Sydney Olympic Park is home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, from familiar backyard birds to tiny organisms that are easy to overlook. Taking a closer look reveals fascinating differences between species and the important roles they play in the Park’s ecosystems.

The Noisy Miner and Common Myna are a good example. While both have yellow beaks and legs, black heads and yellow skin around their eyes, the similarities largely end there. The Noisy Miner is a native Australian honeyeater, with a mostly grey body and a tail that frequently flicks as it moves. It feeds primarily on nectar and insects, helping pollinate native plants such as eucalypts, grevilleas and bottlebrushes.

The Common Myna, by contrast, is an introduced species from Southeast Asia. Its mostly brown body and distinctive white wing patches make it easier to identify in flight. An adaptable omnivore, it feeds on insects, fruit and food scraps and can compete with native species for nesting sites.

Look even closer and another world comes into view. Lichens, slime moulds, liverworts and mosses thrive in the Park’s damp and sheltered areas. Lichens are partnerships between fungi and algae, while slime moulds are unusual organisms that move across decaying leaves and logs. Liverworts and mosses form delicate green mats and cushions that help retain moisture, reduce erosion and provide shelter for tiny invertebrates.

Together, these small and often overlooked species contribute to the health and diversity of Sydney Olympic Park’s natural environment.

Next time you visit the Park, take a moment to look beyond the treetops. From the birds around you to the miniature ecosystems beneath your feet, there is always more to discover.