Frankston City Council Indigenous Fauna Guide - Lifestyle Capital of Victoria
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Frankston City Council
Indigenous Fauna Guide
Lifestyle Capital of Victoria
2 Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge that we are situated on the traditional lands of the Bunurong people, this special place now known by its European name, Frankston. Photographs: Mary Trigger (all photos unless otherwise attributed). Raf Heriot, Ian Moodie, Nick Bradshaw and the Dolphin Research Institute. Natureshare.org.au (CC BY 2.5 AU) photographers: James Booth, Chris Clarke, Pauline McCarthy, Chris Lindorff, Wendy Moore, LRussell Best, Andrew Allen and Thomas Nataprawira. Museums Victoria photographs: David Paul and Heath Warwick. Disclaimer: Although precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, the publishers, authors and printers cannot accept responsibility for any claim, loss, damage or liability arising out of use of the information provided. This publication is printed on environmentally-friendly paper 2020.
3 Contents Introduction 4 Mammals 15 Reptiles 23 Frogs 29 Bushland birds 33 Birds of prey 41 Waterway and wetland birds 47 Fish 56 Common name index 58 Observations 61 Further information 63
4
Introduction
Australia is an island continent that Frankston City has a number of natural
was geographically isolated for more reserves from the Seaford Foreshore,
than 40 million years. As a result, Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, Little
many of our native animals are found Boggy Creek Reserve and the southern part
nowhere else in the world. 93 per of the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands – the
cent of our amphibians, 89 per cent only urban wetlands in Victoria listed under
of reptiles, 83 per cent of mammals the international Ramsar Convention.
and 45 per cent of our birds can only Pick up a copy of Natural Reserves within
be found in Australia, making their Frankston City and visit these important
conservation even more important. areas of natural habitat and biodiversity.
Frankston City is home to a wide variety of This Indigenous Fauna Guide provides
indigenous fauna from dolphins, echidnas, information on a selection of animals
owls, skinks, bats, honeyeaters, koalas, that may be commonly encountered in
frogs, parrots and turtles. At least 312 Frankston, or only occasionally seen by
species of native fauna has been recorded, a fortunate few. Just being aware that all
and that is not including the huge diversity these incredible animals exist in Frankston
of invertebrate species such as butterflies, is a great start. Doing all we can to help
dragonflies and native bees. them survive the challenges of widespread
landscape change is an important role we
can all play.
5
Using this guide
This booklet has been divided into sections to make it easy for you to identify different
species. An index of common names can be found on pages 58 to 60. An observation
page has been included on page 61 so you can start to record when and where you see
indigenous fauna.
You can find further information on reference books, websites, citizen science apps and
groups to join on pages 12 and 63.
Conservation status
Each species featured in the guide will have its current conservation status listed as either:
Endangered
at risk of extinction in the wild.
or Threatened:
not endangered but facing a
Vulnerable:
high risk of extinction in the medium-term future.
small populations that are not at present
Rare:
endangered or vulnerable, but are at risk.
Common: not endangered, vulnerable or rare in the wild.
6
Biodiversity Indigenous plants are the original or local
plants that occur naturally in a given
Biodiversity refers to the rich variety location. These plant species have evolved
of plant and animal species in an alongside indigenous wildlife. A greater
environment, the genetic differences variety of indigenous plants creates more
within and between species and the diverse habitats for indigenous fauna to
differences between the ecological feed, move, shelter and breed.
systems in which they live. High
biodiversity improves the chances of local Most indigenous plants and animals
species to survive destructive events are specifically adapted to a particular
or processes such as weed and pest habitat. They typically only survive within
animal invasion and climate change. Low that habitat. Loss of or changes to habitat
biodiversity with fewer species living in is a major factor driving population decline
isolated pockets is a recipe for extinction. of our wildlife.
7 Habitat Ecosystems The environment where a species An ecosystem includes all of the living naturally lives or occurs. It provides the things (plants, animals and organisms) organisms that live there with food, water in a given area, interacting with each and shelter. Many different habitats exist other, and also with their non-living within an ecosystem. Examples of habitats environments (weather, earth, sun, within a woodland ecosystem include soil, climate, atmosphere). Examples of a log on the ground, tree bark, the tree ecosystems include grasslands, forests, canopy, grass understorey and shrubs. marine, wetlands, woodlands and dunes.
8
Threats to indigenous fauna vegetation resulted in habitat loss for
indigenous animals that has led to the
Frankston’s geographical position on local extinction of large iconic species such
Melbourne’s urban fringe, between the as kangaroos, emus, wombats, goannas
natural and rural landscapes of the and dingos. Some well-loved natives such
Mornington Peninsula and Westernport as Koalas, Swamp Wallabies and Short-
and the south east growth corridor means beaked Echidnas are now vulnerable to
that the objectives of urban growth and extinction as native vegetation continues
development and the protection of native to be cleared.
plants and animals are potentially in
conflict. Aquatic habitats are also vulnerable
with the drainage of swamps, marshes
The introduction of carnivorous pests and wetlands for urban development
with European settlement such as the and the modification of waterways to
European red fox, cat, dog and rat has had change locations and flow rates. Marine
a devastating impact on the populations environments have also undergone habitat
of small native animals. Of the 37 species loss as infrastructure has been added,
originally recorded 28 are either locally watercraft traffic increased and dredging
extinct or endangered. occurring in Port Phillip Bay.
Of the 312 species of native fauna Vegetation in the landscape often exists
recorded in Frankston City in 2017, 40 are in fragmented patches which are not well
listed as threatened species. connected. Species populations within
these patches become smaller, more
Major factors that affect the survival of our isolated and more vulnerable to predation
indigenous fauna include the following: and competition. It is also more difficult for
wildlife to safely move around to find food,
shelter and mates. Millions of animals are
Habitat loss
killed on our roads each year from motor
Land clearing and habitat loss is the vehicles.
biggest single threat to wildlife. By 2017,
85 to 90 percent of Frankston’s native
vegetation had been cleared since
European settlement. The loss of native
9
Invasive species Climate change
Feral animals, such as the fox and cat, prey Changes to our global climate are
on small mammals, birds, reptiles and impacting our native plants and animals. It
frogs throughout Australia. The Northern is difficult for indigenous species to adapt
Pacific Seastar is a voracious predator that quickly to new conditions, particularly with
feeds on native marine species including a reduced gene pool, resulting in a loss of
pippies, mussels and crabs. Rabbits and species and biodiversity.
hares have vastly altered the landscape
Ongoing lower rainfall and an increase in
in many regions with their burrowing and
heatwaves and storm events are predicted
eating of indigenous plants.
to continue and intensify. In regions
Weed species are an enormous problem. of highly fragmented habitat (where
They compete with local plants for space, animals may have nowhere to escape
nutrients, water and light. In a short period to) and during excessively long droughts
of time they can replace indigenous plants or heatwaves or very intense fires, many
effectively removing the food source and animals can be in danger during the event
habitat of indigenous fauna. and find themselves with inadequate food
and shelter afterwards. Storm events can
Disease outbreaks such as the result in trees falling, juvenile birds and
Amphibian Chytrid fungus have mammals falling from nests and migratory
decimated frog populations worldwide shorebirds dying from exhaustion.
and is a significantly threat to the Hotter, drier conditions will result
survival for our local frogs. in a reduction of water flow into our
watercourses and wetlands. Poor water
quality for fauna will result if water
temperature rises, oxygen levels drop and
minerals become more concentrated.
Rising sea levels will also have ongoing
impact on foreshore fauna such as the
Hooded Plover that nests on the beach.
Photo credit: David Paul, Museums Victoria
10
Pollution the factors that have lead to the local
Herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers from extinction of amazing native animals.
our gardens, parks and farms can enter The Growling Grass Frog population has
our stormwater system where they end up disappeared due to habitat loss (drained
polluting our local waterways and bays. waterbodies, land clearing, removal of
They can cause an explosion of aquatic rocks and logs), exposure to chemical
weeds or harm local wildlife. Frogs are pollutants, Chytrid fungus and predation
particularly sensitive to pollutants in water of tadpoles from introduced Mosquitofish.
because their skin is porous and their eggs Climate change leading to drought and
have no hardened shells to protect them. poor water quality. As a basking frog
Marine plastic pollution is a huge problem Growling Grass Frogs may also be exposed
affecting all the world’s oceans. Marine to higher ultraviolet-B radiation levels
animals such as turtles, seabirds, dolphins caused by atmospheric ozone depletion.
and whales are swallowing plastic bags, The Southern Brown Bandicoot has been
bottles and straws dumped in our oceans preyed upon by foxes and feral/roaming
and it is killing them. pet cats. Clearing of habitat has either
completely destroyed populations or
Recreational fishing forced bandicoots into smaller fragmented
Marine fauna populations can be areas of habitat making them more
threatened when people exceed the legal susceptible to predation and vehicle
bag limits on certain species or fish during collisons.
the closed season imposed to allow fish
numbers to recover. They also face danger
of being struck by boats and propellers or The NewBrown
Southern Holland Mouse has suffered
Bandicoot
Photo credit: Heath Warwick
getting tangled in discarded fishing nets, from loss of habitat as well as predation
lines and hooks.
Recently missing fauna
Sadly like many places across Australia,
Frankston City has suffered the loss of
some once common indigenous fauna.
Local extinction of large iconic species
includes kangaroos, emus, wombats,
goanna, dingos, platypus, potoroos and
quolls. Below are three examples of11
from feral cats and foxes. Bushfires and Bird Agreement (ROKAMBA) and the
Growling Grass Frog Photo credit: Ian Moodie
the competition from introduced rodents China- Australia Migratory Bird Agreement
has also contributed to the decline of this
native mouse.
What is government doing?
Frankston’s indigenous fauna is protected
federally under the Environment and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999,
and state legislation, in particular the
Wildlife Act 1975 and the Flora and Fauna
Guarantee Act 1988 (Amendment Act
2019).
Under the Wildlife Act 1975 it is an offence
(CAMBA). These agreements list the birds
to:
that migrate between Australia and the
hunt, take or destroy wildlife or respective countries and agree to protect
game without a licence and conserve the important habitats of
possess, buy or sell parts of wildlife these birds.
without a licence
Council strives to protect and conserve
import into, and export wildlife out our local wildlife by enhancing public
of Victoria without a permit. parks and reserves and working with
The Fauna and Flora Guarantee Act residents to create wildlife corridors
protects threatened native fauna species for animals to move between the large
which are listed on the Threatened Species bushland reserves that exist across
Advisory List. Frankston city.
Some fauna species, in particular
migratory birds that visit Frankston City,
may also be protected under international
agreements such as the Japan-Australia
Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA), the
Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory12 How can you help? Knowledge and awareness. Picking up this booklet and finding out more information on your indigenous fauna is a great start. You will also find references at the back of this booklet for further information. Ensure you also have a copy of the Frankston City Council Indigenous Plant Guide and the Invasive Species Guide. Get involved Contribute to one of the many important citizen science projects that are monitoring nature and wildlife using smart phone apps. Join a group. It may be a statewide group like the Field Naturalists of Victoria or a local group like your local volunteer Friends Group (frankston.vic.gov.au/Environment_and_Waste/ Environment/Get_Involved/Environmental_Volunteers_and_Groups ) or Wildlife Rescue Group. They all offer a wealth of information, experience and learning opportunities. Join the Gardens for Wildlife program that assists residents to create wildlife-friendly habitat by providing simple and practical advice. The program is provided by Frankston City Council and supported by garden guide volunteers. For further information visit: frankston.vic.gov.au/Environment_and_Waste/Environment/Get_Involved/ Gardens_for_Wildlife For more information visit the following websites: Wildlife Map: frankston.vic.gov.au/Environment_and_Waste/Environment/ Biodiversity/Native_Fauna Frog Census: melbournewater.com.au/community-and-education/ waterwatch-programs/frog-census Birdlife Australia: aussiebirdcount.org.au iNaturalist: inaturalist.org/ Wild pollinator count: wildpollinatorcount.com/
13
Habitat Garden A reliable source of water, particularly
Create gardens for wildlife by including in summer, will help indigenous fauna.
indigenous plants to provide food and A shallow birdbath on a pedestal next
shelter, using a wide range of trees, to a prickly bush will help protect birds
shrubs, grasses, wildflowers, groundcovers from predators while they drink and
rocks, logs and leaf litter. You don’t have bathe. Frogs need a permanent or semi-
to convert your whole garden to an permanent water source to keep their skin
indigenous garden, but every little effort moist and provide opportunities to breed.
helps. Lizards appreciate a shallow dish of water
on the ground.
Plant prickly shrubs and a range of trees
to provide shelter from bad weather, Practice natural pest
predators and competitors. If there is a control in your garden.
shortage of old trees with hollows in your
area, install habitat boxes with different
Your garden can become a stepping stone
designs available for various species
for fauna to move safely across our urban
of wildlife. Leave logs and rocks on the
landscape. Talk to your neighbours to help
ground for shelter together with leaf litter
build Frankston’s wildlife corridors. (Refer
or mulch.
to the map on page 6 of the Franskton
Indigenous Plant Guide.)14
Sick or injured wildlife If you find sick, injured or orphaned
Native wildlife generally does not benefit wildlife, timely help may be critical. Do not
from artificial feeding. In many situations try to unnecessarily handle the animal,
it can make them sick. Artificial nectar but immediately call for assistance.
feeders can ferment in warm weather Always treat wildlife with caution,
making birds ill. Birds can also become especially when distressed or injured,
dependent on a food supply of bread, as they can react unpredictably and be
nectar, mince meat or seed and fail to dangerous. Whenever possible wait for an
eat a wide range of natural food types. experienced/qualified person to arrive.
Animals that expect to be feed by humans For assistance contact local veterinary
can also become quite aggressive and clinics, animal shelters or one of
demanding. Feed pets indoors or where the following wonderful volunteer
birds and pest animals cannot access their organisations that work tirelessly to help
food bowls. our injured wildlife. Keep a copy of these
Please lock up your pets at night as cats phone numbers in your home and car.
and dogs are one of the main threats to Australian Wildlife Assistance
indigenous fauna. Cat bells have limited Rescue and Education (AWARE)
success. Walk dogs on a lead at all times – 0412 433 727
unless in a designated off-lead area.
Animalia Wildlife Shelter and Rescue
Drive safely to avoid hitting animals on the Brighton to Portsea including Frankston
road. Be particularly vigilant at dawn and 24 hour Emergency Hotline –
dusk. 0435 822 699
Loosely woven garden netting will trap Help for Wildlife Emergency
bats, birds, reptiles and mammals often Service – 0417 380 687
resulting in their death. As a rough guide
Wildlife Help On Mornington
if you can insert your finger through the
Peninsula (WHOMP) – 0417 380 687
netting it is capable of trapping wildlife. If
you must net your fruit trees for example, Wildlife Victoria – 1300 094 535
choose densely woven netting with a mesh
size less than 1cm². Ensure your netting
is securely fixed to the ground or tied to
the base of the tree above ground level.
Remove nets when not required.15 Mammals
16
Acrobates pygmaeus Antechinus agilis
Feathertail Glider Agile Antechinus
Common in Victoria but Common in Victoria but locally rare.
possibly locally extinct. A small, carnivorous marsupial with a
This is the world’s smallest gliding possum, pointed face and small, sharp teeth. Body
with adults weighing only 10-15 grams. Ithas length from 8-11 cm, tail 7-12cm long. It
a body length of 6-8cm with a fine, feather- has light-brown to grey fur that covers the
shaped tail 7-10cm long. The tail is often tail (unlike the House Mouse). Like other
used to grip branches. They have a gliding
membrane (patagium) between the elbows antechinus species, all the males die just
and knees allowing them to glide as far as before they reach a year old at the end of
28 m. Serrated pads on the toes help the the annual mating season. They mainly feed
Feathertail Glider grip smooth surfaces. on insects and small invertebrates, but may
Their upper body parts are grey with white also eat small lizards and berries.
underparts. Their diet consists of insects and
the nectar of eucalyptus blossoms. They are Habitat: Agile Antechinus live in forest,
nocturnal and social animals forming small woodland and heathland. It prefers areas
groups of 2-5 individuals. of dense ground cover with hiding places
Habitat: Feathertail Gliders live in eucalypt to take refuge, such as fallen logs on the
forests with a diversity of trees that provide ground. Several records have been noted at
year-round nectar. Old records indicate Langwarrin Flora and Fauna reserve.
distributions of Feathertail Glider in the
Grassy woodlands of Frankston South and Threats: Loss of habitat due to agriculture,
Langwarrin South. urban development and weed invasion.
Predation by cats and foxes.
Threats: Loss of habitat is a major threat to
the Feathertail Glider. They nest in hollows
which are only found in mature age trees.
Entire colonies of Feathertail Gliders have
been wiped out by feral cats.
Feather Tail Glider Photo credit: P9754 by Eyeweed Photo credit: David Paul, Museums Victoria
CC BY NC-ND- 2.017
Photo credit: Dolphin Research Institute Photo credit: Ian Moodie
Delphinus delphis / Tursiops truncatus Hydromys chrysogaster
Common and Rakali
Bottle-nosed Dolphin
Common in Victoria but locally rare.
Common Common in Victoria but locally rare. The
The Common Dolphin grows up to 2.5m Rakali is an amphibious native Water Rat.
long. It has a dark upper body, distinctive They grow up to 60cm long with a tail length
pale-yellow sides, black stripe along beak of around 27cm. Rakali have waterproof fur
and a black patch around the eye. The that is variable in colour. It may be black
Bottle-nosed Dolphin grows up to 3m long to grey above and white to orange below.
and has a short, rounded snout. The upper Rakali have a thick, dark, rudder-like tail
body is dark to light grey, grading to white characteristic for its white tip. They have
on the belly. Dolphins are highly active partially-webbed back feet to assist with
‘porpoising’ to the surface to breathe, and swimming. Rakali eat fish, shellfish, frogs and
often swimming next to boats and leaping aquatic insects. They forage by swimming
from the water. Dolphins swim in pods underwater. Once it catches its prey, it usually
feeding on small school fish and squid. carries it back to a regular feeding site.
Habitat: Open water, shallow coastal seas
Habitat: River banks, estuaries, and around
and bays. Research by the Dolphin Research
dams and creeks. Rakali live in burrows
Institute has established that there is an
alongside river banks. They are a key
unusual population of around 30 Common
Dolphins that are resident in Port Phillip Bay indicator of a healthy wetland. Rakali
and do not venture out into the open waters have been spotted in Kananook Creek.
of Bass Straight. Threats: Rakali were hunted for their fur
Threats: Dolphins are at risk from until 1938. Today the main threats are
entanglement in nets, boat and water habitat alteration as a result of flood
vehicle collisions, noise pollution and mitigation andswamp drainage, and
ocean warming. Power vessels by law are to predation from introduced animals such
required stay 100m distance from dolphins. as dogs, cats and foxes.18
Macropus giganteus Petaurus breviceps
Eastern Grey Kangaroo Sugar Glider
Common but locally rare Common in Victoria but locally rare
The Eastern Grey Kangaroo has uniform The Sugar Glider is a small possum with a
woolly, grey-brown fur slightly darker on the gliding membrane between its fifth front
shoulders and mid-back, paler underneath. finger to its hind ankle. In flight it uses
The tail is often black at the tip. They grow its brushy tail for balance and steering.
up to 1.3m tall with a tail length of 1.1m. They can glide around 50m. Sugar Glider
The Eastern Grey Kangaroo mainly feeds body length is 15-20cm with the tail and
on grasses and herbs, but sometimes eats additional 15-20cm. Upperparts grey,
leaves from trees and shrubs. underparts pale-grey or creamy-yellow. The
tail is grey becoming black towards the tip
Habitat: Open grassland with areas of
which is often white. They are nocturnal and
woodland or forest for daytime shelter.
sleep in leaf nests in tree hollows or artificial
Also golf courses and parklands. This
nest boxes. They eat insects and sap from
species would have once been widespread
eucalypts and wattle, nectar, pollen, and
throughout Frankston city however recent
seed.
sightings along Cranbourne Road are
unfortunately from road kill. Sightings have Habitat: Forests and woodlands with
also been made near Langwarrin Flora and stringybark, box eucalypts and large wattle
Fauna reserve. species.
Threats: The main threats to the Eastern Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation
Grey Kangaroo include habitat loss, drought, particularly of large, hollow-forming trees,
vehicle collisions and dog attacks. cats and dogs.
Photo credit: Ian Moodie19
Photo credit: Graham Alexander
Phascolarctos cinereus Pseudocheirus peregrines
Koala Ringtail Possum
Common but locally rare Common
The Koala has a stocky body that is built The Ringtail Possum has grey-brown fur on
for climbing. It is covered with grey-brown its upperparts and white underneath. It has
water-repellent fur with white tipped ears, a distinctive white-tipped tail, used to grip
rump and chest and a large black nose. branches and carry nesting material, and
Mature males have a brown scent gland in often carried in a coil. Body length up to
the centre of their chest which they rub on 35cm with an additional 35cm length for the
tree trucks to deter other Koalas, especially
tail. They build nests (dreys) in tree hollows
males, from entering their home trees. They
grow to 80cm long and weigh up to 12kg. or artificial nest boxes. Ringtail Possums
The Koala has a highly specialised diet made mainly feed on eucalypt leaves, but will also
up of the leaves of certain eucalyptus as eat flowers, nectar and shoots.
well as some flowers and stems. Habitat: Eucalypt forest and woodlands.
Habitat: Eucalypt forests. Sightings of
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation
koalas in Frankston South and Langwarrin
are more common during the koala particularly of large, hollow-forming trees,
breeding season, August to February, when electrocution on power lines, vehicle
the young from the previous year leave collisions, foxes, cats and dogs.
their mothers and disperse and during
heatwaves, when koalas come down from
trees to cool off or relocate.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation,
bushfires, disease, vehicle collisions
and dog attacks.20
Rattus lutreolus Tachyglossus aculeatus
Swamp Rat Short-beaked Echidna
Common in Victoria but locally rare Common in Victoria but locally rare
The Swamp Rat body fur is dark-brown, Short-beaked Echidna has a rounded body
usually lighter underneath. The feet, ears covered in sharp spines with fur between.
and tail are dark-brown. Swamp Rat’s ears are The spines are yellow-cream with black tips.
small, almost concealed by fur. Its tail length The Short-beaked Echidna has a smooth
at 14cm is shorter than its body length at tubular snout and long sharp claws. They
20cm. They do not climb. Swamp Rats make grow to around 44cm long. They have a long
tunnels through the vegetation. They eat sticky tongue for capturing ants, termites
mostly stems of grasses and sedges. and other small invertebrates.
(The Black Rat has pink ears, tail and feet, Habitat: Forests, woodlands, heathlands
large ears and a tail longer than its body. and grasslands. This welcome visitor has
They also climb, unlike the Swamp Rat.) been spotted walking past homes and
crossing roads near areas of large bush
Habitat: Coastal heath, sedgelands, dune
land reserves and golf courses. Sadly they
scrub and grassland, mainly in coastal
are often seen as roadkill on the side of the
areas. Sightings in Frankston city span from
road.
the wetlands in Seaford, to small pocket
reserves in Carrum Downs to the treed Threats: Habitat loss, especially the loss of
environs of Langwarrin and Frankston South fallen logs and tree stumps and protective
understorey vegetation. Dogs and foxes will
Threats: Habitat loss including swamp
attack adults, while cats have been known
drainage and vegetation clearing. Frequent
to kill young echidnas. Vehicle collisions.
fires will also prevent the Swamp Rat from
recolonising an area. Predation by cats.
Photo credit: David Paul, Museums Victoria Photo credit: Raf Heriot21
Photo credit: Ian Moodie Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU)
Chris Clarke via natureshare.org.au
Trichosurus vulpecular Wallabia bicolor
Common Brushtail Possum Black-tailed Wallaby
Common Common but becoming locally rare
The Common Brushtail Possum has variable The Black-tailed Wallaby, is also known as a
fur colour but is generally silver-grey above Swamp or Black Wallaby. It is a small stocky
and cream-white underneath with dark wallaby with dark-brown fur, often with
markings around the eyes. They have a lighter rusty patches on the chest, belly and
thick, black tail for gripping branches. Body base of the ears. Black-tailed Wallaby grow
length is around 55cm with a tail length of to around 85cm tall with a similar tail length.
40cm. Common Brushtail Possums feed on They feed on the leaves of shrubs, ferns and
a variety of plants, leaves, fruits and flowers. grasses. They are a shy and usually solitary
They make nests in tree hollows. Common animal.
Brushtail Possums have adapted well to
Habitat: Undergrowth of forest,
urban urban areas, often nesting in roof
woodland and heath. Sightings recorded
cavities and feeding on garden plants.
in Langwarrin.
Habitat: Forests, woodlands and
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation,
heathlands.
vehicle collisions, dog and fox attack.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Foxes and cats. Vehicle collisions.22
Microbats Habitat: Forest and woodland.
Microbats are small, mouse-sized bats that Threats: Habitat loss particularly of large,
grow to 4-15cm long and weigh only a few hollow-forming trees, cats, pesticides.
grams. Most microbats have black, brown
or grey fur and wide grey wings. They are Frankston Microbats
mammals that feed their young milk. They
feed by echolocation consuming large Gould’s Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus gouldii)
numbers of insects. It is estimated that the
Chocolate Wattled Bat (Chalinolobus morio)
Little Forest Bat consumes around 1,000
mosquitoes per night. A great natural pest Lesser Long-eared Bat (Nyctophilus geoffroyi)
controller! Some microbats fly above the
Yellow-bellied Sheathtail Bat
trees catching insects, while others fly close
(Saccolaimus flaviventris)
to the ground sometimes even landing to
snatch a juicy grasshopper. Most microbats White-striped Freetail Bat (Tardaria australis)
roost in tree hollows or under bark during
Large Forest Bat (Vesperdelus darlingtoni)
daylight hours. These tiny creatures
generally live in small colonies. Once the Southern Forest Bat (Vespadelus regulus)
nights become cooler and the insects Little Forest Bat (Vespadelus vulturnus)
disappear, the microbats lower their body
temperature and go into a state of mini-
hibernation until their food returns in spring.
Lesser Long-eared Bat Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU) Gould’s Wattled Bat Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU)
James Booth via natureshare.org.au James Booth via natureshare.org.au23 Reptiles
24
Amphibolurus muricatus Austrelaps
Jacky Dragon or Tree Dragon Lowland Copperhead Snake
Common Common
The Jacky Dragon is pale grey to dark The Lowland Copperhead Snake is variable
brown above. It has a series of large black in colour ranging from light-grey, reddish-
angular patches along the middle of its back brown to black. Paler individuals often have
bordered by a pale grey stripe from neck a darker colour on the neck and a dark
to tail. The pale stripe may be broken into narrow line down the back. They grow up
rounded rectangular shapes or diamond to 1.2m long. Although they are venomous,
shapes. Body length is around 10cm with bites are uncommon as the species is not
a long tapering tail. Jacky Dragons have a aggressive. Lowland Copperhead Snakes
bright yellow mouth lining. They can often feed mainly on frogs, lizards and other
be seen during the day basking on logs or snakes and range of small vertebrates.
fallen branches. They feed on insects.
Habitat: Wetter areas such as streams,
Habitat: Wide range of habitats from dry marshes and swamps.
forests, woodland, heathland and coastal
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation,
scrub.
vehicle collisions, bird netting on the ground
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation. and human attack.
Cats, dogs and foxes.
Photo credit: Ricardo Simao Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU )
Pauline McCarthy via natureshare.org.au25
Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU ) Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU )
James Booth via natureshare.org.au Wendy Moore via natureshare.org.au
Chelodina longicolis Christinus marmoratus
Common Long-necked Turtle Marbled Gecko
Common in Victoria Common
The Common Long-necked Turtle shell The Marbled Gecko is a small, soft-bellied
grows up to 25cm long. It has variable lizard that grows up to 56mm long,
colour from brown to black on the upper excluding tail. It has a flattened body with
shell and pale yellow underneath with black large toe-pads and is active at night. The
lines. It has a long thin neck and a slightly Marbled Gecko varies from grey to light-
flattened head with eyes on the side of the brown above, with a fine network of darker
head. Common Long-necked Turtles prey markings giving a marbled appearance.
upon crustaceans, as well as aquatic bugs, They feed on a variety of insects and can
tadpoles, fogs and small fish. accumulate fat stores in their tail, to be
used when food is scarce.
Habitat: Swamps, billabongs and slow-
moving rivers or creeks. Habitat: Drier forests and woodlands. The
Marbled Gecko mainly lives in trees, hiding
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
under the bark of trees, fallen timber or
Vehicle collisions. Cats, dogs and foxes. Pet
logs during the day, but it also lives in rocky
trade.
areas.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Removal of fallen timber for firewood. Cats,
dogs and foxes.26
Lissolepis coventryi Drysdalia coronoides
Swamp Skink White-lipped Snake
Vulnerable in Victoria Common
The Swamp Skink is a medium-sized skink The White-lipped Snake is a small species
growing up to 10cm long excluding the long of snake that grows up to 40cm long.
thick tail. Upper body is usually olive-green, It has a distinct white stripe along the
with prominent black stripes along its sides, upper lip. Colour varies from brick-red,
from shoulder to base of tail. It has a cream through to olive-green or dark grey on the
stripe along the upper lip. They feed on a head and back with a salmon-pink belly.
wide variety of small invertebrates such as White-lipped Snakes feed on small skinks
spiders, beetles, moths and bugs, as well as and occasionally frogs. The White-lipped
plant material. Snake is venomous, and while generally not
considered dangerous, should be treated
Habitat: The Swamp Skink is only found in
with caution.
swampy areas with tea-trees and sedges,
and some coastal marshes. Habitat: Wetter areas within forests,
woodland and heathland.
Threats: Habitat loss through swamp
drainage. Cats, dogs and foxes. Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation,
vehicle collisions and human attack.
Photo credit: Nick Clemann Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU )
James Booth via natureshare.org.au27
Photo credit: Ricardo Simao Blotched Blue- tongue (Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU )
James Booth via natureshare.org.au
Notechis scutatus Tiliqua nigrolutea/scincoides
Eastern Tiger Snake Blotched and Eastern
Blue-tongue Lizard
Common
The Eastern Tiger Snake is variable in colour Common (Blotched
from brown, olive, grey to black. The most Blue-tongue locally rare)
usual pattern is alternating light and dark Blue-tongue Lizards are large skinks that
bands, but this is not always the case. The grow up to 30cm long excluding the tail.
belly is cream, yellow, olive-green or grey. Their head is quite distinct from their body,
They grow up to 1.2m long. Eastern Tiger their legs and tail are relatively short. The
Snakes mainly feed on frogs, but will also Blotched Blue-tongue has a dark-grey to
eat other small vertebrates. Extremely black back with light patches or blotches.
The Eastern Blue-tongue has a paler
venomous.
background with several darker cross bars
Habitat: Found in a wide range of habitats on the back. Both species have a vivid blue
from wet swamps to dry forests and tongue. Blue-tongue Lizards feed on slow-
woodlands. moving prey such as snails and beetles, as
well as fruit and flowers.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation,
vehicle collisions, bird netting on the ground Habitat: wide range of open habitats from
grasslands, woodlands, forests, heathland.
and human attack.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation,
vehicle collisions, cats, dogs and foxes, snail
pellets.28
Skinks Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Predation by cats, dogs and foxes.
Skinks represent that largest family of Pesticides in ingested insects.
Australian lizards. Typically, they grow to
around 8 to 10cm in length and are usually
Frankston skinks
brown or grey and can have different
markings or stripes depending on the
species. Skinks have the ability to drop their Eastern Three-lined Skink (Bassiana duperreyi)
tail when feeling threatened, leaving the Delicate Skink (Lampropholis delicata)
wriggling tail piece behind while the skink
Garden Skink (Lampropholis guichenoti)
escapes. A sleek body and quick reflexes
makes them excellent hunters of insects Bougainville’s Skink (Lerista bougainvillii)
such as moths, crickets and cockroaches.
Swamp Skink (Lissolepis coventryi)
Habitat: Skinks occupy a wide range of
Metallic Skink (Niveoscincus metallicus)
habitats from forest, woodland, coastal
scrub, heathland, grassland and saltmarsh. Weasel Skink (Saproscincus mustelinus)
Blotched Blue-tongue Lizard
(Tiliqua nigrolutea)
Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard
(Tiliqua scincoides)
Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU ) Delicate Skink (Photo credit: CC BY 2.5 AU )
James Booth via natureshare.org.au James Booth via natureshare.org.au29
Frogs Visit the Frogs of Victoria website where you can
listen to frog calls to help you identify your local
frogs. frogs.org.au/frogs/of/Victoria/30
Crinia signifera Limnodynastes dumerili
Eastern Common Froglet Pobblebonk
Common Common
The Eastern Common Froglet is a small The Pobblebonk is also known as the
brown or grey frog with variable markings Eastern Banjo Frog because of its loud,
that grows up to 30mm long. It has a dark distinctive ‘bonk’ call. It is a large species
triangular marking on the upper lip and that grows up to 85mm long. Pobblebonks
darker bands on the legs. There is a small are variable in colour and pattern and may
white spot at the base of each arm. The be plain, spotted or striped. The skin on the
underside is a similar colour to the back but back may be warty. They have a distinctive
may be mottled with white spots. Eastern gland on each hind leg and a pale raised
Common Froglets feed on small insects stripe from below the eye to the top of the
such as mosquitoes and flies. front leg. Pobblebonks are a burrowing frog
which uses its front and back legs to dig
Habitat: Most habitats that have slow-
itself backwards into soft mud. They feed on
moving streams and wetlands.
insects, worms and spiders.
Threats: Habitat loss including wetland
Habitat: Pobblebonks are found across a
drainage. Chytrid fungus. Poor water quality.
wide range of habitats that contain slow-
Prolonged drought. Cats, dogs and foxes.
moving streams and wetlands.
Introduced fish such as Eastern Gambusia
that eat tadpoles. Pesticides. Threats: Habitat loss including wetland
drainage. Chytrid fungus. Poor water quality.
Prolonged drought. Cats, dogs and foxes.
Introduced fish such as Eastern Gambusia
that eat tadpoles. Pesticides.
Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU ) Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU )
James Booth via natureshare.org.au James Booth via natureshare.org.au31
Photo credit: Ian Moodie Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU )
Russell Best via natureshare.org.au
Limnodynastes peronii Limnodynastes tasmaniensis
Striped Marsh Frog Spotted Marsh Frog
Common Common in Victoria but locally rare
The Striped Marsh Frog grows up to 75mm The Spotted Marsh Frog grows to 45mm
long and is pale fawn to golden-brown with long, is light-brown to olive-green with
alternating dark-brown to black stripes on large, irregular green or brown spots. There
its back. A distinctive pale yellow stripe runs is often a thin cream or yellow stripe from
down the middle of its back. It has a black the snout to vent. The underside is white.
mask from the nostril, through the eye to Spotted Marsh Frogs also have a distinctive
the shoulder. Striped Marsh Frogs feed on golden iris if you get close enough! They
small insects and any animal they can fit in mainly eat insects and spiders.
their mouth including smaller frogs, birds
Habitat: A wide range of habitats that
and mice.
contain slow-moving streams and wetlands.
Habitat: A wide range of habitats that
Threats: Habitat loss including wetland
contain slow-moving streams and wetlands.
drainage. Chytrid fungus. Poor water quality.
Threats: Habitat loss including wetland Prolonged drought. Cats, dogs and foxes.
drainage. Chytrid fungus. Poor water quality. Introduced fish such as Eastern Gambusia
Prolonged drought. Cats, dogs and foxes. that eat tadpoles. Pesticides.
Introduced fish such as Eastern Gambusia
that eat tadpoles. Pesticides.32
Litoria ewingi Pseudophryne semimarmorata
Southern Brown Tree Frog Southern Toadlet
Common Vulnerable in Victoria
The Southern Brown Tree Frog grows up to The Southern Toadlet, also known as the
45mm long. It is a brown frog with a board Marbled Toadlet is a small frog that grows
darker band from the eyes down most of the up to 35mm. It is dark-brown to olive-green
back. It has a dark band from the nostril, above and has prominent band of black and
through the eye, to the shoulder. A pale white marbling on the belly against an orange
white stripe runs from the mouth to the background. They feed on small insects such
arm. The back of the thighs are red. They as mosquitoes, moths and flies.
feed on small insects such as mosquitoes,
Habitat: A variety of damp habitats in
moths and flies.
eucalypt forests, woodland and grassland.
Habitat: In low damp vegetation and
Threats: Habitat loss. Cats, dogs and foxes.
around slow-moving streams and wetland in
Chytrid fungus. Climate changes impacting
forest, grasslands and heathland.
on the success of the breeding season.
Threats: Habitat loss including wetland Males start calling after the first autumn
drainage. Chytrid fungus. Poor water quality. rains and stop calling when nights get
Prolonged drought. Cats, dogs and foxes. below 10°C. Study of the climatic records
Introduced fish such as Eastern Gambusia has found that there have been a number
that eat tadpoles. Pesticides. of years since 2010 in which the arrival of
autumn rains has been late and night time
temperatures have dropped below 10°C.
Under these conditions the success of the
breeding season has been limited.
Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU ) Photo credit: Malcolm Legg
James Booth via natureshare.org.au33 Bushland Birds
34
Acanthiza pusilla Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
Brown Thornbill Eastern Spinebill
Common Common in Victoria but locally rare
The Brown Thornbill is a small bird that The Eastern Spinebill is a small honeyeater
grows up to 10cm. It is brown to olive- with a long curved bill. It grows up to 16cm.
brown above and paler below. The breast The upper body is dark-brown with a black
and throat are grey with darker streaks. The crown. The lower body is rufous-buff. Throat
rump is reddish-brown and the tail grey. white with a black border and rufous patch
Brown Thornbills mainly feed on insects but in the centre. Eastern Spinebills feed on
may sometimes eat seed, nectar or fruit. nectar and small insects.
Habitat: Found in a variety of habitats Habitat: Forest and woodland.
where there is dense cover including forest,
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
woodland, scrubland, heathland and along
Predation by cats.
water courses.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Predation by cats.
Photo credit: Ian Moodie Photo credit: Ian Moodie35
Photo credit: Raf Heriot Photo credit:(CC BY 2.5 AU ) Andrew Allen via
natureshare.org.au
Eopsaltria australis Lathamus discolour
Eastern Yellow Robin Swift Parrot
Common in Victoria but locally rare Endangered
The Eastern Yellow Robin has a grey head The Swift Parrot is a slim, streamlined parrot
and back, and yellow underparts with an that grows up to 26cm long. The body is
olive-yellow rump. They grow up to 16cm. mainly bright-green, with a dark-blue patch
Young Eastern Yellow Robins are rufous- on the crown. The forehead to throat is
brown. They feed on insects and spiders. red, as is the tail, and there is a red patch
on the shoulder. The Swift Parrot breeds in
Habitat: Forest and woodlands with a thick
Tasmania in spring-summer and migrates to
understorey.
Victoria during winter before continuing on
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation. to Queensland and South Australia. Having
Predation by cats. suitable habitat in Frankston City enables
them to rest and refuel as an important
stopover after crossing Bass Straight. They
feed on eucalypt nectar as well as some
seeds and flowers.
Habitat: Forest and woodlands.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
The clearing of native forest has been
identified as the major reason for species
decline.36 Hirundo neoxena Malurus cyaneus Welcome Swallow Superb Fairy-wren Common Common The Welcome Swallow is metallic blue- Adult male Superb Fairy-wrens have rich black above, light-grey below and rust on blue and black plumage on the head and the forehead, throat and upper breast. It throat. The belly is grey-white. Females and grows to 15cm and has a long, forked tail. young are mostly brown above with a dull- Welcome Swallows feed on a variety of red area around the eyes, and a pale lower insects usually caught in flight. The prey body. Superb Fairy-wrens feed on small is guided into the bird’s wide, open mouth insects and spiders and are usually seen in with the help of bristles bordering the bill. small social groups. Habitat: Common in many habitats except Habitat: Most habitats with dense low dense forests. cover. Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation. Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation. Predation by cats. Predation by cats. Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU ) Photo credit: Amy Motherwell Chris Lindorff via natureshare.org.au
37
Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU )
Pauline McCarthy via natureshare.org.au
Pachycephala pectoralis Pardalotus punctatus
Golden Whistler Spotted Pardalote
Common Common
The adult male Golden Whistler is bright- The head, wings and tail of the Spotted
yellow on the underside, olive-green on the Pardalote are black with small white spots.
back and wings. The head is black with a The face and neck are grey and the eyebrow
yellow collar, and the throat is white with a is white. Males have a yellow throat and red
black border. Females are grey above and rump. Females are similar but have less
paler below. Golden Whistlers feed on small distinctive markings. They grow up to 9cm.
insects and spiders and some berries. Spotted Pardalotes feed on insects and
sugary sap from leaves and psyllids (tiny
Habitat: Dense woodland.
native sap-sucking insect).
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Habitat: Forest and woodland.
CPredation by cats.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Predation by cats.38
Phaps chalcoptera Phylidonyris novaehollandieae
Common Bronzewing New Holland Honeyeater
Common in Victoria but locally rare Common
Common Bronzewings are heavily-built The New Holland Honeyeater is mostly
pigeons that grow up to 36cm. They have black and white, with a large yellow wing
distinctive metallic patches of blue, red patch and yellow sides on the tail. It has a
and green on the wings. There is a white white ring around the eye. This very active
line above and below the eye. The male has honeyeater grows to 18cm. New Holland
a pale-yellow to white forehead and pink Honeyeaters mainly feed on the nectar
breast. Common Bronzewings feed on the of flowers. Other food items include fruit,
ground in small groups eating seeds, fruit insects and spiders.
and plant material.
Habitat: Heath, forest and woodland.
Habitat: Most habitats.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation. Predation by cats.
Predation by cats, dogs and foxes.39
Platycercus eximius Rhipidura fuliginosa
Eastern Rosella Grey Fantail
Common Common
The Eastern Rosella is a medium-sized The Grey Fantail is grey above, with white
parrot that grows up to 30cm. It has a red eyebrow, throat and tail edge. The tail is
head, neck and breast, with yellowish to fan-shaped. It grows up to 15cm. It is a very
greenish upper parts, blue shoulders and active bird that performs aerial twists and
distinctive white cheek patches. It has a turns as it chases flying insects.
yellow underbody, a blue-green rump and
Habitat: Forest, woodland, scrubland and
a red undertail. The Eastern Rosella eats
timbered watercourses.
seeds, fruits, buds, flowers, nectar and
insects. Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Predation by cats.
Habitat: Woodland, open forests, timbered
watercourses, scrublands and grassland.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Predation by cats. Pet trade. Competition
for nest hollows with introduced birds such
as Common Starlings.40
Sericornis frontalis Trichoglossus haematodus
White-browed Scrubwren Rainbow Lorikeet
Common Common
The White-browed Scrubwren is dark olive- The Rainbow Lorikeet is a brightly coloured
brown above, with greyish chest. It has a parrot that grows to 28cm. They have a
white eyebrow above the eye, and another bright-red beak, blue head and belly, green
white line below the eye. Between these wings, tail and back and an orange-yellow
lines is a black eye patch. The underside breast. Rainbow Lorikeets mainly feed on
is grey with reddish tinge. The eye is light flowers, nectar and fruit. The lorikeet has a
cream. White-browed Scrubwrens grow up brush on the end of its tongue to help with
to 12cm. They feed on small insects in leaf sipping up nectar and pollen.
litter.
Habitat: Open forest, woodland, heathland
Habitat: Open forest, woodland and and timbered watercourses.
heathland.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation.
Threats: Habitat loss and fragmentation. Predation by cats.. Pet trade. Competition
Predation by cats. for nest hollows with introduced birds such
as Common Starlings.41 Birds of Prey
42
Accipiter fasciatus Aquila audax
Australian or Brown Goshawk Wedge-tailed Eagle
Common Common in Victoria but locally rare
The Australian Goshawk has a powdery- The Wedge-tailed Eagle is a large brown
grey to brown head, back and tail, and eagle with long-feathered legs and a
reddish-brown and white barred front. The diamond or wedge shaped tail. The tail
legs and toes are yellow. Females grow up shape is prominent when seen soaring. It
to 50cm and males to 40cm. The Australian grows to about 1m long with wingspan of
Goshawk feeds on small mammals, birds, up to 2.5m. The Wedge-tailed Eagle feeds
reptiles, frogs and occasionally insects, and on rodents, rabbits, small marsupials and
sometimes carrion (dead animals). birds.
Habitat: Forest, woodland and along Habitat: Found in wide range of territory
watercourses. from forest, woodland to open plains.
Threats: Habitat loss. Collision with Threats: Habitat loss. Deliberate
overhead powerlines, fences and vehicles persecution. Secondary poisoning from
while eating road kill. eating poisoned rabbits. Collision with
overhead powerlines, fences and vehicles
while eating road kill.
Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU ) Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU ) Pauline McCarthy via
Thomas Nataprawira via natureshare.org.au natureshare.org.au43
Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU ) Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU )
Pauline McCarthy via natureshare Chris Lindorff via natureshare.org.au
Circus approximans Elanus axillaris
Swamp Harrier Black-shouldered Kite
Common in Victoria but locally rare Common
The Swamp Harrier has a brown back and The Black-shouldered Kite is pale grey
wings. The male is greyer brown and has above, with a white head, underside and
pale belly and chest streaked with brown, tail. The shoulders are black, and the wings
the female has reddish-brown chest have black tips. It has a red eye and yellow
and belly. The tail is long and broad with nostrils, legs and feet. It is often seen
dark bars and paler in the male. It has an hovering with feet hanging down. The Black-
indistinct brown face mask. The legs, feet shouldered Kite grows up to 36cm and has
and eyes are yellow. Females are larger than a wing span of 80cm–100cm. It feeds on
males and grow to about 58cm long. Swamp rodents and insects such as grasshoppers.
Harriers feed on birds, eggs, insects, frogs,
Habitat: Grassy woodland and grasslands.
reptiles, small mammals.
Threats: Habitat loss.
Habitat: Wetlands, swamps
and grasslands.
Threats: Habitat loss.44
Falco berigora Falco cenchroides
Brown Falcon Nankeen or Australian Kestrel
Rare Common
The Brown Falcon is variable in colour and The Nankeen Kestrel is a small hawk that
can be dark brown or lighter brown above, grows to 35cm long. The upper parts are
with pale brown or cream underside. The mostly rufous, with some dark streaking.
side of the face is lighter brown or creamy The wings are tipped with black. The
brown with a small vertical dark streak underside are pale-buff, streaked with
below the eye, and another small dark black. The Nankeen Kestrel feeds on small
streak behind the eye. The underside of the mammals, reptiles, small birds and insects.
wings and tail are pale brown with darker
Habitat: Open grasslands.
streaks. Females are larger than males
growing to 50cm long. The Brown Falcon Threats: Habitat loss.
feeds on small mammals, reptiles and
insects.
Habitat: Grassland and open woodland.
Threats: Habitat loss. Collision with
overhead powerlines, fences and vehicles
while eating road kill.
Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU ) Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU )
Chris Clarke via natureshare.org.au Andrew Allen via natureshare.org.au45
Photo credit: (CCC BY 2.5 AU ) Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU )
Andrew Allen via natureshare.org.au Russell Best via natureshare.org.au
Falco longipennis Ninox novaeseelandiae
Little Falcon or Australian Hobby Southern Boobook or Mopoke Owl
Common Rare
The Australian Hobby is a small, slim falcon The Southern Boobook Owl is the smallest
that grows to 35cm, with a wingspan of owl that grows to 36cm. It is dark brown
90cm. It has a long square-cut tail and blunt above and rufous-brown below with white
wing tips. It has a black hood, cream or buff streaks and spots. The face has a brown disc
half collar, blueish-grey upper wings and a and the eyes are large and yellow. Young
fawn front with black streaks. The eye-ring Boobooks are whitish with dark brown faces.
is pale-blue. The Australian Hobby feeds on Southern Boobooks feed on small mammals
small birds, bats and flying insects. such as mice and bats and flying insects.
Habitat: Open woodlands, grasslands Habitat: Forest, woodlands and grasslands.
with trees and timbered wetlands and
Threats: Habitat loss, particularly of large
watercourses.
trees with nesting hollows. Cats and rats are
Threats: Habitat loss. potential predators. Secondary poisoning
from eating poisoned rats and mice.46
Ninox strenua Podargus strigoides
Powerful Owl Tawny Frogmouth
Endangered Common
The Powerful Owl is a large owl that grows The Tawny Frogmouth is generally silver-
to 66cm. It is dark grey-brown above grey, slightly paler below, streaked and
and white underneath with grey-brown mottled with black and fawn colouring. The
v-shaped markings. The feet are dull-yellow tail is finely banded dark and light grey. The
with powerful, heavy claws. The Powerful large eyes are yellow and the heavy bill is
Owls eyes are large and golden. It feeds on olive-grey to black. It grows up to 50cm
tree-dwelling mammals such as the Ringtail long. During the day Tawny Frogmouths
Possum and Sugar Glider. It will also take perch on tree branches camouflaged as they
roosting birds and sometimes small ground- sleep. They are active at night feeding on
dwelling marsupials and rabbits. predominantly insects, worms, snails and
slugs but they will also eat frogs, reptiles,
Habitat: Forests and woodlands.
small birds and mammals if the opportunity
Threats: Habitat loss, particularly large arises.
hollow-bearing trees for nesting. Reduced
Habitat: Forest, woodland, timbered
habitat also impacts the Powerful Owl
watercourses.
in terms of a reduction of tree-dwelling
marsupials to feed on. Threats: Habitat loss, particularly of mature
trees. Vehicle collisions while chasing
insects illuminated in headlights. Cats, dogs
and foxes when on the ground hunting.
Secondary poisoning from eating poisoned
rats and mice.
Photo credit: Nick Bradshaw Photo credit: Amy Motherwell47 Waterway and Wetland Birds
48
Acrocephalus stentoreus Anas superciliosa
Clamorous Reed-warbler Pacific Black Duck
Common in Victoria but locally rare Common
Clamorous Reed -warbler grows to 20cm The Pacific Black Duck is an average-sized
long. It has a plain olive-brown back and duck that grows to 55cm long. The body
whitish underparts washed with brown. is dark-brown with a pale face and throat.
It has a faint fawn eyebrow and a sturdy It has a distinctive black eye-stripe that
pointed bill. The Clamorous Reed-warbler stretches from the top of the bill through
clings to reed-stems and forages on floating the eye. It has iridescent green patch on
vegetation. It feeds on insects and other wing. The Pacific Black Duck feeds mainly on
small invertebrates. vegetation, particularly the seeds of aquatic
plants. It will also eat crustaceans, molluscs
Habitat: Wetland reed beds.
and aquatic insects.
Threats: Habitat particular draining of
Habitat: Wetlands, ponds, lakes and tidal
wetlands. Drought. Poor water quality.
mudflats.
Threats: Habitat loss. Drought. Poor water
quality. Recreational shooting. Artificial
feeding of processed food such as bread.
Photo credit: (CC BY 2.5 AU ) Photo credit: Raf Heriot
Thomas Nataprawira via natureshare.org.auYou can also read
