Remembering Dr. Dawn W. Frith, OAM
BirdLife Northern Queensland is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Dawn Frith, a remarkable ornithologist, conservationist, and beloved member of our community. Her passion for the natural world, especially the birds of the Wet Tropics, was unparalleled, and her dedication to research alongside her husband, Dr. Clifford Frith, has left a lasting legacy in ornithology.
Their meticulous studies of bowerbirds, birds-of-paradise, and the rich avifauna of our region have shaped our understanding of these extraordinary species. Her love of nature was evident not only in her scientific contributions but also in the joy she shared with those around her.
We are grateful to have known and learned from Dawn, and we celebrate the incredible impact she has had on bird conservation and appreciation. Our thoughts are with Cliff and all who knew and loved her during this difficult time.
BirdLife Northern Queensland Committee
Dr. Dawn Whyatt Frith, OAM (1943–2025), was a distinguished English-born Australian ornithologist and zoologist renowned for her extensive research on Australasian bird species, particularly bowerbirds and birds-of-paradise. Her academic journey began with a PhD in marine biology from the University of London, after which she lectured in zoology. Her passion for field research led her to the Royal Society of London's Research Station on Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean, where she met her future husband and collaborator, Dr. Clifford B. Frith.
In 1977, the Friths relocated to tropical north Queensland, Australia, dedicating themselves to the study of rainforest avifauna. Their pioneering work provided some of the first comprehensive accounts of the nesting biology and behaviors of these species. Together, they authored over 150 scientific papers in international peer-reviewed journals and several seminal books, including "The Bowerbirds: Ptilonorhynchidae" and "Birds of Paradise: Nature, Art & History." Their collaborative efforts extended to establishing a publishing house, Frith & Frith Books, through which they produced high-quality natural history publications.
Dr. Frith's contributions to ornithology were recognised with several prestigious awards. In 1996, she and her husband jointly received the D.L. Serventy Medal from the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union for their significant contributions to Australasian ornithology. They were also honored with the Cassowary Award by the Australian Wet Tropics Authority in 2006 for their outstanding contributions to the aesthetic appreciation of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. In 2021, Dr. Frith was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to conservation and the environment.
Dr. Dawn Frith passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, after a prolonged battle with dementia. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Clifford B. Frith, who expressed the profound void her passing has left in his life. In accordance with her wishes, a direct cremation was held without a formal funeral service. Her legacy endures through her extensive body of work, which continues to inspire and inform ornithologists and bird enthusiasts worldwide.
