The avifauna of the Lake Ellesmere area is described. A brief description of the area is given; past literature is reviewed; a checklist of birds, compiled from a variety of sources, is presented. For each species and subspecies (129 are listed), notes are given on Status and the generalised Vegetation zones or other habitat categories where it has been sighted or been found to breed. In one census area, lake level has a pronounced affect on which species are present.