The Kimberley is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise, explore it with the Kimberley Cruise Centre!
Western Australia’s Kimberley region is a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. With its diverse habitats ranging from rugged gorges and savannahs to wetlands and mangroves, the Kimberley has an astonishing variety of bird species. Below are 7 of our favourites (plus, read here for a more comprehensive Kimberley bird guide, which we uploaded to this blog a few years ago):
1. Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae)
One of the Kimberley’s (actually, one of the world’s) most stunning birds is the Gouldian finch, often called the “jewel of the north.” Known for its vibrant plumage, which includes shades of green, yellow, and purple, the Gouldian finch is a certainly a real stunner. Gouldian finches are primarily found in savannah woodlands, where they feed on native grass seeds. Our staff have been lucky enough to see a few around Wyndham in the eastern Kimberley, but our sightings have been few considering our 30 years of living here. Unfortunately, habitat loss and predation have made them endangered, but conservation efforts in the Kimberley are helping their populations recover. For more information, check out The Save the Gouldian Fund (STGF), who conduct a Gouldian finch count in the first week of September.
2. Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)
Known locally as the jabiru, the black-necked stork is Australia’s only stork species. These striking birds are hard to miss, with their glossy black and white feathers, long red legs, and an impressive wingspan of over 2 metres. Found in wetlands and coastal areas, they are often seen wading through shallow waters in search of fish, frogs, and crustaceans.We are lucky to come across quite a few here in the eastern Kimberley, with Kununurra’s Ord River and the wetlands of Marlgu Billabong being particularly reliable for spotting them.
3. Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus)
True to its name, the rainbow bee-eater is a kaleidoscope of colours. These small, agile birds are adorned with vivid green, blue, orange, and yellow feathers. They are insectivorous specialists, known for their acrobatic flights as they catch bees and other flying insects mid-air.
Rainbow bee-eaters are often spotted perched on branches or wires, scanning their surroundings for prey. During breeding season, they excavate nesting tunnels in sandy soil, showcasing their unique burrowing behaviour. We get to see plenty of them swooping around the Ord River here in Kununurra. They are absolutely gorgeous birds and we love them!
4. Australian Bustard (Ardeotis australis)
A symbol of the Australian outback, the Australian bustard is one of the largest flying birds in the country. Males can stand over a metre tall, with a wingspan sometimes exceeding 2 metres. These majestic birds are most often seen in open grasslands and savannahs where they forage for seeds, insects, and small vertebrates. During the breeding season, males perform elaborate displays, puffing out their chests and inflating their neck sacs to attract females. Despite their size, they are surprisingly elusive, blending seamlessly into their surroundings.
5. Double-barred Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii)
The double-barred finch, also known as the owl finch due to its striking facial markings, is a charming and social bird found in the Kimberley’s grasslands and scrublands. These small finches have white undersides, brown backs, and two distinct black bars across their chests and faces.
Double-barred finches are often seen in flocks, chirping melodiously as they forage for seeds. They build dome-shaped nests in shrubs or trees, using grasses and feathers for insulation. We get plenty of Double-barred finches in our backyard as we like to put seed out for them. They often arrive in small flocks, along with their bright red buddies – the crimson finches.
6. Chestnut-breasted Mannikin (Lonchura castaneothorax)
As pictured at the top of this page (image by Todd Thimios). The Chestnut-breasted Mannikin is a small, striking bird commonly found in the Kimberley’s wetlands, grassy woodlands, and agricultural fields. Recognizable by its chestnut-coloured breast and flanks, contrasted with a white belly and black face mask, this bird often moves in large, noisy flocks. Primarily seed-eaters, Chestnut-breasted Mannikins thrive on a diet of grass seeds and occasionally supplement it with insects. Their social nature makes them a delightful sight as they forage together, often perching in reeds or tall grasses.
7. Purple-crowned Fairy-wren (Malurus coronatus)
A true Kimberley specialty, the purple-crowned fairy-wren inhabits riparian zones, preferring dense vegetation near rivers and creeks. Males are particularly striking, with their vibrant purple crowns and contrasting black and white plumage, while females sport more subdued brown tones.
These fairy-wrens are known for their cooperative breeding behavior, with groups often including helpers that assist the breeding pair in raising chicks. Habitat destruction has threatened their populations, but they are still found in protected areas of the Kimberley.
