Get Ready for the 2026 Aussie Bird Count

Bird lovers, twitchers and budding ornithologists are invited to take part in the 2026 Aussie Bird Count, one of Australia’s biggest citizen science events. Held during National Bird Week from 19 to 25 October, the annual event encourages Australians to spend just 20 minutes observing and counting birds in their local area. 

Getting involved is easy. Find a spot outdoors - whether it’s your backyard, a local park or even a bus stop - count the birds you see and submit your findings through the Aussie Bird Count website or app. 

What happens to the data? 

Your observations help BirdLife Australia monitor common bird species and identify changes in bird populations and biodiversity over time. 

By collecting data at the same time each year, the Aussie Bird Count builds a national snapshot of Australia's birdlife. This information helps researchers understand the health of our environment and guide conservation efforts to protect birds and their habitats for future generations. 

Which birds were spotted last year? 

More than five million birds were counted across Australia in 2025, with the Australian Magpie topping the national list, followed by the Rainbow Lorikeet. 

In Western Australia, the Australian Raven was the most reported species, followed by the Red Wattlebird. A total of 5,330 participants took part in the WA count. 

Take 20 minutes this October to discover the birds in your neighbourhood and help protect Australia's birdlife. Register and download the app todayfor your chance to win one of five pairs of OM SYSTEM 10×50 S Binoculars– each valued at $279.