I can recommend the following books for anyone developing an interest in Australian birds.

(1) 'The Beginner's Guide to Identifying 100 Australian Birds' By Frank Haddon. Publisher: Simon&Schuster(Aust.)1994
This book is a handy beginners guide clearly laid out with a page for each bird including description;behaviour;voice;pen & ink sketch of bird and a map showing where it can be found in Australia.

(2) 'The Birds of Australia; A Book of Identification.'
by Ken Simpson & Nicolas Day. Publisher: Lloyd O'Neill Pty Ltd;1984.
I would call this the Australian bird observers Bible as it is encyclopedic in scope with coloured drawings and text of every known species of bird in Australia. There is also a smaller soft-back version for carrying in the field called 'Field Guide to the Birds of Australia' by the same authors.Published by Penguin Australia;1996.

(3) 'Birds of Australia: A Summary of Information'
by J.D.Macdonald. Publisher:Reed(Heinemann,Australia)This book is a comprehensive survey of Australin birds.Each bird type is treated under such headings as Recognition:Habitat;Description;Habits;Status.Pen and ink drawings accompany the text and there is a colour picture section.


These three books should get you started. I will be adding more recommended books from time to time.