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Did you know that the Rainbow Lorikeet is the most frequently seen bird in Redfern this year? The vibrant and enchanting species has stolen the show in 2023, according to eBird.

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With around 79 sightings, these magnificent feathered creatures have captured the attention of locals and bird enthusiasts alike. It comes as no surprise, because they can get attention with their loud calls whilst flying or feeding. 

Apart from the Rainbow Lorikeet, other highly sighted birds in Redfern include the Welcome Swallow, Noisy Miner, Common Myna, Australian Magpie, Red-whiskered Bulbul. Here’s a brief overview of the most sighted bird species in Redfern:

Rainbow Lorikeet

These brilliantly coloured birds are known for their red breast, blue/black belly and head, and distinctive red bill. Unlike the Scaly-breasted Lorikeet and Red-collared Lorikeet, they have longer tails and do not overlap in range. 

With their ability to thrive in urban areas, these enchanting creatures are often seen roosting in large, noisy flocks during early mornings and evenings. Residents and bird watchers alike are captivated by their vibrant presence, adding a touch of natural wonder to the urban landscape.

Welcome Swallow

The welcome swallows are also on the list of the most sighted bird species in the area. These birds, which have been sighted approximately 35 times, is a small swallow species characterised by its long forked tail. It has a dark upper body and a lighter underside, along with a rusty breast and face.

 In Australia, it is less common to come across the Barn Swallow, which can be distinguished by its dark chest band and overall paler coloration on the underside, including parts of the underwing.

The welcome swallow is a frequently seen bird in open habitats, where it feeds on insects while flying above parks, sporting fields, wetlands, and other open areas. It is often observed perching in large numbers on fence rows and utility lines.

Australian Magpie

The Australian Magpie, sighted three times, is a large black-and-white bird distinguished by its long, pale bill with a dark tip. It is larger than butcherbirds and has a unique pattern. Its head, face, and underparts are black, while the nape, upper wing coverts, and rump are white. 

The back can be either black or white, with subspecies displaying variation in plumage. This species is widespread in farmland, parks, and open woodlands, where it is typically observed in pairs or groups, confidently strutting on the ground. Its song is a memorable fluty warble.

Common Myna

The Common Myna, with approximately 13 sightings, is a large, black-and-brown myna bird. It has white wing patches, a yellow bill, and yellow legs. This gregarious species is often found in noisy flocks and displays aggressive behaviour towards other birds. 

Although it can inhabit diverse locations, it avoids dense forests. Native to southern Asia, it is one of the most common species there. It has also been widely introduced to other parts of the world, such as Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii.

Noisy Miner

With around 16 sightings, The Noisy Miner is a grey honeyeater of medium to large size, characterised by a black crown, a yellow bill, and a yellow eye patch. It exhibits aggressive and territorial behaviour, often living in colonies and fiercely protecting its territory against any perceived threats. 

This species is commonly found in urban areas, as well as in various open forested and agricultural landscapes. It’s important to distinguish the Noisy Miner from the Yellow-throated Miner in inland areas, as the former has a black crown while the latter has a pale grey crown. The distribution of Noisy Miners spans across a significant portion of eastern Australia.

Red-whiskered Bulbul

The Red-whiskered Bulbul, although only sighted twice, has captivated observers with its delightful song composed of rich warbled phrases. Its calls range from high-pitched pips to a long buzzy note. 

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This medium-sized songbird has a brown upper body and whitish underparts, complemented by a tall black crest and a dark ‘spur’ on the side of the breast. It also boasts a small red patch on the ear and red undertail coverts, with white tips on its tail feathers. Typically, it is found in pairs or small groups in gardens, orchards, forest edges, and open forests.

Published 1-June-2023