Murray-Darling Basin

Results from collecting by citizen scientists in the Murray-Darling Basin

• The Murray-Darling Basin was found to be the key basin from which birds dispersed to other places in Australia.
• Over 50 per cent of the feathers sent in by citizen scientists for the Feather Map of Australia Project were from birds that are known to move around frequently and these feathers were all grown in the Murray-Darling Basin. Examples included the Straw-necked ibis, Australian pelican, Plumed whistle duck and Nankeen night heron
• These results highlight how important the Murray-Darling Basin is for supporting Australian waterbird populations
• 409 submissions were received
• Feather samples were received from 26 species including the Australasian bittern, which is considered an endangered species
• Samples received included Australian bittern, Australian pelican, Australian white ibis, Intermediate egret, Australian Wood duck, Black cormorant, Grey teal, Chestnut teal, Pacific black duck, Hardhead duck, Straw-necked ibis, Black swan, Brolga, Nankeen night heron, Freckled duck, Plumed whistle duck, Cattle egret, Lathams snipe, Pink-eared duck, Musk duck, Pied cormorant, Purple Swamphen, Royal spoonbill, Silver gull, Yellow-billed spoonbill and Painted snipe. 

Examples of feathers found in the Murray-Darling Basin and analysis results