Daintree Birdwatching - The Birds Of The The Daintree

Daintree is internationally recognised as one of Australia's premier birdwatching locations with many overseas and local bird enthusiasts coming to our area for this specific purpose.

It has been documented that over 430 species of birds have been recorded in the area encompassing the Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef region of Australia. This is more than half the bird species for the entire continent. Many of these birds are easily seen in the Daintree area throughout the year. At particular times of the year, "birders" from all over the world will travel to our region just to catch sight of some of the more unique species that happen to be either passing through or setting up temporary residence for breeding purposes.

The Wet Tropics has 13 of Australia's endemic species and of these the Lesser Sooty Owl, Macleay's Honeyeater, Pied Monarch, and Victoria's Riflebird can be seen in and around Daintree. Also of enormous interest to birdwatchers are the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher, Great-billed Heron, Little Kingfisher and several other species of Kingfisher, Black Bittern, Mangrove Robin, Lovely Fairy-wren, Double-eyed Fig Parrot, Red-necked Crake and of course, the Southern Cassowary which may be seen on the northern side of the river.

The Daintree area has a variety of habitats with rainforest, wetlands, mangroves, open fields and the Daintree River. As well as the regular residents (at least 30 species daily in the Village), the birds vary according to the seasons.

Winter is perhaps the quietest time of the year for birds, but the nicest for birdwatchers. The Wompoo Fruit-Doves and Spotted Catbirds are happily eating the fruits of the many Blue Quandong trees, Monarchs and Flycatchers are passing through and the raptors are building their nests.

Spring is a treat with the Pied Imperial Pigeons and Metallic Starlings returning from winter in New Guinea and the arrival of the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers for their breeding season. Common Koels and Channel-billed Cuckoos also arrive.

Summer is the Wet Season and despite the sometimes difficult conditions, it can be excellent for birding. The spring arrivals (see above) are joined by the Black Bittern which can be often seen on the river or beside the numerous creeks and water ways. Kingfishers abound.

Autumn sees the departure of the migrants to warmer climates, but we are joined by Dollar Birds and Rainbow Bee-eaters to add to our colourful regulars.

Daintree is an ideal location as a base for a birding holiday in Far North Queensland or can be an important addition to a birding itinerary which may include Cairns, Julatten, Mareeba and the Atherton Tablelands.

Credits

Article by Andrew & Trish Forsyth from Red Mill House. Trish and Andrew also operate the Daintree Birdwatching web site listing up to date sightings and other information regarding birdwatching in Daintree.