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Aussie Bird Count: The most commonly sighted bird in Australia right now

It continues its reign as the most frequently sighted species. 

BirdLife Australia’s annual Aussie Bird Count is vital in monitoring the bird species currently roaming Aussie skies. 

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Last October, 60,598 Australians participated, collectively tallying a remarkable 3,608,545 birds. Leading the count, the vibrant Rainbow Lorikeet continued its reign as the most frequently sighted species. 

“Australia has undergone a lot of changes in the past decade, but the results of BirdLife Australia’s 10th Aussie Bird Count show that two things have remained constant in that time – rainbow lorikeets continue to rule the roost when it comes to counting Australia’s most common birds, and Aussies love to get out and connect with nature in the places where they live,” explains BirdLife Australia spokesperson, Sean Dooley. 

The top four birds observed over the past ten years have remained consistent, with the Noisy Miner, Australian Magpie, and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo following the Rainbow Lorikeet. The Australian White Ibis, affectionately termed the “Bin Chicken,” has surged into the top 10, marking a notable addition. 

Australian magpie
Australian Magpie (Credit: Getty Images)
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Regional variations in bird populations highlight the diverse avian landscape across states and territories. While Rainbow Lorikeets dominate New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, the majestic Magpie Goose claims the spotlight in the Northern Territory. 

sulfur crested cockatoo
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Credit: Getty Images)

So, why count birds? BirdLife Australia relies on this data to shape its Bird Conservation Strategy, aiming to halt bird extinctions by 2032 and overall bird declines by 2050. The insights gleaned from the count help identify challenges facing native birds, including declining reporting rates of smaller, specialist species such as Silvereyes and fairy-wrens. 

rainbow lorikeet
(Credit: Getty)
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The Aussie Bird Count celebrates Australia’s rich birdlife and is a crucial tool in safeguarding the future of its avian inhabitants. 

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