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Urban and Suburban birds

Little Pied Cormorantcan be seen garden in the Australian cities.
© Koji TAGI

　Because of influence by British colonial era, there are many large parks n urban and suburban Australia. Additionally, Australian houses tend to have large and beautiful backyard because of lower population density and livable environment. This tendency is more apparent in Southeastern Australia, such as Victoria and New South Wales.

　Let's see an example, Centennial Park, near centre of Sydney. The park is surrounded by skyscrapers in Sydney unless you go into. You will see eucalyptus trees even from outside the park. On the grass in the park, you will immediately find Masked Lapwing. A sparrow-size pied bird, Willie Wagtail (see the photo), one of the most common bush birds in Australia, often shake the tail horizontally. Willie Wagtail is an aggressive bird. It chases even an Australian Raven which just flew over the nest.  

　Rainbow Lorikeets may swift into the forest with the screeching call. They can be easily seen if you once find a flowering eucalyptus or acacia while they are nectar feeder. Around Sydney, you may find another colorful parrot. Eastern Rosella is a relatively large parrot with colorful plumage (see the photo below). They are seed eater and keep on the ground to feed unless disturbed. Their colorful plumage reminds me Ken Done, an Australian fashion designer. The bright color is obviously from the Australian wildlife.

At the backyard, thin trill can be heard from the shrub. If you wait for a while, you will see A Superb Fairy-Wren （Refer to Photo Gallery）. The male has a beautiful breeding plumage with blue head, blue throat and blue throat with black spectacle. It cocks the tail and sings at the top of the bush. In the similar habitat, a greenish grey bird with red tail and eyebrow is often seen. Red-browed Finch （Refer to Photo Gallery） is a seed eater which is commonly seen around the bush in the backyard.

In the early morning, a loud laugh can be heard from the roof or backyard. This is a famous call of Laughing Kookaburra (photo). Laughing Kookaburra often duets when an individual starts calling. You may be able to imagine how it is so loud! Unlikely Common Kingfisher of Japan, you will be surprised with the large size and brownish colour. Laughing Kookaburra also famous with the omnivorous character. It feeds nearly everything. So, don't leave your lunch at the picnic ground. You will not be able to find it after half an hour.

　At the backyard, a large white bird may sometimes visit. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo is a common garden bird in Australia. The popular bird is nicknamed "cockie".

　OZ people know about birds in their backyard and the town. They are often illustrated on the greeting card. This is probably because of the cheerful character of birds.

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