species field guide - climatewatch · field guide. australian magpie. cracticus tibicen. when to...
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© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
SPECIES field guide
Australian MagpieCracticus tibicen
When to look:Throughout the year
Its eyes are red-brown
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch users Luca Mav and Nicola Storey 2016
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The back of its neck, upper tail and shoulders are white in males and grey in females
Similar species:
Pied Butcherbird: has a completely black head and bib that is separated from its black back by a completely white collar. Its underparts are white
Magpie-lark: is smaller with a smaller beak
Currawong: doesn’t have large areas of white on its body, especially on the back of the neck. Also won’t have the red iris
The rest of its body is black
Square-tipped tail
One toe faces backwards and three face forwards
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Crested PigeonOcyphaps lophotes
When to look:August to March
Red eyes with pin-red rings around them
Image by Neon Tomas Buenaflor Rosell
Grey head with a noticeable thin black crest
Similar species:
Spinifex Pigeon: smaller (20–24 cm) with cinnamon coloured feathers and a bright red patch on its face.
Topknot Pigeon: larger (40–46 cm) with a shaggy, red-brown crest that is droopy rather than erect like the Crested Pigeon’s. Also, it is rarely found on the ground.
Wings have black bars and glossy green and purple patches
Dark grey bill
Grey-brown feathers that become pinker on the underparts
Pink legs and feet
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Dusky MoorhenGallinula tenebrosa
When to look:Throughout the year
Black body, white undertail
Image by Marj K.
Yellow tipped red bill
Similar species:
Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) is larger with a bright purple front and all red bill and shield.
Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) is recognised by its snowy white bill and forehead shield.
Black-tailed Native-hen (Tribonyx ventralis) is mainly brownish-grey, with white spots on the flanks. The bill and frontal shield is green, with an orange-red lower mandible (‘jaw’).
Red legs
Size 35-40cm
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Eastern Yellow RobinEopsaltria australis
When to look:Commonly breeds July to January
Black bill
Image courtesy of Nadiah Roslan
Grey back and head
Similar species:
Western Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria griseogularis): occurs in south-western and southern Australia, mainly west of the Eyre Peninsula, so the range of this species does not overlap with that of the Eastern Yellow Robin.
Pale-yellow Robin (Tregellasia capito): smaller than an Eastern Yellow Robin, with olive-coloured upperparts, a pale face and lighter, pale-yellow underparts and lacks pale yellow eyebrow.
Yellow underparts
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Flame RobinPetroica phoenicea
When to look:Commonly breeds August to January
Bright orange breast and throat
Images courtesy of David Cook Wildlife Photography
White stripe on folded wing
Similar species:
Scarlet Robin: has black upperparts and throat, red underparts and a larger white patch above its beak.
Other robins: won’t have the white outermost tail feather nor white edging on the next feather.
White lower belly and undertail
Dark slate grey on top and on wings
Female: mostly grey-brown, pale buff strip on wing, outermost tail feather mostly white
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Golden WhistlerPachycephala pectoralis
When to look:Migrates to lowlands in winter; breeds Aug to Feb
White throat
Images courtesy of David Cook Wildlife Photography
Olive-green back and wings
Similar species:
Mangrove Golden Whistler (Pachycephala melanura): the male has brighter underparts than the Golden Whistler, has a broader collar, and a slightly shorter tail. The female has yellowish underparts. It also has a longer beak and is only found in the mangroves of coastal northern Australia.
Adult male: Bright yellow underody
Adult female: Grey upperparts with pale olive tinge
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Grey FantailRhipidura albiscapa
When to look:Some migrate north during winter; nests Jul to Jan
Fine white shafts to all but central pair of tail feathers
Images courtesy of Colin Mulvogue
White eyebrow and throat
Similar species:
Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys): slightly larger, lacks the shades of grey on body and wings; lacks a white patch on throat and white edging and tips to tail feathers.
Northern Fantail (Rhipidura rufiventris): is larger with a larger, broader bill. It seldom fans its tail (which is not tilted upwards) and is generally much less restless. Its breast band is overlain with pale streaks.
wings often drooped
Grey breast band
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Magpie-larkGrallina cyanoleuca
When to look:Throughout the year; breeding is opportunistic
Horizontal black line through pale eye; whitish bill
Images courtesy of Angel Oo
Similar species:
Australian Magpie (Cracticus tibicen): is almost twice as large (36 – 44 cm long) with a heavier beak, and wholly black underbody (the Magpie-lark is mostly white below).
Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis): has a completely black head and bib, separated from its black back by a white collar.
Another black-and-white bird: won’t have the thin whitish bill and pale eye.
Males will lack white throat
Call: a ringing ‘pee-o-wit’ or ‘pee-wee’, often sung by two birds together, giving rise to its venacular name of ‘Peewee’
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Masked LapwingVanellus miles
When to look:Throughout the year; breeding is opportunistic
Yellow bill and wattle from forehead to behind its eye hangs beside chin
Image: Earthwatch
Similar species:
Banded Lapwing (Vanellus tricolor): is smaller (25 - 29 cm long) with much more black on the head and lower breast, with a distinct white eye-stripe and white throat and upper breast, forming a white ‘bib’. There is also a distinctive red patch at the base of its bill.
Brown and black wings
White neck and underparts
Black on top of head
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Willie WagtailRhipidura leucophrys
When to look:Throughout year; usually nests Aug to Feb
Dinstinctive white belly. Body mostly black.
Images courtesy of Emily Fosbery
Similar species:
Restless Flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta): has a black head crest which makes it look more angular, and lacks the white eyebrow. Its chin and throat are white, instead of black, and its tail is less rounded and doesn’t wag.
Any other black-and-white fantail or flycatcher generally won’t have the black throat and white eyebrows.
Distinctive white eyebrows
8-22 cm long from head to tail. It is often seen wagging its tail side to side
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
FROG field guideSouthern Bullfrog, Eastern Banjo or Eastern Pobblebonk FrogLimnodynastes dumerilii
When to look:August to April
Grey to olive green, dark brown or black back, with dark marbling or flecks. Warty or rough back
Images courtesy of Stephen Mahony
Prominent gland on outer back leg
Similar species:
Northern Banjo Frog (L. terraereginae): has red colouration around its groin. Giant Banjo Frog (L. interioris): has a bright orange or yellow belly with no mottling. Common Spadefoot Toad (Neobatrachus sudelli, Giant Burrowing Frog (Heleioporus australiacus) and Mallee Spadefoot Toad (Neobatrachus pictus): don’t have the gland on the outer side of hind legs.
Pale yellow stripe that runs from eye to arm
Listen to call: a single ‘bonk’ or ‘plonk’ that is usually repeated every few seconds
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
FROG field guideSouthern Brown Tree Frog or Ewing’s Tree FrogLitoria ewingi
When to look:
Throughout year, particularly from late winter
Pale fawn cream, orange to light brown or green body. Wide brown band from its eyes to down its back
Images courtesy of FlickrCC
Similar species:
Victorian Frog / False Ewing’s Tree
Frog (Litoria paraewingi):
generally smaller, with a slower
call and not normally found in the
same areas. Verreaux’s Tree Frog
(Litoria verreauxi): has dark or
black blotches on its sides,
Lesueur’s Tree Frog (Litoria
lesueuri): has a visible ear drum (a
darker patch just behind its eye).
Half webbed toes; no webbing on fingers
Listen to call: a a series of rapid, harsh whirring, pulsing notes “creeee creee creee creee creee” repeated 5-15 times
Narrow black or brown stripe from its snout, through to its eye, to shoulder
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
FROG field guide
Striped Marsh FrogLimnodynastes peronii
When to look:
August to April
Usually a pale stripe running down middle of back. Pale to grey-brown back with darker brown stripes
Image courtesy of B.G Thompson
Similar species:
Spotted Marsh Frog: has spots rather
than stripes on its back.
Barking Marsh Frog: also has spots
rather than stripes on its back.
Salmon-Striped Frog: has pink-to-
orange stripes and lacks the two-
coloured iris.
Two-coloured iris that is golden brown above and dark brown below. White belly which is often flecked with brown
Dark spots and stripes on its limbs. Long, slender fingers and toes have no webbing
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
INSECT field guide
Cabbage White ButterflyPieris rapae
When to look:From September through summer
Black tip on forewing. Up to 5 cm wingspan. Black spot on forewing (one spot for males and two for females)
Image courtesy of ClimateWatch users
Similar species:
Another white butterfly: won’t have the two or three black spots on the upper side of the forewing. Also, the underside of its hindwing won’t be yellow.
From underneath, the forewing is white while the hindwing is yellowish
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
INSECT field guide
Common Brown ButterflyHeteronympha merope
When to look:October through May
Mostly orange, with obvious raised vein in middle of forewing. Small eye-spot on each wing.
Image courtesy of ClimateWatch users
Similar species: It is difficult to identify these butterflies when they are resting with their wings closed. Banks Brown Butterfly (Heteronympha banksii banksii): has an eyespot only on its hindwings, not on all wings. Shouldered Brown (Heteronympha penelope): has darker markings near the wing bases giving it a shouldered look, and an extra eyespot on the hindwing Forest Brown or Cyril’s Brown Butterfly (Argynnina cyrila): has more black markings on its upperside.
Underside of wings are paler with faint markings
Males lack pale patches. Females have yellow and dark brown patches near tip of forewings
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
INSECT field guide
European WaspVespula germanica
When to look:Spring to autumn
Transparent wings
Image courtesy of Malcolm Tattersall
Yellow legs; black antennae
Similar species:
English Wasp: black marking on each yellow band on its abdomen tapers to a point, while it is a triangle shape on the European wasp. It is also restricted to the eastern parts of Melbourne and Gippsland region.
Paper wasp: has a longer, thinner body, orange-brown antennae, back legs that hang down during flight, and is often seen hovering. Its nest is smaller, usually above ground and looks like honeycomb cells without an outer covering.
Other wasps: most don’t have the vivid yellow and black markings.
Bee: has black legs, dull yellow bands on its abdomen with no black dots.
Bright yellow and black bands across abdomen.
Pair of black spots and black triangle on each yellow band.
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
SPECIES field guide
Honey BeeApis mellifera
When to look:Early spring to weather below 13oC
Hairy abdomen with black and brown (or yellow or orange) stripes.
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch users Luca Mav and Nicola Storey 2016
Black head, upper body and legsSimilar species:
A wasp: has yellow legs, brighter yellow bands on its abdomen and lacks the hairiness of the Honey Bee.
Native Australian Bees: while it is difficult to see, native bees don’t have hairy eyes like the Honey Bee. Also a Honey Bee usually has obvious “baskets” full of pollen on its legs.
Usually has “baskets” of pollen on its legs
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
REPTILE field guide
Garden SkinksL. guichenoti and L. delicata
When to look:September to
February
Mainly grey-brown to bronze. Total length 8-10 cm
Images courtesy of Stephen Mahony
Of the two species, L. guichenoti usually has a ‘heavier’ looking body and a more obvious stripe running along sides compared to L. delicata
Similar species:
Eastern Water Skink: larger when adult (25 cm to 30 cm long), with small black spots on its back and white and black spots on its side.
Blue-tongue Lizard: larger, with a tail shorter than its body, and doesn’t have the stripe running along each side of its body.
Dark stripe from its nostril, across eye, along each side to its tail
Image: Lampropholis delicata
L. delicata’s range extends into north Queensland and Tasmania
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
PLANT field guide
Coastal Tea TreeLeptospermum laevigatum
When to look:Late winter through spring
Grows up to 6m high. Tall bushy shrub or small tree.
Images courtesy of Rachel Mai (flowers)and John Tann (seeds)
Egg-shaped and flat, grey-green leaves
Similar species:
Another species of Leptospermum: won’t have the same flower and fruit characters.
Seeds: flat-topped woody capsule that is 1.5 - 2cm in diameter White flowers
with 5 petals
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
PLANT field guide
Ribwort PlantainPlantago lanceolata
When to look:September to May
Leaves are long, sword-shaped and form a clump and usually stand upright
Images courtesy of Rich Weatherill
Similar species:
Variable Plantain (Plantago varia): its leaves usually have a toothed, or jagged, edge (not smooth like the Ribwort Plantain) and there is a dense tuft of reddish-brown hairs at the base of each leaf. Also, its flower stem can be shorter, only growing to a height of about 36 cm.
Tussock-like, rosette plant. Grows up to 30 cm high, with the flower stalk up to 1 m high
Flowers form a tight, cylindrical cluster which is 1-7 cm long. Small flowers are initially cream that turn brown rapidly
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
PLANT field guide
Sweet Scented WattleAcacia suaveolens
When to look:Autumn through spring
Seed pods are oblong, flat, straight-sided and bluish in colour
Image courtesy of John Tann
Similar species:
Flinders Ranges or Willow-leaved Wattle (Acacia iteaphylla): a bushier shrub up to 4 m high, with longer seed pods (5 – 13 cm long).
Pale yellow to white, ball-shaped flowers
Evergreen shrub. Gorws 0.3-3 m high
Narrow, straight, blue-green leaves that grow at right angles to stem
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
PLANT field guide
Silver BanksiaBanksia marginata
When to look:
Flowers appear from February to July (Sep-tember and April in Tasmania), and seed cones appear after flowers
Pale yelllow cylindrical spikes form bottle-brush shaped flowers
Image courtesy of Friends of Black Hill and Morialta Inc.
Seeds are enclosed in dark brown follicles attached to woody cones
Similar species:
The Silver Banksia can be differentiated from most other banksias by its serrated leaves, the notch at the end of the leaf tips, and the silvery underside to its leaves.
Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia): has larger leaves and flowers and its leaves are whorled around the stem (several coming out from the same point on stem) instead of alternate like on the Silver Banksia.
Mountain Banksia (Banksia canei): found above 600m in the semi-alpine areas of NSW and Victoria, it has some sharp points on its leaves, stouter flowers and larger follicles that remain closed for several years.
Green leaves are silvery underneath and may have serrated edges
A shrub, flat-lying plant, or tree
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
SPIDER field guide
Christmas or Jewel SpiderAustracantha minax
When to look:November to
February
Images courtesy of Volker Fremenau
Similar species:
Gasteracantha sacerdotalis / Thelacanta brevispina is a very similar species with white pattern on darker surface of the abdomen.
Male (4 mm); Yellow, brown, white and black pattern
Female (7 mm) ring of black spines, bright yellow and white patterns
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
SPIDER field guide
St Andrew’s Cross SpiderArgiope keyserlingii
When to look:Summer and autumn
Often sits with legs in pairs, forming cross pattern.
Images courtesy of Volker Fremenau
Similar species:
Painted Orb Weaver (Argiope picta): less common than the St Andrew’s Cross Spider and doesn’t normally produce a complete X pattern on its web.
Banded orb-weaving spider (Argiope trifasciata): has yellow, white and black bands on its abdomen, and dark brown and pale yellow bands along the entire length of its legs.
Females have a silvery head and dark brown legs with 1 or 2 yellowish bands, while males and juveniles will have brown and cream body and brown legs
It weaves zigzag patterns into its web, forming an X
Silver, yellow, red and black bands across abdomen