The 2024 Aussie Bird Count has once again showcased our vibrant avian diversity, with over 4.1 million birds counted nationwide during the week-long event last October.

Over 60,000 spotters around the country took part in the citizen science initiative – organised by BirdLife Australia – submitting their observations and contributing valuable data to better understand our bird populations.

Locally the Rainbow Lorikeet reigned supreme, reflecting its status as the most numerous birds across both New South Wales and the country. The colourful parrot is a common site in local backyards, reserves and verges and a daily part of the local
environment.

Noisy Miners, a native honeyeater sometimes mistaken for the introduced Common Myna swooped in second, with the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo flying into third.

Local birdwatchers and curious beginners alike embraced the event, turning their backyards and local reserves into observation hubs and logging what they saw in a 20-minute period.

Birds tell us a lot about the health of the local environment and their presence underscores the importance of preserving urban habitats for them. Keeping track of them helps provide ecologists with data to track large-scale biodiversity trends and gives us the chance to engage with nature and make a meaningful impact.

The 2025 Aussie Bird Count is scheduled for October 20 to 26 and anyone take part via BirdLife Australia’s website.

But you don’t have to wait until October to appreciate - or notice - the diverse bird species locally. Grab a cuppa and look out of your window or head to one of the many reserves, wetlands and lagoons and look up.

For more information about local species visit our website.