Red Centre Region

Birdwatching in centre of Australia

The Red Centre is an excellent birding location in the heart of Australia’s outback around the modern town of Alice Springs. The landscape is an amazing mix of desert plains, sparsely vegetated sand dunes, rocky outcrops, gorges and the iconic rock formations of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuṯa (The Olgas). The cooler months are best suited for a visit (April-September). Many desert species (including Budgerigar) are nomadic and will turn up when there has been good rainfall. Most birding sites are within driving distance from Alice Springs.

Birdlife in centre of Australia

Dusky and Sandhill Grasswren are the two local endemics, while other good species to look for are Spinifex Pigeon, Pied and Black Honeyeater, Crimson and Orange Chat, Spinifexbird, Rufous-crowned Emu-wren, Western Bowerbird and Painted Finch.

The mulga woodland is home to Bourke’s Parrot, Slaty-backed Thornbill and the elusive Grey Honeyeater. Eyrean and Sandhill Grasswren, Banded Whiteface, Gibberbird and Cinnamon Quail-thrush can be found in the desert plains and dunes.