Australia’s Biggest Bird Count Returns

Australia’s Biggest Bird Count Returns

The country’s largest birdwatching event is back with Aussies encouraged to step outside and count the birds in their backyards, balconies, parks and schoolyards. Running from Monday 19 to Sunday 25 October, BirdLife Australia’s Aussie Bird Count is now in its 13th year and has become the country’s biggest and most loved citizen science events.

Last year, 64,000 Australians counted more than five million birds and this year, BirdLife Australia is again calling on people of all ages and experience levels to get outside and discover which birds are sharing their neighbourhood.

“You don’t need to know your rosellas from your wrens to take part, there is a specially designed app to help you along the way,” said BirdLife Australia’s Sean Dooley.

“The beauty of the Aussie Bird Count is its simplicity. Find a spot, spend 20 minutes watching the birds around you and record what you see.

The top three birds most commonly seen across Australia last year were:

1. Australian Magpie
2. Rainbow Lorikeet
3. Noisy Miner

“2025 was a record breaking year for participation in the Aussie Bird Count, which shows just how much Australians love the birds around them. We can’t wait to see what people discover this year and whether the Magpie can hold onto the top spot.”

How to take part

1. Pick a spot: your backyard, balcony, local park, schoolyard or anywhere you like.
2. Spend 20 minutes watching the birds around you.
3. Record your sightings using BirdLife Australia’s free Aussie Bird Count app.
4. Count as many times as you like throughout the week.

Visit the Aussie Bird Count webpage to get started.

The Count gives BirdLife Australia an annual national snapshot of the birds people are seeing around them which can highlight changes for scientists to investigate further or support existing understanding.

“Every bird counts, whether it’s a Magpie you see every morning, a flock of lorikeets flying overhead or a bird you’ve never noticed before,” Mr Dooley said.

“The Count is really about discovering your local birds, spending some time in nature and having fun. You can do it by yourself, with the kids, at school, at work or with your local community.”

“Right now, one in six Australian birds faces the threat of extinction, so paying attention to our birds, and feeling inspired to protect them, is more important than it ever has been,” Mr Dooley said.

“Birds bring us an enormous amount of joy, and taking 20 minutes to stop, look and listen can open your eyes to just how much birdlife is around us.”

Aussie Bird Count media enquiries via:
Ryan Van Haalen
0410 493 072
ryan@inthemediapr.com.au

James Johnson
0468 193 484
media@birdlife.org.au