Birds
Kakadu's many habitats support more than 280 species of birds, or about one-third of Australia's bird species. Some birds range over a number of habitats, but many are found in only one environment.
Peaceful doves and red-collared lorikeets are examples of widespread and common species; black-banded pigeons, white-lined honeyeaters and yellow chats are examples of species that occupy special, localised habitats; crested pigeons and pictorella mannikins are examples of species for which Kakadu is the northern limit of their range, so they are seen only occasionally.
Two notable species found in Kakadu are the endangered Gouldian finch and the vulnerable red goshawk.
A bird checklist is available from the Murrawuddi Gallery at the Bowali Visitor Centre. Tour operators and visitors are encouraged to report any unusual bird sightings, such as the Gouldian finch and the yellow chat.
Common or notable bird species
- Barking owl Ninox connivens Mobbok
- Black kite Milvus migrans Marram
- Blue-winged kookaburra Dacelo leachii Galdurkk
- Burdekin duck Tadorna radjah Na-ngarralbak
- Bush thick-knee Burhinus grallarius Gurrwirluk
- Chestnut-quilled rock pigeon Petrophassa rufipennis Gurrbelak
- Comb-crested jacana Iredippara gallinacea Garlarrwidwid
- Green pygmy-goose Nettapus pulchellus Biwudj
- Jabiru Xenorhynchus asiaticus Djagarna
- Magpie goose Anseranas semipalmata Bamurru
- Partridge pigeon Geophaps smithii Ragul
- Plumed whistling-duck Dendrocygna eytoni Djurrbiyuk
- Rainbow bee-eater Merops ornatus Berrerdberrerd
- Rainbow pitta Pitta iris Worrbauworrbauk
- Red collared lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus Deded
- Red-tailed black cockatoo Calyptorhynchus magnificus Garnamarr
- Torresian crow Corvus orru Wakwak
- Whistling kite Haliastur sphenurus Marram
- White-bellied sea eagle Haleatus leucogaster Marrawuddi