This page is for those who are interested in seeing some of the more unusual and locally rare birds in the forest. I cannot claim to be an expert in this area but have visited the forest frequently since 2021 and have noticed the following.
Firstly, let’s deal with the elephant in the room, the Malleefowl. One of the primary reasons parts of the forest were given conservation status in 2005 was the presence of a population of Malleefowl, one of Australia’s most unique and endangered species. Historical records show that it was once quite common in the area but unfortunately its prime habitat was also the better farming land. I’m not aware of records that NPWS might hold but the latest recording on eBird, the international database of bird sightings, is from 2008. Periodically unconfirmed sightings are reported but the presence of the bird in the forest in any significant numbers seems doubtful.
The next bird of some concern is the Glossy Black Cockatoo, vulnerable because of its specialised diet of mature seed cones of certain types of Sheoak, Allocasuarina spp. Regular counts of this bird have been organised and although numbers are down as of 2023 they can still be found. The most reliable place to see them are at the many dams in the forest around dusk which they regularly visit to drink.
The status of other vulnerable birds in the forest is more promising. Speckled Warblers are quite frankly common and Diamond Firetail finches turn up regularly, often as lone birds in the presence of other finches and small birds. The Warbler particularly favours stands of Medium Sheoak and Native Pine.
For local twitchers interested in birds that are generally not seen in the area there are a number of species that you might encounter. These are birds that are naturally present in small numbers, only inhabit the forest during specific climatic or seasonal periods or are at the edge of their geographic range.
Hooded Robin
A large robin which occasionally turns up along the western fringe of the forest where it meets farming land. Has been reliably recorded in the last few years near the dam at the end of Three Corners Trail in the north of the forest. While mostly a lower canopy bird of open forest or shrubland has a habit of perching on the topmost branches of taller dead trees.
Spotted Quail-thrush
A beautifully marked and camouflaged ground bird favouring rocky forest floors with thick leaf cover and sparse vegetation. Generally only seen when flushed from its hiding spots with a distinctive white band across its tail feathers and fluttering noise. Has been recorded multiple times near Kartzhoff Dam in the north of the forest, on Bowman’s Trail near the Telstra tower and near Baumanns Trail in the south.
Chestnut-rumped Heath-wren
Secretive bird inhabiting only dense low shrubby areas. Try the shrubby areas near the corner of Frost and Baumanns Trail.
Yellow-plumed Honeyeater
Similar to the more common White-plumed Honeyeater but for its yellow neck line and heavily streaked chest. Only inhabits Mallee or medium-tall shrubby areas in the forest. Reliably seen in the Coolbaggie NR East section and in shrubby areas at the western end of Frost Trail.
Turquoise Parrot
A pretty, small and vulnerable species of western slopes parrot. Best chance to see these are near water, rarely not seen on a visit to Ranters Creek.
Brown Honeyeater
Larger and plumper than the ubiquitous White-throated Treecreeper. Favours creek lined areas of Box woodland. Numerous and repeated sightings along Ranters Creek and the creek line at the western end of Frost Trail.
Leaden Flycatcher
Surprisingly rare in the forest, I think this bird has a preference for creeks with permanent water, which are in short supply in the forest. I’ve only seen it along Goondy Creek and near a soak in the far north along Gum Creek.
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