Australian Fairy Tern

A large, very long-tailed streaky brownish shrike with a paler eyebrow and underparts, a rusty wing panel, and a chunky bright yellow bill and eye-ring. Resident, found in gregarious family groups and nomadic flocks inhabiting arid savanna and woodland. From a perch at middle height, it swoops onto invertebrates and small vertebrates, often on the ground. Vocalizations include a complex and varied series of noisy chatters, shrieks, and rasping buzzes, often given collectively by the group, but the main pair may also duet.

Slender and drab songbird of open country. Usually grayish above and streaked below, but some lack streaks in breeding season. Distinguished from similar-looking (unrelated) sparrows by thin bill and lanky appearance with long legs. Walks on the ground with jerky motions and frequently bobs tail. Flocks are often heard as they pass overhead or flush from a barren field; listen for sharp, high-pitched call notes and look for flashing white outer tail feathers. Song, given from a perch or in flight, is an often impressively lengthy series of repetitive, high-pitched notes.

Very large dark brown-and-white owl with underparts heavily marked with dark chevrons and enormous yellow feet. Found around coastal south-eastern Australia. Roosts in large trees along creeks, gullies, in dense woodland and forest. Call is a loud double-hoot with second note slightly higher than the first.