Wildlife
Birds and Butterflies
Golden Bowerbird Prionodura newtonianna
The Golden Bowerbird is endemic to the wet tropics of north east Queensland. It inhabits areas of old growth rainforest above 800 m.
The diet consists mainly of the fruits of rainforest trees and vines, some of which may be cached close to the bower by the male during the breeding season.
Breeding occurs between October and January, the male constructs an elaborate twin may pole bower which is decorated with lichen and pale cream flowers from September to January. The female alone builds a nest some distance from the bower and lays two eggs. She will incubate and raise the young with no help from the male.
The Golden Bowerbird is seen regularly on Tour 1 & Tour 2.
Victoria's Riflebird Ptilotus victoriae
Victoria's Riflebird is endemic to the wet tropics of north east Queensland, where it is found in rainforest and the edges of nearby wet eucalypt forest.
Feeding behaviour and diet is varied, it tears bark off tree trunks and probes for insects and spiders, hangs acrobatically to take fruit, and also feeds on nectar like a honeyeater.
The Victoria's Rifle bird is a Bird of Paradise and is famous for its extraordinary courtship display. The male will chose a conspicuous perch in the rainforest and in the presence of a female, fan the wings around and above him with flicking and dancing movements.
Breeding occurs from September to January and usually two eggs are laid.
Victoria's Riflebird is seen often on Tour 1 & Tour 2.
Chowchilla Orthonyx spaldingii
The Chowchilla is endemic to the wet tropics of north east Queensland, where it is restricted to dense upland rainforest.
Parties move about on the forest floor scratching among debris and leaf litter to uncover food items. The call is particularly loud and raucous. A very prominent part of the dawn chorus in upland rainforest with the typical call being a deafening ‘chow, chowchilla’.
The nest is a bulky dome of twigs, roots, and mosses built low down, only one egg is laid.
Chowchilla is seen regularly on Tour 1 & Tour 2.
Ulysses Swallowtail Papilio ulysses
The Ulysses is the most spectacular and noticeable butterfly to be seen in the wet tropics region. In flight the adults provide an impressive sight as the brilliant blue underside is visible as a series of bright blue flashes in the sunlight.
Adults fly in an erratic manner through the mid canopy of rainforests, and often feed from flowers such as lantana. Larval food plants include the Pink Evodia, several generations completed annually.
The Ulysses Swallowtail is seen often on Tour 1 & Tour 2.
Cairns Birdwing Ornithoptera euphorion
The Cairns Birdwing is restricted to the wet tropics and Mackay districts in north east Queensland. It is found in both upland and lowland rainforest, parklands and gardens.
Reaching 15 cm they are the largest butterfly in Australia. Adults fly with a gliding or sailing flight on huge upswept wings. They will fly throughout the day but are more active during the early morning and late afternoon.
Larval food plants include species of Aristolochia; several generations completed annually.
The Cairns Birdwing is seen often on Tour 1 & Tour 2.
Blue Triangle Graphium sarpedon
The Blue Triangle is found in rainforest and monsoon forest in moist lowland areas east of the Great Dividing Range.
Adults fly powerfully and erratically; they rarely stop to settle except when feeding from flowers or drinking from moist sand along banks of creeks or pools. Probably two or more generations completed annually.
The Blue Triangle is seen often on Tour 1 & Tour 2.
