key facts:
- Pelicans are one of the largest birds in Australia, with wings over two metres long
- Black swans live in lakes, rivers and swamps, and their babies are called cygnets
- Water birds get tangled and cut by fishing lines
Australia is full of furry, feathered, and scaly animals, not found anywhere else in the world. Meet some common Australian animals and improve your English language skills with .
Learning notes
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Transcript
Australians love swimming in the water.
Our water birds do too.
Let's learn how to live with some of Australia’s biggest and boldest birds.
Living with Aussie Wildlife
Water birds
Pelicans are one of the largest birds in Australia.
Their wings are over two metres long.
Pelicans have long pink bills with large throat pouches.
They use these pouches like nets to catch fish in the water.
Pelicans live across Australia.
They live where there is water and fish to eat.
Seagulls are very common in Australia too.
They live along the coast and inland near lakes.
Seagulls eat worms, insects and plants.
Seagulls like human food too.
But you should not try to feed seagulls.
When you feed them, they may come into close contact to try get more food.
Black swans are another large water bird.
They live in lakes, rivers and swamps.
Their babies are called cygnets.
Cygnets are grey and fluffy.
Dogs can attack swans.
You should keep your dog on a on a leash in parks with swans.
Do not feed swans or ducks bread.
It can be very harmful.
Bread and other food can make water birds ill and pollute their water.
Thousands of water birds are rescued every year.
Many birds get tangled and cut by fishing lines.
This is because people leave rubbish and fishing gear near the water.
When you go fishing, pick up any hooks and plastic you see and throw them in the bin.
Quiz time!
Water birds can be hurt by...
..sand, fishing line or pebbles?
Water birds can be hurt by fishing line.
If you don’t put rubbish or food in the water, the birds will be happy, and we can share the water together.
We love living with water birds!
Credits
Living with Aussie Wildlife is a project made by SBS in partnership with and .
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