An organisation as large and active as Birds Australia always generates lots of interest from curious members of the public. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently-asked questions.
 What does Birds Australia do?
As Australia's oldest national bird conservation organisation, Birds Australia is dedicated to the study, conservation and enjoyment of native birds and their habitats. We have many different projects specifically designed to study the ecology and requirements of different birds (especially threatened species) and monitor their populations. It is only by knowing what the birds need to survive that we can effectively take action to ensure their survival. In addition, our many regional groups regularly conduct various birding activities for the enjoyment of all. We also operate several Bird Observatories and Reserves, strategically placed in important areas, where you can see many different species in their natural habitats and learn about many aspects of birds and birdwatching.
Where does Birds Australia's funding come from?
Our funding comes from a variety of sources. The day-to-day running of Birds Australia's offices is funded mainly from membership fees, while specific research and conservation projects are funded variously by charitable trusts and foundations, private donations, corporate sponsorship and partnerships, and government funding.
How many birds are there in Australia?
The most recently published list of birds that have been recorded in Australia shows that there have been 867 species recorded so far. This list, however, is slowly growing as birdwatchers increasingly head out into more and more remote areas and discover new birds. Some areas, such as Christmas Island and Ashmore Reef, both closer to Indonesia than mainland Australia, are places where new birds regularly turn up, usually having flown across the sea from Asia, but birds that are new to the Australian list can turn up almost anywhere, even close to our major cities.
 How can I stop being swooped by Magpies?
Firstly it is important to remember that Magpies are native wildlife, so it is illegal to harm them. It is also important to remember that they only swoop at people for two or three weeks during the nesting season. This is mainly during the period when the young birds have just left the nest and are being protected by their parents.
Many people find that being swooped by a Magpie is a traumatic experience. The simple and best solution is to avoid the area for a few weeks. If this is impracticable, the best defence is to wear a hat with images of eyes on the back of it; as Magpies usually only attack from behind, the eyes will make the bird think you are looking at it and will not swoop. Another method is to hold a stick above your head, and the Magpie will not harm you. Cyclists may attach stiff plastic strips to their helmets (so they project about 10-15 cm above the helmet), and this will have the same effect. If you have tried all of these suggestions and they have not worked for you, and the swooping Magpies constitute a genuine public nuisance, your local state conservation department may be able to assist you, though this is at the discretion of individual wildlife officers. Remember, it is illegal to harm Magpies.
How do I get rid of Common (Indian) Mynas?
Common Mynas are introduced to Australia in the 19th century, and have become one of the most invasive species in the country. They take over nesting hollows that are usually occupied by native birds and mammals, sometimes violently evicting the native occupants. When they breed in buildings their nests often pose fire hazards or block guttering, and they pose a direct threat of disease.
The best way to get rid of Common Mynas is to deprive them of their feeding and nesting requirements. For example, if your pet hasn't finished its food, don't leave the bowl out for the Mynas to finish it off for them. Left-over pet food is a common source of nourishment for these pests. To stop Mynas nesting around your house, block off all possible points of entry to the roof. If they attempt to nest in nesting boxes intended for native species, redesign the entrance hollow to block off direct access, as Mynas will only fly directly to the hole, while parrots are happy to climb up to the hole to enter it. If they try to nest in your garage or shed, you must persist in removing the nest material, sometimes three or four times each day. After a week the Mynas will have given up. Persistence pays off. You may also like to trap individual birds, but you must ensure that they are treated humanely. The Canberra Indian Myna Action Group has many hints on how to do this. You can also download a pest alert sheet to easily identify this bird.
 I have found an injured bird. What should I do?
Keep the bird quiet, still and warm. The best thing is to:
- Remove any threat to the bird (lock up your cat or dog)
- Wrap it in a towel or blanket and gently place it into a secure and well-ventilated box, and keep it in a warm, dark room
- Make sure not to disturb it, and definitely do not attempt to feed it
- Contact your nearest Wildlife Rescue representative, who will take the injured bird and care for it
Contact details are:
- ACT: 02 6299 1966
- New South Wales: 1300 094 737
- Northern Territory: 08 8988 6121
- Queensland: 07 5527 2444
- South Australia: 08 8556 5464
- Tasmania: 03 6233 6556
- Victoria: 1300 223 427
- Western Australia: 08 9334 0333
or visit the Wildlife Rescue Australia website.
How do I recognise birds that are not native to Australia?
The WA Department of Agriculture and Food has produced three National Animal Pest Alerts to raise public awareness about the potential risk of new invasive species establishing populations in Australa and becoming pests. The alerts cover the Indian Ringneck, House Crow and Common Myna. The brochures are intended to educate the public about the risks these emerging pests pose to agriculture, the environment and social values. Thy aim to increase community awareness and vigilance, because there is a great reliance on the public to report pest species. They also encourage responsible keping of non-native birds with significant pest potential. Sightings of unusual birds or animals should be reported to the neares relevant government department or wildlife authority on Freecall 1800 084 881. View and download the pest alerts below:
Common Myna Pest Alert
House Crow Pest Alert
Indian Ringneck Pest Alert
I want to buy a canary, finch or parrot to keep as a pet. Where should I go?
As the primary interest of Birds Australia is wild, native birds, we do not deal with issues or questions relating to cage birds. You should contact the Avicultural Society of Australia on +61 3 5787 1292 for information on all your avicultural needs.
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