Common Bronzewing

1. Iridescent green, bronze and purple patches on wings that flash when flying

2. Males have bright yellow-white forehead that females lack

Common Bronzewings breed throughout the year but favour spring and summer. Both parents share nest-building, incubation, and remarkably, produce a special "crop milk" to feed their chicks. Unlike many birds, breeding is not strongly affected by rainfall patterns and have adapted well to agricultural landscapes while maintaining their natural wariness of humans. They typically are not found too far from a water source.

Common Bronzewings can be spotted across nearly all Australian habitats except dense rainforests and barren desert. Look for them on the ground in woodlands, scrublands, farmland, and even suburban parks, typically near water sources. They're most active during early morning and late afternoon when they visit waterholes to drink. These cautious birds usually feed on the ground, so scan open spaces beneath trees and shrubs. Listen for their low, bottle-like "oom" call that resonates through the bush.