Birdwatching in Oceania

Bustards

Australian Bustard

Nicknamed the 'bush turkey' by Aboriginals, the Australian Bustard is a large member of the Bustard family (Otididae). They are also monotypic and can be found across all states in Australia.

Gulls and terns

Black-Headed Gull

The title of Black-headed Gull is rather a misnomer for this bird as its head is not black but a dark brown colour and only in adult birds during the breeding season. It is not present during the winter months or in other plumages. Unlike many gulls it is not restricted to coastal regions and is widespread inland in both rural and urban areas.

Skuas

Arctic Skua

The Arctic Skua, also known as the Parasitic Jaeger, is a medium-sized seabird well known for its aggressive nature.

Owls

Barn Owl

The most widespread owl species, Barn Owls occur as 32 subspecies on every continent except Antarctica.

Sandpipers, snipes and phalaropes

Bar-tailed Godwit

Unremarkable in appearance but with record-breaking stamina, the Bar-tailed Godwit spends the summer nesting on top of the world in the Arctic and heads south to spend the winter along estuaries and beaches from the United Kingdom to New Zealand.