DSC_1791 Black-backed magpie (Cracticus tibicen tibicen) a rare subspecies found in the lower North Island. Now considered closely related to butcherbirds, magpies were once placed in their own genus (Gymnorhina). Male feeding in suburban street. Hastings *
DSC_2196 Victoria’s riflebird (Ptiloris victoriae) male. Endemic to the Atherton Tableland region. Riflebirds are birds-of-paradise, the male displays by erecting the feathers of his throat and sides to accentuate the bright colours of his plumage in the sunlight that pierces the dimness of the rainforest. He curves his rounded wings above his body and tilts his head back to expose his chin and throat to the light, and then moves from side to side in a fashion that looks almost mechanical. Kuranda National Park, Northeasten Queensland *
DSC_2165 Northern leaf-tail gecko (Saltuarius cornutus) head. A large gecko with triangular head, narrow neck, and a body length to 14 cm. Has an 8 cm broad, leaf-like tail, clawed toes and no adhesive discs. Body is flattened, limbs are long and spindly. The dorsal surface bears sharply pointed tubercles and its scientific name translates to "Horned Keeper of the Forest". Kuranda National Park, Queensland *
