Papuan Thornbill

A large dark pigeon with a deep chestnut belly and undertail. Entirely dark above with a contrasting paler head. Chestnut underwing separates this species from any other similar pigeon. Rare. Prefers very mature undisturbed hill forest. Most common call is a deep, drawn-out “whu-ooooow.”

Small brownish owl with dark ‘glasses’ surrounding eyes. Plumage and size varies depending on region with some subspecies exhibiting much darker plumage than others. Fairly common in a wide variety of habitats. Similar to Morepork, and range overlaps in winter in southern Victoria; Southern Boobook is larger, lighter, and has less extensive spotting. Call is a familiar ‘boo-book’ with the second note lower pitched than the first, lower and rougher-sounding than Morepork.

Distinctive but variable: all plumages are some bold combination of black, white, and gray. Shows considerable variation in plumage across the world, but never has a clear, thin and contrasting eye-brow like White-browed or Japanese Wagtail. Occurs in varied open habitats, from wild grassy areas and wetlands to paved car parks and grassy lawns. Usually seen as singles, pairs, or small groups walking and running around, pumping the long, white-sided tail up and down. Identified easily in flight by its loud, thick and distinctive “tsee-tsee’ call.