BirdLife Australia’s annual Aussie Bird Count is vital in monitoring the bird species currently roaming Aussie skies. And, it’s now open for 2025!
Last year, there were more than 3 million birds tallied across the country, with the most sighted bird being the rainbow lorikeet.
Running from 20-26 October, this citizen science event is available for all ages to register and join in. All you have to do is take out 20 minutes of your day to spot, identify and count the birds you see.
Why does the Aussie Bird Count exist?
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.
The Aussie Bird Count celebrates Australia’s rich birdlife and is a crucial tool in safeguarding the future of its avian inhabitants.
While all of the birds in the top are quite clearly thriving and successful species, there are still many threats that they face. From habitat loss to introduced species to mysterious diseases like Lorikeet Paralysis Syndrome, these problems could start to have an impact on our avian population. That’s why the Aussie Bird Count is such an important endeavour.
How to take part in the Great Aussie Bird Count
BirdLife has outlined how simple it is to contribute to the bird count this week. All you have to do is follow these three steps:
- Pick your spot – anywhere you like, from your backyard to your favourite park or garden
- Spend 20 minutes quietly observing the birds you see
- Submit your count using the Aussie Bird Count app, which will help you identify the birds you see and hear
Download the free Aussie Bird Count app or visit The Great Aussie Bird Count website to register.
Great Aussie Bird Count 2024 results
Leading the count, the vibrant Rainbow Lorikeet was once again the most frequently sighted species. Since the count began in 2014, the rainbow lorikeet has been the most seen – that’s over 10 years of reigning supreme!
The top four birds observed over the past eleven years have remained consistent, with the Noisy Miner, Australian Magpie, and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo following the Rainbow Lorikeet. The Aussie magpie reached new levels this year, with one in two Aussies spotting the black and white swooper.
Across the nation, here were the most spotted birds for 2024:
- Rainbow lorikeet
- Noisy miner
- Australian magpie
- Sulphur-crested cockatoo
- Welcome swallow
- Galah
- Silver gull
- Australian white ibis
- House sparrow
- Little corella
Surprisingly, only one bird in the top ten was an introduced species – the house sparrow. Found mostly in the east, south and north of Australia, they mostly inhabit in cultivated areas, and urban spaces where humans live (no wonder it’s so frequently spotted!). The beloved ‘bin chicken’ (Australian white ibis) also made it to the top again this year, after its inaugural appearance in 2024.
The most interesting part of the Aussie Bird Count is the regional and state variations in bird population. While the top ten are all heavily featured throughout the country, no states or territories shared the same top three birds. This shows an amazing avian diversity!
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