Masked Lapwing

Australia is famous for some of its endemic species like the Wombat, the Emu, the Tasmanian Devil or the Kangaroo of course. But there are so many other unique species. Some even being very regional and only existing in a very particular and restricted area. Here, in the Northern Territory, there are millions of birds in the sky. The most common probably is the Masked Lapwing that can be spotted as frequently as we can spot pigeons on the Piazza San Marco in Venice! They are a bit more shy but they are known for their bold nesting habits, being quite prepared to make a nest on almost any stretch of open ground, including suburban parks and gardens, school ovals, and even supermarket carparks.

Singapore Hornbill

I have been here for quite some months now but I never had the opportunity to see a hornbill in the wild until today. These are rare strange birds that usually depend on large living trees for nesting. As a result they can be seen on the nearby Ubin Island but are a rarity in Singapore mainland. Their trademark surely is their large long bill (which somehow looks like a second beak on top of the first one). It is made of a honeycomb bone which means that it is much lighter than it looks like. It is basically a black and white bird but still manages to be quite attractive. I understand they feed on fruits but also on small insects or even reptiles. They also fly very awkwardly.