Monday, 25 May 2026
The results of the Aussie Bird Count are in with a record breaking 5 million birds counted during the week-long national bird counting frenzy held in October last year. 64,000 Australians took part in the Count in the 12th year running of what has arguably become Australia’s most popular citizen science event.
The Australian Magpie swooped into top spot as the bird Australia sees the most. One in every two surveys completed in 2025 included a sighting of the iconic black-and-white bird, highlighting its ubiquitous presence in Australian life.
The Rainbow Lorikeet claimed second position on the list of our most commonly spotted species, ahead of the native Noisy Miner, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, and the Magpie-lark. As in previous years, the Rainbow Lorikeet was the most abundant bird counted across Australia due to regular sightings of colourful flocks.
“Because rainbow lorikeets are more social, hanging out in flocks, when we see them, we see more of them.” said BirdLife Australia’s National Public Affairs advisor (and chief bird-nerd) Sean Dooley. “But the magpie is the bird we encounter most often. Every second person who did the Count last year added a magpie to their list.”
Want to learn more about the birds that topped the Aussie Bird Count?
The iconic Australian Magpie is a medium-sized black-and-white bird. Widespread in Australia from backyards to open forests, magpies are best known for their warbling song.
The Rainbow Lorikeet is unmistakable with its bright red beak and colourful plumage. Rainbow Lorikeets are often seen in loud and fast-moving flocks, or in communal roosts at dusk.
The Noisy Miner is a bold and curious honeyeater, and its name is well suited as the common calls are uttered repeatedly by the members of the colony.
If you’d like to explore the full results, including state and territory breakdowns and Australia’s top 10 birds, visit the 2025 Aussie Bird Count results page.
BirdLife Australia Media Enquiries Please contact James Johnson on 0423 659 324 or at media@birdlife.org.au
Get to know the birds you’re likely to see during the Aussie Bird Count
Now in its thirteenth year, the Aussie Bird Count is Australia’s biggest annual citizen science event.
The iconic Australian Magpie is a medium-sized black-and-white bird. Widespread in Australia from backyards to open forests.
Subscribe for the latest conservation news, upcoming events, opportunities, and special offers.
