Cape York Birdwatching - Iron Range National Park

Eclectus Parrot

The Iron Range National Park is Australia’s largest remnant lowland rainforest and a refuge to some unusual wildlife species only found here and Papua New Guinea.

The Iron Range area is home to the Eclectus Parrot, Palm Cockatoo, Red-cheeked Parrot, Chestnut-breasted Cuckoo, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Red-bellied Pitta, Northern Scrub-robin, Black-winged and Frilled Monarch, Tropical Scrubwren, Tawny-breasted, Green-backed and White-streaked Honeyeater, Fawn-breasted Bowerbird, Magnificent Riflebird and the Trumpet Manacode. In addition many northern specialities including Cassowary, Buff-breasted Buttonquail, Rufous Owl, Marbled and Papuan Frogmouth and the Red-headed Honeyeater.

White-lipped tree frog and green python
Photo courtesy of John Pritchard.

Some other interesting wildlife species include the Green Python, Spotted and Common Cuscus, Tree Frogs and Monitor Lizards.

At dusk marvel at the thousands of Metallic Starlings (summer breeding migrant) that swirl through the air before they roost on the rocks just off Chili beach (October – March/April).

Wake up in my cottage at dawn to the sound of birdsong. The garden is frequented by Sunbirds, Warblers, Oriels, Red-browed Finches, Double-eyed Fig Parrots, Paradise Kingfishers, Kookaburras and in the wet season the Noisy Pitta (to name but a few).

From the verandah I have also observed Egrets, Darters, Torresian Pigeons, Bee-eaters, Monarchs, Frigatebirds and Sea Eagles.

Ben Blewitt — (front right)

If you would like your own naturalist/birding guide for the Cairns, Wet Tropics, Cape York/Iron Range National Park region please contact Ben Blewitt of Cassowary Tours by telephoning 07 4034 1202 or mobile 0414 343 209.

View a partial bird list of Iron Range National Park and surrounds.

I have found these birdwatching accommodation and tours well worth a visit while in this region.