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Daintree Bird Watching

For the novice to advanced bird watcher, the Daintree Rainforest National Park is sure to delight with its abundance of rare and unusual birds frolicking on the ground and flying through the trees. The Daintree National Park is a premier location for bird watching with over 430 species discovered in the area, half of which are native to Australia. While bird watching in the Daintree National Park will prove to be a rewarding exercise all year round, the best time to venture out with a pair of binoculars and bird book is generally October to November and early in the morning. During this time the last of the regular migrant species will be arriving in the area.

Port Douglas Accommodation by Cairns Holiday Specialists

Port Douglas Accommodation by Cairns Holiday Specialists

Daintree Birdwatcher's Paradise

A trip to the Daintree Rainforest National Park for bird watching will provide you with some great memories of some of Australia's unique birds, and if you are quick enough, a terrific photograph. Daintree Rainforest is perfectly located to allow bird watchers to experience the varied range of habitats such as coastal tidal flats, wetlands, lowland rainforest, waterways lined with many types of mangroves, rural grasslands and open woodlands all being very easily accessible.

Daintree Rainforest National Park Bird Watching Tours

There are plenty of tours of the Daintree Rainofrest National Park that will provide you with the ultimate bird watching experience. Knowledgeable guides provide private charter four wheel drive tours especially for birders through the park, pointing out birds along the way and providing you with information on every species they see. While some of these trips are walking tours, there are also river tours where you will get to view the wildlife as you drift down the Daintree River. Whichever mode of tour you chose, you will not be disappointed.

Southern Cassowary

The Southern Cassowary is a tall flightless bird that is native to Tropical North Queensland and the forests of Papua New Guinea. Listed as an endangered species, the Southern Cassowary inhabits the Daintree National Park and is a rare find but when you do spot a Southern Cassowary, the wait will be well worth it. Closely resembling an Emu, the Southern Cassowary has a vivid blue face and neck with a medium size grey bump on its head.

Southern Cassowary in the Rainforest Colourful Southern Cassowary Southern Cassowary in the bushes

 

The main reason for the decline in Southern Cassowary population has been the commercial and residential development of their native environment. While much of their habitat today remains under threat Australian Government agencies, environmental, and wildlife groups are actively working to fight against development in Cassowary corridors.

When touring the Daintree National Park make sure you keep an eye out for the majestic Southern Cassowary.

Bird Species in Daintree National Park

There are a few bird species native to Tropical North Queensland which is often found in the Daintree Rainforest National Park. Whether they are spotted easily or if they take a bit of work to locate amongst the foliage, viewing some of these unique Australian birds is sure to delight the avid bird watcher.

You will have to spend a little bit of time scouring the branches above to spot the Macleay's Honeyeater. The species is endemic to the tropical surroundings of North Queensland and likes to stay well above eye level in the tree tops. With a diet of insects, nectar, and fruit the Macleay's Honeyeater plays an important part in the pollination of rainforest flowers.

The Pied Monarch may be a little easier than the Macleay's Honeyeater to spot as it tends to stay closer to the rainforest flooring. The Pied Monarch feasts on insects found within the barks of trees and the males are easily distinguishable with their bold black chins.

A stunning sight to see is the male Victoria's Riflebird calling to a female during mating season. The male, distinguishable by his thick black plume, raises his wings and lets out a loud call to his potential suitor. The female, whose feathers range from light to dark brown, creeps closer to the male until they are facing each other dead on. Unfortunately these birds are on the endangered species list, and are very rare indeed. Like the Pied Monarch, the Victoria's Riflebird has a diet that mainly consists of small insects.

Daintree Rainforest Birdwatchers Accommodation

As there are so many bird watching enthusiasts flocking to the Daintree a new style of Accommodation house has emerged . These are normally in the form of bed and breakfasts with the hosts also being birding enthusiasts eager to share stories with you and show you the best places to hide out to see the shy birds. Your hosts can arrange early morning or afternoon bird watching boat cruises and tours with some long established and well known birding tour operators.

Port Douglas Accommodation by Cairns Holiday Specialists

However if you prefer the privacy of a hotel or resort style Accommodation then there are some great choices in the Daintree Capet Tribulation region.