Birds of the North Coast NSW: A Nature Lover’s Guide to Native Species
- Deb Carr
- 2 minutes ago
- 5 min read
The North Coast of New South Wales is one of Australia’s most diverse and naturally rich regions, stretching from the tranquil waterways of Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest through Forster, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Yamba and right up to the Northern Rivers. The combination of coastal dunes, wetlands, estuaries, rainforests and bushland creates the perfect environment for an extraordinary range of native birds.
Whether you’re exploring a national park, wandering through a seaside town, or enjoying a quiet moment on a riverbank, you’re almost guaranteed to witness some of the most iconic birds of the North Coast NSW.
This guide brings together the region’s most recognisable native birds, where to find them, and a few tips to help you enjoy your birdwatching adventures respectfully and responsibly.
Why the North Coast NSW Is a Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Few regions in Australia offer such a diverse habitat range in a comparatively small area. The North Coast supports:
sheltered estuaries like the Myall River
vast national parks including Booti Booti, Myall Lakes, Crowdy Bay, Arakwal, and Yuraygir
coastal heathlands and dune systems
paperbark wetlands and mangroves
subtropical rainforests further north
Because of this variety, the region is home to hundreds of native species — everything from tiny fairywrens to majestic sea eagles. For travellers, nature lovers, photographers and locals, birdlife is one of the great joys of living on or visiting the North Coast.
Coastal Birds of the North Coast NSW
If you spend time around Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest, Forster, Seal Rocks, Crescent Head, Yamba or anywhere along the beaches and headlands, you’ll see these coastal natives quite easily. They thrive around surf beaches, estuary mouths and rocky outcrops.
Australian Pelican
Large, unmistakable and often perched along wharves and jetties. The pelicans around Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest are particularly well known, floating gently on the Myall River or soaring overhead.
Pied Oystercatcher
A striking, long-legged shorebird with a bright red bill. Often seen probing sandflats for shellfish, especially around Hawks Nest and Forster Tuncurry estuaries.
4. Eastern Osprey
A powerful coastal raptor that builds enormous nests on poles and platforms. Ospreys are common along the NSW North Coast, especially around river mouths and lakes where fish are plentiful.
5. White-Bellied Sea Eagle
One of Australia’s most magnificent birds.These eagles glide along cliffs and beaches and can often be seen hunting over the Myall Lakes, Wallis Lake, and rivers throughout the region.
Wetland & River Birds of the North Coast NSW
The waterways of the region attract a rich collection of waterbirds, especially around Tea Gardens, Myall Lakes, and the Clarence, Camden Haven and Nambucca river systems.
1. Black Swan
Elegant and graceful, black swans are abundant in sheltered lakes and coastal lagoons. The video above was one I was privileged to witness Cygnets swimming with their parents in the Myall Lakes National Park.
2. Great Egret & Intermediate Egret
These tall, white, slender birds move silently through shallow water, hunting small fish and insects.
3. Royal Spoonbill
With its distinctive spoon-shaped bill, this bird is a favourite among photographers. Often found wading through wetlands and estuaries searching for food.
4. Pacific Black Duck
One of Australia’s most common native ducks, often gliding peacefully on local rivers and lakes.
5. Little Pied Cormorant & Little Black Cormorant
Excellent divers and highly social.You’ll find them sunning themselves on fallen logs or navigation posts.
Bushland Birds of the Mid North Coast NSW
Away from the coastline, the forests and bushland of the North Coast support some of Australia’s most beloved songbirds and colourful species.
1. Superb Fairywren
One of the most recognisable small birds — the bright blue males are striking during the breeding season.Common in Tea Gardens gardens, bush reserves and walking tracks. These little cuties are also found in other parts of NSW.
2. Eastern Rosella
With vivid red, yellow and green plumage, the Eastern Rosella is a true Australian icon. They love grassy clearings and woodland edges.
3. Rainbow Lorikeet
Loud, playful and full of personality. Often seen feeding on flowering gums and bottlebrush trees. When they congregate in the morning and evening, you almost need earplugs as these birds call out to each other.
4. Satin Bowerbird
A fascinating species known for its elaborate bower structures decorated with blue objects. They collect anything blue, and unfortunately including plastic from milk bottle lids. A fantastic find for any wildlife enthusiast.
5. Laughing Kookaburra
A familiar sight in backyards and bushland across the region.The sound of a kookaburra laughing at sunrise or sunset feels uniquely Australian. I took this close up photo of a Kookaburra on my back fence and this bird had attitude!
Rainforest & Hinterland Birds of the Northern Rivers
As you travel further north, the subtropical climate supports additional species that thrive in rainforest and mountain environments.
1. Green Catbird
Named for its cat-like call, this rainforest dweller is shy but striking.
2. Wompoo Fruit-Dove
Vibrantly coloured and beautifully patterned.A delight to spot in places like Nightcap National Park or Dorrigo National Park.
Best Birdwatching Spots on the NSW North Coast
If you’re keen to explore birdlife more intentionally, here are some standout locations:
Tea Gardens & Hawks Nest
Myall River
Winda Woppa Reserve
Jimmys Beach & Yacaaba Head
Singing Bridge and surrounding wetlands
A perfect mix of river, sandflats, dunes and bushland.
Forster & Wallis Lake
Great for pelicans, cormorants, spoonbills and sea eagles.
Myall Lakes National Park
A haven for both migratory and resident birds.Quiet lakes, paperbark forests and vast wetlands.
Crowdy Bay National Park
Coastal heath, forest and beaches — excellent for ospreys, honeyeaters and wrens.
Coffs Coast
A blend of rainforest and coastline, ideal for lorikeets, friarbirds, raptors, pigeons and migratory species.
Yuraygir National Park
One of the most ecologically diverse coastal regions of NSW.
Responsible Birdwatching Tips
The North Coast is precious and delicate. A few simple practices make a huge difference:
Keep a respectful distance from nesting birds.
Avoid feeding wildlife.
Stay on designated walking tracks, especially in dune and wetland areas.
Bring binoculars rather than approaching closely.
Use a zoom lens for photography to minimise disturbance.
Every small action helps protect the incredible diversity of birds that call the North Coast home.
A Region Alive With Birdsong
The native birds of the North Coast NSW are one of the region’s true treasures. Whether you’re watching pelicans glide down the Myall River, spotting a fairywren in the tea-tree scrub, or listening to kookaburras echo through a forest, the birdlife here is deeply woven into the identity of the place.
For locals, it’s something we’re privileged to wake up to. For travellers, it’s often one of the most memorable parts of visiting the North Coast.
This region is alive — and its birdlife is a reminder of how connected nature, people and place really are. Come and visit us here on the NSW North Coast.