns esplanade. Widespread along Daintree river.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Q. One on mudflats on Cairns esplanade.

NT. One at Yellow Waters. One at Lee Point.

Eastern (Pacific) Reef Egret (Egretta sacra)

Q. One white phase at Port Douglas harbour, sitting next to a fisherman.

NT. Two dark phase birds at East point. Very territorial, spending much time chasing each other.

White-necked (Pacific) Heron (Ardea pacifica)

Q. Two on marshy edges of cane fields near El Arish, south of Cairns. "Like an egret in a raincoat".

NT. Several at Yellow Waters and at Bubba in Kakadu. Sparse.

Great-billed Heron (Ardea sumatrana)

NT. One in paperbark swamps at Yellow Waters.

Pied Heron (Ardea picata)

Very common at Fogg Dam and along the south alligator river at Yellow Waters. Some hand tame around Cooinda lodge.

Great White Egret (Egretta alba)

Q. Several Cairns esplanade and roosting in city trees at dusk. 2 at Daintree. 1 in Pt Douglas harbour. 1 at Thala beach.

NT. Common in all inland wetlands and also on the coast at Lee Point.

Intermediate Egret (Egretta intermedia)

Q. Sparse.1 Abbattoir Swamp. 2 Mareeba.

NT. Abundant. The commonest heron.

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis).

Q. A few near Mareeba. Large groups roosting along Daintree river.

NT. Small numbers with cattle near Darwin.

Striated Heron (Butorides striatus [striatus])

Q. Daintree River 1. Cairns mudflats 1.

NT. One at Yellow Waters. 2 at East Point.

Rufous Night-heron (Nycticorax caledonicus)

NT. 8+ along river at Yellow Waters.

Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)

Q. 1 at Mareeba. 1 on Cairns esplanade. 1 at Daintree.

NT. Locally common in Kakadu and other wetlands. A loose gathering of at least 48 at Fogg Dam was exceptional; usually seen in twos and threes.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)

NT. Small numbers at Fogg Dam; flock of up to 8. 1 at Mamukala.

Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca [aethiopicus])

NSW.Very common, especially in city parks and Sydney Botanic garden, where taking food from the hand. Occupied nests in Botanic Garden. Seen in groups of up to 30.

Q. Common on Cairns esplanade and on Plateau. 50+ seen. Several Daintree river.

NT. Common at Yellow Waters and at Fogg Dam.

Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis)

Q. Small flocks common on Atherton tablelands. Soaring flock of 200 near Atherton itself; soaring very synchronised, unlike storks, all birds turning in unison and in the same direction.

NT. Common in Darwin and in all wetland areas.

Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia)

Q. 6 on Cairns esplanade.

NT. 2 at Yellow Waters. 50+ at Fogg Dam.

Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)

NT. Locally abundant. Thousands at Mareeba and present in numbers throughout Kakadu and the Adelaide river wetlands.

Plumed Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna eytoni)

NT. Abundant on south alligator river at Yellow Waters; probably several thousand present, mainly resting under waterside bushes along the river courses. Very common in the Adelaide river marshlands.

Wandering Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna arcuata)

Q. Flock of 25 on Abbattoir swamp.

NT. 30+ at Bubba billabong. 20+ Fogg Dam. 30+ at Fogg Dam included two adults with 8 half-grown ducklings.

Maned Duck (Chenonetta jubata)

NSW. Four (2 pairs) Sydney Botanic Garden. Two at a waterhole on farmland in Glen Davis.

Q. Locally common on Atherton tablelands; flock of 100 on pastures near Crater national park.

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)

Q. One at Mareeba was the only sighting of the entire trip.

Radjah Shelduck (Tadorna radjah)

NT. Several hundred in Adelaide river wetlands. Hundreds with Plumed Whistling Ducks at Yellow Waters. Pair with 6 small ducklings at Bubba. Numerous at Fogg Dam.

Green Pygmy-goose (Nettapus pulchellus)

Q. 8 at Mareeba.

NT. Hundreds at Mamuchala and in the Adelaide river wetlands. Abundant at Yellow Waters. Common at Fogg Dam; 20+.

Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea)

NSW. Several Botanic Garden and Sydney harbour.

Mallard [sp] (Anas platyrhynchos)

NSW. One male Sydney Botanic Garden, plus two Mallard/Black Duck hybrid.

Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)

NSW. Common in small numbers (up to 15) in Sydney Botanic Garden/Harbour area. Two at Lake Lyell. Two in Royal National Park.

Q. 4 at Abbattoir swamp. 10 at Mareeba.

NT. 20+ at Mamuchala.

Black-breasted Buzzard (Hamirostra melanosternon)

NT. 1 over dry eucalypt woodland near S Alligator River over Jim Jim Road. Distinctive; marked dihedral and rocking flight recalling Bateleur.

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus)

NSW. Two hunting at dusk near Botany Bay. Two on light pylons at Sydney airport.

Q. Several on Atherton tablelands.

Black Kite [sp] (Milvus migrans)

Q. Very common on coast in cane field areas, singly and in flocks of up to 30. Less common on tablelands.

NT. Abundant near human habitation especially, less so in more remote areas where Whistling Kite dominated numerically. Abundant in Darwin city; up to 1000 visible at once towards evening in the northern part of the city in the vicinity of the rubbish tips. Hundreds over the coastal forests at Lee Point, with numbers settling on the mud at low tide, perhaps catching the many small crabs there. Commonest in Kakadu at Jabiru village.

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

Q. Sparse. One near Cairns. Several on Atherton tablelands.

NT.1 at East Point.

Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus)

Q. Three at Abbattoir swamp. Several on tablelands.

NT. Very common between Darwin and Jabiru, especially in Kakadu.

White-bellied Sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

NSW. Single birds and pairs seen commonly; Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay, Royal National Park.

Q. 1 near Cairns. 1 immature near Pt Douglas.

NT. Frequent in Kakadu. Two at Lee Point.

Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans [aeruginosus])

NT. Frequent in Adelaide river wetlands and at Fogg Dam. Also over wetlands in Kakadu, as at Mamukala.

Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae)

NSW. At least one (grey phase) in Royal National Park. Highly conspicuous when perched. Cockatoo-mimic ?

Collared Sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus)

NT. Several seen from the road between Darwin and Kakadu. Several in Kakadu itself.

Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax)

NSW. Pair over escarpments at Glen Davis. Vulturine silhouette with very prominent tail wedge.

Q. One high over Mareeba. Another near Atherton.

NT. 1 near Adelaide highway.

Little Eagle (Hieraaetus morphnoides)

NSW. One at Lake Lyell. Recalls Booted Eagle.

Q. 1 Atherton tablelands plateau.
NT. 1 Ubirr.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Q. Two resting at Port Douglas inlet. One near Daintree. One hunting Cairns Bay.

NT. 1 fishing along shore at Lee Point.

Brown Falcon (Falco berigora)

Q. Two on fence posts along Mary Creek road. Four in Mareeba area, all intermediate birds.

NT. Widespread in Kakadu. Also common around Darwin.

Australian Kestrel (Falco cenchroides)

NSW. Frequent. Often along roadsides. A typical but strikingly pale kestrel.

Q. One near Cairns. Common on plateau.

NT. Common generally.

Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis)

NT. 2 near Adelaide highway. 1 seen in low hunting flight low over Fogg Dam swamp.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)

NSW. One over Darling Harbour.

Australian Brush-turkey (Alectura lathami)

Q. Frequent in rainforests on Atherton tablelands. Two at Crater national park were very tame, one taking biscuits from the hand.

Orange-footed Scrubfowl (Megapodius reinwardt)

Q. Present Thala hotel grounds. Heard calling along Daintree river at dawn and two seen in flight across the river itself.

NT. Common in shoreside parks in Darwin city, where tame and confiding. Also in coastal scrub at Lee Point.

White-browed Crake (Porzana cinerea)

NT. Three in Adelaide river marshes. Two at Fogg Dam.

Purple Swamphen  (Porphyrio porphyrio)

Q. 10+ at Abbattoir swamp. 1 on wet pastures near Atherton.

Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa)

NSW. 10+ in Sydney Botanic Garden. Also in Royal National Park.

Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)

NSW.10+. Royal National Park.

Sarus Crane (Grus antigone)

Q. Three; 2 ads and a juvenile on tilled land near Mareeba.

Brolga Crane (Grus rubicunda)

NT. Three; 2 adults and a juvenile near the Adelaide highway. Three (2 ads, 1 juv) over Mamukala. Several pairs at Yellow Waters and Bubba. 3 near Holmes Jungle swamp.

Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis)

Q. Two males displaying along Mary Creek road. Three females seen. Flock of 14 along Pickford road in overgrown cultivation. Quite tame allowing close observation from not more than 50 metres.

Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea)

Q. 6 at Mareeba.

NT. Very common in Adelaide river wetlands, at Fogg Dam and in Kakadu.

Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris)

NT. 1 on rocks near East Point.

Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus)

NSW. Three Botany Bay rocky shore.

NT. 1 on rocks near East Point, with previous.

White-headed Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus [himantopus])

Q. 4 resting at Cairns esplanade.

NT. 2 at Fogg Dam.

Beach Thick-knee (Burhinus giganteus [recurvirostris])

Q. 2 at Cairns on the mudflats. I caught and ate one of the very large and abundant crabs.

NT. 2 over East Point.

Australian Pratincole (Stiltia isabella)

NT. Several at Mamukala, Fogg Dam (10+) and Yellow Waters. Some in breeding plumage.

Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

NT. 1 at East point and 2 at Lee Point, including one in summer plumage.

Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus)

NT. Common at Lee Point. 15+ including one female with 3 small chicks.

Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus)

NT. 20+ at Lee Point.

Black-fronted Dotterel (Elseyornis melanops)

NT. 1 adult with 2 chicks at Fogg Dam.

Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles)

NSW. Several. Botany Bay area. One at Lake Lyell was mobbing a Little Eagle.

Q. Common on grassy fields everywhere, on the mudflats along Cairns esplanade and on city lawns.

NT. Common Darwin and generally, ranging from lawns and cultivation to open mudflats at low tide.

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)

Q. 20 on Cairns esplanade.

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

Q. 2 on Cairns esplanade.

NT. 1 Lee Point.

Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis)

NSW. 2 Botany Bay. I flying south far offshore seen during pelagic trip.

Q. 30 on Cairns esplanade. 1 flying south along outer Great Barrier reef.

NT. 4 on mudflats at Lee Point.

Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)

NT. 1 East Point.

Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos)

NT. 3 at East Point. 1 at Lee point.

Grey-tailed Tattler (Tringa brevipes)

Q. 2 Cairns Esplanade.

NT. Two each at East point and Lee Point.

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)

NT. 2 at East Point and 1 at Lee Point. Still in summer plumage.

Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris)

Q. 6 Cairns esplanade.

Sanderling (Calidris alba)

NT. 4 at Lee Point.

Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)

NT. 1 at Lee Point.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata)

Q. 4 Cairns esplanade.

Brown Skua (Catharacta lonnbergi [skua])

NSW. One seen inshore during Sydney pelagic trip. Uniformly dark except for white flashes; no rufous.

Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae)

NSW. Very common and obvious everywhere on the coast and nearby, as in Sydney parks/Botanic garden. Nowhere abundant, however. Seen in small parties of up to 30 usually.

Q. 1 off Thala beach. Small flocks of c200 in all at Cairns esplanade.

NT. Small numbers on coast.

Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica)

Q. 1 in Port Douglas inlet. Common at Cairns esplanade; 15+.

NT. 3 at Lee Point.

Lesser Crested-tern (Sterna bengalensis)

Q. 1+ off Port Douglas.

NT. 1 off east point.

Great Crested-tern (Sterna bergii)

NSW. Very common on the coast, even out on the Continental shelf edge; up to 20 over the boat when "chumming". Two in Botany Bay.

Q. Common in small numbers at Port Douglas and over the Great Barrier reef. 1 at Cairns.

NT. Several off East Point and Lee Point.

White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata)

NSW. One well offshore (pelagic trip).

Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)

NT. Common at all inland wetlands. Some in breeding plumage.

Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis)

NSW. One Sydney (the Domain).

Q. I in Mossman. 2 at Thala beach. 2 in Cairns, on esplanade.

Brown Cuckoo-dove (Macropygia phasianella [amboinensis])

Q. Several on rainforest edges on plateau.

Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)

Q. Several in rainforests on Atherton tablelands. 1 at Mission Beach.

Partridge Pigeon (Geophaps smithii)

NT. 1 flushed from roadside near Bubba.

Squatter Pigeon (Geophaps scripta)

Q. Five flushed at Mareeba, exploding from underfoot at the last moment.

Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes)

NSW. Usually in pairs. Present Botanic Garden, Glen Davis & Botany Bay. Sparse.

Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon (Petrophassa rufipennis)

NT. 2 in Kakadu, flushed by rocky outcrops

Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida [striata])

Q. Widespread and common. 5 at Thala beach. Common and very tame along Cairns esplanade.

NT. Abundant and widespread. The incessant "vol-au-vent" call was very characteristic of the dry eucalyptus woodlands. Common at habitation.

Bar-shouldered Dove (Geopelia humeralis)

Q. Widespread and common. 5 at Thala beach.

NT. Common in Darwin and generally.

Wompoo Fruit-dove (Ptilinopus magnificus)

Q. 2 on riverine forest at Daintree.

Pied Imperial Pigeon (Ducula bicolor)

Q. 8 over Thala beach. 6 at Daintree. 1 over Mission Beach. Parties of 4 and 8 birds encountered at sea miles offshore from Port Douglas, commuting between islands south of Cape Tribulation.

NT. 2 in Darwin city waterfront gardens. 2 in Kakadu. Several at Lee Point and in Holmes Jungle Swamp forest.

Topknot Pigeon (Lopholaimus antarcticus)

NSW. Royal National Park. Flock of 15 and several smaller groups.

Double-eyed Fig-parrot (Cyclopsitta diophthalma)

Q. 2 on treetops in Daintree river forest.

Red-winged Parrot (Aprosmictus erythropterus)

Q. Common in Pickford road area, with Pale-headed Rosellas. 10+.

NT. 1 female at Ubirr. 1 at Bubba. Flock of 8 at Jabiru village.

Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis)

NSW. One female near feeders at Echo Point.

Crimson Rosella [sp] (Platycercus elegans)

NSW. 8+ Botany Bay; Cook's landing picnic area. Common in Blue Mountains. 6 in Royal National Park.

Pale-headed Rosella (Platycercus adscitus)

Q. 10+ in Pickford road area; open areas near eucalypts.

Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius)

NSW. 20+ Botany Bay; Cook's landing picnic area.

Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus funereus)

NSW. Flock of 15+ in slow, stately flight to roost at dusk, Botany Bay. Striking long tails.

Red-tailed Black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii)

Q. 10 on tilled land near Mareeba.

NT. Common and widespread. Loose flocks of up to 60 in Kakadu.

Galah (Eolophus roseicapillus)

NSW. One on a roadside verge, Botany Bay. Several Blue Mountains, including 4 at feeders at Echo Point. Sparse.

NT. Common on the outskirts of Darwin but not seen elsewhere. Flocks of up to 50 in suburban areas and on roadside verges.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)

NSW. Abundant and raucously-conspicuous. Sydney city, Botanic Garden & Bay area, in flocks of 30+. 100+ in Royal National park. Often hand-tame.

Q. Common near Cairns and Thala beach, in small numbers. Common but sparse on the plateau.

NT. Widespread but not numerous, seen only in small groups. Greatly outnumbered by next species.

Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea)

NT. Very common, especially in Kakadu. Seen in flocks of 30++.

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus)

NSW. Very common Sydney area, especially in Botanic Gardens and Botany Bay gardens, in flocks of 8-10.

NT. Common generally, including in Darwin city. Numbers roosting in the centre of Jabiru village. Roosting flights visible each evening at Ubirr, probably totalling many hundreds.

Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haemanotus)

NSW. 15+ total; Glen Davis. Often on ground.

Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis variolosus)

NT. 2+, adult and immature, at Mamukala.

Gould's Bronze Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx russatus [minutillus])

Q. 1 male in Thala beach hotel grounds.

Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx basalis)

NT. Two in forest at Fogg Dam.

Pheasant Coucal [sp] (Centropus phasianinus)

Q. 1 at Mary Creek road. 1 in Cane fields near Mission Beach.

NT. 1 at Adelaide river wetlands. Three on forest fringes at Fogg Dam, once seen to clamber at the top of a tall tree.

Papuan Frogmouth (Podargus papuensis)

Q. 1 on a riverside branch along Daintree river.

White-rumped Swiftlet (Collocalia spodiopygius)

Q. Common over plateau, at Mission Beach and along Daintree river in flocks of up to 30. Abundant in Cairns.

Azure Kingfisher (Alcedo azurea)

Q. Single birds noted widely on roadside wires along coast. Also at Mareeba, & Cairns esplanade. 3 at Daintree river.

NT. Two at Yellow Waters.

Little Kingfisher (Alcedo pusilla)

Q. 1 at Daintree, on low perch in the mangroves.

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

NSW. Pairs present Sydney Botanic garden, harbour north shore, Botany Bay and Blue Mountains. Generally common. Some very tame, allowing approach to less than 2 metres.

Q. Common generally.

Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii)

Q. Encountered widely on Atherton tablelands, especially in open country.

NT. Small numbers widespread.

Forest Kingfisher (Todirhamphus macleayii)

Q. Common generally. 6+ at Abbatoir Swamp.

NT. I by East Alligator River. Common generally in Kakadu. 1 in forest at Fogg Dam.

Red-backed Kingfisher (Todirhamphus pyrrhopygia)

NT. 1 female on wires by Adelaide highway in Kakadu.

Collared Kingfisher (Todirhamphus chloris)

NT. Several at East point, Darwin. Venturing out on to exposed mud at low tide. One caught and ate a large crab.

Sacred Kingfisher (Todirhamphus sanctus)

Q. 3 at Daintree. 2 at Cairns esplanade.

NT. 1 at Yellow Waters. 1 at Fogg Dam. Several at both East Point and Lee Point, Darwin.

Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)

Q. Common in all areas, in twos and threes usually.

NT. Common all areas, in small groups of up to 10.

Rainbow Pitta (Pitta iris [versicolor])

NT. Four in monsoon forest at Fogg Dam. Confiding. Allowed approach to 4m and then just walked away.

Brown Treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus)

NSW. Two in Glen Davis. On the ground as well as on trees.

Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)

NSW. One male in Royal National Park.

Great Bowerbird (Chlamydera nuchalis)

NT. 4+ at Lee Point in coastal scrub. Those seen were drinking from a drinking-water fountain in the car park.

Red-backed Fairywren (Malurus melanocephalus)

Q. Parties of 5-6 common in Mareeba area, each including one or two males.

NT. 1 male near Jabiru. Several at Holmes Jungle Swamp.

Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus)

NSW. Two in Sydney Botanic Garden. Breeding male and 2 females at Cape Banks in low coastal scrub.

Variegated Fairywren (Malurus lamberti)

NSW. Two females, Botany Bay area.

NT. 3 at Mamukala. Several seen at various other sites in Kakadu including a group of 6 at Bubba.

Lovely Fairywren (Malurus amabilis [lamberti])

Q. 3 near Mareeba.

Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus)

NSW. One; Sydney harbour north shore.

Striated Pardalote (Pardalotus striatus)

NSW. 1+ Glen Davis.

Yellow-throated Scrubwren (Sericornis citreogularis)

Q. 2 in forest on Mt Lewis. 2 in Wongabel State forest.

White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis)

NSW. 1 Sydney Harbour north shore. 4+ Royal National Park. 1 Sublime Point, Blue Mountains.

Atherton Scrubwren (Sericornis keri)

Q. 6+ in Wongabel state forest.

Large-billed Scrubwren (Sericornis magnirostris)

Q. Several in coastal forests near Mission Beach.

Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla)

NSW. Common in groups of 3-4 in Royal National Park. 2+ Sublime Point, Blue Mountains.

Weebill (Smicrornis brevirostris)

NT. 1 in central Kakadu.

White-throated Gerygone (Gerygone olivacea)

NT. Several in gardens along Darwin waterfront.

Large-billed Gerygone (Gerygone magnirostris)

Q. Several Daintree river, including pair with hanging-purse nest over water.

Mangrove Gerygone (Gerygone levigaster)

NT. Frequent in mangroves at east point, Darwin. 1 nest there.

Brown Gerygone (Gerygone mouki)

Q. Common in forests on plateau.

Dusky Honeyeater (Myzomela) (Myzomela obscura)

Q. 1 on Mt Lewis. 1 at Mission Beach.

Red-headed Honeyeater (Myzomela) (Myzomela erythrocephala)

NT. 2, male and female, in mangroves at East Point reserve.

Brown Honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta)

NSW. 4+ Glen Davis.

NT. Several at Mamukala. Several at East Point.

Graceful Honeyeater (Meliphaga gracilis)

Q. Common at Thala beach and Daintree. Also at Mission Beach.

Lewin's Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii)

NSW. 3+ Royal National Park.

Q. Common on plateau. Several near Mission Beach.

Mangrove Honeyeater (Lichenostomus fasciogularis)

Q. Several along Cairns waterfront.

White-eared Honeyeater (Lichenostomus leucotis)

NSW. 4+ Glen Davis. 1 in Royal National park.

Bridled Honeyeater (Lichenostomus frenatus)

Q. Several at Crater National Park carpark, where very tame.

Singing Honeyeater (Lichenostomus virescens)

NSW. Several Glen Davis.

White-gaped Honeyeater (Lichenostomus unicolor)

NT. 1 at Mamukala. Common at East Point, Darwin.

Macleay's Honeyeater (Xanthotis macleayana)

Q. Several along Daintree river. 2 at Mission Beach.

White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus albogularis)

Q. Frequent at Thala beach. Also on plateau near Mareeba and at Daintree.

NT. Several at Mamukala. 1 at Bubba.

Little Friarbird (Philemon citreogularis)

Q. 1 near Mareeba in wet eucalyptus forest.

NT. 1 at Fogg Dam.

Helmeted Friarbird (Philemon buceroides)

Q. Small groups of 4-6 daily at Thala beach, apparently eating scale insects from eucalpytus.

NT 1 at East Point. Others, probably this, in Darwin city.

Silver-crowned Friarbird (Philemon argenticeps)

NT. 1+ in eucalyptus forest near Jabiru.

Noisy Friarbird (Philemon corniculatus)

Q. 2 near Mareeba.

New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae)

NSW. 4+ Sydney bay north shore. Very common & characteristic in coastal heaths around Botany Bay and in Royal National Park. Also in Blue Mountains.

Rufous-banded Honeyeater (Conopophila albogularis)

NT. Several at Mamukala. 1+ at Bubba. Several at Fogg Dam forest reserve. Several at East Point, Darwin.

Rufous-throated Honeyeater (Conopophila rufogularis)

NT. 1+ at Bubba.

Eastern Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris)

NSW. 4+ Blue Mountains area. Conspicuous and characteristic of Royal National park.

Blue-faced Honeyeater (Entomyzon cyanotis)

Q. Frequent on plateau.

NT. Frequent generally, including in Darwin city.

Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala)

NSW. Abundant and characteristic of Sydney area, including Botanic garden where hand-tame. Common Botany Bay.

Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata)

NSW. Common Botany Bay and in Blue Mountains. Aggressive to conspecifics and others.

Jacky-winter (Microeca fascinans)

NSW. 2+ in Glen Davis - farmland. Sometimes on the ground.

NT. 1 in burnt open forest along Jim Jim Road, Kakadu.

Lemon-bellied Flycatcher (Microeca flavigaster)

Q. 1 on Mt Lewis. 1 Mareeba.

NT. Several at Mamukala and at Bubba. Several at Fogg Dam. 1 at East Point.

Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis)

NSW. Two Sublime Point, Blue Mountains. 3 Royal National Park.

Pale Yellow Robin (Tregellasia capito)

Q. 2 on Mt Lewis.

White-browed Robin (Poecilodryas superciliosa)

NT. 1 at Mamukala. 1 at Bubba. Rather inconspicuous, keeping under cover.

Grey-headed Robin (Heteromyias cinereifrons [albispecularis])

Q. Common in plateau rainforests.

Grey Whistler (Pachycephala griseiceps [simplex])

NT. 2 in forest reserve at Fogg Dam.

Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis)

NSW. 1 male Echo Point, Blue Mountains. 4 males & 1 female in Royal National Park.

Q. 2 on Mt Lewis.

Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris)

NT. 4, 2 males and 2 females, at Mamukala. Common at Bubba. Two at Fogg Dam.

Little (Rufous) Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla megarhyncha)

Q. Several seen Daintree and near Atherton. Common in forests at Mission Beach.

Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica)

NSW. Two Sublime point, Blue Mountains. Two in Royal National Park.

Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis)

NT. Party of 5 near Jabiru.

White-browed Babbler (Pomatostomus superciliosus)

NSW. Party of 6 in Glen Davis.

Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus)

NSW. Two males seen and commonly heard in Royal National Park.

Q. Common in plateau rainforests and at Mission Beach.

Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)

NSW. Common Botanic Garden, Sydney (10+) and lowlands west of Sydney and east of Blue Mountains.

Q. Common in lowlands and on plateau but in small numbers.

Tree Martin (Hirundo nigricans)

NSW. Four over Sydney Botanic Garden.

Q. Common near Mareeba, including one flock of 50+ feeding low over tilled land.

NT. Small numbers at Yellow Waters.

Fairy Martin (Hirundo ariel)

NSW. Two Glen Davis, feeding low over pastureland with Welcome Swallows.

Australasian Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae)

NT. 1 at Bubba was on a path in open woodland.

Black-faced Cuckooshrike (Coracina novaehollandiae [caledonica])

NSW. Common Botany Bay; c6 seen.

Q. Single birds and pairs frequent at Thala beach. Also on plateau. 4 at Daintree.

NT. Common in Darwin area and in Kakadu. 2 at Fogg Dam.

White-bellied Cuckooshrike (Coracina papuensis)

NSW. 1 Glen Davis.

Q. Single birds and pairs frequent at Thala beach. Also common on plateau.

NT. Common in Darwin area, Kakadu and at Fogg Dam.

White-winged Triller (Lalage tricolor [sueurii])

NT. Common at Mamukala.

Varied Triller (Lalage leucomela)

Q. Single birds often at Thala beach. Two on plateau near Mareeba.

NT. 1 at Mamukala.

Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus)

NSW. Two in coastal scrub, Solander peninsula. Introduced.

Bassian (White's) Thrush (Zoothera lunulata)

NSW. Two in Royal National Park.

Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula)

NSW. I male on a powerline, Botany Bay.

Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis)

Q. 1+ near Mareeba on fringes of wet eucalypt forest.

NT. Single birds seen at Fogg Dam twice.

Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis)

NT. 1 at Fogg Dam.

Australian Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus australis [stentoreus])

NT. Common at Fogg Dam, often feeding in trees fringing the wetlands.

Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)

NSW. Common and widespread; Sydney, Botany Bay, Blue mountains, Royal National Park. Very terrestrial.

Q. Widespread and common.

NT. Widespread and common. Exceptionally numerous at East Point where groups of up to 15 seen.

Northern Fantail (Rhipidura rufiventris)

Q. 1 at Thala beach.

NT. 1 at Mamukala. 1 at Bubba. 2 at East Point.

Grey Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa)

NSW. Common in Royal National Park.

Q. Common on plateau.

Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons)

Q. Common in forests at Mission Beach.

Spectacled Monarch (Monarcha trivirgatus)

Q. Single birds on Mt Lewis, near Atherton and at Daintree. 6+ in Mission beach forests.

Pied Monarch (Arses kaupi [telescophthalmus])

Q. 1 in forest at Mission Beach.

Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula)

Q. 1 or 2 at Thala beach. 1 at Abbattoir swamp.

NT. 1 at Ubirr. 1f at Mamukala.

Broad-billed Flycatcher (Myiagra ruficollis)

NT. 1+ at Fogg Dam. Broad, heavy bill very evident from below.

Restless Flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta)

Q. 1 male at Thala beach.

NT. 4+ at Mamukala. Common at Yellow Waters and Bubba.

Shining Flycatcher (Myiagra alecto)

Q. Common along Daintree river, always in pairs. 3+ pairs seen.

NT. 2 at Yellow Waters. 1f at Fogg Dam.

Yellow-bellied (Olive-backed) Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis)

Q. 4 on Mt Lewis. 3 at Thala beach.

Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum)

Q. 4+ at Thala beach.

Australian Yellow White-eye (Zosterops luteus)

NT. 2 at East Point.

Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis)

NSW. Flock of 5 in coastal eucalypt scrub, Botany Bay.

Q. 4 in forest on Mt Lewis. 8+ in forests at Mission Beach.

Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus)

Q. Single birds near Mareeba and Atherton.

Green (Yellow) Oriole (Oriolus flavocinctus)

Q.1 at Thala beach. Common along Daintree river.

NT. Several in waterfront gardens in Darwin and at Fogg Dam.

Green Figbird (Sphecotheres viridis)

Q. Common. Small groups of up to 10 at Thala beach, Mission beach, along the Daintree river, in Cairns and on the plateau.

NT. Common in Darwin and outskirts.

Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus)

Q. At least one resident pair at Thala beach. 1 on Mt Lewis. Frequent on plateau.

NT. Widespread and common but sparse.

Torresian Crow (Corvus orru)

Q. Common on the plateau.
NT. Common generally.

Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)

NSW. Common all areas, including Sydney city.

Victoria's Riflebird (Ptiloris victoriae [paradiseus])

Q. One male seen in Wongabel state forest. Behaviour like a giant treecreeper, probing into crevices. Also hanging upside down to inspect shoot tips. Very iridescent.

White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus)

Q. Common, especially on the plateau. 30+ on a recently-cut cane field, perching even on the ground.

NT. Abundant in Darwin; flocks of hundreds over town and harbour at dusk.

Black-faced Woodswallow (Artamus cinereus)

NSW. 6+ Glen Davis.

NT. 2 at Fogg Dam.

Little Woodswallow (Artamus minor)

NT. 4 over Bubba.

Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus)

NSW. Two near Captain Cook's landing. Very shrike-like.

Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis)

Q. 2 on fenceposts along Mary Creek Road. Several near Mareeba and common generally in agricultural areas on the plateau.

NT. 1 in Kakadu. 1 at Fogg Dam.

Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)

NSW. Very common Sydney area; 20+ in Botanic Gardens. Common Botany Bay, Blue Mountains & Royal National Park.

Q. Several near Mareeba. Widespread but not common on plateau.

Pied Currawong (Strepera graculina)

NSW. Several in Sydney Botanic Garden. Common Sydney harbour N shore and Botany Bay. Especially common around picnic areas in Blue Mountains at Katoomba.

Magpie Lark (Grallina cyanoleuca)

NSW. Very common generally, on lawns, in parks and open country.

Q. Very common generally.

Metallic Starling (Aplonis metallica)

Q. Flock of 10+ at Mt Lewis. Common in Daintree/Mossman area and in Cairns city.

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

NSW. Flock of up to 10 in sydney Botanic Garden and up to 30 in Botany bay area.

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)

NSW. Abundant in Sydney Botanic garden and the city and Botany bay area. Common locally in Blue Mountains.

Q. Abundant in Cairns city. Also common in plateau towns.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

NSW. Very scarce. 1 male in Darling harbour. Three Botany Bay; 1 male & 2 females. Widespread but scarce in Blue Mountains.

Red-browed Finch (Neochmia temporalis)

NSW. Two in Glen Davis.

Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton)

NT. Flock of 6+ at Fogg Dam.

Double-barred Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii)

NT. Small numbers; usually in 2s and 3s. Seen in Darwin city, East Point, Fogg Dam and Kakadu.

Masked Finch (Poephila personata)

NT. Small numbers, usually 2s and 3s, seen in Kakadu.

Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda)

NT. 6+ at Mamukala. 3 near Jabiru.

Chestnut-breasted Munia (Lonchura castaneothorax)

Q. Locally common; flock of 100+ near Mareeba in wet eucalypt forest and several flocks along roadsides in the southern Atherton tablelands