Home

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development issues pest bird alert in Onslow

Headshot of Cheyanne Enciso
Cheyanne EncisoPilbara News
Residents living near seaports are asked to keep an eye out for Indian house crows and other unusual birds.
Camera IconResidents living near seaports are asked to keep an eye out for Indian house crows and other unusual birds. Credit: Supplied/Michael MacKay

Onslow residents and surrounding communities are being encouraged to report any unusual birds following the removal of a house crow from the town.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development biosecurity officers removed an Indian house crow from the foreshore area, believing it likely it arrived on an overseas ship at one of the port facilities.

A major agricultural pest, house crows have the potential to cause damage to cultivated grain and horticulture crops, and spread diseases.

DPIRD biosecurity officer Lara Martin said no further birds were detected. However, she urged residents to report any unusual birds.

“Community surveillance is a vital part of identifying and containing declared pests that have the potential to impact on our agricultural industries and the environment,” she said.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“The more people we have looking for pests, the quicker we can find them to limit their impact and spread.”

House crows are similar in body shape to Australian native crows but are much smaller and more slender, with black glossy plumage.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails