Glossy black cockatoos are one of Australia’s rarest and most remarkable birds, instantly recognizable by their glossy, dark plumage and distinctive red tail feathers (in males). These birds are highly specialized, feeding almost exclusively on the seeds of certain she-oak trees, which makes their survival closely tied to specific habitats. When a glossy black cockatoo chick finally peeks out from its tree hollow, it’s a rare and thrilling moment for the devoted parents—and a significant victory for the species as a whole. With only one egg laid every two years, each chick represents a crucial addition to the dwindling population. The young cockatoo quickly develops a curious, playful personality, clinging close to its parents as they teach it the art of cracking open tough cones to get to the precious seeds inside. Watching a glossy black cockatoo family grow is not only a joy but a poignant reminder of the resilience of these unique birds and the importance of preserving their specialized habitats to secure their future.
The diet of the glossy black cockatoo is one of the most specialized in the bird world. Unlike many other cockatoos, which have a varied diet, glossy black cockatoos feed almost exclusively on the seeds of certain she-oak trees, particularly black she-oak and drooping she-oak. These birds are highly selective, even choosing specific individual trees that produce seeds with the highest nutritional value. Using their strong, curved beaks, glossy black cockatoos spend hours extracting seeds from the tough, woody cones, a task that requires incredible patience and persistence. This dietary reliance on she-oaks makes the cockatoos highly vulnerable to habitat loss, as any reduction in the availability of these trees directly impacts their food supply and, ultimately, their survival. Protecting and restoring she-oak forests is therefore essential for ensuring the future of this unique and endangered bird.
Glossy black cockatoos are listed as vulnerable due to their highly specialized diet and dependence on specific habitats. They rely almost exclusively on she-oak trees for food, and these trees have been heavily impacted by land clearing, bushfires, and habitat fragmentation. Additionally, glossy black cockatoos are slow breeders, typically raising only one chick every two years, which limits population growth. These combined pressures make the species highly sensitive to environmental changes, leading to their vulnerable status and underscoring the need for habitat protection and restoration.
Woodswallows are highly social birds, distinctively known for their habit of perching closely together in tight, communal groups. This behaviour fosters strong social bonds within the flock, as members rely on one another for companionship and security. By clustering tightly, woodswallows benefit from shared body heat, which helps them conserve energy and maintain warmth during cold nights, especially in cooler climates. This unique adaptation also serves as a survival strategy, as the warmth generated by their collective body heat reduces the energy they would otherwise expend to stay warm, allowing them to thrive in various environments. Their close-knit behaviour highlights the importance of social interactions and cooperation within their species, making woodswallows a fascinating example of avian social structure and adaptation.
Woodswallows have a primarily insectivorous diet, relying on their exceptional flying skills to capture prey in mid-air. They feed on a variety of insects, including beetles, flies, wasps, and grasshoppers, which they catch using swift, agile movements. Unlike many birds that forage on the ground, woodswallows prefer to hunt in the open air, taking advantage of their broad wings and forked tails to perform quick turns and dives. This high-protein diet supports their active lifestyle and social nature. Occasionally, they supplement their diet with nectar and pollen, especially when insects are scarce, which can be particularly beneficial in maintaining energy levels during migration or colder seasons. This diverse diet allows woodswallows to adapt to different environments, making them resilient and highly adaptable birds across their range.
The Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) is a burrowing marsupial found in the arid and semi-arid regions of southern Australia, particularly in South Australia, Victoria, and parts of New South Wales. This wombat species is slightly smaller than the common wombat, weighing between 18 to 29 kilograms and measuring up to 1 metre length. It is recognized by its thick, gray to light brown fur and distinctive hairy nose, which helps it navigate through dusty environments.
The Southern Hairy-Nosed Wombat is a herbivore, primarily feeding on a variety of grasses, roots, and herbaceous plants. They are well adapted to the arid regions they inhabit, where food can be sparse. Wombats have a slow metabolism, which allows them to efficiently process the tough, fibrous plants they consume. They also tend to forage at night, which helps them avoid the heat of the day. Their strong, sharp teeth are perfect for cutting through the tough vegetation they rely on for nutrition.
Currently listed as Near Threatened, this wombat species faces several threats, including habitat loss, competition for food with livestock and climate change, which affects their food sources and burrowing conditions. However, they are found in several protected areas and conservation efforts are underway to preserve their habitats and support sustainable populations. Their ability to adapt to harsh, arid environments helps them survive in Australia’s challenging landscapes.
Australia is lucky enough to have several species of brightly coloured Lorikeets. Named after their stunning technicoloured appearance, rainbow lorikeets are a beautiful sight in many Australian backyards, parks and gardens. In the early 1900s Rainbow lorikeet numbers were concerning, but after protections were put in place, their numbers have steadily built over the last 60 odd years. Larger birds, feral cats and the international parrot trade still pose a threat to these stunning birds, but their numbers are currently strong.
Hunter Valley Wildlife Park’s walk through Lorikeet Sanctuary is home to Rainbow Lorikeets, Scaly Breasted Lorikeets, and Red-Collared Lorikeets. Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park also boasts a selection of Lorikeets in their aviary.
C175: 25.30CM
SEXES: SIMILAR
HABITAT: Found in open forests and closed
DIET: Their diet consists of nectar, pollen, fruit, seeds and insects
BREEDING: Both sexes prepare the nest cavity and feed the young, but only the female incubates
the egg. The clutch size is between and s eggs, which are incubated for 25 days.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Although wide easterly
distribution, often locally common in southern Queensland.
SIZE: 23CM
SEXES: SIMILAR
HABITAT: Woodland, urban parks and gardens
DIET: Eucalyptus and Banksia flowers, not as adaptable to cultivated foods as the familiar Rainbow Lorikeet
BREEDING: May-February, nests are made in a tree hollow. 2-3 eggs laid and incubated for 29 days.
GENERAL INFORMATION: similar to the Raindow Lorikeet, replacing the former in the Northern Territory and Kimberely region.
SEXES: SIMILAR
Largest Australian Lorikeet, they are less tolerant of urbanisation than their cousins.
SIZE: 26 CM
HABITAT: Woodland, swamps, parks and gardens.
DIET: Range of native flower nectar and insect larvae
BREEDING: Aug-Dec, 1-3 eggs laid in a tree hollow and incubated for 23 days. Young fledge at 8-9 weeks.