Australian Field Ornithology 2021, 38, 107–112 http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo38107112

A likely breeding record of Brown Synoicus ypsilophorus at St Peter Island, , South

Mark Antos1* and William Steele2

1Parks Victoria, Level 10, 535 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia 2P.O. Box 2513, Ringwood North VIC 3134, Australia *Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]

Abstract. This note reports observations of and other vertebrates during a short stay at St Peter Island, Nuyts Archipelago, , during November 2019. Of most interest was a sighting of juvenile Brown Quail Synoicus ypsilophorus, outside the generally reported range of this species and representing the first breeding record of which we are aware for this species at St Peter Island. This is one of a series of relatively recent sightings in the west of South Australia, which indicates an ongoing range expansion for this species. Further fauna surveys on the Nuyts Archipelago, with documentation of observations, are encouraged.

Introduction on the list compiled for the island by the Friends of St Peter & St Francis Islands (undated) or an earlier bird St Peter Island lies in the and at list in Robinson et al. (1996) (Appendix 1). Relatively few its closest point is only 5 km off the mainland coast near mammal and reptile species were observed (Appendix 2). Ceduna in South Australia. It is 3439 ha in extent and the At 1942 h on 4 November 2019, while camping at a largest island of the Nuyts Archipelago, and of the Nuyts fishermen’s shack on the northern coast of St Peter Island Archipelago Conservation Park. St Peter Island was used (32°15′S, 133°35′E), we observed a covey of eight Brown for agricultural production from 1859 to 1987, shortly Quail ypsilophorus. Close views were obtained before it was added to the conservation park (Robinson et over several minutes as the birds moved slowly past, al. 1996; Department for Environment & Heritage 2006). foraging. Six of the birds were visibly smaller than the As a consequence, much of the island’s vegetation has others, with plumage characteristics indicating that they been altered through clearing to promote open areas of were juveniles (see Marchant & Higgins 2006). The birds introduced grasses (Robinson et al. 1996). Remaining foraged over an area of sandy bare ground with patches native vegetation comprises four main vegetation groups: of dry standing grass including wild oats Avena spp. and small areas of mangrove woodland (characterised other unidentified species. The juveniles were gleaning by Grey Mangrove Avicennia marina), samphire seeds from the ground while adult birds were taking shrubland (characterised by Grey Samphire Tecticornia seed from standing seed-heads as well as the ground. halocnemoides), chenopod shrubland (dominated by Marsh Photographs (Figures 1–2) and video footage were Saltbush Atriplex paludosa) and coastal shrubland (often obtained. Two evenings later, a Common Death Adder dominated by Common Boobialla Myoporum insulare) Acanthophis antarcticus was observed waiting in ambush (Robertson et al. 1996; Department for Environment & where the Quail had been seen. Shortly before 0900 h on Water 2020; MA & WS pers. obs.). Today, the island is in 6 November, and while walking through rank a recovery phase, with native vegetation returning in some on the eastern portion of the island, we heard what were formerly cleared areas. It experiences a semi-arid climate, suspected to be Brown Quail calling nearby. with a mean annual rainfall of 294 mm at Ceduna (Bureau of Meteorology 2020). It is free of introduced predators and has played an important role in the conservation of Discussion threatened mammal species. It supports a translocated population of the Greater Stick-nest Rat Leporillus conditor Although the birdlife of St Peter Island has not been and a healthy population of the re-introduced Brush-tailed extensively studied, there are published records of birds Bettong Bettongia penicillata (Robinson et al. 1996; observed there (Friends of St Peter & St Francis Islands Woinarski et al. 2014). However, the birdlife of this island undated; Robinson et al. 1996; Wilson 2000; Black et al. is comparatively poorly documented. 2016; van Weenen 2017). The Brown Quail was reported on only one of these lists, in August 2016 (van Weenen 2017). Observations This species is listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 8 of the South Australian National Park and Wildlife Act 1972. We visited St Peter Island during November 2019, The New Atlas of Australian Birds (Barrett et al. 2003) camping on the island for three nights (4–6 November) and showed the Nuyts Archipelago as well outside the range walking across much of the central and eastern parts of the of Brown Quail, as did the Handbook of Antarctic, New island. During this time, all vertebrate species observed Zealand & Australian Birds (Marchant & Higgins 2006). were recorded. We observed a total of 43 bird species None of the major published field guides suggested that St (Appendix 1). This included several species that are not Peter Island is within the normal range of the Brown Quail 108 Australian Field Ornithology M. Antos & W. Steele

Figure 1. Two Brown Quail observed on St Peter Island, Figure 2. An adult and a juvenile Brown Quail at St Peter 4 November 2019. Photo: Mark Antos Island. Within the covey of eight birds, two were adults and six appeared to be juveniles. Photo: Mark Antos

Brown Quail are known to show irruptive behaviour following favourable environmental conditions, especially in the more arid zones of their range (Marchant & Higgins 2006). However, the presence of juvenile birds in the covey strongly suggests that breeding has occurred on St Peter Island. Marchant & Higgins (2006) stated that the Brown Quail reaches adult size in 6 weeks, so it is unlikely that these juveniles (younger than 6 weeks old based on size) flew to the island. This represents a significant extension of the known breeding range for this species in South Australia. The lack of introduced mammalian predators may make this island particularly attractive for ground- nesting birds. Indeed, Brown Quail are often recorded on other small islands off south-eastern Australia (e.g. Brothers et al. 2001). The calls heard on 6 November 2019 were from an area of rank grassland similar to Brown Quail habitat elsewhere in southern Australia (Marchant & Higgins 2006). The Figure 3. The distribution of Brown Quail in Australia location of the visual sighting was a sandy, vegetated as typically represented in field guides (adapted from dune immediately adjacent to a large area of low samphire Menkhorst et al. 2017); darker-blue shading indicates shrubland. Menkhorst et al. (2017) noted that habitat regular occurrence and light blue irregular occurrence. for the species includes tall, rank vegetation, often in Arrow indicates the location of St Peter Island and red damp or swampy areas. The samphire shrubland close dots (from Birds SA 2020) show the locations of records outside the normally described range. to our sighting would represent damp ground although the vegetation could not be described as tall. However, (Slater et al. 1989; Simpson et al. 1996; Morcombe 2000; Marchant & Higgins (2006, p. 405) described Brown Pizzey & Knight 2012; Menkhorst et al. 2017) (Figure 3). Quail habitat in New Zealand as including “beds of rush However, the species is known to have been expanding and saltmarsh along seashores, perhaps more so than in its range in recent years and there are now several Australia”. This description fits the location of our sighting records across western South Australia (Doecke 2013; on St Peter Island. Carpenter & Horton 2019; Birds SA 2020) (Figure 3). This St Peter Island and the Nuyts Archipelago deserve appears to be a relatively recent phenomenon, with earlier greater study. The islands have not yet been described in records (1982–1999) confined to the south-east, Adelaide the ‘Seabird Islands’ series published in Corella/Australian Plain, Murray Mallee and lower north of South Australia Bird Bander. We encourage ornithological study of these (Carpenter et al. 2003). Blaylock et al. (2017) categorised islands and publication of observations to provide greater the Brown Quail as widespread but rare in South Australia, protection of the archipelago’s ecosystems through wider noting its irruptive nature in that state. appreciation of its conservation values. Given their success Thus it is not unexpected to record Brown Quail on this in conserving a number of translocated endangered island, which is close to the mainland, and has had much mammal species (Robinson et al. 1996; Woinarski et al. of its vegetation altered through agricultural clearing to 2014), the islands may well serve as future refuges for create seemingly suitable habitat (see below). In addition, threatened bird species as well. Brown Quail: Probable breeding on St Peter Island, Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia 109

Acknowledgements Doecke, N. (2013). Observations of Brown Quail on Point Sturt We are grateful to Robert Sleep of the South Australian National Peninsula, Lake Alexandrina. South Australian Ornithologist Parks & Wildlife Service, Ceduna, for providing information and 39, 36–38. permission to visit St Peter Island; and to Perry Will of Ceduna Friends of St Peter & St Francis Islands (undated). St Peter Island Boat Charters for transport to and from the island. Species List. Poster, Friends of St Peter & St Francis Islands, Ceduna, SA. Marchant, S. & Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (2006). Handbook of Australian, References New Zealand & Antarctic Birds, Volume 2: Raptors to Lapwings. Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunningham, R. & Poulter, R. Oxford University Press, Melbourne. (2003). The New Atlas of Australian Birds. Royal Australasian Menkhorst, P.W., Rogers, D.I., Clarke, R., Davies, J., Marsack, P. Ornithologists Union, Melbourne. & Franklin, K. (2017). The Australian Bird Guide. CSIRO Birds SA (2020). Distribution map for Brown Quail. Birds South Publishing, Melbourne. Australia, South Australian Ornithological Association Inc., Morcombe, M. (2000). Field Guide to Australian Birds. Steve Adelaide. Available online: https://birdssa.asn.au/wp-content/ Parish Publishing, Brisbane. uploads/Brown-Quail-28-05-2020.png (accessed 12 January Pizzey, G. & Knight, F. (2012). The Field Guide to the Birds of 2021). Australia, 9th edn. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. Blaylock, B., Black, A., Carpenter, G. & Horton, P. (2017). A Field Robinson, A.C., Canty, P., Mooney, T. & Rudduck, P. (1996). South List of the Birds of South Australia, 5th edn. South Australian Australia’s Offshore Islands. Department for Environment & Ornithological Association Inc., Adelaide. Natural Resources, South Australia, and Australian Heritage Black, A.B., Fornasiero, E.J., Jansen, J.J.F.J. & Horton, P. (2016). Commission, Canberra. The ‘new and singular’ bird of St Peter Island. South Australian Simpson, K., Day, N. & Trusler, P. (1996). Field Guide to the Birds of Australia, 5th edn. Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Melbourne. Ornithologist 42, 1–10. Brothers, N., Pemberton, D., Pryor, H. & Halley, V. (2001). Slater, P., Slater, P. & Slater, R. (1989). The Slater Field Guide ’s Offshore Islands: Seabirds and Other Natural to Australian Birds, rev. edn. Lansdowne Publishing, Sydney. Features. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart. van Weenen, J. (2017). Bird records: Brown Quail. Birder 240, 25. Bureau of Meteorology (2020). Summary statistics Ceduna Post Wilson, J.R. (2000). Occasional counts no. 3: Wader counts on Office. Bureau of Meteorology, Canberra. Available online: Eyre Island and St Peter Island, South Australia. Stilt 36, 42–44. www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_018011.shtml Woinarski, J.C.Z., Burbidge, A.A. & Harrison, P.L. (2014). The (accessed 16 August 2020). Action Plan for Australian Mammals 2012. CSIRO Publishing, Carpenter, G. & Horton, P. (2019). Bird report, 2011-2015: Melbourne. Part 1, Non-passerines. South Australian Ornithologist 44, 28–53. Carpenter G., Black, A., Harper, D. & Horton, P. (2003). Bird Received 31 August 2020, accepted 28 January 2021, report, 1982-1999. South Australian Ornithologist 34, 93–151. Department for Environment & Heritage (2006). Island Parks of published online 10 June 2021 Western Management Plan. Department for Environment & Heritage, Adelaide. Department for Environment & Water (2020). Naturemaps website Available online: http://spatialwebapps.environment.sa.gov.au/ naturemaps/?locale=en-us&viewer=naturemaps (accessed 6 September 2020). 110 Australian Field Ornithology M. Antos & W. Steele

Appendix 1. Bird species list for St Peter Island, Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia, November 2019, compared with previously published bird lists. B indicates that breeding behaviour was observed.

Common name Scientific name Robertson et al. Friends of St Peter This paper (1996) & (undated) Coturnix pectoralis + + Brown Quail Synoicus ypsilophorus +B Cape Barren Goose Cereopsis novaehollandiae + + Black Swan Cygnus atratus + + + Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa + Grey Teal Anas gracilis + + + Chestnut Teal Anas castanea + + Rock Dove Columba livia + + + Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera + + Brush Bronzewing Phaps elegans + + + Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes + Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus + + Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus + + Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus + Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo Chalcites basalis + + Lewin’s Rail Lewinia pectoralis + Buff-banded Rail Hypotaenidia philippensis + + Black-tailed Native-hen Tribonyx ventralis + + Eudyptula minor +B + Short-tailed Shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris +B + + Eastern Great Egret Ardea alba modesta + + + White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae + + + Australasian Little Egret Egretta garzetta immaculata + Eastern Reef Egret Egretta sacra + Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus + + + Little Pied Cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos + Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo + + Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris + + Black-faced Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscescens + + Great Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius + + + Australian Pied Oystercatcher Haematopus longirostris + + +B Sooty Oystercatcher Haematopus fuliginosus + + +B Banded Stilt Cladorhynchus leucocephalus + + Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola + + Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus + + + Hooded Plover Thinornis cucullatus + + + Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles + + + Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus + Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus + + Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis + + + Nunivak Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica baueri + + Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres + + + Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris + + Red Knot Calidris canutus + + Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata + + + Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea + + Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis + + + Brown Quail: Probable breeding on St Peter Island, Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia 111

Appendix 1 continued

Common name Scientific name Robertson et al. Friends of St Peter This paper (1996) & St Francis Island (undated) Eastern Sanderling Calidris alba alba + + Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos + + Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia + + + Painted Button-quail Turnix varius + + Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae + + + West Coast Pacific Gull Larus pacificus georgii + + +B Eastern Australian Fairy Tern Sternula nereis nereis + + + Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia + + +B Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida + Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii + + + Eastern Barn Owl Tyto javanica + + Eastern Pandion haliaetus cristatus +B + + Swamp Harrier Circus approximans + + Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis + + Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus + White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster +B + + Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azureus + Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides + + + Brown Falcon Falco berigora + + Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus + + Neophema petrophila + + + Crimson Chat Epthianura tricolor + + White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons + + Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata + Singing Honeyeater Gavicalis virescens + + + Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae + + Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus + + Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus + + + Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys + + Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa + Restless Flycatcher Myiagra inquieta + Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca + + Little Crow Corvus bennetti + + Little Raven Corvus mellori + + Australian Raven Corvus coronoides + + + Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis + + Brown Songlark Cincloramphus cruralis + + + Fairy Martin Petrochelidon ariel + Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans + + + Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena + + + Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris + + + Australasian Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae + + 112 Australian Field Ornithology M. Antos & W. Steele

Appendix 2. Vertebrates other than birds observed at St Peter Island, Nuyts Archipelago, South Australia, November 2019. E = east, N = north, S = south.

Common name Scientific name Date Location

Brush-tailed Bettong Bettongia penicillata 4 Nov. Fishermen’s shack (32°15′S, 133°35′E) 5 Nov. Track from homestead to N beach, and at shack Greater Stick-nest Rat Leporillus conditor 4 Nov. Fishermen’s shack/N shore dunes (32°15′S, 133°35′E) Unidentified dragon Family Agamidae 4 Nov. Track from homestead to S coast (length ~10 cm) Black Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus niger 5 Nov. Inland, among shearwater burrows

Common Death Adder Acanthophis antarcticus 5 Nov. S coast (32°16′S, 133°36′E) 6 Nov. Fishermen’s shack (32°15′S, 133°35′E) Sand Goanna Varanus gouldii 6 Nov. NE part of island, near N coast

Shingleback Tiliqua rugosa 6 Nov. Track E from homestead (32°16′S, 133°35′E)