Pterosylis barbata, turfosa and related - Bird Orchids

The various species of Bird Orchids are found throughout most of the south west and are mostly similar in appearance. They are distinguished mainly by the amount of hair on the labellum and the flower size.


Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

This orchid is the 'normal' bird orchid. It is found between Perth and Albany and out to the edge of the Wheatbelt. It is common in the hills above Perth, particularly around Sheoak trees. The flowers are 4-5cm long on stems up to 25cm tall.

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbara - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbara - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbara - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbara - Bird Orchid

Pterostylis barbata - Bird Orchid


Pterostylis aff barbata - Bloated Bird Orchid

This orchid is a regional variation of the Bird Orchid. It has larger, fatter flowers and flowers a few weeks later than the Bird Orchid. The two species are sometimes found together and when this is so, the differences become more apparent than can be seen in photos.

Pterostylis aff barbata - Bloated Bird Orchid

Pterostylis aff barbata - Bloated Bird Orchid

Pterostylis aff barbata - Bloated Bird Orchid


Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

The Bearded Bird Orchid is distinguished from the Bird Orchid by its much more hairy labellum. It also flowers a bit later (Late September - Early November). It is found between Bunbury and Albany.

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid

Pterostylis turfosa - Bearded Bird Orchid


Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

The Dwarf Bird Orchid is similar to the Bird Orchid and is distinguished by its smaller flowers, very short point on the dorsal sepal. It is found throughout the Wheatbelt.

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid

Pterostylis galgula - Dwarf Bird Orchid