Australia’s favourite citizen science project is taking flight for its 12th year, and everyone is invited to join. The 2025 Aussie Bird Count runs from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 October, giving nature lovers, families and schools a chance to get to know the birds in their backyards and local parks. Iconic species like the Rainbow Lorikeet, Apostlebird and Australian Magpie headline this year’s count, but surprises await in every suburb and regional town.
Last year more than 57,000 people logged 4.1 million birds on the free Aussie Bird Count app. Bold and adaptable birds such as Rainbow Lorikeets, Noisy Miners and magpies dominated the tallies. With more than a decade of data, BirdLife Australia uses the results to track trends in urban bird populations and guide conservation work.
Taking part is simple. Pick any outdoor spot and spend 20 minutes quietly watching and listening. Note the birds you see and submit your list via the app, which helps with identification. You can count as many times as you like during Bird Week, as long as each session is 20 minutes and submitted separately.
BirdLife Australia’s Sean Dooley emphasises that expert knowledge isn’t required. “It’s about spending time outdoors and learning something new about your local environment. Every count creates a moment of connection and builds a national snapshot of our birdlife.”
Birds are indicators of environmental health, and one in six Australian species is under threat. By counting birds, participants help BirdLife Australia build awareness and inspire action. Register now at aussiebirdcount.org.au or download the free app.
