This category covers smaller native birds such as magpies, kookaburras, lorikeets, cockatoos, honeyeaters, and more. Many are common visitors to suburban yards and parks.
Australia is home to hundreds of native bird species—from colourful lorikeets and finches to magpies, honeyeaters, and fairy-wrens. Many of these birds are increasingly impacted by urban expansion and human activity.
🧐 When People Encounter These Birds
Typical situations include:
- Collisions with windows, vehicles, or buildings
- Orphaned chicks or fledglings on the ground
- Injuries from storms or domestic pet attacks
Image: BirdLife Australia
🛑 What To Do
- If a bird is stunned after a window strike, place it in a quiet, dark, ventilated box for 1–2 hours
- If there’s no improvement, call Wildlife Rescue Australia (1300 596 457)
- If it’s a fledgling (fully feathered but not yet flying), observe quietly—parents are often nearby
- If in danger (e.g., near a road or pets), relocate to nearby shelter or seek rescue advice
- For visible injuries, call Wildlife Rescue Australia
- Use a towel to gently handle the bird if necessary
- Do not feed native birds—many human foods are harmful
⚠️ Important to Know
Feeding wild birds can:
- Disrupt natural foraging behaviours
- Lead to malnutrition and disease
- Attract predators or create dependency
It’s best to plant native flora and provide clean water sources to support birds naturally.
🌱 Why This Matters
Native birds are under increasing pressure from habitat loss, road trauma, and predation. Community awareness and quick, informed action can dramatically improve survival rates.
🔍 References:
WIRES Wildlife Rescue. (2024). Birds. Retrieved from: https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-info/birds
BirdLife Australia. (2024). Living with Native Birds. Retrieved from: https://birdlife.org.au/
RSPCA Knowledgebase. (2024). Feeding Wild Birds. Retrieved from: https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/is-it-ok-to-feed-wild-birds-in-australia/
