Australia is home to a diverse range of bird species, with many of them being unique to the continent. The 20 largest birds in Australia are impressive and diverse, ranging from the flightless emu to the majestic wedge-tailed eagle. These birds play important roles in their respective ecosystems, and many of them are also culturally significant to Indigenous communities in Australia.
Despite their importance, many of these bird species face threats such as habitat loss and climate change. As such, conservation efforts are necessary to ensure that these birds continue to thrive in the wild. By learning more about these species and supporting conservation efforts, we can help protect Australia’s unique and valuable avian biodiversity.
List of 20 largest birds in Australia
- Emu
- Southern Cassowary
- Wedge-Tailed Eagle
- Australian Bustard
- Brolga
- Black Swan
- Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
- Palm Cockatoo
- Gang-Gang Cockatoo
- Jabiru
- Australian Pelican
- Magpie Goose
- Whistling Kite
- Australian White Ibis
- Masked Lapwing
- White-Bellied Sea Eagle
- Nankeen Night Heron
- Cape Barren Goose
- Tawny Frogmouth
- Brahminy Kite
Bird species play an important ecological and cultural role in Australia. Ecologically, birds help to pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and regulate insect populations, among other functions. Additionally, many bird species are keystone species, meaning that they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystem.
Culturally, birds have long been important to Indigenous Australians, who have deep cultural connections to the land and its wildlife. Many Indigenous communities have traditional knowledge and practices related to birds, including knowledge of bird behavior and ecology, bird-related stories and myths, and the use of birds in art and ceremony.
In addition to their ecological and cultural importance, bird watching is also a popular activity in Australia, attracting tourists and locals alike. According to a 2018 report by Tourism Research Australia, bird watching is one of the most popular nature-based activities for domestic tourists in Australia, with an estimated 4.5 million bird watchers in the country.
Overall, bird species in Australia are valuable components of the country’s natural heritage and play an important role in its ecology, culture, and economy. Protecting these species and their habitats is important for maintaining the health of Australia’s ecosystems and preserving its biodiversity.
What is the largest bird of Australia?
The largest bird in Australia is the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae). Emus are flightless birds and the second-largest bird species in the world after the ostrich. They can grow up to 1.9 to 2 meters (6.2 to 6.6 feet) tall and can weigh up to 60 kilograms (132 pounds). Emus have a distinctive appearance, with long necks, powerful legs, and shaggy brown feathers. They are found throughout mainland Australia, and their range extends from the east coast to the west coast, as well as in some parts of Tasmania.
Emus are important ecologically as seed dispersers and play an important role in Indigenous culture in Australia.
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Casuariiformes
- Family: Dromaiidae
- Genus: Dromaius
- Species: Dromaius novaehollandiae
Short Description: The Emu is the largest bird species in Australia and the second largest in the world after the ostrich. They are flightless birds and have long necks, powerful legs, and shaggy brown feathers. They are found throughout mainland Australia and in some parts of Tasmania. Emus are known for their distinctive appearance, unique behaviors, and cultural significance.
Size: Emus can grow up to 1.9 to 2 meters (6.2 to 6.6 feet) tall and can weigh up to 60 kilograms (132 pounds). They have long necks that can reach up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length, and their legs are powerful and can be up to 80 centimeters (31 inches) long.
Fun Fact: Emus are known for their distinctive drum-like calls, which can be heard up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away. They have two sets of eyelids, one for blinking and the other to protect their eyes from dust and sand.
Here’s a link to a picture of an emu on Google.
Southern Cassowary
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Casuariiformes
- Family: Casuariidae
- Genus: Casuarius
- Species: Casuarius casuarius johnsonii
Short Description: The Southern Cassowary is a large, flightless bird native to the tropical rainforests of northeastern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia. They are known for their striking appearance, which includes a distinctive blue neck and head, a tall casque or helmet on top of their head, and long, sharp talons. They are important seed dispersers and play an important ecological role in their habitat.
Size: Southern Cassowaries can grow up to 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 feet) tall and can weigh up to 70 kilograms (154 pounds). They have a distinctive casque or helmet on top of their head, which can reach up to 18 centimeters (7 inches) in height.
Fun Fact: The Southern Cassowary is considered to be one of the most dangerous birds in the world, due to their powerful legs and sharp claws, which they use for defense. They are also important in Indigenous Australian culture, with many communities having traditional stories and beliefs related to the bird.
Here are some links to pictures of the Southern Cassowary on Google.
Wedge-Tailed Eagle
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
- Genus: Aquila
- Species: Aquila audax
Short Description: The Wedge-Tailed Eagle is a large bird of prey native to Australia. They are known for their distinctive wedge-shaped tail, which is longer and broader than the tails of other eagles. They have dark brown feathers, a pale head and neck, and a large, powerful beak. They are apex predators and feed on a variety of prey, including rabbits, wallabies, and even kangaroos.
Size: Wedge-Tailed Eagles can grow up to 1 to 1.1 meters (3.3 to 3.6 feet) tall and can have a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet). They are one of the largest birds of prey in the world.
Fun Fact: The Wedge-Tailed Eagle is an important cultural symbol for many Indigenous Australian communities, who consider the bird to be a sacred and powerful totem. They are also known for their impressive flying abilities and can soar to great heights while searching for prey.
Here are some links to pictures of the Wedge-Tailed Eagle on Google.
Australian Bustard
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Otidiformes
- Family: Otididae
- Genus: Ardeotis
- Species: Ardeotis australis
Short Description: The Australian Bustard is a large ground-dwelling bird native to Australia. They are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a brownish-grey plumage with black markings on their wings, a long neck, and a small head. They are primarily terrestrial and can often be found walking and foraging on the ground. They are omnivores and feed on a variety of food items, including insects, seeds, and small vertebrates.
Size: Australian Bustards can grow up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall and can weigh up to 14 kilograms (31 pounds). They have a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters (7.5 feet), making them one of the heaviest flying birds in Australia.
Fun Fact: Australian Bustards are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve the male puffing up his neck and throat feathers and making deep booming calls to attract a mate. They are also culturally significant to many Indigenous Australian communities, who have traditional stories and beliefs related to the bird.
Here are some links to pictures of the Australian Bustard.
Brolga
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Gruiformes
- Family: Gruidae
- Genus: Antigone
- Species: Antigone rubicunda
Short Description: The Brolga is a large bird native to Australia and is also the official bird emblem of the state of Queensland. They are known for their distinctive grey plumage, long legs, and a red patch on their head. They are found in wetlands, grasslands, and savannas, and feed on a variety of food items, including plants, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates.
Size: Brolgas can grow up to 1.3 meters (4.3 feet) tall and can have a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters (7.9 feet). They are one of the largest flying birds in Australia.
Fun Fact: Brolgas are known for their elaborate courtship dances, which involve pairs jumping, running, and flapping their wings in unison. They are also culturally significant to many Indigenous Australian communities, who have traditional stories and beliefs related to the bird.
Here are some links to pictures of the Brolga on Google.
Black Swan
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Genus: Cygnus
- Species: Cygnus atratus
Short Description: The Black Swan is a large waterbird native to Australia, and is well-known for its striking black plumage and red beak. They are found in a variety of habitats, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands, and feed on aquatic plants and algae.
Size: Black Swans can grow up to 1.4 meters (4.6 feet) long and have a wingspan of up to 2.4 meters (7.9 feet). They are one of the largest waterbirds in Australia.
Fun Fact: The Black Swan is the official bird emblem of the state of Western Australia. They are also known for their graceful, balletic movements on water, and their distinctive honking call.
Here are some links to pictures of the Black Swan on Google.
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Cacatuidae
- Genus: Lophochroa
- Species: Lophochroa leadbeateri
Short Description: The Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo is a medium-sized cockatoo native to Australia, and is known for its striking pink and white plumage. They are found in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, and feed on a variety of food items, including seeds, nuts, and fruit.
Size: Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos can grow up to 50 centimeters (20 inches) long and have a wingspan of up to 90 centimeters (35 inches).
Fun Fact: Major Mitchell’s Cockatoos are named after Sir Thomas Livingstone Mitchell, a Scottish explorer and surveyor who led several expeditions into the interior of Australia in the 1800s. They are also sometimes called “pink cockatoos” or “leadbeater’s cockatoos”.
Here are some links to pictures of the Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo.
Palm Cockatoo
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Cacatuidae
- Genus: Probosciger
- Species: Probosciger aterrimus
Short Description: The Palm Cockatoo is a large cockatoo native to Australia, and is known for its unique appearance and behavior. They have large, powerful beaks and distinctive red cheek patches. They are found in the northern parts of Australia and feed on a variety of food items, including fruits, nuts, and insects.
Size: Palm Cockatoos can grow up to 65 centimeters (25 inches) long and have a wingspan of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet). They are one of the largest cockatoo species in the world.
Fun Fact: The Palm Cockatoo is known for its impressive drumming behavior, in which they use a stick or other object to create a rhythmic beat on a tree branch or hollow log. They are also one of the few bird species that can synchronize their movements to a beat, similar to humans.
Here are some links to pictures of the Palm Cockatoo.
Gang-Gang Cockatoo
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Cacatuidae
- Genus: Callocephalon
- Species: Callocephalon fimbriatum
Short Description: The Gang-Gang Cockatoo is a small cockatoo species found in the forests of southeast Australia. The males are distinctive with their bright red heads and crests, while the females have a greyish-brown head and crest. They primarily feed on seeds, nuts, and berries.
Size: Gang-Gang Cockatoos are relatively small, growing up to 35 centimeters (14 inches) long.
Fun Fact: The Gang-Gang Cockatoo is known for its unique vocalizations, which are often described as sounding like a creaky gate or a high-pitched whistle. They are also known for their “leaf bathing” behavior, in which they rub crushed eucalyptus leaves on their feathers, possibly to repel insects.
Here are some links to pictures of the Gang-Gang Cockatoo.
Jabiru
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Ciconiiformes
- Family: Ciconiidae
- Genus: Jabiru
- Species: Jabiru mycteria
Short Description: The Jabiru is a large stork species found in parts of northern Australia. They are mostly greyish-black in color with a distinctive bare red head and neck. They are opportunistic feeders, feeding on a variety of prey including fish, frogs, snakes, and insects.
Size: Jabirus are one of the tallest flying birds in Australia, growing up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall with a wingspan of up to 2.6 meters (8.5 feet).
Fun Fact: Jabirus are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve dancing, bill-clapping, and feather-fluffing. They also have a unique way of cooling off in hot weather – they defecate on their legs, which cools them down as the feces evaporates.
Here are some links to pictures of the Jabiru on Google.
Australian Pelican
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Pelecanidae
- Genus: Pelecanus
- Species: P. conspicillatus
Short Description: The Australian Pelican is a large water bird native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and parts of Indonesia. They are known for their distinctive long bills with a large throat pouch used for catching fish. They are also excellent swimmers and can often be seen floating on the surface of the water.
Size: Australian Pelicans are one of the largest bird species in Australia, growing up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) long with a wingspan of up to 3 meters (10 feet).
Fun Fact: Australian Pelicans have a unique way of catching fish – they use their large throat pouches as a net to scoop up fish from the water. They are also known for their spectacular group feeding displays, where they work together to herd fish into shallow water before scooping them up with their bills.
Here are some links to pictures of the Australian Pelican on Google.
Magpie Goose
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anseranatidae
- Genus: Anseranas
- Species: A. semipalmata
Short Description: The Magpie Goose is a unique and distinctive bird species native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. They are named for their black and white plumage, which resembles that of a magpie. They are often found in wetlands, marshes, and other aquatic habitats, where they feed on a variety of plants and small animals.
Size: Magpie Geese are large birds, growing up to 90 cm (35 inches) long with a wingspan of up to 150 cm (59 inches). They have distinctive webbed feet, which help them to swim and walk on soft mud.
Fun Fact: Magpie Geese are known for their distinctive honking calls, which can often be heard echoing across wetlands and other waterways. They are also one of the few bird species that are capable of flying backwards.
Here are some links to pictures of the Magpie Goose.
Whistling Kite
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
- Genus: Haliastur
- Species: H. sphenurus
Short Description: The Whistling Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey found throughout Australia and parts of Southeast Asia. They have a distinctive, high-pitched whistling call that can often be heard as they soar through the skies. They are often found near waterways and open grasslands, where they feed on a variety of prey, including fish, small mammals, and insects.
Size: Whistling Kites typically grow to around 45-50 cm (18-20 inches) in length, with a wingspan of up to 120 cm (47 inches). They have a brownish-black plumage, with a lighter underside and distinctive white patches on their wings.
Fun Fact: Whistling Kites are known for their impressive hunting skills. They are able to locate their prey using their keen eyesight and then swoop down to catch it in their talons. They have also been observed using tools, such as sticks, to extract prey from tight spaces.
Here are some links to pictures of the Whistling Kite.
Australian White Ibis
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Threskiornithidae
- Genus: Threskiornis
- Species: T. molucca
Short Description: The Australian White Ibis is a large wading bird that is native to Australia. They are often seen foraging for food in urban areas, where they have adapted to eat a variety of food sources, including insects, small mammals, and human food waste. They have a distinctive long, curved bill and a white feathered body, with black wingtips.
Size: Australian White Ibis typically grow to around 65-75 cm (26-30 inches) in length, with a wingspan of up to 120 cm (47 inches). They have a long, thin bill that they use to probe for food in the ground or in water.
Fun Fact: The Australian White Ibis is sometimes known as the “bin chicken” due to their habit of foraging in urban areas and scavenging through trash bins for food. They are known for their intelligence and adaptability, and have been observed using tools to extract food from hard-to-reach places.
Here are some links to pictures of the Australian White Ibis.
Masked Lapwing
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Charadriidae
- Genus: Vanellus
- Species: V. miles
Short Description: The Masked Lapwing, also known as the Masked Plover, is a large, ground-dwelling bird found throughout Australia, including in urban areas. They have a distinctive black and white head, a brown body, and a yellow wattle above their beak. They are known for their loud, distinctive call, which sounds like “peewit”.
Size: Masked Lapwings can grow to be up to 37 cm (14.5 inches) in length, with a wingspan of up to 75 cm (29.5 inches). They have a broad, sturdy body and long, yellow legs that are well-suited for running on the ground.
Fun Fact: Masked Lapwings are fiercely protective of their nesting sites and will defend them aggressively against perceived threats, including humans and other animals. They will often swoop at intruders and make loud, alarming calls. Despite this behavior, they are still considered a common and widespread species in Australia.
Here are some links to pictures of the Masked Lapwing on Google
White-Bellied Sea Eagle
Taxonomy:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Accipitriformes
- Family: Accipitridae
- Genus: Haliaeetus
- Species: H. leucogaster
Short Description: The White-Bellied Sea Eagle, also known as the White-Breasted Sea Eagle, is a large bird of prey found throughout Australia and Southeast Asia. They have a distinctive white head and breast, with dark feathers on their back and wings. They are known for their sharp talons and powerful beaks, which are well-suited for catching fish and other prey in coastal and marine habitats.
Size: White-Bellied Sea Eagles can grow to be up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) in length, with a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters (7.2 feet). They have a large, powerful body and wings that are adapted for soaring over open water.
Fun Fact: White-Bellied Sea Eagles are known for their impressive hunting skills and can spot prey from high above the water. They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, which include a variety of calls and screams. In some Indigenous Australian cultures, the White-Bellied Sea Eagle is considered a symbol of power and strength.
Here are some links to pictures of the White-Bellied Sea Eagle.
Nankeen Night Heron
Taxonomy: The Nankeen Night Heron belongs to the Ardeidae family, which also includes egrets and bitterns. Its scientific name is Nycticorax caledonicus.
Short Description: The Nankeen Night Heron is a medium-sized heron found in Australia, Southeast Asia, and parts of the Pacific. It has a stocky body, a short neck, and a large head with a thick, down-curved bill. It is mostly a dull, chestnut-brown color, with white spots on its wings and a black cap on its head.
Size: The Nankeen Night Heron is about 55-65 cm (22-26 in) long, with a wingspan of 90-105 cm (35-41 in). It weighs between 600-800 g (1.3-1.8 lb).
Fun Fact: The Nankeen Night Heron is nocturnal, meaning it is mostly active at night. During the day, it roosts in trees near waterways. It feeds on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, insects, and small reptiles.
Cape Barren Goose
Taxonomy: The Cape Barren Goose is a large waterbird that belongs to the family of geese, Anatidae. Its scientific name is Cereopsis novaehollandiae.
Short Description: The Cape Barren Goose is a large, flightless bird found in southern Australia. It has a short neck, a thick body, and a distinctive large beak. The feathers on its body are mostly grey, with a black head, neck, and tail. It has a white patch around its eyes and a bright green patch on its wings.
Size: The Cape Barren Goose is about 90-100 cm (35-39 in) long and has a wingspan of 1.5-1.8 m (5-6 ft). It can weigh up to 6 kg (13 lb).
Fun Fact: The Cape Barren Goose is named after Cape Barren Island in Tasmania, where it was first discovered. It is considered a conservation-dependent species, meaning its population is closely monitored due to habitat loss and hunting.
Tawny Frogmouth
Taxonomy: The Tawny Frogmouth is a nocturnal bird species that belongs to the family of nightjars, Podargidae. Its scientific name is Podargus strigoides.
Short Description: The Tawny Frogmouth is a medium-sized bird found in Australia, often mistaken for an owl due to its similar appearance and nocturnal habits. It has a large head with a hooked bill, and is covered in mottled grey and brown feathers that provide excellent camouflage against tree bark. It has large yellow eyes that help it to see in the dark.
Size: The Tawny Frogmouth is about 35-50 cm (14-20 in) long and can weigh up to 680 g (1.5 lb).
Fun Fact: The Tawny Frogmouth is not actually a species of owl, despite often being mistaken for one. Its name comes from its large, wide mouth that it opens when threatened, which resembles a frog’s mouth.
Brahminy Kite
Taxonomy: The Brahminy Kite belongs to the family Accipitridae, which includes birds of prey such as hawks, eagles, and kites. Its scientific name is Haliastur indus.
Short Description: The Brahminy Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey with distinctive reddish-brown plumage on the upperparts and white on the head, breast, and tail. The bill is short and strongly hooked, and the wings are long and broad.
Size: The Brahminy Kite measures about 45-50 cm (18-20 inches) in length, with a wingspan of about 105-125 cm (42-49 inches).
Fun Fact: Brahminy Kites are often seen flying over water, as they feed mainly on fish and other aquatic creatures. They have a unique hunting technique where they hover over the water, searching for prey, before swooping down to snatch it from the surface with their sharp talons.
Books on Australian bird species
Here are some recommended books on Australian bird species:
“The Field Guide to the Birds of Australia” by Graham Pizzey and Frank Knight – This is a comprehensive guidebook that covers all 780 species of birds found in Australia. It includes detailed descriptions, range maps, and illustrations to help with identification.
“Birds of Australia: A Photographic Guide” by Iain Campbell and Sam Woods – This book contains over 1,400 stunning photographs of Australian bird species, as well as concise descriptions and distribution maps.
“The Australian Bird Guide” by Peter Menkhorst, Danny Rogers, Rohan Clarke, Jeff Davies, Peter Marsack, and Kim Franklin – This guidebook features more than 900 species of birds found in Australia, with detailed illustrations and information on identification, habitat, behavior, and conservation.
“Birds of Prey of Australia: A Field Guide” by Stephen Debus – This book focuses specifically on the 34 species of raptors found in Australia, providing in-depth information on their identification, ecology, behavior, and conservation.
“The Slater Field Guide to Australian Birds” by Peter Slater, Pat Slater, and Raoul Slater – This popular guidebook covers over 760 species of birds found in Australia, with detailed illustrations and information on identification, distribution, and behavior.
These books can be found in major bookstores or online retailers.
Websites and organizations focused on bird conservation in Australia
There are several websites and organizations in Australia that are focused on bird conservation.
Here are some examples:
BirdLife Australia: BirdLife Australia is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of birds and their habitats in Australia and the surrounding regions. Their website provides information on bird conservation programs, research, and events, as well as resources for birdwatchers and bird enthusiasts.
Australian Bird Conservation Alliance: The Australian Bird Conservation Alliance is a collaboration of government, non-government, and academic organizations working together to conserve Australia’s birds and their habitats. Their website provides information on their research and conservation programs, as well as resources for bird conservation.
Birds in Backyards: Birds in Backyards is a citizen science program aimed at increasing awareness of birds and their habitats in urban and suburban areas. Their website provides information on bird identification, bird-friendly gardens, and citizen science programs for bird monitoring.
The Australian Wildlife Conservancy: The Australian Wildlife Conservancy is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Australia’s wildlife and their habitats. Their website provides information on their conservation programs, including those focused on bird conservation.
These websites and organizations provide resources for those interested in bird conservation in Australia and offer opportunities to get involved in conservation efforts.
Final thoughts on largest birds of Australia
In conclusion, Australia is home to a diverse range of bird species, including some of the largest birds in the world. The Wedge-tailed Eagle, Emu, and Southern Cassowary are just a few examples of the fascinating bird species found in Australia. These birds not only play a vital role in the country’s ecosystems but also contribute to Australia’s cultural and natural heritage.
It is important to continue to appreciate and protect these magnificent birds for future generations to enjoy.
Erzsebet Frey (Eli Frey) is an ecologist and online entrepreneur with a Master of Science in Ecology from the University of Belgrade. Originally from Serbia, she has lived in Sri Lanka since 2017. Eli has worked internationally in countries like Oman, Brazil, Germany, and Sri Lanka. In 2018, she expanded into SEO and blogging, completing courses from UC Davis and Edinburgh. Eli has founded multiple websites focused on biology, ecology, environmental science, sustainable and simple living, and outdoor activities. She enjoys creating nature and simple living videos on YouTube and participates in speleology, diving, and hiking.