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A Crested Pigeon shows his fantastic fan. The one on the left didn't seem impressed...but we were! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
We had nearly 300 species of birds on the mainland trip, plus some really cool mammals, and those who went on the Tasmania extension saw even more goodies (another 41 new species!) plus devils. It was indeed a good tour from the Top End of Down Under -- from Darwin to Cairns, "out" in the Outback, and along the coast to Brisbane. Those on the extension headed further south still and ended in up Hobart.
The weather cooperated this year. Sun in Darwin and most other places, and very little rain before our arrival meant watering holes around Georgetown were productive...very productive. More than 200 Diamond Doves coming in to drink were very impressive along with numerous Zebra Finches and those Dingos. The cassowary experience left us speechless -- a truly ancient and impressive species, and the bird of the trip for most folks. The shorebird spectacle along the Cairns Esplanade is always a treat, though we fought the tides a bit this year. No real shorebird rarities, but a gathering of thousands of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and Great Knots is not something you see everyday. There were some impressive bowers too: Great Bowerbirds with their grays and greens, Satin Bowerbirds with their intense blues; some bowers were just simple leaves in a clearing like that of the Tooth-billed Catbird, and then there was the Golden Bowerbird bower. The Lesser Sooty Owl staring down at us, a curious look on its face, is something we shall not soon forget. Nor will we forget our platypus experience(s) or the Lumholtz's Tree Kangaroo we nearly hit as it crossed the road, looking a bit more wide-eyed than we were. And I'm still recovering from The Lot and all those chips.
Thanks to all in our group and to our local help, especially Jun Matsui, our driver and local guide in the Cairns area. Until next time, good birding!
Jesse and John
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Casuariidae (Cassowaries)
This Southern Cassowary male brought three chicks along for a visit to the justly named Cassowary House -- what a simply fantastic bird. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
MAGPIE GOOSE (Anseranas semipalmata)
PLUMED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna eytoni)
WANDERING WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna arcuata) – It seemed these were less common throughout the tour than Plumed. We had good numbers around Darwin, however.
BLACK SWAN (Cygnus atratus)
AUSTRALIAN SHELDUCK (Tadorna tadornoides) – Tasmania extension. Pete spotted a pair of these on the pond near Deloraine.
RADJAH SHELDUCK (Tadorna radjah)
GREEN PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus pulchellus)
COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE (Nettapus coromandelianus) – Two were at Cumberland Dam near Georgetown. This was a nice surprise for us; this species is fairly rare and local on our tour.
MANED DUCK (Chenonetta jubata)
PACIFIC BLACK DUCK (Anas superciliosa)
AUSTRALIAN SHOVELER (Anas rhynchotis) – Pete spotted a pair of these on the pond near Deloraine
GRAY TEAL (Anas gracilis)
CHESTNUT TEAL (Anas castanea)
PINK-EARED DUCK (Malacorhynchus membranaceus) – A few were around at various places on our tour. A good bird for the north. We had three at Fogg Dam and another single bird near Georgetown.
WHITE-EYED DUCK (Aythya australis) – Also known as Hardhead to the duck hunters.
Megapodiidae (Megapodes)
AUSTRALIAN BRUSH-TURKEY (Alectura lathami)
ORANGE-FOOTED SCRUBFOWL (Megapodius reinwardt)
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
BROWN QUAIL (Coturnix ypsilophora) – We flushed one as a group while birding Cumberland Dam.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
AUSTRALASIAN GREBE (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)
HOARY-HEADED GREBE (Poliocephalus poliocephalus)
GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus) – Large numbers (at least 75) were seen on Lake Barrine.
Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)
SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER (Puffinus tenuirostris) – There was a flock of at least 800 off the coast of Bruny Island.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
BLACK-NECKED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) – The "jabiru" as locals know it, was seen at several different sites. Our first at Knuckey's Lagoon outside of Darwin.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
AUSTRALASIAN GANNET (Morus serrator)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
LITTLE BLACK CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo)
BLACK-FACED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) – We saw a few of these near the ferry landings to and from Bruny Island.
LITTLE PIED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AUSTRALASIAN DARTER (Anhinga novaehollandiae)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
AUSTRALIAN PELICAN (Pelecanus conspicillatus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
PACIFIC HERON (Ardea pacifica)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia) – We studied a number of different individuals comparing bill and body size with nearby Great Egrets.
WHITE-FACED HERON (Egretta novaehollandiae)
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – Little Egrets in Australia (unlike in Europe or Africa) show yellow lores, and dark slippers. We had nice studies of a close bird on the Esplanade in Cairnes.
PACIFIC REEF-HERON (Egretta sacra) – Around Darwin.
PIED HERON (Egretta picata) – Around Darwin where we saw hundreds on the cricket pitch in the early morning.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
RUFOUS NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax caledonicus) – Fogg Dam in the spotlight and again at Georgetown.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
The graceful Brahminy Kite is a common profile overhead in Australia. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
AUSTRALIAN IBIS (Threskiornis molucca)
STRAW-NECKED IBIS (Threskiornis spinicollis)
ROYAL SPOONBILL (Platalea regia)
YELLOW-BILLED SPOONBILL (Platalea flavipes) – One was at Durham Dam near Georgetown, our only one of the trip.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PACIFIC BAZA (Aviceda subcristata) – We had good luck with this species. Two different individuals; our first perched for long scope views while birding the grounds at Chambers.
AUSTRALIAN KITE (Elanus axillaris)
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans)
WHISTLING KITE (Haliastur sphenurus)
BRAHMINY KITE (Haliastur indus) – A sharp looking raptor which was thankfully seen well on various occasions.
WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster) – A few nice adults around Cairnes.
GRAY GOSHAWK (Accipiter novaehollandiae) – One in the scope near the Cassowary House.
COLLARED SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter cirrocephalus)
WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE (Aquila audax) – We had a few around Georgetown this year, but in general numbers seemed down from previous years. Populations in this region are tied in to local rabbit populations.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
AUSTRALIAN KESTREL (Falco cenchroides)
AUSTRALIAN HOBBY (Falco longipennis) – One was nesting on a cell-tower near Darwin.
BROWN FALCON (Falco berigora)
Otididae (Bustards)
AUSTRALIAN BUSTARD (Ardeotis australis) – It was a good bustard show this year. Our first pair were spotted by Bill and Arlene on our drive out to Georgetown. Many others were seen in the area.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
RED-NECKED CRAKE (Rallina tricolor) – We got lucky with this one. One was behind the Cassowary House.
BUFF-BANDED RAIL (Gallirallus philippensis)
LEWIN'S RAIL (Lewinia pectoralis) – A lifer for everyone in the group (including John!). We had a quick flyby across the road and later a pair was calling above and below us. O'Reillys Guest House.
WHITE-BROWED CRAKE (Porzana cinerea) – Standing on top of lilly pads at Fogg Dam.
CHESTNUT RAIL (Eulabeornis castaneoventris) – A rare rail that we saw well in the mangroves outside of Darwin. There was a pair and they were also very vocal.
PURPLE SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio)
DUSKY MOORHEN (Gallinula tenebrosa)
TASMANIAN NATIVE-HEN (Tribonyx mortierii) – These Tassie endemics were all over the place.
EURASIAN COOT (Fulica atra)
Gruidae (Cranes)
SARUS CRANE (Grus antigone)
BROLGA (Grus rubicunda) – The more common of the two cranes seen well at various spots along the way. We had one field mixed with Sarus and Brolgas which made for nice comparisons between the two species.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
BUSH THICK-KNEE (Burhinus grallarius)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
A very fancy Partridge Pigeon south of Darwin (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
MASKED LAPWING (Vanellus miles)
RED-KNEED DOTTEREL (Erythrogonys cinctus)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
PACIFIC GOLDEN-PLOVER (Pluvialis fulva) – Two along the esplanade in Cairnes were close.
LESSER SAND-PLOVER (Charadrius mongolus)
GREATER SAND-PLOVER (Charadrius leschenaultii)
RED-CAPPED PLOVER (Charadrius ruficapillus) – We finally caught up with this species on the esplanade in Cairnes nearly at dusk. Bart had several more the day before.
ORIENTAL PLOVER (Charadrius veredus) – This rare shorebird was seen well in the scopes near Night Cliff in Darwin. We had at least 4 individuals, all in non-breeding plumage. There buffy color overall and long, orange legs were quite different from the nearby sand-plovers.
HOODED PLOVER (Thinornis cucullatus) – A return to the beach afforded us wonderful views of this very handsome shorebird. Taz extension.
BLACK-FRONTED DOTTEREL (Elseyornis melanops)
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
PIED OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus longirostris) – One of Dee Dee's favorites. We had our first at East Point and later two more on the esplanade in Cairnes.
SOOTY OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus fuliginosus)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
PIED STILT (Himantopus leucocephalus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
COMB-CRESTED JACANA (Irediparra gallinacea)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
TEREK SANDPIPER (Xenus cinereus) – Their feeding behavior is quite distinctive: running along in the mud with their long, upturned bills. We saw several during this tour.
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos)
GRAY-TAILED TATTLER (Tringa brevipes)
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – Not many, but a few around the Cairnes esplanade.
MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis)
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – Two were at Knuckey's Lagoon.
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
FAR EASTERN CURLEW (Numenius madagascariensis)
BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa limosa) – We had nice comparisons of both godwits while birding the Cairnes Esplanade.
BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa lapponica)
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)
GREAT KNOT (Calidris tenuirostris)
SANDERLING (Calidris alba)
RED-NECKED STINT (Calidris ruficollis)
SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER (Calidris acuminata) – This "sharp" looking sandpiper was seen by the hundreds on the Cairnes Esplanade. As well common in other places.
Our Barking Owl in the wet forest near Darwin (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
LATHAM'S SNIPE (Gallinago hardwickii) – A great find for us. One was seen pretty well in the scope at Hasties Swamp.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE (Stiltia isabella) – These were around in good numbers this year.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
SILVER GULL (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae)
KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus)
LITTLE TERN (Sternula albifrons)
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica)
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia)
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida)
GREAT CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bergii)
LESSER CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bengalensis) – Our only ones were around Cairnes.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia)
WHITE-HEADED PIGEON (Columba leucomela) – A few flyovers at Chambers, but our best looks were several drinking from a muddy puddle at O'Reillys.
SPOTTED DOVE (Streptopelia chinensis)
BROWN CUCKOO-DOVE (Macropygia phasianella)
EMERALD DOVE (Chalcophaps indica)
COMMON BRONZEWING (Phaps chalcoptera) – At the watering holes around Georgetown.
CRESTED PIGEON (Ocyphaps lophotes)
SQUATTER PIGEON (Geophaps scripta)
PARTRIDGE PIGEON (Geophaps smithii) – An excellent find. Nancy and Bart got us on to at least two birds during our stomp in the bush. north of Darwin. Nice work team. Long looks in the scope.
WONGA PIGEON (Leucosarcia melanoleuca)
DIAMOND DOVE (Geopelia cuneata) – The most Diamonds that John had ever seen in one place. We had at least 200 individuals at Durham Dam.
PEACEFUL DOVE (Geopelia placida)
BAR-SHOULDERED DOVE (Geopelia humeralis)
WOMPOO FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus magnificus) – Several on nests this trip.
SUPERB FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus superbus) [*]
ROSE-CROWNED FRUIT-DOVE (Ptilinopus regina) – Very nicely at Fogg Dam.
TORRESIAN IMPERIAL-PIGEON (Ducula spilorrhoa)
TOPKNOT PIGEON (Lopholaimus antarcticus)
Cacatuidae (Cockatoos)
Laughing Kookaburra -- a classic sight and sound of any visit to Australia (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
YELLOW-TAILED BLACK-COCKATOO (Calyptorhynchus funereus) – We had a few good views of these large birds on the Taz extension.
GALAH (Eolophus roseicapilla)
LITTLE CORELLA (Cacatua sanguinea)
SULPHUR-CRESTED COCKATOO (Cacatua galerita)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
RAINBOW LORIKEET (Trichoglossus haematodus)
RAINBOW LORIKEET (RED-COLLARED) (Trichoglossus haematodus rubritorquis) – This subspecies was seen around Darwin.
SCALY-BREASTED LORIKEET (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus)
VARIED LORIKEET (Psitteuteles versicolor) – Just flyby views.
DOUBLE-EYED FIG-PARROT (Cyclopsitta diophthalma) [*]
GREEN ROSELLA (Platycercus caledonicus) – Nice views of a handful of pairs of this Tasmanian endemic.
CRIMSON ROSELLA (Platycercus elegans)
PALE-HEADED ROSELLA (Platycercus adscitus)
SWIFT PARROT (Lathamus discolor) – We ended up with nice close views of this uncommon species on Bruny Island. There were only a few which made finding them in the trees difficult.
AUSTRALIAN KING-PARROT (Alisterus scapularis)
RED-WINGED PARROT (Aprosmictus erythropterus)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
PALLID CUCKOO (Cacomantis pallidus)
BRUSH CUCKOO (Cacomantis variolosus)
FAN-TAILED CUCKOO (Cacomantis flabelliformis)
SHINING BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx lucidus)
LITTLE BRONZE-CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx minutillus) – Seen at the north end of the esplanade and again near Big Mitchell Creek.
AUSTRALIAN KOEL (Eudynamys cyanocephalus)
CHANNEL-BILLED CUCKOO (Scythrops novaehollandiae) – Such a fantastic bird. We had a memorable experience with a close flyby bird (briefly perched) at Cumberland Dam.
PHEASANT COUCAL (Centropus phasianinus)
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
SOOTY OWL (LESSER) (Tyto tenebricosa multipunctata) – Seen very well at fairly close range in the forest at Chambers. It took us awhile to locate it, but WOW! Some authorities lump this species with (Greater) Sooty Owl.
Strigidae (Owls)
BARKING OWL (Ninox connivens) – Seen well in the spotlights at Fogg Dam where a number of them were calling.
SOUTHERN BOOBOOK (Ninox novaeseelandiae) – Very nicely at O'Reillys. "Boo-book!"
Aegothelidae (Owlet-Nightjars)
This Tooth-billed Catbird was calling near its bower at Lake Barrine, providing our group with great views. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
Podargidae (Frogmouths)
TAWNY FROGMOUTH (Podargus strigoides) – Sandra and Walt showed us one on a nest at a place they had camped on their trip prior to joining the FGI group. Nice work you two!
Apodidae (Swifts)
AUSTRALIAN SWIFTLET (Aerodramus terraereginae)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
AZURE KINGFISHER (Ceyx azureus)
LAUGHING KOOKABURRA (Dacelo novaeguineae)
BLUE-WINGED KOOKABURRA (Dacelo leachii)
FOREST KINGFISHER (Todiramphus macleayii)
RED-BACKED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus pyrrhopygius) – Several on powerlines outside of Georgetown.
COLLARED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus chloris) – Finally caught up with this species in a couple of sites around Cairnes; just heard in Darwin.
SACRED KINGFISHER (Todiramphus sanctus)
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
RAINBOW BEE-EATER (Merops ornatus)
Coraciidae (Rollers)
DOLLARBIRD (Eurystomus orientalis)
Pittidae (Pittas)
NOISY PITTA (Pitta versicolor)
RAINBOW PITTA (Pitta iris)
Menuridae (Lyrebirds)
ALBERT'S LYREBIRD (Menura alberti) – We finally got caught up with a male in the forest at O'Reillys. Duncan helped us out by locating the bird, and we spent some time making sure everyone got good looks.
Ptilonorhynchidae (Bowerbirds)
SPOTTED CATBIRD (Ailuroedus melanotis)
GREEN CATBIRD (Ailuroedus crassirostris)
TOOTH-BILLED CATBIRD (Scenopoeetes dentirostris) – Several singing near bowers at Lake Barrine.
A male Golden Bowerbird -- and what does it build? See below! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
REGENT BOWERBIRD (Sericulus chrysocephalus)
SATIN BOWERBIRD (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)
GREAT BOWERBIRD (Chlamydera nuchalis) – We found a couple of superb bowers built by the males of this species.
Climacteridae (Australasian Treecreepers)
WHITE-THROATED TREECREEPER (LITTLE) (Cormobates leucophaea minor)
RED-BROWED TREECREEPER (Climacteris erythrops) – One seen very well in the eucalypt forest at O'Reillys.
BROWN TREECREEPER (Climacteris picumnus)
Maluridae (Fairywrens)
RED-BACKED FAIRYWREN (Malurus melanocephalus)
SUPERB FAIRYWREN (Malurus cyaneus)
VARIEGATED FAIRYWREN (Malurus lamberti)
LOVELY FAIRYWREN (Malurus amabilis) – The tough one of this group to see on our tour. But an awesome adult male jumped up in front of our group for stellar looks.
Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters)
EASTERN SPINEBILL (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris)
GRACEFUL HONEYEATER (Meliphaga gracilis)
YELLOW-SPOTTED HONEYEATER (Meliphaga notata)
LEWIN'S HONEYEATER (Meliphaga lewinii)
BRIDLED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus frenatus)
The Golden Bowerbird's bower (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
VARIED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus versicolor)
MANGROVE HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus fasciogularis) – One of our last new birds for the tour. A couple of them in the mangroves in Brisbane. Nice.
YELLOW HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus flavus)
WHITE-GAPED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus unicolor)
YELLOW-THROATED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus flavicollis) – These played hard to get this year.
YELLOW-TINTED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus flavescens)
GRAY-FRONTED HONEYEATER (Lichenostomus plumulus) – Tough looks at this special and local honeyeater in the bush near Georgetown. The light was a little hard on us.
BELL MINER (Manorina melanophrys) – Another great bird to find and see so well. This is a lekking species that makes a remarkable bell-like call. Loud and obvious, but only when you get near their leks, and they are locally distributed.
NOISY MINER (Manorina melanocephala)
YELLOW-THROATED MINER (Manorina flavigula)
RED WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera carunculata)
LITTLE WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera chrysoptera)
YELLOW WATTLEBIRD (Anthochaera paradoxa) – Our first at Mountain Valley Lodge was really showing its wattles.
BROWN-BACKED HONEYEATER (Ramsayornis modestus) – Two were seen at our first stop in Cairns, Yorkey's Knobb.
RUFOUS-BANDED HONEYEATER (Conopophila albogularis)
RUFOUS-THROATED HONEYEATER (Conopophila rufogularis)
WHITE-FRONTED CHAT (Epthianura albifrons)
DUSKY MYZOMELA (Myzomela obscura)
RED-HEADED MYZOMELA (Myzomela erythrocephala) – Seen well in the coastal forest around Darwin.
SCARLET MYZOMELA (Myzomela sanguinolenta) – This myzomela replaces the other in the Cairnes area. It is also more brightly colored overall.
BANDED HONEYEATER (Cissomela pectoralis)
BROWN HONEYEATER (Lichmera indistincta)
CRESCENT HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus)
NEW HOLLAND HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) – We had a few close views of this Taz endemic.
WHITE-CHEEKED HONEYEATER (Phylidonyris niger)
WHITE-NAPED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus lunatus)
WHITE-THROATED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus albogularis)
STRONG-BILLED HONEYEATER (Melithreptus validirostris) – Another Tazzie endemic honeyeater that we saw well.
BLUE-FACED HONEYEATER (Entomyzon cyanotis)
LITTLE FRIARBIRD (Philemon citreogularis)
It's almost a bit too much in such a close-up, but Helmeted Friarbird is still one cool and strange-looking creature. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
SILVER-CROWNED FRIARBIRD (Philemon argenticeps) – We had one north of Cairns. Seen and studied well (sharp corners to the back of the head) which was useful when seeing Helmeted later on.
NOISY FRIARBIRD (Philemon corniculatus)
MACLEAY'S HONEYEATER (Xanthotis macleayanus)
Pardalotidae (Pardalotes)
SPOTTED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus punctatus)
FORTY-SPOTTED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus quadragintus) – We had wonderful views of about 240 spots worth of these birds, including a pair that seemed to be investigating a nest hole on the slope below us. This is considered the rarest of the Tasmanian endemics.
RED-BROWED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus rubricatus) – Seen at a special spot near Georgetown. It was even in the scope for a bit.
STRIATED PARDALOTE (Pardalotus striatus)
Acanthizidae (Thornbills and Allies)
FERNWREN (Oreoscopus gutturalis) – A close bird near The Crater.
YELLOW-THROATED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis citreogularis)
WHITE-BROWED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis frontalis)
TASMANIAN SCRUBWREN (Sericornis humilis) – This endemic to Tasmania was originally part of the White-browed Scrubwren complex.
ATHERTON SCRUBWREN (Sericornis keri) – This special endemic was seen foraging on the ground (a behavorial characteristic) at The Crater in the Atherton Tablelands. It is somewhat darker overall than Large-billed, but this is subtle.
LARGE-BILLED SCRUBWREN (Sericornis magnirostra)
SCRUBTIT (Acanthornis magna) – Good views on the grounds of Mountain Valley Lodge. This is probably the least conspicuous of the Tasmanian endemics
STRIATED FIELDWREN (Calamanthus fuliginosus)
BUFF-RUMPED THORNBILL (Acanthiza reguloides)
MOUNTAIN THORNBILL (Acanthiza katherina)
BROWN THORNBILL (Acanthiza pusilla)
TASMANIAN THORNBILL (Acanthiza ewingii) – Yep, another thornbill!
YELLOW-RUMPED THORNBILL (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa)
STRIATED THORNBILL (Acanthiza lineata)
WEEBILL (Smicrornis brevirostris)
GREEN-BACKED GERYGONE (Gerygone chloronota)
FAIRY GERYGONE (Gerygone palpebrosa) – Nice studies of the personata subspecies, the well-marked race at 40 Mile Scrub NP.
WHITE-THROATED GERYGONE (Gerygone olivacea)
LARGE-BILLED GERYGONE (Gerygone magnirostris)
BROWN GERYGONE (Gerygone mouki)
MANGROVE GERYGONE (Gerygone levigaster) – Our last new bird of the trip.
Pomatostomidae (Pseudo-Babblers)
GRAY-CROWNED BABBLER (Pomatostomus temporalis)
Orthonychidae (Logrunners)
Golden-headed Cisticola (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
CHOWCHILLA (Orthonyx spaldingii) [*]
Psophodidae (Whipbirds and Wedgebills)
EASTERN WHIPBIRD (Psophodes olivaceus)
Machaerirhynchidae (Boatbills)
YELLOW-BREASTED BOATBILL (Machaerirhynchus flaviventer) – This one showed well for us at Chambers. Reminded some of us of a tody-flycatcher from the New World tropics.
Artamidae (Woodswallows)
WHITE-BREASTED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus leucorynchus)
BLACK-FACED WOODSWALLOW (Artamus cinereus)
DUSKY WOODSWALLOW (Artamus cyanopterus)
Cracticidae (Bellmagpies and Allies)
GRAY BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus torquatus)
SILVER-BACKED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus argenteus argenteus) – This special subspecies was seen in the bush north of Darwin.
PIED BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus nigrogularis)
BLACK BUTCHERBIRD (Cracticus quoyi)
AUSTRALASIAN MAGPIE (Gymnorhina tibicen)
PIED CURRAWONG (Strepera graculina)
BLACK CURRAWONG (Strepera fuliginosa) – After seeing a few Grays early in Tasmania all of the currawongs we saw later were Blacks.
GRAY CURRAWONG (Strepera versicolor)
Campephagidae (Cuckoo-shrikes)
BLACK-FACED CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina novaehollandiae)
BARRED CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina lineata) – This one we saw well in the canopy at Cassowary House. This was the only spot for this mainly forest cuckoo-shrike.
WHITE-BELLIED CUCKOO-SHRIKE (Coracina papuensis)
CICADABIRD (Coracina tenuirostris)
WHITE-WINGED TRILLER (WHITE-WINGED) (Lalage sueurii tricolor)
VARIED TRILLER (Lalage leucomela)
Neosittidae (Sittellas)
VARIED SITTELLA (Daphoenositta chrysoptera)
Pachycephalidae (Whistlers and Allies)
OLIVE WHISTLER (Pachycephala olivacea)
GRAY-HEADED WHISTLER (Pachycephala griseiceps)
GRAY WHISTLER (Pachycephala simplex)
GOLDEN WHISTLER (Pachycephala pectoralis)
BLACK-TAILED WHISTLER (Pachycephala melanura) – Also known as Mangrove Whistler, we saw this one really well (a pair actually) along the Adelaide River.
RUFOUS WHISTLER (Pachycephala rufiventris)
RUFOUS SHRIKE-THRUSH (Colluricincla megarhyncha)
BOWER'S SHRIKE-THRUSH (Colluricincla boweri) – The Atherton Tabeland endemic we saw at Chambers and a few other spots.
GRAY SHRIKE-THRUSH (Colluricincla harmonica)
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
Red-browed Firetail (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
GREEN ORIOLE (Oriolus flavocinctus)
GREEN FIGBIRD (Sphecotheres viridis) – Make a note that what we saw on our trip were Australasian Figbirds. This is a recent split separating it from Temor Figbird and Wetar Figbird.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
SPANGLED DRONGO (Dicrurus bracteatus)
Rhipiduridae (Fantails)
NORTHERN FANTAIL (Rhipidura rufiventris)
WILLIE-WAGTAIL (Rhipidura leucophrys)
GRAY FANTAIL (Rhipidura albiscapa)
RUFOUS FANTAIL (Rhipidura rufifrons)
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
WHITE-EARED MONARCH (Carterornis leucotis) – A special bird for us. We worked hard to finally dig this one out, but it eventually showed very well for us. A lifer for most, including Jesse, and a real favorite for both guides.
BLACK-FACED MONARCH (Monarcha melanopsis) – This one we saw a few times, but there was that Black-winged thing that we couldn't make heads or tails out of. Possible hybrid? We may never know. However, there is the possibility that this is something different so be sure to keep it (*) in your notes.
SPECTACLED MONARCH (Symposiachrus trivirgatus)
PIED MONARCH (Arses kaupi)
MAGPIE-LARK (Grallina cyanoleuca)
LEADEN FLYCATCHER (Myiagra rubecula)
BROAD-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Myiagra ruficollis)
SATIN FLYCATCHER (Myiagra cyanoleuca) – We had nice comparisons of Satin and Leaden very near each other. The Satin preferring the more humid, riparian forest and the Leaden the upland, drier conditions. It was a lifer for Bart.
PAPERBARK FLYCATCHER (Myiagra nana)
SHINING FLYCATCHER (Myiagra alecto)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
TORRESIAN CROW (Corvus orru)
AUSTRALIAN RAVEN (Corvus coronoides)
FOREST RAVEN (Corvus tasmanicus)
Corcoracidae (White-winged Chough and Apostlebird)
APOSTLEBIRD (Struthidea cinerea)
Paradisaeidae (Birds-of-paradise)
PARADISE RIFLEBIRD (Ptiloris paradiseus) – Some good looks at O'Reillys.
VICTORIA'S RIFLEBIRD (Ptiloris victoriae)
Petroicidae (Australasian Robins)
LEMON-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Microeca flavigaster)
SCARLET ROBIN (Petroica boodang)
FLAME ROBIN (Petroica phoenicea)
ROSE ROBIN (Petroica rosea) – We worked hard for this one, but it paid off. Some nice looks at a singing adult male.
PINK ROBIN (Petroica rodinogaster) – Great views of a couple or three males.
DUSKY ROBIN (Melanodryas vittata) – The least colorful but only robin endemic to Tasmania.
PALE-YELLOW ROBIN (Tregellasia capito)
EASTERN YELLOW ROBIN (Eopsaltria australis)
MANGROVE ROBIN (Eopsaltria pulverulenta) – A couple in the mangroves in Cairnes.
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN (Poecilodryas superciliosa)
GRAY-HEADED ROBIN (Heteromyias cinereifrons) – We donated a ton of blood to the mosquitoes, but eventually had this one nicely at eye-level. Thanks to Nancy for spotting it first.
Alaudidae (Larks)
AUSTRALASIAN BUSHLARK (Mirafra javanica)
SKY LARK (Alauda arvensis)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
WELCOME SWALLOW (Hirundo neoxena)
FAIRY MARTIN (Petrochelidon ariel)
TREE MARTIN (Petrochelidon nigricans)
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
AUSTRALIAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus australis)
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
TAWNY GRASSBIRD (Megalurus timoriensis) – Like a large Cisticola, we had one sitting up in the reeds while at Fogg Dam.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
GOLDEN-HEADED CISTICOLA (Cisticola exilis)
Zosteropidae (Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies)
AUSTRALIAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE (Zosterops luteus)
SILVER-EYE (Zosterops lateralis)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
OLIVE-TAILED THRUSH (Zoothera lunulata)
EURASIAN BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula)
Sturnidae (Starlings)
METALLIC STARLING (Aplonis metallica) – This is a really elegant looking bird. We watched a couple of different colonies, one near the liquor store (!) and another at Kingfisher Park.
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis)
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris)
Dicaeidae (Flowerpeckers)
MISTLETOEBIRD (Dicaeum hirundinaceum) – So if an athlete gets Athletes Foot, what does an astronaut get? = Mistle Toe. (courtesy of one of our fearless leaders, and it wasn't Jesse)
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
OLIVE-BACKED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris jugularis)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
AUSTRALASIAN PIPIT (Anthus novaeseelandiae)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
EUROPEAN GOLDFINCH (Carduelis carduelis)
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus)
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
BEAUTIFUL FIRETAIL (Stagonopleura bella) – We had scope views on Bruny Island of this tricky specialty.
RED-BROWED FIRETAIL (Neochmia temporalis)
CRIMSON FINCH (Neochmia phaeton)
ZEBRA FINCH (Taeniopygia guttata)
DOUBLE-BARRED FINCH (Taeniopygia bichenovii)
MASKED FINCH (Poephila personata) – Seen distantly at Durham Dam, but in the scope, so not bad at all. Nancy spotted them first, then Pete later on. Good work.
BLACK-THROATED FINCH (Poephila cincta)
MAMMALS
Sugar Glider, the marsupial Australian equivalent of a flying squirrel. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
PLATYPUS (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) – Oh yeah! Seen a couple of times on this tour and pretty well I must say, at least as platypus go. Such an odd mammal.
SPOTTED-TAILED QUOLL (Dasyurus maculatus) – A few of the cabins had these marsupial carnivores visit during the night.
EASTERN QUOLL (Dasyurus viverrinus) – Paul and Joan had one visit their porch.
TASMANIAN DEVIL (Sarcophilus harrisii) – We all had visits on to the porch of our cabins from the devil while at Mountain Valley. This will become an even rarer sighting in the next few years.
COMMON WOMBAT (Vombatus ursinus) – Great views of one feeding in the clearing at Mountain Valley.
COMMON BRUSHTAIL POSSUM (Trichosurus vulpecula)
MOUNTAIN BRUSHTAIL POSSUM (Trichosurus caninus) – The one at the restaurant feeders at O'Reillys.
SUGAR GLIDER (Petaurus breviceps) – A cute little guy seen nicely, and closely, at Chambers.
GREEN RINGTAIL POSSUM (Pseudochirops archeri) – One at Kingfisher Park in the scope. Very nice looking.
MUSKY RAT-KANGAROO (Hypsiprymnodon moschatus)
TASMANIAN PADEMELON (Thylogale billardierii) – These small macropods were all over the lawn at Mountain Valley Lodge.
RED-NECKED PADEMELON (Thylogale thetis)
RED-LEGGED PADEMELON (Thylogale stigmatica)
LUMHOLTZ'S TREE KANGAROO (Dendrolagus lumholtzi) – We barely missed it in the road. Nice work, Jun! Way cool to see this rarely seen mammal. A lifer for most everyone.
AGILE WALLABY (Macropus agilis)
RED-NECKED WALLABY (Macropus rufogriseus)
WHIPTAIL WALLABY (Macropus parryi)
EASTERN GRAY KANGAROO (Macropus giganteus)
COMMON WALLAROO (Macropus robustus)
ANTILOPINE WALLAROO (Macropus antilopinus)
RED KANGAROO (Macropus rufus)
BLACK FLYING-FOX (Pteropus alecto)
SPECTACLED FLYING-FOX (Pteropus conspicillatus)
OLD WORLD RABBIT (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
EUROPEAN BROWN HARE (Lepus europaeus)
DINGO (Canis familiaris dingo) – We had four slightly-larger-than-pups patrolling the edge of Durham Dam. Not always seen plus it's an endemic dog species!
CAPE (AUSTRALIAN) FUR SEAL (Arctocephalus pusillus)
FALLOW DEER (Dama dama)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Also a few herp critters around:
1) Mertens' Water Monitor (Varanus mertens) -- one was seen basking on a rock in a shallow water pool outside of Georgetown. Another at Kingfisher Park. [endemic to northern Australia]
2) Boyd's Forest Dragon (Hypsilurus boydii or Gonocephalus boydii) -- an awesome, prehistoric-looking creature. Seen on the side of a tree at Kingfisher Park. [endemic to NE Australia]
3) Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) -- unfortunately we found one hit and nearly dead on the entrance road to O'Reillys.
Totals for the tour: 346 bird taxa and 29 mammal taxa