This
photo gallery features most of the birds found in northern Victoria
and the southern Riverina.
Introduced birds are not featured.


Emu
Locally
common in specific areas (e.g. Barmah-Millewa Forest; Gunbower-Perricoota
Forest). Emus are often found in groups. Sometimes, a male can be observed
with a number of chicks. David took this photo along Sages Road on Gulpa
Island in the Barmah-Millewa Forest north of Echuca-Moama. (Birds Australia
Atlas Number 1)

Brown
Quail
Usually only found in specific habitats.
A ground-dwelling bird; flies low to ground. Sometimes observed at the
Walliston Road entrance to Gulpa Island and along Gulpa Creek Road (download
our Mathoura Birding Guide) (Birds
Australia Atlas Number 11)

Plains
Wanderer
Endangered;
found only in suitable indigenous grassland areas. A number of indigenous
grassland areas been reserved on the Patho Plain to protect this species.
These photos were taken on the grasslands of terrick Terrick National
Park. The female (right) is the more colourful. (Birds Australia Atlas
Number 20)

Peaceful
Dove
The Peaceful
Dove (Birds Australia Atlas Number 30) is much more common in our area
than the Diamond Dove but not nearly as common as the Crested Pigeon.

Diamond Dove
Uncommon
in this region, the south-eastern limit of its range. This Diamond Dove
(31) was observed near Picola.

Common
Bronzewing
The Common
Bronzewing (Birds Australia Atlas Number 34) is far less common than
the Crested Pigeon in our area.

Australian Spotted Crake
Uncommon;
usually found only in shallow wetlands. Crakes, rails and snipe are
difficult birds to observe (and photograph) as they feed in mud amongst
reeds and rushes of wetlands. Although less secretive than some, the
Spotted Crake (49) is no exception. In the greater Echuca district,
this species is sometimes observed at Cussen Park Tatura and Kinnairds
Wetlands Numurkah. This bird was photographed at Little Lake Boort.
The Spotless Crake (51) has also been observed in the district.
Baillon's
Crake
Uncommon;
usually found only in shallow wetlands. This rather secretive wetland
bird is seldom observed for long.This specimen was pictured on the mud-flatsof
Little Lake Boort. (50)
Black-tailed Native Hen
In our
district , Black-tailed Native Hens (55) are occasionally present in
large numbers. This bird was photographed amongst several others at
Little Lake Boort.
Dusky
Moorhen
Common,
large wetland bird. (56)

Great
Crested Grebe
Uncommon;
usually observed only in deep water of wetlands. This individual was
photographed from the Reed Beds Swamp bird hide, off Picnic Point Road
Mathoura (in the Barmah-Millewa Forest north of Echuca). (60)
The
Australasian Grebe (61) and Hoary-headed Grebe (620) are often observed
in local wetlands.

Little
Black Cormorant
Moderately
common along waterways. This wetlands bird typically sits on a branch
over water. (97)


Darter
Moderately
common along waterways. Some call this wetland bird a Snake Bird because
of its long thin neck. Usually solitary, in pairs or in a small family
group. This bird was photographed at a wetland along Simmie Road, Echuca
Village. (101)

Pelican
Moderately
common on local lakes and lagoons. This photo was taken at Little Lake
Boort. (106)
Silver
(Sea) Gull
Although
not prolific in our region, flocks are sometimes seen, e.g. at tips.
(125)
Terns
Terns
sometimes observed at local wetlands include Gull-billed Tern, Caspian
Tern and Whiskered Tern.

Red-kneed
Dotterel
Moderately
common on wetlands in the area throughout the year. Seldom solitary;
groups may number over 100 individuals when conditions are right. This
bird was on a shallow wetland near Pyramid Hill. (132)
Banded
Lapwing
Whilst
the Masked Lapwing is fairly common in the district, the Banded Lapwing
is increasingly uncommon. It prefers grassy plains. The bird shown was
in a flock of about 90 on dry grazing land alongside Tomara Road between
Gunbower and Terrick Terrick. (135)

Double-banded
Plover
This
wader prefers to feed on shallow lake margins. Apart from the Echuca
District, this bird is not usually found so far inland. (140)

Black-fronted
Dotterel
Moderately
common on the margins of wetlands. Nests on the ground. This photo was
taken at Little Lake Boort. (144)

Latham's Snipe
A secretive
wetland bird which is rarely observed for very long. This bird was feeding
in reeds at Little Lake Boort. (168)

Painted
Snipe
This
endangered wader prefers to feed in shallow water where there is cover
(e.g. lignum or reeds). The species has been seen from time to time
in Hird Swamp near Cohuna. This bird, and seven others, was observed
south of Rutherglen early in 2006. Birders from all over Australia travelled
to Rutherglen to see the Painted Snipe. Relatively few photographs have
been taken of this bird in the wild. (170)

Australian
Pratincole
Northern
Victoria is the south-eastern edge of this inland bird's range. Uncommon
in our region. This bird was observed late in 2007 alongside Clee Road,
near Terrick Terrick East NCR. (173)

Brolga
Uncommon.
Endangered in Victoria. Occasionally, Brolgas are sighted on local wetlands,
e.g. near Corop and near Mitiamo. This photo was taken west of Mitiamo.
A pair recently raised young in a fenced private wetland east of Echuca.
(177)

Australian
Bustard
Very
uncommon locally. This bird aroused some excitement amongst birders
when it spent some time on private property near Pyramid Hill in mid
2005. Groups of Bustards are often observed further inland. (176)
Ibis
and Egrets
Waterbirds
found in our area include Darter (101), Little Pied Cormorant (100),
Little Black Cormorant (97), Great Cormorant (96), Pelican (106), Australian
White Ibis (179), Straw-necked Ibis (180), Royal Spoonbill (181), Yellow-billed
Spoonbill (182), White-faced Heron (188), White-necked Heron (189),
Great Egret (187), Intermediate Egret (186) and Nankeen Night Heron
(192).

Yellow-billed
Spoonbill
Unlike
some parts of the continent, in our area the Yellow-billed Spoonbill
(182) is far more common than the Royal Spoonbill. It may be solitary
or in a group, sometimes working with others, feeding across a wetland
in a line.

Royal Spoonbill
Moderately
common on wetlands. This Royal Spoonbill was photographed at Curren
Park, Tatura. (182)

Intermediate
Egret
Uncommon
but, when conditions are to their liking, scores of them sometimes breed
in the Reed Beds near Mathoura. (186)
Great
Egret
The Great
Egret is the most common egret in our region. When conditions are to
their liking, they sometimes breed in Deniliquin's Island Sanctuary,
on Gunbower Island and in Barmah-Millewa Forest. (187)
The
Little Egret (185) and the Cattle Egret (977) are not common around
Echuca.

White-necked
Heron
Also
known as Pacific Heron, the White-necked Heron (189) is moderately common
on local wetlands and dams. It tends to be a solitary bird and is not
often in a flock.

Black
Swan
Moderately
common on local wetlands, e.g. from the Bird Hide in the Reed Beds near
Mathoura where this photo by Keith Stockwell was taken. (203)

Pacific
Black Duck
Very
common bird of dams, lakes, parks and waterways. (208)

Pink-eared
(Zebra) Duck
Moderately
common. This smart-looking duck is found over much of the continent.
Sometimes scores of them can be observed on wetlands such as Lake Murphy
south of Kerang. (213)
Other
Ducks and Swans
Other ducks found in our district include
Wood Duck (common; 202), Shelduck (moderately common; 207), Chestnut
Teal (moderately common; 210), Grey Teal (common; 211), Hardhead (moderately
common; 215) and Musk Duck (uncommon; 217) .

Swamp
Harrier
Moderately
common over local wetlands, e.g. the Reed Beds (near Mathoura, where
this shot was taken), Richardsons (Bailleau's) Lagoon (near Torrumbarry)
and Murphy Swamp (near Torrumbarry). (219)
Wedgetailed
Eagle
Moderately
common. Found throughout Australia, this very large eagle (224) is sometimes
seen feeding on carcases along highways. Photo to left by Keith Stockwell.

Little Eagle
Moderately
common. This bird was observed along Stewarts Bridge Road, Lower Moira
(south-east of Barmah). (225)

White-bellied
Sea-Eagle
Uncommon.
This bird was observed at its huge nest in Hird Swamp (west of Cohuna).

Black-shouldered
Kite
Moderately
common. This bird of prey is often observed hovering over local roads
and farmland. (232)


Whistling Kite
Moderately
common over waterways. (228)

Australian
Hobby
Uncommon.
This bird of prey is found throughout Australia. (235)

Brown
Falcon
Common.
Found throughout Australia, this bird of prey is sometimes observed
sitting on fence posts. (239)
Other
raptors often sighted in our area include Swamp Harrier (219), Brown
Goshawk (221), Collared Sparrowhawk (222), Little Eagle (225), Black
Kite (229), Peregrine Falcon (237) and Nankeen Kestrel (240).

Powerful Owl
Uncommon.
An endangered bird of south-eastern Australia. (248)
Other
uncommon owls of the region are Barking Owl and Barn Owl.
Musk
Lorikeet
This
lorikeet is becoming increasing common in urban areas of our region.
It feeds, in flocks, largely on nectar and is difficult to see (or photograph)
amongst tree blossom. Photo taken in Cussen Park, Tatura. (258)

Purple-crowned
Lorikeet
Uncommon.
This lorikeet also feeds largely on nectar and is difficult to see amongst
tree blossom. (259)
The Little Lorikeet (260) is also found in our region.

Sulphur-crested
Cockatoo
A common
bird throughout eastern and northern Australia, the long-lived Sulphur-crested
Cockatoo is a noisy bird of local forests and farmlands. Cockatoos are
usually observed in flocks. (269)

Long-billed
Corella
Originally
found mainly in the Wimmera, the distribution of this species has increased
and it is now very common in and around Echuca-Moama, sometimes feeding
in flocks on newly-sown grain. It is regarded by many as a pest and
sometimes chews the wooden window frames of buildings. Occasionally,
a few Little Corellas are observed: they are sometimes in a flock of
Long-billed Corellas. (272)

Galah
A common
bird throughout the region feeding largely on grass seeds and grain.
Many roost in home gardens at night. Large flocks are often seen. Requires
tree hollows for nesting. (273)


Superb
Parrot
Endangered
but moderately common in the Barmah-Millewa Forest andaround Picola
and Yielema. Revegetation projects are under way to provide additional
suitable habitat, e.g. near Picola where this male was photographed.
Numbers are holding steady and possibly increasing. Distribution is
limited to the Riverina and central-eastern inland NSW. We subject to
trapping by smugglers who sold them overseas. The current low market
price has, fortunately, made trapping and smuggling these birds hardly
worth while. (277)

Crimson
Rosella (Yellow form)
The yellow
form of Crimson Rosella is common in the Barmah-Millewa and Perricoota-Gunbower
forests and along rivers and creeks of the Murray Valley. The crimson
form is only occasionally observed in the Echuca-Moama district. (282)

Red-rumped
Parrot
Common
along local roadsides and in grassy areas. Location of the photo is
Gulpa Creek, Mathoura. The male is to the left. Distribution: south-east
Australia. (295)

Blue Bonnet
Uncommon.
This attractive inland parrot is sometimes observed on the plains north
of Deniliquin and to the north-west of our region. This species is often
observed at Goschen Reserve, Lake Boga Golf Club and in the adjoining
Tresco West Bushland Reserve (where this photograph was taken). (297)
Other
parrots include Eastern Rosella (common; 288), Ringneck (at Terricks)
(294), Budgerigar (uncommon; 310). Blue-winged Parrot (uncommon; 306),
Swift Parrot (uncommon winter migrant; 309) and Elegant Parrot (uncommon;
307).
Cuckoos
Cuckoos
observed in the district include Pallid Cuckoo (337), Fan-tailed Cuckoo
(338), Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo (342) and Shining Bronze Cuckoo (344).

Tawny
Frogmouth
Moderately
common night bird. This bird is one of a family of four which lives
on the property of members in Echuca Village, (313)

Australian
Owlet-nightjar
This
seldom-observed night bird was pictured, sitting on a branch, on a dull
April day, in Bryce Blair Reserve Whoroully, between Myrtleford and
Wangaratta. Owlet Nightjars appear to have huge eyes. Although reasonably
common, they usually conceal themselves in a tree hollow during daylight
hours. (317)
Other
night birds of the district include Barking Owl (uncommon; 246), Boobook
(moderately common; 242), Barn Owl (uncommon; 249) and Spotted Nightjar
(uncommon; 331).

Sacred
Kingfisher
The Sacred
Kingfisher is moderately common alongside local waterways. (326)

Laughing Kookaburra
Common.
This is the largest of the Australian kingfishers. (322)
Azure
Kingfisher (319) and Dollarbird (318) are sometimes observed alongside
waterways in summer.

Rainbow
Bee-eater
Were
moderately common in the warmer months but numbers have crashed. Bee-eaters
lay their eggs in tunnels which they build in Spring. About Easter time,
and earlier if food supplies are short, they migrate northwards. As
they eat a range of insects, the name bee-eater is somewhat misleading.
Hundreds of used to be observed in our region over summer but since
a sudden cold snap in February of 2005 very few have been seen in our
region. They are relatively common in some other parts of Australia.
(329)

Welcome
Swallow
Welcome
Swallows (common; 357) are often observed flying in circles over local
lagoons and waterways, catching insects. This bird was photographed
at Cussen Park, Tatura.

Willie
Wagtail
Common.
Photo: Keith Stockwell.

Jacky
Winter
Moderately
common. (377)

Scarlet
Robin
A relatively
uncommon winter visitor to our region. The white cap is larger than
on the Flame and the red does not come up as high on the face. A good
place to look for robins in Winter is Murrays Mill (see our Barmah
Birding Guide) (380)
Red-capped
Robin (male)
Moderately
common in local bushland. (381)

Rose
Robin
Uncommon
locally. In summer, this bird may be observed in ferny gullies of the
Alps. In the colder months, it disperses to open forests, including
cypress pine forests and has been recorded to the south and east of
Echuca. This photo was taken near Toolangi, to the south-east of our
region. (384)

Flame
Robin
Moderately
common over winter. With Flame Robin, the reddish colour comes higher
up and there is no red cap. This male was photographed along Echuca-Serpentine
Road. (382)


Hooded
Robin
Although
uncommon, Hooded Robins can still be observed in local bushland, e.g.
along Perricoota Road, at Murrays Mill in Barmah Forest and in Terrick
Terrick National Park. The male is darker than the female or immatures.
(385)

Eastern
Yellow Robin
This
uncommon species prefers relatively undisturbed areas of bushland. (392)

Golden
Whistler
Relatively
common. The male has a white bib and yellow front. This bird is found
throughout southern and eastern Australia. (398)
Rufous
Whistler
Common
in local bushland. Found throughout mainland Australia. (401)

Gilbert
Whistler
Uncommon
and restricted to mallee-type vegetation. This species is sometimes
observed in Terrick Terrick National Park (e.g. near the start of the
walking track up Mitiamo Rock), in Wychitella NCR and in Greater Bendigo
National Park. This shot was taken at Terrick Terrick. There has been
a pair on Langmans Sandhill, Gulpa Island where a protective fence has
been erected around much of their feeding ground. (403)

Grey
Shrike Thrush
Relatively common.
Usually solitary or in pairs, the Grey Shrike Thrush has a variety of
pleasant calls. (408)

White-browed
Scrubwren
Moderately common in places. This bird
(488) is fairly common in shrubland along Australia's southern, eastern
and south-western coastline. Our district is about as far inland as
it is found. There is a colony at the Murray River end of the Picnic
Point Road and another near the suspension bridge over Gulpa Creek.

Crested
Shrike-tit
Uncommon. Usually solitary, or in pairs,
(or small flocks during winter) and along water courses. This bird is
a male; the female has an olive-green/grey bib. (416)

Black-faced
Cuckoo-shrike
Moderately
common. Found throughout Australia; solitary or in pairs (may be with
young); rarely in a flock (424)

White-bellied
Cuckoo-shrike
Locally
uncommon. Common in northern Australia. (425)
White-winged
Triller
Moderately
common in forested areas. Found throughout Australia (except Tasmania).
(430)

White-browed
Babbler
Uncommon. White-browed Babblers (445) are
more common than the Grey-crowned (443) in our district. They are sometimes
found in roadside vegetation.

Grey-crowned
Babbler
Endangered in Victoria. There are small colonies
of Grey-crowned Babblers (443) in and around Barmah-Millewa Forest and
along the Perricoota Road (Moama). The last Grey-crowned Babbers found
in Kamarooka Forest died recently, Noisy Miners probably having taken
their young.

White-fronted
Chat
Locally
uncommon. The White-fronted Chat is a sedentary bird found across the
southern half of Australia. It is common on Bass Strait islands and
some wetlands. (448)

Weebill
Common in local gardens, in bushland and
along watercourses. The
Weebill (465) is Australia's smallest bird.

Southern
Whiteface
Moderately
common in bushland. Found in inland and southern Australia rather than
near the coast of in the north of Australia. This bird was observed
in Allocasuarina on a sandhill on Gulpa Island (Barmah-Millewa Forest)
(466)

Brown
Thornbill
Moderately
common. Usually found in pairs, Brown Thornbills (475) are sometimes
mistaken for Striated Thornbills. Striated Thornbills tend to be higher
up in the foliage and may be in small groups. This thornbill is found
in south-eastern Australia including Tasmania but not much further to
the north-west of our region.

Buff-rumped
Thornbill
Common.
There are several species of Thornbill in our district: Brown (475),
Buff-rumped (484), Yellow-rumped (486), Striated (470) and Little (Yellow)
(471). Buff-rumped Thornbills are often observed feeding in Acacias.
Gallery
continues ~ click here for page 2 (of 2)

Click
next button for page 2 of the gallery