Where to Watch Birds in the Top End

Important Bird Areas and Ramsar sites in the NT

Northern Territory Important Bird Area map (photo copyright Birdlife Australia)

The Northern Territory has two Ramsar Wetland sites and 31 Important Bird Areas (IBAs). Many large NT IBAs are designated for waterbirds; the Arnhem Plateau IBA has been designated for endemic species and several large IBAs have been identified for the Red Goshawk and Gouldian Finch. A small number of inland wetlands and seabird islands have been designated in the NT. Below is information on the NT IBAs and some that adjoin NT borders.
Click here for more information.

Adelaide & Mary River Floodplains

The floodplains support huge numbers of waterbirds, including more than 1% of the world populations of Magpie Goose (up to 800,000), Wandering Whistling-Duck, Pied Heron, Little Curlew, Eastern Curlew, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-necked Avocet. There are also large breeding colonies of over 30,000 mixed waterbirds, a significant population of Bush Stone-curlew and 11 restricted-range or savanna-biome-restricted species.
Management considerations - Actions to mitigate the impact of rising sea-levels need to be considered: these floodplains have suffered more than anywhere in Australia from saltwater inundation. Invasion by alien plants and ungulates needs to be controlled. 

Alligator Rivers Floodplains

The extensive floodplains were well surveyed in 1981-1984; extrapolating these maximum estimates to the whole IBA suggest that it supported five million waterbirds, including more than 1% of the world population of 22 species, and significant numbers of three near threatened species, and another 11 restricted-range or savanna-biome-restricted species.
Management considerations - The National Park has a comprehensive management plan but effective control of invasive alien species, notably Mimosa pigra, requires additional funding. The adjacent floodplains outside the National Park should be managed in the same way, as these are contiguous for both birds and invasive alien species. 

Anson Bay, Daly & Reynolds River Floodplains

The floodplains of the Daly and Reynolds Rivers support internationally significant numbers of Magpie Geese, Wandering Whistling-Ducks, Pied Herons and probably other waterbirds including Intermediate Egrets. The IBA also includes the adjacent mudflats of Anson Bay which supports up to 27,000 waders probably including more than 1% of the world's Great Knots. The IBA also supports the near-threatened Bush Stone-curlew and six restricted-range or savanna biome-restricted species.
Management considerations - More research and monitoring is needed to assess the threats to the site, but the most likely threats are invasion by alien plants (although this IBA has been reported as relatively weed-free) and inundation from rising sea-levels. 

Arafura Swamp

Two surveys in relatively wet years have both counted over 300,000 birds, of which over half were Magpie Geese and unidentified egrets. Other waterbirds present in internationally significant numbers include Black-necked Stork, Brolga, Glossy, Australian White and Straw-necked Ibis, Radjah Shelduck, Pied Heron, Royal Spoonbill, and Grey-tailed Tattler and Great Knot on the adjacent stretch of Castlereagh Bay. The IBA also supports the near threatened Australian Bustard.
Management considerations - The cattle at the north of the swamp must be fenced away from the fragile banks and waterways separating the tidal and freshwater sections. Community ranger weed management programs should be supported to continue and strengthen their quarantine, awareness and surveillance activities whilst maintaining their control of Mimosa pigra and other weeds. 

Arnhem Plateau

The IBA supports the entire global population of the vulnerable White-throated Grasswren, and most of the global population of the White-lined Honeyeater (if treated as separate from Kimberley Honeyeater), Chestnut-quilled Rock-Pigeon and subspecies of Banded Fruit-Dove and Helmeted Friarbird. It also supports one near threatened, one other restricted-range and 10 biome-restricted species.
Management considerations - Fires should be kept to a minimum frequency of once every five years. Local land-owners need to be empowered to better manage the land for biodiversity conservation. 

Blue Mud Bay

The seasonally flooded coastal plains of Blue Mud Bay support more than 1% of the world's Magpie Geese, Wandering Whistling-Duck and Brolga.
Management considerations - More research is needed to identify threats and management actions but the area is likely to be susceptible to the impacts of sea-level rise and invasive alien weeds. 

Buckingham Bay

The intertidal mudflats of Buckingham Bay support significant numbers of Eastern Curlew, and >20,000 mixed waterbirds. The coastal floodplains also support large numbers of waterbirds including more than 1% of the world's nesting Pied Herons.
Management considerations - More research is needed to identify threats and management actions but the area is likely to be susceptible to the impacts of sea-level rise. 

Cadell & Blyth Floodplains

These floodplains have supported more than 1% of the world population of Pied Heron, Brolga and Great Knot. The large numbers of shorebirds recorded at Boucaut Bay include more than 1% of the world population of Great Knot and Pied Oystercatcher.
Management considerations - Further research is needed to assess the threats to the site and the recommended management actions but these are likely to include actions to minimise the spread of alien invasive species, such as Hymenachne, and to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rises.

Fog Bay & Finniss River Floodplains

The floodplain of the Finniss River supports more than 1% of the world's Magpie Geese and Pied Herons. The adjacent intertidal mud of Fog Bay support more than 1% of the world's Great Knot and Grey-tailed Tattler, amongst the maximum of 35,000 shorebirds recorded.
Management considerations - More research and monitoring is needed to assess the threats to the site, but the most likely threats are invasion by alien plants (although this IBA is currently reported to be relatively weed-free) and inundation from rising sea-levels.

Gregory National Park

Gregory NP supports a large proportion of the eastern subspecies of the restricted-range White-quilled Rock-Pigeon, small numbers of the endangered Gouldian Finch and populations of the restricted-range Chestnut-backed Buttonquail, Partridge Pigeon and Yellow-rumped Mannikin and two more near-threatened species and 12 more savanna-biome-restricted species.
Management considerations - Ensure appropriate fire management. Investigate extent and impact of invasive alien weeds. Work with adjacent land-owners to promote conservation of Purple-crowned Fairy-wren habitat along Victoria River.

Haul Round Island

Haul Round Island is a fairly large sand island which supports one of the largest seabird colonies in the Northern Territory, including globally significant numbers of Roseate Terns. The IBA also includes a small island to the south-west which regularly supports hundreds of pairs of Roseate Terns.
Management considerations - Investigate whether the egg harvest is sustainable. Investigate the level of natural predation on tern eggs and chicks.

Higginson Island

Higginson Island off the Arnhemland coast supports internationally important numbers of Bridled and Roseate Terns. The IBA also includes neighbouring islands to the west and south where the Roseate Tern colony appears to re-locate on some years, and large numbers of Bridled Terns regularly nest.
Management considerations - No known threats. The numbers of nesting seabirds should be monitored.

Hyland Bay & Moyle Floodplain

This IBA is centred on the coastal floodplains which support up to 500,000 Magpie Geese and more than 1% of the world's Pied Herons. The IBA also includes Hyland Bay from which there are large counts of shorebirds, which are believed to include internationally significant numbers of Great Knots. Management considerations - More research and monitoring is needed to assess the threats to the site, but the most likely threats are invasion by alien plants including Mimosa pigra and inundation from rising sea-levels.

Islet off NE Grooyte Eylandt

This small unnamed island supports more than 1% of the world's Roseate Terns. Little is known about the site but it is not believed to be under threat. Management considerations - No known threats. The numbers of nesting seabirds should be monitored.

Kakadu Savanna

The savanna section of Kakadu National Park supports populations of the endangered Gouldian Finch, vulnerable Red Goshawk, near threatened Chestnut-backed Button-quail and Partridge Pigeon, restricted-range Hooded Parrot and Rainbow Pitta, and another 12 species restricted to the Australian tropical savannas biome. Management considerations - The current Kakadu National Park Plan of Management should include specific actions for the threatened species and declining restricted-range species. The impacts of frequency and timing of fires must be better researched and management adjusted accordingly (see e.g. Fraser et al. 2003).

Keep River

The IBA supports a significant population of the endangered Gouldian Finch as well as populations of four near threatened, one restricted-range and 10 biome-restricted species. Management considerations - The frequency and timing of fires must be continually managed. Continue to support conservation management on Newry Station.

Lake Argyle

Lake Sylvester System

The IBA has supported small breeding colonies of the near threatened Letter-winged Kite and more than 1% of the global populations of the congregatory Plumed Whistling-Duck, Grey Teal, Hardhead, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Pelican, Straw-necked Ibis, Eurasion Coot, Oriental Plover, Gull-billed Tern and Flock Bronzewing. The IBA also provides habitat for the near threatened Australian Bustard. The IBA is an ephemeral wetland system, and holds significant numbers of waterbirds only when inundated. When fully inundated, the IBA may support 500,000 to 1,000,000 waterbirds
Management considerations - Develop a wetlands management strategy with landholders to identify additional stock exclusion areas and appropriate management of wetlands to maintain conservation values (NRETA 2005). This strategy could include protocols to monitor for Parkinsonia aculeata re-infestation, prevent major wildfires and regulate boating activity to minimise disturbance of waterbirds. In cooperation with landholders, assess the benefits of possible nomination of the system as a Ramsar site (NRETA 2005). Monitor and maintain fish stocks in waterways which feed the lake system.

Lake Woods

The IBA has supported more than 1% of the global population of Plumed Whistling-Duck. It also provides habitat for the near threatened Australian Bustard and the biome-restricted Yellow-tinted Honeyeater. It has supported up to 116,000 waterbirds when conditions are suitable (i.e. when the lake is inundated), but no other waterbird species has been recorded in numbers that reach IBA thresholds.
Management considerations - Review Longreach Waterhole management agreement to assess conservation values and contribution to reserve network. Identify possible alternative reserves where appropriate. Work in partnership with landholder to continue weed control through the Barkly Landcare and Conservation Association. In conjunction with the Northern Land Council, investigate interest, or not, of the local Aboriginal community in undertaking land management activities in the reserve including possibly establishing a community based ranger group. In the context of review of the management agreement, investigate opportunities to upgrade facilities and access at Lake Woods and Longreach Waterhole in conjuction with the landholder, Elliot Town Council, and the Northern Territory Tourist Commission (NRETA 2005). Manage livestock to minimise the impact of grazing and trampling and initiate and support research projects that assess the impact of grazing on wetland vegetation. Maintain fencing to exclude livestock from Longreach Waterhole Protected Area. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the incidence of Parkinsonia aculeata and implement a management strategy to eradicate or reduce it or prevent further spread. Maintain fish stocks in Newcastle Creek and Longreach and Newcastle Waterholes. Monitor human disturbance of waterbirds and their habitat and regulate boating activity to minimise disturbance of waterbird breeding colonies. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of threats at the site.

Legune (Joseph Bonaparte Bay)

Although there are few data and the main colony has only been counted once, these floodplains are believed to support more than 1% of the world population of Pied Heron. More than 40,000 mixed waterbirds have been recorded, mostly Wandering Whistling-Ducks and various egrets and herons.
Management considerations - More research and monitoring is needed as assess the threats to the site. Fortunately, the main waterbird colony is very inaccessible in the wet season.

Limmen Bight

The intertidal mudflats of Limmen Bight support more than 1% of the world's Grey-tailed Tattler and Great Knot. The coastal saline flats support more than 1% of the world's Black-winged Stilt.
Management considerations - More research is needed to identify threats and management actions but the area is likely to be susceptible to the impacts of sea-level rise and the impact of invasive alien plants e.g. Hymenachne.

Milingimbi Islands

These mudflats support more than 1% of the world population of Grey-tailed Tattler and Pied Oystercatcher, and large numbers of other shorebirds.
Management considerations - More research is needed to identify threats and management actions but the area is likely to be susceptible to the impacts of sea-level rise.

Ord Irrigation Area

The IBA supports the largest recorded numbers of the near-threatened Star Finch and restricted-range Yellow-rumped Mannikin. The IBA also supports smaller number of the near threatened Australian Bustard and Bush Stone-curlew, five biome-restricted species, and sometimes more than 1% of the population of the Australian Pratincole.
Management considerations - Rank grass should be maintained and allowed to seed. Dense grasses and reeds should be maintained along water channels where practicable.

Pearce, Urquhart & Hervey Islands (Sir Edward Pellew Group)

The IBA of three adjacent islands supports more than 1% of the world population of Crested and Roseate Terns. Further surveys may indicate that other nearby islands may also be important.
Management considerations - No known threats. The numbers of nesting seabirds should be monitored.

Port McArthur Tidal Wetlands System

These intertidal mudflats have supported more than 1% of the world population of Grey-tailed Tattler, Eastern Curlew and Great Knot, as well as moderate numbers of the near threatened Asian Dowitcher. However, the area is poorly surveyed and the regularity of these numbers is unknown.
Management considerations - Further research is needed to assess the threats to the site and the recommended management actions, but these are likely to include actions to mitigate the impacts of sea-level rises.

Sandy Island & Low Rock (Gulf of Carpentaria)

These two adjacent islands support more than 1% of the world population of Roseate Terns, and large numbers of nesting Crested Terns.
Management considerations - No known threats. The numbers of nesting seabirds should be monitored.

Seagull Island (Tiwi Islands)

Seagull Island supports the largest colony of Crested Terns in the world.
Management considerations - Support the monitoring of the egg harvest and occasional counts of the colony. Ensure that exotic weeds do not colonise the island. Investigate the level of natural predation on tern eggs and chicks.

Shoal Bay (Darwin)

The IBA includes high-tide roosts and low-tide feeding areas for more than 1% of the world's Great Knots.
Management considerations - Any large-scale infrastructure development should be planned to avoid impacting the intertidal mudflats. Human disturbance needs to be controlled along the beach.

Simpson Desert

This IBA supports a large population of the restricted-range Eyrean Grasswren, small numbers of the endangered Plains-wanderer, relatively good numbers of the near threatened Grey Falcon and Australian Bustard, and the arid-biome-restricted Inland Dotterel, Banded Whiteface, Grey-headed Honeyeater, Grey Honeyeater, Black Honeyeater, Pied Honeyeater, Gibberbird, Chirruping Wedgebill, Chiming Wedgebill, Cinnamon Quail-thrush and Painted Finch.
Management considerations - Investigate the impact of cats and feral ungulates on birds and habitats.

Tarrabool Lake-Eva Downs Swamp System

The IBA is an ephemeral wetland system that is estimated to have supported more than 200,000 waterbirds when extensively inundated. The system has periodically supported more than 1% of the global populations of Australian Pelican and Straw-necked Ibis. The inland breeding colonies of Australian Pelican and Straw-necked Ibis observed in the IBA are among the largest recorded for tropical Australia. Management considerations - Undertake development of a wetlands management strategy with landholders to identify additional stock exclusion areas and appropriate management of wetlands to maintain conservation values (NRETA 2005). Such a strategy should include prescriptions for fire management and to minimise the impact of livestock on natural values. Develop a conservation agreement and concept plan with landholders to include the wetlands in the reserve system. In cooperation with landholders, research the value of the wetlands for potential nomination as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention (NRETA 2005).

Three Hummocks Island

The Three Hummocks Islands are a group of small granite islands with very large numbers of Bridled Terns nesting on the four largest islands. Smaller numbers of Roseate Terns have also been recorded nesting on adjacent islands.
Management considerations - No known threats. The numbers of nesting seabirds should be monitored.

Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands support exceptionally high densities of the vulnerable Red Goshawk and near threatened Partridge Pigeon and Bush Stone-curlew. They also support populations of three restricted-range species, nine tropical savanna-restricted species, and many migratory shorebirds including more than 1% of the world's Great Knots.
Management considerations - Adaptively manage forestry operations to ensure viable populations of key species are maintained on the Tiwi Islands. Implement appropriate fire regimes for key species such as Partridge Pigeon.

Wollogorang

The IBA contains the only extant population of the restricted-range Carpentarian Grasswren in the Northern Territory; all other populations are considerably further east in Queensland. Small numbers of the endangered Gouldian Finch also occur.
Management considerations - Manage fire to maintain patches of mature spinifex around documented and suspected grasswren sites. Where possible, fire management should be extended into adjacent areas which were formerly suitable for grasswrens. Investigate options for inclusion of significant areas of Wollogorang in the reserve system by agreement with landholder.

Yinberrie Hills

The hills support populations of the endangered Gouldian Finch, the near threatened Chestnut-backed Button-quail, the restricted-range Hooded Parrot, and another seven species restricted to the Australian tropical savannas biome.
Management considerations - The frequency and timing of fires must be continually managed. Review current conservation programmes and develop formal conservation agreement with landholders. Review possible inclusion of significant areas in Nitmiluk National Park.

Ramsar Wetlands

Ramsar Wetlands are internationally important wetlands designated as representative, rare or unique wetlands, or are important for conserving biological diversity, at a historic convention in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. Click here for more information on the Ramsar Convention. Australia currently has 65* Ramsar wetlands that cover more than 8.3 million hectares. The first two are in the Northern Territory - Coburg Peninsular and Kakadu National Park. 

Kakadu World Heritage is associated with three important international conservation treaties. These are:- 

• • Ramsar
  • CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild flora and fauna (CITES effects strict controls on any products from protected species)
  • Tri-national Wetlands Initiative - Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea