Angus, G. (2021). 100 Australian birds. Hardie Grant Explore.
This is a newly published beginners guide to bird watching, which includes lovely full colour illustrations of 100 different kinds of Australian birds. It is carefully tailored to guide novice birdwatchers anywhere in Australia, and reveals insights into the key species, including distribution maps, identification methods, and includes important contributions from First Nations people about the cultural significance of certain birds.
Menkhorst, P. (2019). The Australian bird guide. CSIRO.
This is the revised edition of a very comprehensive field guide of Australian birds. The book includes distribution maps, species accounts written by ornithologists, and colour illustrations of over 900 bird species. The guide reflects the diverse bird habitats in Australia, and provides fine details required for accurate identification of difficult groups and distinctive plumage.
Simpson, K. & Wilson, Z. (1998). Birdwatching in Australia and new Zealand. Reed New Holland.
This is a comprehensive guide to birdwatching in Australia and New Zealand, which focusses particularly on conservation, and linking bird observation to habitat. The book also covers topics such as bird watching for the disabled, migration patterns, breeding habits, and bird calls. It lists popular spots to visit, equipment to use, where to buy tools, and notes birdwatching clubs.
Morcombe, M. (2000). Field guide to Australian birds. Steve Parish.
This book is noted as an essential reference guide, and is said to be the most comprehensive field guide on Australian birds. The book features over 3,000 illustrations, by the author, which detail subspecies, males, females and juveniles of over 800 bird species from mainland Australia, Tasmania and offshore islands.
Smith, R. & Winters, B. (2021). Backyard bird watching: 35 Australian birds to enjoy. Wilkinson.
This book describes and pictures common birds that you are likely to find in your backyard or neighbourhood, and helps you identify these. This book encourages you learn to develop your birdwatching skills and increase your environmental life skills through birding.
Jones, M. & Paton, D. (2021). Australian birds in pictures. Reed New Holland.
This is a photographic book of Australian birds which will be useful in identifying species. The book focuses on endemic species of birds, and their families. It depicts birds in their natural habitats, and includes behavioural images. Photos are accompanied by facts about identification, behaviours, and photography tips.
Image reference: Cooper, W. T. (1978). Koel [Illustration]. State Library of New South Wales. https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/digital/p7G30ezNb5G5l