Regent honeyeaters released into the wild near Kurri Kurri

Approximately 46 critically endangered regent honeyeaters have been released into the wild near Kurri Kurri as part of a national recovery effort. With an estimated 300 birds remaining in the wild, the release aims to bolster the species' survival and restore its presence across its former range.

The birds, which were bred in captivity, were released into a woodland habitat specifically chosen to provide the necessary food and environment for their establishment. Tara Dever, chief executive of the Mindaribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, noted that the release represents a way to “heal Country” and marks the fifth year of releasing the species in the area.

BirdLife Australia will monitor the released birds to track their survival, movement, and breeding success. Mick Roderick, the regent honeyeater recovery adviser at BirdLife Australia, highlighted the rarity of the species, noting that while they were historically found from Adelaide to north of Brisbane, they are now likely restricted to New South Wales.