Birds

Quite a variety of birds are handed into care in Broome. Many of these young birds are sometimes found on the ground and may appear abandoned, but parents are often nearby. Wait and watch, if needed create a makeshift nest off the ground to keep the bird safe. Ideally you do not want to remove the baby from the parents.

Tawny frogmouth

The tawny frogmouth is commonly found around Broome and the Kimberley, often roosting quietly in trees during the day where it blends in with branches. It is frequently mistaken for an owl but is actually more closely related to nightjars. Young tawny frogmouths are often found on the ground or low branches and may appear injured when they are simply being monitored by parents nearby.

tawny frogmouth

Pheasant coucal

The pheasant coucal is a large, ground-dwelling bird commonly found in Broome and across the Kimberley, especially in grasslands, wetlands, and dense vegetation. It is often seen walking through long grass rather than flying and feeds on insects, small reptiles, and frogs.

pheasant-coucal Image credit: Krystal Huff, Territory Wildlife Park

Image: Krystal Huff, Territory Wildlife Park

Mistletoebird

The mistletoebird is a small, bird found across the Kimberley, often seen in woodlands and gardens where mistletoe grows. The male is very colourful. It feeds mainly on mistletoe berries and plays an important role in spreading mistletoe seeds.

mistletoe-bird Image: Nik Mulconray

Image: Nik Mulconray

Lorikeets

Lorikeets are colourful parrots commonly seen around Broome and across the Kimberley, often feeding noisily in flowering trees. They feed mainly on nectar, pollen, and soft fruits, using their specialised brush-tipped tongues.

lorikeets