Boom season

Zebra Finch

Taeniopygia guttata Zebra Finches can go long periods without drinking by extracting moisture from seeds and have some of the most efficient kidneys among birds. They breed rapidly after rain when grasses are seeding and the temperature isn’t too cold.

Brown Falcon

Falco berigoraA skilled hunter, this falcon uses sharp eyesight to spot prey from above. It dives swiftly to catch insects, reptiles and small mammals with its sharp talons. Often seen perched on fence posts, it also chases prey on the ground when needed.

Pied Honeyeater

Certhionyx variegatus Pied Honeyeaters are known for their nomadic nature, moving in response to rainfall and the flowering of shrubs in search of food. Their curved bills help them feed on energy-rich nectar.

Inland Taipan

Oxyuranus microlepidotus The world’s most venomous snake, the Inland Taipan delivers fast-acting venom to subdue prey. It is rarely encountered by humans due to its reclusive nature and spends much of its life hidden in cracks and burrows. During boom seasons, it emerges to hunt exploding rodent populations, taking advantage of increased food to feed, grow and reproduce.

Plains Rat

Pseudomys australis This native rodent breeds rapidly after rain, maximising population growth before drought returns. This timing boosts offspring survival since water and food resources are plentiful. After breeding booms, the population numbers can decline rapidly due to dwindling water and food supplies, as well as losing out to predators such as the Brown Falcon.

Budgerigar

Melopsittacus undulatus Pet ‘budgies’ are descendants of the native Australian Budgerigar, common in arid Australia. Budgerigars can control their evaporative water loss, helping them survive longer without water compared to other birds. They move in large nomadic flocks between food and water sources. They can breed at any time of the year, taking advantage of rain and new growth whenever it happens.