© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD 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
•
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
Australian Pied OystercatcherHaematopus longirostris
Where to look:Mudflats, sandbanks and sandy ocean beaches
Distinctive orange-red legs, beak and eyes
Images courtesy of Flickr user Michale Dawes, Sept 2007
Similar species:
Sooty oystercatcher: very similar to the pied oystercatcher, and can often co-exist on the same beach. The sooty oystercatcher lacks the white feathers and although their beaks and legs are dark red their bodies are completely black
Black head and upper body with white underneath
Medium shorebird with long skinny legs and a long beak
Size: 50cm
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Common BlackbirdTurdus merula
When to look:
August to end of February, breeding season is September to January
Male:Black all over
Images courtesy of Matteo Di Nicola (male) and Arto Hakola (female)
Grey-brown with some streaks or mottling
Similar species:
Common Starlings are 4 to 5cm smaller and shinier black in summer, with whitish feather tips and a black bill in winter. Males doesn’t have the orange to yellow ring around its eye.
Another black bird won’t have the distinctive orange to yellow eye ring.
Deep orange to yellow beak and narrow ring around its eye
Female: Dull yellow-brown beak and orange to yellow ring around its eye
© 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
Great KnotCalidris tenuirostris
When to look:Year-round. Migration from September-March
Straight, slender bill
Image courtesy of Flickr user ken 2008
Similar species:
Red Knot: shorter bill size, distinct dark eyeline with white eyebrow
Asian Dowitcher: much longer bill size
Curlew Sandpiper: smaller body size and has a down-curved bill
Pale to chestnut head, neck and upper breast. In breeding plumage, they have a black band across the chest andblack, white and reddish speckles
White underparts
© 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
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
Red-necked StintCalidris ruficollis
When to look:
Late August to mid-April, some birds remain in Australia year round
Pale wing-stripe in flight
Images courtesy of Aaron Maizlish 2016 via FlickrCC
Pale eye-stripe
Similar species:
The Little Stint is very similar in size, shape and plumage; however, they have longer legs, a blunter rear end, and are dumpier. They also have a different call. The Little Stint is rarely encountered in Australia.
The Broad-billed Sandpiper is larger and has a longer, differently shaped bill.
Brown and grey-brown upperparts
Decurved bill and short legs are black
Black rump and tail
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
Welcome SwallowHirundo neoxena
When to look:August to March
Its forehead, throat, and upper breast are rust in colour
Images courtesy of Alan Collins
Eyes and bill are black
Similar species:
Barn Swallows have a dark blue to black breast-band across its throat, separating its red chin from white chest/underparts.
Other swallows lack the rust-coloured forehead and throat. The White-backed Swallow has a pale-grey head, and the Red-rumped Swallow has a red rump and streaked, chestnut underparts.
Swifts are larger with longer and more-curved wings.
Fairy or Tree Martin have shorter, squarer tails and white coloured rump.
A distinctive deeply forked tail
Light to dark grey on its breast and belly, grey legs and feet
A white band or row of spots on the long tail feathers
Metallic blue-black on top
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
White-cheeked HoneyeaterPhylidonyris nigra
When to look:April to November
Mainly black head with large white cheek patch
Images courtesy of John Anderson
Dark brown eyes
Similar species:
The New Holland Honeyeater is similar in size, shape and appearance, but can be distinguished by its white eye. Other different traits of the New Holland Honeyeater include a smaller white cheek patch and an eybrow starting from behind the eye (as opposed to the base of the beak).
Other black and white honeyeaters are smaller, including the Crescent, Tawny-crowned and White-fronted Honeyeaters.
Body is mainly black and white with large bright yellow tail and wing panels
Long downward- curved bill
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
BIRD field guide
White-faced HeronEgretta novaehollandiae
When to look:Throughout year; breeds October to December
Light blue-grey colour
Images courtesy of Marj K.
Similar species:
The White-necked Heron (Ardea pacifica) is a large heron with a white head and a long white neck with a double line of black spots running down the front. The Pied Heron (A. picata) is a similar slate-black heron with contrasting white throat and neck, but it is a much smaller (43 cm - 52 cm) bird, with a crested dark cap that extends below the eyes, yellow legs, and a bill that is mostly yellow.
Size: 60-70cm
White face and pointed grey bill
Low, bouncing flight
Dull yellow legs
© 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
Silver BanksiaBanksia marginata
When to look:
Flowers appear from Feb to July (Sept 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
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:Sept to Feb
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
MARINE field guide
Black NeriteNerita atramentosa
Where look:Mid to high shore, rock pools and crevices in WA, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC
When to look:Year-round
Image courtesy of Lydia Borg
Marine snail up to 3 cm. Black, round or globe-shaped shell. Older snails will sometimes have a white atch on the side of their shell
Similar species:
Black nerites are common on rocky shores and easily distinguished from most other marine snails by their black colour and rounded shape. Black nerites (Nerita atramentosa) can be mistaken with a similar species called the ribbed nerite (Nerita costata) which occurs in Queensland and southern NSW. The ribbed nerite has 12-15 ribs that swirl up to the flattened apex of the shell and a grey or green operculum (shell door or lid). The black nerite, is smooth shelled and has a black operculum (sometimes spotted orange).
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Blue BottlePhysalia utriculus
When to look:Warmer months (around summer)
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch user Natasha Marie and Nadiah Roslan 2016
Similar species:
By-the-Wind Sailor (Velella velella): its float is a flat, oval disc about 5 cm across with a narrow diagonal sail (not an air sac like the Blue Bottle) which allows it to sail at any angle.
Blue Button (Porpita porpita): its float is a flat circular disc up to 2.5 cm across. It doesn’t have a sail like the Blue Bottle.
Translucent blue, pear-shaped float with wrinkled top
Blue tentacles hang from the float
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Blue ButtonPorpita porpita
When to look:
Throughout the year, but particularly around summer
Image courtesy of Flickr user edenink 2016
Similar species:
Blue Bottle Jellyfish (Physalia utriculus): has an air sac for a float and long blue tentacles which can be up to 10 metres long (the Blue Button’s tentacles are short).
By-the-Wind Sailor (Velella velella): doesn’t have any tentacles fringing its disc and does have a sail sitting upright on its disc.
Blue, flat, circular disc (approx. 2.5 cm across)
Tiny blue tentacles surround the disc
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Blue PeriwinkleAustrolittorina unifasciata
Where look:High shore, rock pools and crevices in WA, NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, VIC
When to look:Year-roundSmall marine snail.
Light blue to grey in coloud. Size: up to 2 cm
Image courtesy of ClimateWatch user Louise Burberry
Smooth shell that spirals up to a light brown to reddish brown sharp tip (apex)
Similar species:
Australwinks or Blue Periwinkles are able to live high up on the shore, a feature which separates them from most other marine snails. Noddiwinks also live high up on the shore but they can be separated from Australwinks by their easily seen nodules or bumps on their shells. Blue periwinkles are smooth shelled and slightly smaller in size.
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Bull KelpDurvillea potatorum
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch user Arthur Chpman and Flickr user Kristina Hoeppner 2014
‘Holdfast’ - a disc shaped section attached to a leathery stalk
Where to look:
Open water viewed from rock platforms at low Washed ashore on beach-es NSW, SA, TAS, VIC
Similar species:
Durvillaea antarctica, the dominant species in shallow waters around Macquarie Island, may occasionally be found washed ashore in southern parts of Tasmania.
Very large brown seaweed. Smooth, thick and leathery in appearance
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
CunjevoiPyura stolonifera
Where to look:Open water and shallow water platforms at low tide Broken up pieces can often be found on beaches after storms, can be seen in QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, TAS
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch user Jarrod Williams and Flickr user Tim Keegan 2015
Similar species:
Cunjevoi are difficult to confuse with other animals, although their algae covered tunics often mean they can be camouflaged and coloured like the surrounding rocks and algae. They are soft to the touch and can be identified from their circular like structure. At low tide you can sometimes see them squirt water from their mouthparts.
Forms large colonies as a dense mat over rocks which are visible at low tide
Thick leathery outer layer often covered with brown or green algae
Cylindrical in shape with two openings called siphons
Size: max height is 30 cm
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Elephant SnailScutus antipodes
Where to look:
Mid to lower shore (mid to low tide). Rock pools, water filled crevices and under surfaces of rocks Can tolerate mid expo-sure, but prefer moist conditions
Image courtesy of ClimateWatch user G Edgar
Similar species:
The Elephant snail is easy
to identify because of its
large size and black colour.
Semi-rare solitary marine snail
Shell never covers the full length of their body
Black flesh with a small white, shield-like shell
Size: up to 15 cm
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Giant Rock BarnacleAustromegabalanus nigrescens
Where to look:Lower shore (low tide), rock surfaces in areas of high wave exposrure, can be found in WA, SA, TAS, NSW, QLD
Image courtesy of ClimateWatch user E Poloczanska
Similar species:
Barnacles can resemble limpets as
both are round, pyramid-shaped and
cream in colour. Barnacles can be
distinguished from limpets by their
shells, which are always made up of
multiple plates. Limpets always have
shells that consist of only one
singular plate. Limpets are also free
moving whereas barnacles are always
fixed to a hard surface. Giant rock
barnacles can be distinguished by
their size, as they are taller than
they are round and have similar
shape to a volcano. They can be
found singularly or in a group.
Six large plates with top to bottom (transverse) grooves
White to light green in colour
Circular or pyramid-like structures made from calcium carbonate
Size: 5 cm high, 3 cm diameter (largest type of barnacle)
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Humpback WhaleMegaptera novaeangliae
When to look:May - Oct (east & west coast) Year round (SA & VIC)
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch user Dave Donnelly
Similar species:
Southern right whales are similar
in size and shape but lack a dorsal
fin. They have a distinctive V
shaped blow and smaller square-
shaped fins and white bumps on
their heads called callosities.
Large, elongate pectoral fins
Large white patches on the belly
Dark on topProminent hook/knob dorsal fin
White on underside of tail
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Orca (Killer Whale)Orcinus orca
When to look:Throughout the year
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch user Dave Donnelly
Similar species:
Orcas are unmistakable, their large
size and distinctive features make
them easily identifiable.
Mostly black on top, white underneath
Distinct white oval patch behind the eye
Male: taller, triangular dorsal fin
Female and juvenile: smaller, more curved dorsal fin
Light grey saddle behind the dorsal fin
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Ribbed Top ShellAustrocochlea constricta
Where look:Mid to high shore, rock pools and crevices in WA, NSW, SA, TAS, VIC
When to look:Year-round5 or 6 distinctive
ridges spiralling up towards a sharp tip (apex)
Image courtesy of ClimateWatch user Kieth Davey
Medium sized marine snail up to 5 cm long. Grey or off-white in colour
Similar species:
The ribbed top shell can look similar to the Zebra top shells (Austrocochlea porcata), which can also have faint ribs wrapping around the shell. However the zebra top shells can be distinguished by their distinctive black and white striped pattern on their shells do not follow the ribs but cross them vertically.
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Southern Right WhaleEubalaena australis
When to look:May to November
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch users Rob Harcourt and D Donnelly
Similar species:
Humpback whales are similar in shape
and size but have a dorsal fin and a
distinctive bushy shaped blow. The tails
of humpback whales are coloured black
to gray on top and white underneath.
Humpbacks don’t have callosities.
Rounded head
V shaped blowhole
Generally black, with pale coloured callosities around the head
No dorsal fin
Typical logging behaviour close to shore
Spatula shaped flippers
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Spotted JellyPhyllorhiza punctata
Where to look:Warm temperate coastal and estuurine habitats Washed up on beaches after storm events Australia wide
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch user Dave Donnelly
Similar species:
The white spotted jelly
could be mistaken for the
moon jelly (Aurelia
aurita) or jelly blubber
(Catostylus mosaicus)
which are similar in size
and can also be white to
brown in colour. However,
the white spots on the
bell of the white spotted
jelly can be used to
distinguish this jelly from
all others.
Large jellyfish with a rounded and somewhat flattened bell shape (up to 60 cm)
Clear or possibly tinted brown with many small white spots
8 oral arms that have 14 flaps of tissue that become fused near their bases
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Surf BarnacleCatomerus polymerus
Where to look:Mid to lower shore (mid to low tide) and in areas of high wave exposure WA, NSW, SA, TAS, VIC
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch users Amber Burberry and E Poloczanska
Similar species:
Barnacles can resemble limpets as
both are round, pyramid-shaped and
cream in colour. Barnacles can be
distinguished from limpets by their
shells, which are always made up of
multiple plates. Limpets always
have shells that consist of only one
singular plate. Limpets are also free
moving whereas barnacles are always
fixed to a hard surface. Surf
barnacles have a distinctive scaly
appearance and are found in areas of
high wave exposure.
Hard circular or pyramid-like structures made from calcium carbonate
8 main side plates, surrounded by many smaller ones
Scaly appearance. Grey with a greenish tinge
Size: 2 cm height, 2 cm diameter
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Velvet Weed or dead man’s fingersCodium fragile
Where look:Low tide level and below, rock pools or reefs in WA, NSW, SA, TAS, VIC
When to look:Year-round
Image courtesy of ClimateWatch user Amber-Louise Burberry
Dark green seaweed with round or cylindrical branches that appear furry
Similar species:
There are several other similar Codium species resembling Codium fragile. Velvet weed can usually be distinguished from these buy having a dark green, rather than light green appearance, a tubular rather than flat cross section and furry appearance.
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Violet SnailJanthina janthina
Where to look:Open ocean dwellers. Can be washed up on beaches. Australia wide
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch user C Gillies
Similar species:
Violet snails are unique and are
unlikely to be confused with
any other shell, due to their
size, purple colour and thin
shell.
Purple shell that lightens in colour toward the top
Very light-weight shell
May have a raft of bubbles attached to it
Size: 5 cm
© Nadiah Roslan/Earthwatchclimatewatch.org.au
MARINE field guide
Waratah AnemoneActinia tenebrosa
Where to look:Mid to lower shore (mid to low tide). Rock pools, crevices and under sur-faces of rocks; can be seen in WA, SA, TAS, NSW, QLD
Images courtesy of ClimateWatch user Lydia Borg and A. Burberry
Similar species:
Two other types of anemones are
commonly found in intertidal areas,
the green anemone and the sand
anemone, both of which can live
together with the waratah
anemone. Green anemones are
bright green, olive or brown in
colour and also live on hard
surfaces. Sand anemones are clear
to light brown or green in colour
and often have horizontal bands on
their tentacles. Sand anemones live
only in sand (not on rock) and are
often covered in sand or grit.
Waratah anemones only live on rock
and their tentacles are always only
one colour.
Many long tentacles surrounding a central mouthpart
Always attached to a hard surface
Bright red, reddish-brown to dark purple in colour
Size: up to 8 cm
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