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The Canberra Ornithologists Group Annotated Checklist
of the Birds of the Australian Capital Territory

This list is based on Birds of the ACT: Two Centuries of Change, by Steve Wilson OAM, published by the Canberra Ornithologists Group, Canberra, 1999. It has been compiled by David McDonald, and updated by reports published in Canberra Bird Notes.

In all, 282 species are included on this list. A supplementary list covers an additional 38 species reported in the literature as having been observed in the ACT but not currently regarded as being on the ACT Bird List.

Species marked * are classified as 'Unusual Birds' in the ACT. Please submit a COG Unusual Bird Report form to the COG Rarities Panel for each observation of these species, and for any species not included on this list.

 

Birds Australia
Atlas Number		 English Name Scientific Name Status
001 Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae Uncommon breeding resident in a very limited area.
009 Stubble Quail Coturnix pectoralis Uncommon breeding species locally but it is sometimes quite nomadic.
011 Brown Quail Coturnix ypsilophora Rare breeding visitor.
205 Plumed Whistling-Duck * Dendrocygna eytoni Rare vagrant in this area.
216 Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis Rare vagrant in the ACT.
217 Musk Duck Biziura lobata Uncommon breeding resident.
214 Freckled Duck * Stictonetta naevosa Uncommon irruptive visitor.
203 Black Swan Cygnus atratus Common breeding resident where there is suitable habitat.
207 Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides Breeding resident in small numbers.
202 Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata Common breeding resident which has benefited from the construction of farm dams and lakes.
948 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Small local populations of what may well be more correctly assessed as domestic ducks.
208 Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Common breeding resident which has probably increased in numbers in recent years.
212 Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis Fairly common breeding visitor.
211 Grey Teal Anas gracilis Common breeding resident in suitable habitat.
210 Chestnut Teal Anas castanea Uncommon breeding resident.
213 Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus Common non-breeding visitor to suitable habitat.
215 Hardhead Aythya australis Uncommon breeding visitor.
061 Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Common breeding resident.
062 Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus Common species, breeding infrequently in the ACT.
060 Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Uncommon resident breeding infrequently in the ACT.
101 Darter Anhinga melanogaster Breeding resident species in varying numbers.
100 Little Pied Cormorant Phalocrocorax melanoleucos Common resident species with fairly constant numbers, breeding occasionally.
099 Pied Cormorant * Phalocrocorax varius Rare visitor.
097 Little Black Cormorant Phalocrocorax sulcirostris Common breeding resident in suitable habitat.
096 Great Cormorant Phalocrocorax carbo Common resident, breeding in suitable habitat.
106 Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Visitor, common in suitable locations.
188 White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae Common in suitable habitat and breeding widely.
185 Little Egret Egretta garzetta Rare non-breeding visitor.
189 White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica Uncommon visitor, breeding occasionally.
187 Great Egret Ardea alba Non-breeding, rather uncommon visitor.
186 Intermediate Egret * Ardea intermedia Rare non-breeding visitor.
977 Cattle Egret Ardea ibis Uncommon non-breeding visitor, sometimes in fairly large flocks.
192 Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Uncommon non-breeding visitor, usually in small numbers but occasionally in flocks of 20 or more.
195 Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus Rare breeding migrant.
197 Australasian Bittern * Botaurus poiciloptilus Rare non-breeding visitor.
178 Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Rare non-breeding visitor.
179 Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Common breeding visitor in varying numbers.
180 Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Fairly common non-breeding visitor in varying numbers.
181 Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Irruptive, uncommon summer breeding visitor in small numbers.
182 Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Uncommon non-breeding visitor in small numbers.
183 Black-necked Stork * Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Rare vagrant.
232 Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris Uncommon breeding species in varying numbers.
233 Letter-winged Kite * Elanus scriptus Does not breed locally and is a rare occasional visitor.
229 Black Kite * Milvus migrans Rare non-breeding vagrant.
228 Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Conspicuous uncommon breeding resident, usually present in small numbers.
226 White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Occasional visitor; one breeding record, Shepherd’s Lookout, 1995.
218 Spotted Harrier * Circus assimilis Rare non-breeding irregular visitor to our area.
219 Swamp Harrier Circus approximans Uncommon breeding resident.
221 Brown Goshawk Accipter fasciatus Breeding migrant in small numbers with some irregular movement.
220 Grey Goshawk * Accipter novaehollandiae Rare non-breeding occasional visitor.
222 Collared Sparrowhawk Accipter cirrhocephalus Uncommon breeding migrant with most individuals leaving in winter.
224 Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Breeding resident, widely distributed and occupying very large territories.
225 Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Breeding resident in small numbers in all but the higher, wetter forests.
239 Brown Falcon Falco berigora Resident breeding species in small numbers with juveniles moving away.
235 Australian Hobby Falco longipennis Uncommon migrant. Many birds leave the ACT after breeding.
236 Grey Falcon * Falco hypoleucos Rare vagrant in the ACT.
238 Black Falcon * Falco subniger Rare non-breeding visitor in small numbers.
237 Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Uncommon breeding resident. It is probable that some birds migrate.
240 Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Fairly common resident breeding species, probably with some migration.
177 Brolga * Grus rubicunda Regarded as extinct in the ACT.
046 Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis Uncommon breeding summer migrant.
045 Lewin's Rail * Rallus pectoralis Rare, breeding summer visitor. One winter record.
050 Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla Rare, warm weather visitor.
049 Australian Spotted Crake Porzana fluminea Rare breeding species recorded mostly in warmer weather, but possibly a resident.
051 Spotless Crake * Porzana tabuensis Rare species, recorded mostly in the warmer months, but occasionally in winter. One breeding record: Fyshwick Sewage Works, Jan/Feb 2001.
058 Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Common breeding resident in suitable terrain throughout the tablelands area.
056 Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa Common breeding resident where suitable habitat exists, chiefly on the tablelands area.
055 Black-tailed Native-hen * Gallinula ventralis Rare non-breeding vagrant.
059 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Common species on suitable water and nearby, breeding here very occasionally.
176 Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis Extinct in the ACT and no longer occurs nearby.
018 Little Button-quail * Turnix velox Rare non-breeding summer migrant.
019 Red-chested Button-quail * Turnix pyrrhothorax Rare irruptive visitor, the only records being between September and February.
014 Painted Button-quail Turnix varia Rare breeding resident in small numbers.
020 Plains-wanderer * Pedionomus torquatus Extinct in the ACT. Its in distribution NSW has been greatly reduced in the 20th century: it is therefore most unlikely to occur here again.
168 Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii Migrant, and a regular but uncommon non-breeding visitor.
153 Bar-tailed Godwit * Limosa lapponica Rare non-breeding migrant.
149 Eastern Curlew * Numenius madagascariensis Rare non-breeding migrant.
159 Marsh Sandpiper * Tringa stagnatilis Rare non-breeding migrant in our area.
158 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Uncommon non-breeding migrant.
154 Wood Sandpiper * Tringa glareola Rare non-breeding migrant.
157 Common Sandpiper * Actitis hypoleucos Rare non-breeding migrant in the ACT.
129 Ruddy Turnstone * Arenaria interpres Rare non-breeding migrant, unlikely to be seen often.
164 Red Knot * Calidris canutus Rare non-breeding migrant.
162 Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis Rare non-breeding migrant.
965 Long-toed Stint * Calidris subminuta Rare non-breeding vagrant.
978 Pectoral Sandpiper * Calidris melanotos Rare non-breeding migrant in our area.
163 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Common non-breeding migrant.
161 Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Uncommon non-breeding migrant.
170 Painted Snipe * Rostratula benghalensis Rare non-breeding summer visitor.
174 Bush Stone-curlew * Burhinus grallarius Extinct in the ACT.
146 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Uncommon non-breeding irregular visitor.
148 Red-necked Avocet Recurvirostra novaehollandiae Rare non-breeding visitor.
137 Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Rare non-breeding migrant.
143 Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus Rare, non-breeding visitor.
140 Double-banded Plover Charadrius bicinctus Rare non-breeding visitor.
144 Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops Uncommon breeding resident in suitable habitat.
132 Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus Uncommon, non-breeding summer visitor to restricted habits.
135 Banded Lapwing * Vanellus tricolor There have been no recent sightings. The species is presumed to be extinct in the ACT.
133 Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles Common breeding resident in all suitable grasslands, including urban sporting fields.
125 Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae Common non-breeding resident.
111 Gull-billed Tern * Sterna nilotica Rare non-breeding visitor to our area.
112 Caspian Tern * Sterna caspia Rare non-breeding visitor. All records are between June and October.
110 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Rare non-breeding visitor.
957 Rock Dove Columba livia Common breeding resident.
028 White-headed Pigeon * Columba leucomela Rare vagrant in our area.
034 Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera Widely distributed uncommon breeding species.
035 Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans Rare resident in restricted habitat; three breeding records from the 1960s and 1970s.
043 Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Common breeding species well distributed about Canberra and its environs.
031 Diamond Dove * Geopelia cuneata It is likely that we have a mixture of released and escaped cage birds, plus occasionally wild birds. Therefore its is regarded as a rare visitor to our area.
030 Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida Rare non-breeding resident in the ACT.
032 Bar-shouldered Dove * Geopelia humeralis Rare non-breeding visitor.
044 Wonga Pigeon Leucosarcia melanoleuca Common widespread species in the ranges, in relatively small numbers. Breeding resident.
023 Superb Fruit-Dove * Ptilinotus superbus Rare non-breeding vagrant.
265 Glossy Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus lathami Uncommon non-breeding visitor.
267 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus Common breeding resident in its preferred habitats.
268 Gang-gang Cockatoo Callocephalon fimbriatum Common breeding resident. Many of them are altitudinal migrants.
273 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Except in the higher ranges, this is a common breeding species.
272 Long-billed Corella * Cacatua tenuirostris The locals birds are mainly escapees. There is a probability that we have occasionally rare visitors.
271 Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea Probably permanently established and breeds in the area; an uncommon species. Its origin is uncertain and may have started from escaped cage birds.
270 Major Mitchell's Cockatoo * Cacatua leadbeateri As there were a number of reports from Uriarra Crossing and around Canberra between 1960 and 1966, and only one since, it seems likely that this species is a rare vagrant in the area.
269 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Common breeding resident and altitudinal migrant.
274 Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Some local birds are rare vagrants: but many are released or escaped cage birds.
254 Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus This species is difficult to assess. Escapees no doubt occur, but there are also wild birds and occasionally breeding. These should be regarded as rare visitors. It appears that a permanent local population has not yet been established.
256 Scaly-breasted Lorikeet * Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus Rare non-breeding vagrant. Some birds are probably escapees.
258 Musk Lorikeet * Glossopsitta concinna Rare visitor.
260 Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla Rare non-breeding visitor to our area.
281 Australian King-Parrot Alisterus scapularis Common breeding resident, but mostly an altitudinal migrant. Many cool weather records from the older urban areas, chiefly south of Lake Burley Griffin.
277 Superb Parrot Polytelis swainsonii Rare visitor. Breeding has been recorded in earlier days.
282 Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans Common breeding resident.
288 Eastern Rosella Platycercus eximius Common breeding resident in all grassland areas of the ACT.
309 Swift Parrot * Lathamus discolor Rare migrant visitor to the ACT, with sightings decreasing in recent years.
295 Red-rumped Parrot Psephotus haematonotus Common breeding resident the tablelands particularly. Preservation of old trees is critical for this species.
310 Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus There are valid records of wild birds here, but the Budgerigar is rare in the ACT. Such a nomadic species could occur here again.
306 Blue-winged Parrot * Neophema chrysostoma Rare vagrant in our area.
302 Turquoise Parrot * Neophema pulchella Rare vagrant.
337 Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus Common warm weather breeding migrant. There are odd winter records.
339 Brush Cuckoo Cacomantis variolosus Uncommon breeding migrant in the ACT.
338 Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis Common breeding migrant. Some birds occasionally remain over winter.
341 Black-eared Cuckoo * Chrysococcyx osculans Rare non-breeding vagrant.
342 Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis Common breeding migrant mainly on the tablelands. A few birds occur in winter in some years.
344 Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus Common breeding migrant species. Odd birds are record in some winters.
347 Common Koel Eudynamis scolopacea Uncommon non-breeding migrant in the ACT. Records have been more frequent since 1986.
348 Channel-billed Cuckoo * Scythrops novaehollandiae Rare vagrant in our area, with the possibility of one breeding record.
248 Powerful Owl Ninox strenua Rare breeding resident.
246 Barking Owl * Ninox connivens Rare non-breeding vagrant locally.
242 Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae Widespread common breeding species in virtually all of the ACT.
250 Masked Owl * Tyto novaehollandiae Rare non-breeding vagrant in the ACT.
249 Barn Owl Tyto alba Rare irruptive non-breeding visitor.
313 Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Uncommon breeding resident.
330 White-throated Nightjar * Eurostopodus mystacalis Rare breeding migrant or vagrant. All records have been during the warmer months.
317 Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus Uncommon breeding resident, widely but sparsely distributed in all wooded areas.
334 White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus Common summer migrant which may occur repeatedly in a season.
335 Fork-tailed Swift * Apus pacificus Rare summer migrant in the ACT.
319 Azure Kingfisher * Alcedo azurea Rare non-breeding migrant.
322 Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaeguineae Common breeding resident in the ACT.
325 Red-backed Kingfisher * Todiramphus pyrrhopygia Rare non-breeding vagrant.
326 Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sancta Widespread, but uncommon breeding migrant.
329 Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Common breeding migrant in the ACT.
318 Dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis Widespread in suitable country in small numbers. An uncommon breeding migrant.
350 Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae Common breeding bird throughout the wetter forests of the ranges.
558 White-throated Treecreeper Cormobates leucophaea Common breeding resident in forests at all altitudes.
560 Red-browed Treecreeper Climacteris erythrops Uncommon breeding resident, mostly in the forests west of the Murrumbidgee River.
555 Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus Uncommon breeding species in dry woodlands. On the tablelands it is being pushed further out by development.
529 Superb Fairy-wren Malurus cyaneus Common breeding species throughout much of the ACT.
565 Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Common in the ACT. Many altitudinal migrants. Most breeding takes place in the ranges.
976 Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus Common, breeds locally. An altitudinal migrant, with some migration through the area.
506 Pilotbird Pycnoptilus floccosus Uncommon breeding resident, in rather limited habitat in the western ranges.
488 White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis Common breeding resident in the ACT wherever there is suitable cover.
498 Chestnut-rumped Heathwren * Hylacola pyrrhopygia Uncommon non-breeding vagrant.
504 Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata Uncommon sedentary breeding resident in suitable terrain.
465 Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Common breeding species wherever eucalypts occur on the tablelands of the ACT, and in private gardens.
454 Brown Gerygone * Gerygone mouki Rare visitor. Breeding, though suspected, has not been proved.
463 Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca Uncommon breeding migrant in fairly restricted habitat in the ACT.
453 White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea Common breeding migrant on the tablelands, including older developed areas.
475 Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla Common breeding bird found at all altitudes throughout the year.
481 Chestnut-rumped Thornbill * Acanthiza uropygialis Rare vagrant in our area.
484 Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides Common breeding resident in dry areas of the ACT.
486 Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa Common breeding resident except in the high, wet forests.
471 Yellow Thornbill Acanthiza nana Uncommon breeding resident in a somewhat restricted habitat.
470 Striated Thornbill Acanthiza lineata Common breeding resident found at all altitudes in all months of the year.
466 Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis Uncommon breeding resident, probably with a declining local population.
638 Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata Common breeding resident. Part of the population is migratory, especially in the ranges.
637 Little Wattlebird * Anthochaera chrysoptera Rare vagrant in our area.
640 Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater * Acanthagenys rufogularis Rare vagrant from the inland.
585 Striped Honeyeater * Plectorhyncha lanceolata Rare vagrant.
645 Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus Common breeding migrant chiefly on the tableland. A few occur during the cooler months.
646 Little Friarbird * Philemon citreogularis In the past this has been referred to as rare, but records in the 1990s have been so numerous that it is regarded as an uncommon breeding migrant.
603 Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia The numbers of this species have apparently been reducing over many years despite conservation efforts. It is now a rare breeding visitor to the ACT.
641 Blue-faced Honeyeater * Entomyzon cyanotis Rare vagrant.
633 Bell Miner * Manorina melanophrys Rare vagrant.
634 Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala Common breeding resident.
605 Lewin's Honeyeater * Meliphaga lewinii Rare visitor to the ACT, mainly in winter.
614 Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops Common breeding migrant. Some birds are present in winter, apparently where sufficient food is available.
608 Singing Honeyeater * Lichenostomus virescens Rare vagrant from further west.
617 White-eared Honeyeater Lichenostomus leucotis Breeding resident with some altitudinal migration taking place.
619 Yellow-tufted Honeyeater Lichenostomus melanops Rare visitor, chiefly in the cooler months. Probably breeds not far away outside the ACT.
613 Fuscous Honeyeater Lichenostomus fuscus Common breeding species. Many of the birds are altitudinal migrants.
625 White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus Common breeding resident. Only minor movements, probably to and from breeding areas, otherwise sedentary.
583 Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris Uncommon breeding resident, most often seen at higher altitudes. Occurs in small numbers in suitable habitat throughout the tablelands.
578 White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus Common breeding migrant with some birds present over winter, especially in gardens where suitable food is found.
598 Painted Honeyeater * Grantiella picta Rare breeding migrant species, here for short periods over summer. Numbers seen in the ACT have declined alarming.
630 Crescent Honeyeater Phylidonyris pyrrhoptera Uncommon breeding altitudinal migrant, possibly with some birds leaving the ACT. Others remain all year throughout much of the area.
631 New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae Uncommon breeding resident, often nomadic. Usually found near flowering banksias and grevilleas.
593 Tawny-crowned Honeyeater * Phylidonyris melanops Rare vagrant.
591 Eastern Spinebill Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris Common altitudinal migrant, with some birds resident in the ranges and on the tablelands.
589 Black Honeyeater * Certhionyx niger Rare vagrant.
586 Scarlet Honeyeater * Myzomela sanguinolenta Rare non-breeding vagrant.
448 White-fronted Chat Ephthianura albifrons Rare breeding resident in the ACT, possibly in declining numbers.
377 Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans Uncommon breeding resident in a restricted range. May be declining in numbers.
380 Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor Common breeding resident which becomes somewhat nomadic during the non-breeding season.
381 Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii Rare breeding visitor. Has been seen throughout much of the ACT.
382 Flame Robin Petroica phoenicea Common breeding altitudinal migrant.
384 Rose Robin Petroica rosea Uncommon breeding warm weather migrant, with odd birds being seen in winter.
383 Pink Robin * Petroica rodinogaster Rare non-breeding winter migrant.
385 Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata Uncommon breeding species in declining numbers. Preservation of suitable habitat is essential for its survival in the ACT.
392 Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis Common breeding resident, mainly sedentary. Some individuals are nomadic, probably early in life.
443 Grey-crowned Babbler * Pomatostomus temporalis Presumed extinct in the ACT. Reasons not known.
445 White-browed Babbler * Pomatostomus superciliosus Presumed to be extinct in the ACT; reasons unknown.
421 Eastern Whipbird Psophodes olivaceus Uncommon breeding resident in restricted habitat in the western ranges, with occasionally birds moving as far as the Murrumbidgee River.
436 Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum Uncommon breeding resident in small numbers throughout the dry areas of the forests of the ACT.
549 Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera Uncommon breeding resident occurring throughout the ACT, except for the highest country and the wet forests of the western ranges.
416 Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus Uncommon breeding resident, more often seen in the ranges, but widely distributed.
405 Olive Whistler Pachycephala olivacea Uncommon breeding resident with some altitudinal migration.
398 Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis Common breeding resident; most birds are altitudinal migrants.
401 Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Common breeding migrant. May occur anywhere in the ACT, but is more numerous in dry woodlands. A small percentage remains over winter.
408 Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica Common breeding resident throughout the ACT, most often seen in the ranges of the south. Often an altitudinal migrant.
373 Black-faced Monarch * Monarcha melanopsis Rare visitor. One possible breeding record.
365 Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Common breeding migrant, mainly in the dry forests of the tablelands.
366 Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca Common breeding migrant mainly to the higher areas of wet forests. Often seen about Canberra gardens on passage.
369 Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta Uncommon breeding resident mostly of open woodland on the tablelands, generally avoiding closed forests.
415 Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Common breeding resident of the tablelands, including the urban area of Canberra.
362 Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons Uncommon breeding migrant to the wet forests. Regularly reported from the tablelands during migration in spring and autumn.
361 Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa Common breeding resident. Much of the population of the ranges migrants in winter, together with some from the tablelands.
364 Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Common breeding resident; some altitudinal migration. The probability exists of some birds leaving the ACT in winter.
673 Spangled Drongo * Dicrurus bracteatus Rare vagrant.
424 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Common breeding species. A large proportion of the population is migratory.
425 White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike * Coracina papuensis Rare to the tablelands, appearing at any time of the year.
429 Cicadabird Coracina tenuirostris Uncommon migrant, passing through the urban area and the tablelands en route to the wetter forests of the western ranges.
430 White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii Uncommon breeding migrant in somewhat threatened habitat.
671 Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus Uncommon breeding migrant, present for a long period over the warmer months. Mostly confined to the tablelands.
544 Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus Rare non-breeding migrant to the ACT.
545 White-browed Woodswallow Artamus superciliosus Uncommon breeding migrant in varying numbers. Does not occur every year.
547 Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus Common breeding migrant present for a long period each year. Stragglers seen occasionally in the cooler months.
702 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Widely distributed in small numbers in the ACT. Uncommon breeding resident.
700 Pied Butcherbird * Cracticus nigrogularis Rare visitor, mainly to the northern ACT.
705 Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Common breeding resident over much of the ACT except the wet forest. Includes all developed areas where trees occur.
694 Pied Currawong Strepera graculina Common breeding bird throughout the ACT. Some altitudinal migration.
697 Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor Common breeding resident. Never as numerous as the Pied Currawong.
930 Australian Raven Corvus coronoides Common breeding except in the wetter forests of the ranges.
954 Little Raven Corvus mellori Uncommon breeding resident; some altitudinal migration. Most birds are absent in winter.
693 White-winged Chough Corcorax melanorhamphos Common breeding resident, especially in the dry woodlands and forests of the ACT.
675 Apostlebird * Struthidea cinerea Rare vagrant in the ACT.
679 Satin Bowerbird Ptilonorhynchus violaceus Uncommon breeding resident. Some altitudinal migration. Birds appear in the cooler months in the western urban areas of Canberra.
648 Singing Bushlark * Mirafra javanica The status of this species is difficult to assess. It seems to be a rare breeding resident or migrant to the ACT.
993 Skylark Alauda arvensis Common breeding resident in suitable grasslands of the tablelands. An introduced species.
647 Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Common breeding resident. Some altitudinal migration.
995 House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common breeding resident. An introduced species.
994 Eurasian Tree Sparrow * Passer montanus Rare non-breeding visitor. May be underreported. An introduced species.
653 Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata Uncommon irruptive species; flocks are sighted every few years. Many escapees or released birds are reported.
655 Double-barred Finch Taeniopygia bichenovii Uncommon breeding resident of grasslands and forests on the tablelands, usually in the vicinity of water.
661 Plum-headed Finch * Neochmia modesta Rare vagrant.
662 Red-browed Finch Neochmia temporalis Common breeding resident, particularly in dense growth along rivers and creeks, and in damp places. Occasionally in the higher wet forests, but probably does not breed there.
652 Diamond Firetail Stagonopleura guttata Uncommon breeding resident confined to pockets of suitable habitat on the tablelands.
997 European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris Uncommon breeding resident which appears to be confined to the central area of the ACT. An introduced species.
996 European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis Common breeding resident in suitable terrain in the ACT. An introduced species.
564 Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Uncommon breeding migrant seen mostly on the tablelands.
358 White-backed Swallow * Cheramoeca leucosternus Rare breeding visitor.
357 Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Common breeding resident with altitudinal migration from the higher places. Some passage through the ACT, which is poorly understood.
359 Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans Common breeding migrant. A few birds over-winter in some years.
360 Fairy Martin Hirundo ariel Uncommon breeding migrant in smaller numbers than its relative. Also has a shorter season here.
990 Red-whiskered Bulbul * Pyconotus jocosus Rare vagrant. An introduced species.
524 Clamorous Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus Common breeding summer migrant in suitable habitat on the tablelands. Odd birds remain over winter.
522 Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus Uncommon breeding resident. If, as suspected, it is not always seen and reported, it may be more numerous locally than is thought.
509 Rufous Songlark Cinclorhamphus mathewsi Uncommon breeding summer migrant with a relatively short season here. Odd birds recorded outside the main period.
508 Brown Songlark Cinclorhamphus cruralis Rare breeding migrant in the grasslands of the tablelands.
525 Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Uncommon breeding resident of long grasslands.
574 Silvereye Zosterops lateralis Common breeding resident, with much of the local population migrating. Other Silvereyes pass through, while many migrants spend the cooler months here.
779 Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata Uncommon breeding resident of the wetter higher forests. Some birds are altitudinal migrants; during the winter these can be found in scrub thickets on the tablelands.
991 Common Blackbird Turdus merula Common breeding resident of the built up area of Canberra, and also along creeks and rivers. Seen only occasionally elsewhere. An introduced species.
992 Song Thrush * Turdus philomelas There have been no recent records of this introduced species and it is regarded as locally extinct.
999 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris Common breeding resident throughout much of the ACT. An introduced species.
998 Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Common breeding resident of the populated area. There is a tendency for it to spread to the country. An introduced species.
 


Supplementary List

Species reported in the literature as having been observed in the ACT
but not currently regarded as being on the ACT Bird List

The species listed in this Supplement include those that are regarded as escapees or released and for which there is no established population in the ACT; species probably reported in error; records of doubtful validity; records not properly documented and therefore not accepted; and accidental occurrences beyond the normal range (two sea birds). Most are classified as 'Unusual Birds' in the ACT. Please submit a COG Unusual Report Form to the COG Rarities Panel for each observation of species on this list marked *.
Birds Australia
Atlas Number		 English Name Scientific Name Status
008 Australian Brush-turkey * Alectura lathami Probably reported in error
012 King Quail * Coturnix chinensis Escapee or released
950 Common Pheasant * Phasianus colchicus Escapee or released
903 Indian Peafowl * Pavo cristatus Escapee or released
- - - Domestic Goose * Anser anser Escapee or released
198 Cape Barren Goose * Cereopsis novaehollandiae Escapee or released
- - - Muscovy Duck * Cairina moschata Escapee or released
069 Wedge-tailed Shearwater * Puffinus pacificus Accidental
065 White-faced Storm-Petrel * Pelagodroma marina Accidental
098 Black-faced Cormorant * Phalacrocorax fuscescens Probably reported in error
241 Osprey * Pandion haliaetus Probably reported in error
230 Square-tailed Kite * Lophoictinia isura Probably reported in error
223 Red Goshawk * Erythrotriorchis radiatus Doubtful record
155 Grey-tailed Tattler * Heteroscelus brevipes Record not properly documented
167 Broad-billed Sandpiper * Limicola falcinellus Doubtful record
173 Australian Pratincole * Stiltia isabella Probably reported in error
989 Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis Escapee or released; breeding records from Queanbeyan, NSW
- - - Barbary Dove * Streptopelia risoria Escapee or released
264 Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo * Calyptorhynchus banksii Probably reported in error
259 Purple-crowned Lorikeet * Glossopsitta porphyrocephala Escapee or released
280 Red-winged Parrot * Aprosmictus erythropterus Escapee or released
279 Princess Parrot * Polytelis alexandrae Escapee or released
286 Pale-headed Rosella * Platycercus adscitus Escapee or released
291 Australian Ringneck * Barnardius zonarius Escapee or released
290 Red-capped Parrot * Purpureicephalus spurius Escapee or released
297 Blue Bonnet * Northiella haematogaster Escapee or released
307 Elegant Parrot * Neophema elegans Doubtful record
- - - Peachfaced Lovebird * Agapornis roseicollis Escapee or released
- - - Rose-ringed Parakeet * Psittacula krameri Escapee or released
635 Yellow-throated Miner * Manorina flavigula Record not properly documented
449 Crimson Chat * Epthianura tricolor Record not properly documented
692 Torresian Crow * Corvus orru Probably reported in error
680 Spotted Bowerbird * Chlamydera maculata Escapee or released
650 Beautiful Firetail * Stagonopleura bella Escapee or released
983 Nutmeg Mannikin * Lonchura punctulata Escapee or released
657 Chestnut-breasted Mannikin * Lonchura castaneothorax Escapee or released
806 Java Sparrow * Lonchura oryzivora Escapee or released
- - - Canary * Serinus canarius Escapee or released


© Canberra Ornithologists Group 2003

Canberra Ornithologists Group Inc., PO Box 301, Civic Square, ACT, 2608

Telephone: (02) 6247 4996 (office answering machine)

CanberraBirds email discussion list: canberrabirds@canberrabirds.org.au

E-mail: cogoffice@canberrabirds.org.au Web site: http://canberrabirds.org.au

Last updated 12 August, 2003