Birds of Sydney Olympic Park

Birdlife abounds at Sydney Olympic Park - over 180 native bird species have been identified within the area since 1996. New species are being recorded each year as new landscapes gradually increase in habitat value. The colourful Superb Fairy-wren is one of the most visible birds across Sydney Olympic Park, but waterbirds, parrots, honeyeaters and birds of prey are also readily seen.   

Hollows formed in mature Scribbly Gums within Newington Nature Reserve provide a regionally important nesting and feeding area for parrots such as Rainbow Lorrikeets, Eastern Rosellas and the locally rare Red-rumped Parrots. 

Download a bird species list for Sydney Olympic Park (309kb PDF)

 Four species / groups of species are identified as 'priority species' for conservation at Sydney Olympic Park, and are the focus of targeted management and monitoring programs.  These are:

• White-fronted Chat
• Migratory Shorebirds
• Latham's Snipe
• Bush Birds 

Birdwatching

Particularly good vantage points for birdwatchers are:

• the Waterbird Refuge and Lake Belvedere within Bicentennial Park 
• Northern Water Feature at the end of Olympic Boulevard
• Narawang Wetland
• Woo-la-ra, with commanding views of Newington Nature Reserve.

Monitoring Birds

Bird populations are regularly monitored across the Park. The monitoring program improves the understanding of ecological values post-development, and is an important tool for ongoing operational management of the site. It provides information for interpretive and educational programs, community information, and environmental reporting. 

Objectives of this program are to provide:

• information to assist the conservation of native birds and their habitat within Sydney Olympic Park
• information to assist Sydney Olympic Park Authority to meet obligations for bird conservation under international agreements, State and National legislation, and the Authority's corporate environmental commitments
• ongoing regular audits of the birds as part of the long-term monitoring plan for birds
• information to guide management of birds and bird habitat
• opportunities for community involvement in ecology programs
• information for interpretive programs.

The core of the monitoring program is annual spring survey of 48 sites around the Park conducted by volunteers from the Cumberland Bird Observers Club. These surveys are supplemented by specialist studies of particular habitats or bird families.

More information

See Environment Reports for more information about bird monitoring and habitat management at Sydney Olympic Park.

The Birds Australia Discovery Centre is located at Sydney Olympic Park and provides information and training programs about birds.

For more information about birds and identifying bird species, visit Birds in Backyards