Birds are great to see in the backyard. They are colourful, melodious and do good things by eating insects and pollinating flowers.
But not all birds are common. In fact, many are under threat with very few left in the wild!
In the Hunter region there are 28 woodland bird species that need protection, because the number of these birds has dropped so low. This includes the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater and Swift Parrot.
There are also threatened birds that call local wetlands, mudflats and our beaches home at different times of the year. This includes the critically endangered Eastern Curlew and the endangered Australasian Bittern.
These birds need YOUR help!
What is a Threatened Species?
A threatened species is an animal or plant whose population has dropped so low they are struggling to survive. We classify them as:
Vulnerable – numbers have dropped significantly but it is not yet endangered.
Endangered – numbers are so low that it is severely threatened.
Critically Endangered – numbers are so low that it is very close to becoming extinct.
Extinct in the wild – there are no more of a species left in their native habitat but there are some still in captivity.
Extinct – there are no more of a species left anywhere in the world.
Eight Threatened Birds found in the Hunter Region
Woodland Birds
- Regent Honeyeater
- Swift Parrot
- Hooded Robin
- Brown Treecreeper
Wetland and Water Birds
- Australasian Bittern
- Eastern Curlew
- Little Tern
- Sooty Oystercatcher
Why are they threatened?
- Trees providing food and nesting areas have been cut down
- Cats and foxes prey on birds and their eggs
- Their habitat has been changed by humans
- Humans and dogs disturb the birds while they are nesting or feeding
- Pollution of their habitat
- Competition from other birds like the aggressive Noisy Miner
How can YOU help?
- There are lots of things that you can do to help protect these birds and save them from becoming extinct.
- Plant native trees and shrubs
- Lock your cat up at night
- If you see a fox, ask your parents to report it on the FeralScan App
- Keep your dog on a lead when at the beach or in bushland
- Reusing or recycling whatever you can – don’t litter!
Backyard Bird Habitat
Step 1
Do you know if you have any threatened birds in your backyard or local area? Discuss this with your parents/guardians, they might know some.
Step 2
Many birds are threatened because humans have altered their habitat (home). Our backyards are a very changed environment but we can still have things that provide homes for birds. Can you identify things that may provide birds with a home in your backyard? Look for tree hollows, native plants, plants of different sizes and types, grassy areas, natural messy garden beds, perches, water and food – nectar, fruits and seeds.
Step 3
Learn more about four special birds that are threatened in the Hunter region. Download the fact sheets from the links provided
Step 4
Create a poster or write a short story about one of these birds. Use the images on the ACTIVITY SHEET as a guide, or create your own picture. Name your bird – make it fun! Include some interesting facts about your bird and a few inventive ways to help protect it.
If you live in a different area of Australia you can choose one of your local threatened birds.
Send us a photo of your completed activity
With parent/guardian permission, submit a photo of your completed activity and it could be displayed on the website and the Hunter Local Land Services Facebook page.