A total of 213 bird species, represented in 49 families, have
been recorded at the Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia. The
species list comprises: - 72 typical wetland species, including
67 waterbirds and 9 migratory waders - 17 raptors - 6 pigeons
and doves - 13 species of parrots and cockatoos - 8 cuckoos - 16
honeyeaters. In deeper ponds, areas of open water are suitable
for waterfowl such as teal, magpie geese, swans and many duck
species. The freshwater swamp forest is utilised as a heronry by
2000 breeding pairs of 4 egret species. This forest is also an
evening roost for approximately 4000-16,500 Australian White
Ibis and Straw-necked Ibis. During local droughts, the drop in
water level exposes mudflats and shallow margins which provide
foraging areas for migratory shorebirds. During inland drought
episodes, the Hunter Wetlands Centre acts as an important
strategic refuge for a range of bird species including Freckled
and Wandering Whistling Ducks. Many species recorded at
Kooragang NR have also been rec