Cape Canary

Large mostly brown terrestrial bird with long gray neck and black crown, heavy pale legs. About half the size of an Emu. Occurs in open grasslands across most of Australia (except the southeast). Often seen on roadsides.

Large, colorful barbet with a huge ivory-colored bill. Note the red underparts and red bar across the wing. Usually found in the vicinity of fig trees in a variety of habitats, including woodland, gardens, cultivated areas, and forest edge. Most often in pairs or small groups. The calls are rather insect-like: a very fast, dry trill, and a raspy “crick” note. Similar to Bearded Barbet, but separated by the lack of a black chest band. Separated from Black-breasted Barbet by the red rather than black chest.

Tiny resident of tall rainforest. Wary and can be difficult to see well; note distinctive sputtering alarm call, tiny size, plain face, and large white (male) or buffy (female) wing spots. Generally found in pairs near treefall gaps and other places with dense understory; does not follow mixed-species flocks. Forages in low vegetation, rarely venturing more than a meter or two above the ground. Song of male is somewhat similar to Common Scale-backed Antbird, but has thinner quality and does not rise in pitch.