Birds

Birdlife abounds in the diverse habitats of Sydney Olympic Park - over 180 bird species have been identified in the Park since 1996, including migratory, nomadic and resident species. New species are being recorded each year as constructed 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.

Download a bird species list for Sydney Olympic Park

Four bird species/groups are identified as priorities 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

For more information about birds and their habitat requirements, visit Birds in Backyards

Birdwatching

The best places at the Park for birdwatching are:

• The Waterbird Refuge (Bicentennial Park), a 4-hectare estuarine wetland featuring a bird hide and other vantage points from which large numbers of ducks and waders can be readily seen, including migratory species such as the Bar-tailed Godwit and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.
• The Northern Water Feature (northern end of Olympic Boulevard), a freshwater wetland inhabited by resident waterbirds such as the Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Black Swan, and Australasian Grebe. A walkway that extends over the wetland provides good viewing opportunities of these and other species. Look out for nests and chicks, particularly in spring and summer.
• The Eastern Water Quality Control Pond (Wentworth Common), another freshwater wetland frequented by ducks and other waterbirds. The reeds fringing the wetland provide habitat for the Australian Reed Warbler, Little Grassbird, and the secretive Baillon’s Crake and Buff-banded Rail. There is a hide and other good vantage points to view these birds.
• Throughout the Park, shrubby areas provide habitat for small bush birds. Look out for species such as the Superb Fairy-wren, Double-barred Finch, Spotted Pardalote, Grey Fantail and Brown Honeyeater. Birds of prey like the Black-shouldered Kite and Nankeen Kestrel can often be seen hunting over open, grassy areas, and the River Walk (along the Parramatta River) is a good place to spot White-bellied Sea-Eagles.

Monitoring Birds

The Park’s bird populations are monitored through an annual spring census of 49 survey sites around the Park, conducted over eight weeks by volunteers from the Cumberland Bird Observers Club. These surveys are supplemented by specialist studies of particular habitats or bird species/groups at other times of the year and incidental sightings by park staff.

Survey data is used to guide habitat management and monitor long-term trends in species diversity and abundance. Data is provided to the NSW Wildlife Atlas, for inclusion in this State-wide database.