Top 3 Aussie Birds 2021

I’m sharing some favourite shots of this year’s top three birds in the Birdlife Australia/Guardian Australian Bird of the Year poll – in reverse order, drum roll…

Gang-gang Cockatoo (Callocephalon fimbriatum)

In third place is the magnificent Gang-gang Cockatoo. These small cockatoos are truly stunning birds. They visit lower altitudes during winter and have the most fascinating creaky-door call. Like most parrots this bird is left handed/footed. This a female Gang-gang with her exquisitely barred feathers and gentle expression. The male is more easily spotted as he has a bright red head. They form close, monogamous relationships, using large hollows for nesting and sharing incubation and feeding duties.

Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)

In second place is the iconic, adorable, amazingly camouflaged Tawny Frogmouth. Even Costa Georgiadis shared one of my tawny shots on his page – they are a very captivating species. I had a wonderful experience with an orphaned tawny, in a large flight aviary, that decided to adopt me. It was a magical experience that I wrote about in an earlier post: Tawny Frogmouth babies


There is something comical about this species that appeals to just about everyone. The way they hide in plain sight is pretty awesome, and their muppetish cuteness means they made it to second place two years in a row.

Super Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus)

And the winner is the iconic, smile-making, totally gorgeous Superb Fairywren! These little guys are just perfect. This male is in his full breeding plumage though most of the offspring he helps to raise won’t be his. A male and female bond for life but the females sneak off on pre-dawn visits to other males that have taken their fancy. I’m concerned that the species is dwindling in some areas due to roaming cats (including my place). These fairywrens nest on or close to the ground which puts their eggs and nestlings within easy reach of feral predators. I’m hopeful that increasing numbers of cat owners will invest in catios for their pets, which are a brilliant way to keep their cats and our wildlife safer and happy. Now there’s a great idea for Christmas gifts!

Happy birding, stay safe, Kim

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