This work investigates the historical evolution and cultural significance of bird imagery within Australian art, tracing the development of avian representation from Indigenous traditions to contemporary practice. Barry Pearce, a respected curator and art historian, utilizes a curated selection of visual evidence to demonstrate how the Australian landscape and its unique fauna have shaped the aesthetic identity of the nation's artists. The book provides a structured chronological framework, analyzing how shifting artistic techniques and perspectives have influenced the portrayal of native species over centuries.

This text serves as a specialized reference for those interested in the intersection of natural history and Australian art history. The inclusion of archival details and a focused selection of color plates provides a clear, scholarly overview of the subject matter for both researchers and enthusiasts.