Animals you might see in your backyard in Australia

Beyond the majestic Sydney Opera House and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is also home to some of the most unique wildlife. While most people think the country has some dangerous creatures, a typical Aussie backyard also has mesmerizing animals that you may not be aware of. From native marsupials to colorful birds, here are some animals you may cross paths with in your Australian backyard.

If you visit your Aussie friend and happen to hear mysterious scratching sounds on your roof at night, don't worry. The chances of it being a supernatural encounter are almost zero. It could be the art of a possum! That's right, these nocturnal marsupials are common visitors to suburban backyards across eastern Australia. The most common among them are the brushtail possums. You can easily identify them by their stocky, grey colour, distinctive bushy tails and tufted ears. They are incredibly cute to look at, but they may also damage the native plants in your garden.

If you are a bird lover, consider this a visual treat. Aussie homes often have these colourful visitors — the rainbow lorikeet. They are flamboyant and rambunctious birds. If your garden has flowers and fruit, then voilà, you are more likely to encounter them. They thrive on the nectar, seeds, pollen and fruit of both local and exotic plants.

During the warmer season, you are more likely to spot blue-tongued lizards lounging in your garden. That’s right — blue-tongued. These docile reptiles use their tongues to frighten away predators. Don’t worry, they are harmless to humans. In fact, they can be of great help in your garden, as they feed on pests like snails and insects. Skinks, on the other hand, are smaller lizards. They have swift, smooth scales and help to control spider and insect populations.

That’s right, you may also encounter echidnas in Australian yards. These spiky, egg-laying mammals raid suburban gardens for ants and termites. They weigh up to six kilograms and pose no threat to humans. They are solitary animals. In fact, consider it a privilege if you spot one in your backyard, as they are generally shy and elusive.

Don’t panic if you find a huge bird in the backyard. It is most likely a bush-turkey. This large bird is about 65 cm tall. Gardeners do not like this bird much, as it digs aggressively, throwing around the soil. Native to eastern Australia, these birds are found in forests; however, they are now very common in suburban gardens.