Australian Pelican, Adelaide Zoo

I enjoy visiting the Adelaide Zoo on a regular basis. Not only does the zoo have a good selection of animals and reptiles, all kept in animal friendly and appropriate enclosures, but it also boasts an excellent collection of birds. Birding is one of my passions and you can read more about our birds on my blog called Trevor’s Birding.

On this post I feature only 4 of the species represented at the zoo; there are many more in the numerous aviaries. Some of the aviaries are walk-through, giving excellent close-up views of the birds.

The Australian Pelican shown above is a common water bird seen throughout Australia where there is suitable habitat. It is one of our most easily recognised birds and has featured in many books, documentaries and even feature films (Storm Boy).

Australian Bustard, Adelaide Zoo

Shown above, Australian Bustards (or wild turkey) are turkey sized birds of the inland regions of our country. Before land clearing for farming this species was far more widespread.

Below is a photo of the beautiful Princess Parrot, another bird of the arid inland regions. It is commonly kept in aviaries but is not often seen in its natural environment due to the remoteness of its preferred habitat. Another bird of the interior regions is the Flock Bronze-wing Pigeon, shown in the last photo.

Princess Parrot, Adelaide Zoo

Flock Bronzewing Pigeon, Adelaide Zoo