September 2010 25

Southerly observations of the , Phaps histrionica, in South Australia between 2008 and 2010

REECE D. PEDLER

Abstract Reese 1931a; 1931b; Frith 1982; McAllan 1996). Although no longer seen in such large numbers, The Flock Bronzewing, Phaps histronica, has the species is episodically common in the declined markedly since European settlement, but Mitchell Grass downs of the Barklay Tableland appears to still be an episodic visitor to the South of the Northern Territory and adjacent parts of Australian rangelands, particularly in the far Queensland, where flocks of several thousand north-east corner of the State. During the 1990s the are still occasionally seen (Frith 1982; McAllan species was also recorded from areas of stony plain 1996). The decline in this species has largely habitat in the central southern parts of the South been attributed to the impacts of introduced Australian zone. Summer rainfall in 2008/2009 herbivores, such as domestic stock and to a and 2009/2010 again created favourable conditions lesser extent, rabbits (Frith 1982, McAllan 1996). for the species both in well-known haunts of the far north-east, as well as central southern areas. Sightings of Flock Bronzewings in parts of Seventeen observations from a range of observers northern South Australia and north-western across the north of the State are reported here. Seven New South Wales have been recorded on a semi- observations were from areas of stony plains habitat regular basis, usually only when conditions in the central northern regions and many were from are suitable following heavy summer rainfall the same or nearby locations to sites where they have (McAllan 1996). In the far north-east of South been observed during previous good seasons. The Australia, around the upper Cooper and remaining ten sightings included some aggregations Warburton/Diamantina River systems the of hundreds or low thousands of in floodplain species is often seen during favorable seasons and adjacent sandy habitats in the Simpson Desert. (Cox and Pedler 1977; Badman 1989; Fraser These observations further confirm the far north-east 1990; Carpenter et al. 2003; Rogers 2004 & 2005). areas of the Warburton/Diamantina River system Records from the more southerly central areas of as regular visitation areas for Flock Bronzewings the South Australian pastoral country are much and more southerly central areas as less frequent less common, with the species recorded for the visitation sites following favourable summer rainfall. first time from many locations throughout the central north of South Australia in 1987 and 1988 and then again between late 1992 and Introduction early 1996 (Read, and Greenfield, 1996). These observations followed significant rainfall The Flock Bronzewing, Phaps histrionica has events of several hundred millimetres, resulting declined significantly in inland Australia since in plentiful growth of major food sources, European settlement (Frith 1982; McAllan 1996; particularly ephemeral herbs and grasses (Read, Garnettt and Crowley 2000). In times past Bird and Greenfield, 1996). Since this time the species has been observed in enormous there have been few recorded sightings of Flock flocks of thousands or tens of thousands or Bronzewings from these southern areas. sometimes even “countless multitudes” or “literally millions” (Reese 1924; Reese 1927; Significant summer rainfall events in late 2008 26 South Australian Ornithologist 36 (1 & 2) across much of the pastoral areas of northern (1996) from the late 1980s and 1990s and others South Australia again created conditions reported by McAllan (1996). All were also made suitable for Flock Bronzewings. In November during summer months and in areas where and December 2008 several weather stations summer rainfall had led to prolific growth in the pastoral areas recorded above average of annual grasses and herbage. Many of the rainfall from a series of thunderstorms, with 92 current observations are in the same or nearby mm recorded at Marree, 84 mm at Leigh Creek, locations as previous sightings, including the 55 mm at Roxby Downs and 53 mm at Moomba large flock of up to 2000 from Clayton Station, (Bureau of Meteorology 2009a). This rainfall which were also observed at the same location resulted in good growth of herbage and grasses in late 1992 (Read, Bird and Greenfield 1996) in many areas (pers. obs). Concurrently, major and smaller numbers from more southerly rainfall was received in western and south- areas such as Moolawatana and Stuart’s Creek. western Queensland (Bureau of Meteorology Historic accounts, such as McGilp (1931 and 2009b), resulting in major flows down the 1932) also describe observations of Flock Diamantina River and Eyre Creek systems over Bronzewings in “fair numbers in small flocks the following months, which eventually filled at in September and Goyder Lagoon and subsequently reached Lake October 1931”. Areas of stony plains on Stuart’s Eyre. Growth of annual grasses and herbage Creek Station near Coward Springs were also within Goyder Lagoon and nearby floodplains apparently repeat visitation and breeding following this flooding was prolific (pers. obs.). sites for Flock Bronzewings over successive During late 2009 and early 2010 additional summers during the mid 1970s (D. Hunter, and widespread rainfall fell in many parts of pers. comm. 2010). These observations support the region, with a total of 67 mm recorded at the suggestion of previous authors that areas Innamincka in November and December 2009 of productive cracking clay plains in southern and then a further 239 mm in February 2010 inland Australia may be regular visitation sites (Bureau of Meteorology 2010). At for Flock Bronzewings during good seasons 385 mm fell during February and March 2010 (Fraser 1990; Read, Bird and Greenfield 1996). (Bureau of Meteorology 2010). Unlike Flock Bronzewing records reported by Following these events, observations of Flock Read, Bird and Greenfield (1996), the rainfall Bronzewings were made in both central pastoral received prior to these recent observations areas of South Australia, as well as within their was lower and more patchy than that received better-known range in the far north-east of the during the bumper years of the late 1980s and State (Figure 1 and Tables 1 and 2). Sightings early/mid 1990s. Rainfall well above the long- are reported here from a range of sources term average was received in the years 1989, including my own personal observations as well 1992, 1993 and 1995 in Marree, Coober Pedy and as a number that were communicated to me by Roxby Downs. During the intervening years pastoralists and other field-workers from the rainfall was generally average or slightly below region. (Bureau of Meteorology 2009b). In contrast, the rain in late 2008 in most areas of central northern South Australia followed five or six Observations and Discussion consecutive years of well below average rainfall (Bureau of Meteorology 2009b). On this basis, Sightings from central northern South Australia it would appear that the magnitude of summer These observations from the central northern rainfall events may be the factor that determines pastoral areas of South Australia support the level of food resources which are necessary those reported by Read, Bird and Greenfield for Flock Bronzewings to move into this area September 2010 27 Comments Female flew in and landed at large water-holding gilgai at 09:30 on water-holding Female flew in and landed at large open gibber plain with Mitchell Grass and ephemeral herbage. Near where Moomba pipeline crosses Balcanoona/Mount Hopeless Moomba pipeline crosses Near where Open gibber plain with Mitchell Grass in gilgais. road. Mitchell Grass in gilgais. Open gibber plain with scattered seen drinking at dams in late 2008. were Several groups in gibber country. Flying south along Strzelecki Track Seen throughout Nov-Dec 08, some thought to be breeding, but not Nov-Dec 08, some thought to be breeding, Seen throughout conclusive. Several flocks in flight. Good growth of Mitchell Grass and other Several flocks in flight. Good herbage on stony plains. Observer David Bell Reece Pedler Travis Hague Travis Mike Sheehan Shane Oldfield Gerard Sheehan Gerard Gordon Litchfield Gordon Co-ordinates 29º 01’S, 138º 09’ E 30º 02’ S, 138º 30’ E 29º 27’ S, 136º 58’ E 29º 33’ S, 139º 27’ E 29º 59’ S, 139º 48’ E 29º 00’ S, 138º 26’ E 29º 53’ S, 140º 02’’ E 29º 53’ S, 140º 02’’ Creek Station Station Location 14 km S of Homestead Fossils Bore, Fossils Bore, ~10 km W of Clayton Station Strzelecki Track, Strzelecki Track, Station Peachawarrina Bore, Peachawarrina Bore, Dams, Mt Lyndhurst Dams, Mt Lyndhurst Moolawatana Station Railway Curdimurka Moolawatana Station siding, Stuart’s Creek siding, Stuart’s Creek Ruin and MacDonnell between Blanchewater Padlock and Deep Well Padlock and Deep Well 5 1 100 30+ No. 10-12 40-50 <2,000 08 08 D ate Dec 08 Dec 08 Dec 08 Nov-Dec Nov-Dec 16 Feb 09 10 Mar 09 7 4 5 6 3 1 2 Sighting # Table 1. Flock BronzewingTable records from central northern South Australia 2008-2009. 28 South Australian Ornithologist 36 (1 & 2) Numbers show sighting numbers given in Tables in given 2. and 1 numbers sighting show Numbers 2009. and 2008 during study current the from those and (1996) Greenfield and Bird Read, by reported those (BDBSA), Figure 1. Figure

Map of N of Map E South Australia showing previous records of the Flock Bronzewing from the SA Biological SABiological the from Bronzewing Flock the of records previous showing Australia South D atabase atabase September 2010 29 Queensland Comments , Native Clover, Trigonella suavissima, Flying N on strong SW wind. Floodplain with clay soil, Nardoo, Marsilea drummondii Flock seen feeding on open ephemeral grassland shortly before dusk. Grasses green and seeding. Adult pair drinking from small puddle in borrow pit. Birds under shade of Coolibah trees on warm afternoon (~35 ºC). All adult birds. Group of 16 flying low overhead S. A later group 30+ were drinking from Burt Dam. Bluebush, Chenopodium auricomum & Lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta . Flying in small group. Surrounding country: open stony gibber plains with timbered creekline of Coolabah, Eucalyptus coolabah and Mineritchie, Acacia cyperophyll. Flying NE over Diamantina River channel in early afternoon. Around 10 flocks of 200-300 birds all sheltering under Coolibah trees during a hot (~40 ºC) afternoon. Ground bare with evidence of cattle and their dung. Several small groups of 6+ flushed from open ground around bore and all formed a singe flock. Flock of 200+ seen flying. Many also seen singularly or in groups of 2-4 2-4 of groups in or singularly seen also Many flying. seen 200+ of Flock ephemeral of growth Prolific dunefields. in afterwards and before flying herbage. and grasses Pedler & Chris Observer Ben Allen Ben Allen David Oag Janet Brook McGoldrick Helen Crisp Reece Pedler Reece Pedler A. Black et al . A. Black et al . Reece Pedler, Lynn & Reece Ben Parkhurst & Ben Parkhurst & Heather Miller & Co-ordinates 26º 11’ S, 136º 34’ E 26º 11’ 26º 20’ S, 139º 14’ E 26º 35’ S, 139º 09’ E 26º 27’ S, 139º 32’ E 26º 46’ S, 140º 47’ E 26º 00’ S, 138º 26’ E 25º, 54’ S, 139º 21’ E 26º 48’ E, 139º 01’ N 26º 11’ E, 139º 15’ N 26º 45’ E, 140º 39’ N Station. Reserve Location Homestead ~10 km S of Homestead. Karrathunka Hills Station. Pandie Station Downs Station Downs Station Outstation and Desert Regional Waterhole, Alton Between Cadelga Pandie boundary. Dam, Clifton Hills Union Bore, ~6 km Waterhole, Cordillo Bore Turnoff, Pandie from Cordillo Downs French Line, Simpson French Alton Downs/Pandie ~1 km E of Motor Car 1 km S of Durrabinnie ~1 km SE of Birdsville ~4 km N of Moongara N of Diamantina River Burt Waterhole, Clifton 8 2 46 200 ~12 ~35 ~50 No. 600+ 200+ 2-3,000 D ate Jul 09 6 Jul 09 1 Jul 10 22 Jan 10 5 Sept 09 7 Nov 09 23 Oct 09 24 Oct 09 25 Oct 09 20 Sept 08 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 10 16 17 Sighting # Table 2. Flock BronzewingTable records from far north-eastern South Australia 2008-2009. 30 South Australian Ornithologist 36 (1 & 2) rather than preceding rainfall over a number of these northern areas, which include many years. This makes sense in context of their major small flocks particularly in the Warburton/ food resources in these areas which are thought Diamantina and floodplain areas to consist of annual herbage and grasses, which (Fraser 1990, Carpenter et al. 2003, Rogers 2004, respond quickly to significant rainfall events. 2005 and 2008). This area of north-eastern Confirmed breeding records or immature birds South Australia is within close geographic were made during previous observations of proximity to the known stronghold of the Flock Flock Bronzewings in northern South Australia Bronzewing in south-western Queensland, (Fraser 1990; Read, Bird and Greenfield 1996). where flocks of several thousand are seen Despite the suspicion that some of the large relatively frequently (Eades and Rogers 2001; group of birds at Clayton Station in late 2008 Dooley 2007; Ramsay 2007 & 2009). This area were breeding (S. Oldfield pers. comm.) the also receives slightly higher rainfall than more area was not able to be accessed at the time and southerly areas of the South Australian pastoral hence this could not be confirmed. districts, as well as semi-regular inundation of floodplain areas from major inland river Sightings from far north-eastern South Australia systems of the Lake Eyre Basin (Allan 1990). The recent sighting of the species in the Simpson Desert (sighting 17, Table 2) is of note given Food items the lack of other records from this vicinity Only one of the observations reported here was and from sandy habitats generally (Figure 1). of birds apparently feeding, yet no detailed Growth of seeding grasses and other herbage in observations could be made at the time this sand dune habitat was prolific at the time regarding identification of food items. Many of of the observations and presumably provided the observations from the central north of the exceptional conditions given the well above pastoral areas were made in areas of cracking average rainfall received in late summer. clay or gibber plains supporting abundant Mitchell Grass, Astrebla sp. and other herbage, Observations of Flock Bronzewings from the or from watering sites adjacent to this habitat floodplain habitats of the and are consistent with previous observations Bioregion in the far north-east of South from these areas (McAllan 1996; Read, Bird Australia reported here are within the range and Greenfield 1996). Mitchell Grass has been of other recent records (Cox and Pedler 1977; suspected as a major food source for Flock Fraser 1990; Carpenter et al. 2003; Rogers, 2005 Bronzewings given their apparent association & 2008). Large aggregations of several hundred with this habitat, yet there is little direct data birds appear to be relatively common in this regarding their reliance or otherwise on this area, with a flocks of 700–800 observed by Colin species as a food source (Frith 1982; Higgins Rogers and John Cox in December 2004 and and Davies 1996; McAllan 1996). Some of January 2005 and a flock of over 1000 observed the only precise data on food items of Flock by Chris Baxter on the Diamantina River north Bronzewings comes from crop contents of 49 of Pandie Pandie Homestead in 2002 (Rogers birds collected in the Victoria River District 2004, 2005 & 2008). The large flock of between and Barklay Tableland in 1966 (Frith, Wolfe 2000-3000 birds observed on the Birdsville and Barker,1976). These samples contained Inside Track (sighting 15, Table 2) is significant the seeds of 12 grass and 30 herb species, given its size and is perhaps one of the larger with major food items including the seeds of flocks observed within South Australia for some Cattle Bush, Trichodesma zeylanicum and Desert time. Other sightings reported here, such as Spurge, Euphorbia tannensis ssp. eremophila. the smaller flocks of up to 200 birds at Cordillo Although grasses constituted only 21% of the Downs support other recent observations from total samples, species identified included Native September 2010 31

Millet, Panicum decompositum, other Panicum sp, summer months when species such as Flock Button Grass, Dactyloctenium radulans and other Bronzewings are present. Recognizing the Enneapogon and Tragus species. Surprisingly, value of the knowledge and opportunities for no Mitchell Grass was found in the samples observation by residents and field workers in and it was suggested that this may have been this region is an important tool in eliciting new attributable to a lack of availability at the time information on some of our poorly understood of sampling due to dry conditions. Barker and avian fauna and one which should be given Vestjens (1989) also report a range of grass emphasis. and annual herbaceous species from stomach contents, but not Mitchell Grass. Acknowledgements

Many of the observations from the far north- Many thanks to the numerous people who east of South Australia which are reported here contributed the sightings and information were from floodplain habitats rather than gibber presented here through their opportunistic or cracking clay plains. Crop analysis of birds observations. The assistance of Lynn Pedler, near Bedourie recently detected Verbine, Cullen Peter Dostine and Jill Evans in locating previous sp. and a sedge Schoenoplectus sp. as important records and literature on the species is gratefully food items in floodplain areas (P. Dostine pers. acknowledged. This manuscript significantly comm. 2009). benefited from comments provided by Peter Dostine, John Read and Lynn Pedler as well as Further work is needed to determine the diet an anonymous referee. of Flock Bronzewings, particularly in the References southern parts of their range. Collection and subsequent analysis of ‘seed sweeps’ from the Allan, R.J. 1990. Climate. In Natural History of ground surface at observed feeding sites may the North East Deserts. M.J. Tyler, C.R. Twidale, be an important and easily achievable method M. Davies and C.B. Wells (eds) Royal Society of of increasing understanding of the diet of this South Australia Inc, Adelaide, pp. 81-84. species (P. Dostine pers. comm. 2009). Badman, F.J. 1989. The birds of the middle and Conclusions lower Cooper Creek in South Australia. Nature Conservation Society of South Australia, These observations support previous records Adelaide. from the same areas and importantly add Barker, R.D. and Vestjens, W.J.M. 1989. The Food further records from the stony plains south of of Australian Birds: (I) Non-passerines. Melbourne Lake Eyre. They further confirm the far north- University Press. east areas of the Warburton/Diamantina River system as regular visitation sites for Flock Bureau of Meteorology 2009a. Daily Weather Bronzewings and more southerly central areas Observations, viewed 31 July 2009. http:// as less frequent visitation areas during times of www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo.shtml. favorable summer rainfall. Bureau of Meteorology 2009b. Weather Station Data, viewed 23 November 2009. http://www. The methods used to compile many of the bom.gov.au/climate/data/weather-data.shtml. observations presented here are of note given the vast and remote areas of the Bureau of Meteorology 2010. Daily Weather South Australian pastoral zone which are Observations, viewed 4 August 2010. http:// relatively infrequently visited by researchers www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo.shtml. or ornithologists, particularly in the warm 32 South Australian Ornithologist 36 (1 & 2)

Carpenter, G., Black, A., Harper, D., and Horton, Ramsay, B. 2007. Bird Notes, Series 183. The Bird P. 2003. Bird Report 1982-1999. South Australian Observer 852. Ornithologist 34: 93-151. Ramsay, B. 2009. Bird Notes, Series 194. The Bird Dooley, S. 2007. Twitcher’s Corner. Wingspan 17: Observer 862. 43. Read, J., Bird, P. and Greenfield, C. 1996. Eades, D. and Rogers, D. 2001. Twitcher’s Southern Range Extensions of the Flock Corner. Wingspan 11: 25. Bronzewings Phaps histrionica in South Australia, including a breeding record. South Frith, H.J., Wolfe, T.O. and Barker, R.D. (1976) Australian Ornithologist 32: 99-102. Food of eight species of , in the genera Geopelia, Phaps, and Petrophassa. Reese, L.R. 1924. Bird Notes. South Australian Australian Wildlife Research 3: 159-171. Ornithologist 7: 229-230.

Garnett, S. T. and Crowley, G.M. 2000. The Action Reese, L.R. 1927. Bird Notes. South Australian Plan for Australian Birds. Environment Australia, Ornithologist 9: 69. Canberra. Reese, L.R. 1931a. Bird Notes. South Australian Higgins, P.J. and Davies, S.J.J.F. 1996. Handbook Ornithologist 11: 71-72. of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Reese, L.R. 1931b. Bird Notes. South Australian Volume 3: Snipe to Pigeons. Oxford University Ornithologist 11: 108 & 170. Press, Melbourne. Rogers, C. 2004. Bird Report 2002, South Fraser, T. 1990. Observations of the Flock Pigeon Australian Ornithologist 34: 211-221. in South Australia. South Australian Ornithologist 31: 13-15. Rogers, C. 2005. Bird Report 2004, South Australian Ornithologist 35: 86-95. Frith, H.J.1982. Pigeons and Doves of Australia. Rigby: Adelaide. Rogers, C. 2008. Bird Report 2005, South Australian Ornithologist, 35: 132-143. McAllan, I.A.W. 1996. The Flock Bronzewing Phaps histrionica in New South Wales, with comments on its biology. Australian Bird Watcher 16: 175-204.

McGilp, J.N., 1931. Stray Feathers: Flock Pigeons. Emu 31: 312.

McGilp, J.N., 1932. Correspondence. Emu 32: 72. Reece D. Pedler Pedler, L.P. and Cox, J.B. 1977. Birds recorded South Australian Arid Lands Natural during three visits to the far north east of Resources Management Board South Australia. South Australian Ornithologist PO Box 2227 Port Augusta S.A. 5700 27: 231-250. [email protected]