Peninsula’s stunning birdlife provides another feather in our cap

With world-class restaurants and cafes, awardwinning wineries and breweries, retail outlets to satisfy the most dedicated shopper, and myriad sport and recreation options, the Mornington Peninsula truly is a holidaymaker’s paradise. But that’s just scratching the surface when it comes to our attractions.

The Peninsula is also home to many iconic Australian birds, notably the laughing kookaburra, Australian magpie and superb fairywren, and when you consider the variety of habitats in which they are found – wetlands, shorelines, bush reserves and farms – it can be a really worthwhile experience seeking some of them out during your stay with us.

Max Burrows, from BirdLife Mornington Peninsula, has compiled this guide on where to find and how to identify some of our feathered residents, complemented by Con Duyvestyn’s stunning photos. Happy birding!

1. Black-shouldered kite

A raptor of snow-white plumage with black wing markings. Most often seen hovering over open paddocks or resting on a dead tree. Areas such as Boneo Park and Coolart Wetlands are known areas for this bird.

2. Australian magpie

An iconic species widely distributed and most often seen on our roadside verges or perched on powerlines.

3. Superb fairywren

This lovely blue wren is seen in family groups on or near the ground. Can be found in areas such as Hastings boardwalk, and Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve.

4. Red wattlebird

Big robust member of the honeyeater clan and can be seen in most areas, including home gardens, reserves and bushlands. Look for fleshy red wattles on the neck and yellow belly. They have a raucous series of calls.

5. Little corella

Small white cockatoo generally seen in large flocks. This bird only came to our area in recent years and is now quite common. Look for these birds at Cranbourne, Frankston and Langwarrin.

6. Australian wood duck

Large duck feeds in grasslands and nests in tree hollows. Frequently seen on roadsides and is known for having large numbers of young. Inhabits wetlands throughout the Peninsula, including Devilbend, Seaford, and Balbirooroo at Balnarring.

7. Golden whistler

This is a most beautiful bird of gold and black and inhabits bushland areas. This is one bird you will have to seek out in some of our bushland reserves. It has a whistling call – hence its name – and while the male is colourful, the female is plain grey. Search Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, Stringybark Bushland Reserve at Langwarrin, and Woods Bushland Reserve at Tuerong.

8. Straw-necked ibis

One of three ibis native to Australia. It is seen across the Peninsula feeding in large flocks on farmland, sometimes with its cousin the white ibis. They form a V when flying in groups to feeding areas. Look for the straw formation on its neck.

9. Willie wagtail

Cheeky little bird of black and white with a tail that continually wags. Inhabits open areas of farmlands and grassy paddocks, and is quite often seen on farm fences.

10. Eastern rosella

This colourful parrot inhabits town and bushland areas and is generally seen in pairs. Look for this species at Devilbend Natural Features Reserve and Frankston Nature Conservation Reserve.

11. Rainbow lorikeet

This colourful member of the nectar-eating parrot family has colonised the Peninsula and is seen in most habitats. It is easily found given its penchant for areas close to human occupation.

12. Laughing kookaburra

Distributed across the Peninsula in towns and bushland and can often be seen perching on powerlines.

BirdLife Australia is the premier organisation for bird advocacy in Australia, and BirdLife Mornington Peninsula is one of its branches. It is focused on bird issues throughout the Peninsula and welcomes new members from the region and elsewhere. BirdLife Mornington Peninsula has produced a book titled Where to Find Birds

On the Mornington Peninsula to assist people in their birdwatching pursuits. For further details, visit www.birdlifeaustralia.org.au