DOCSLIB.ORG

Download This PDF File

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Download This PDF File Australian Field Ornithology 2016, 33, 33–34 http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo33033034 Book Review The World of Birds by Jonathan Elphick The Natural History Museum, London (published in Australia by CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne), 2014. Hardcover, colour photographs, black-and-white diagrams, 608 pp. RRP AU$90. This book is an with the extraordinary level of scholarship and detail in a encyclopaedic treatment readable, amateur-friendly text. The liberal use of subject of just about everything subheadings means that one can ‘cherry-pick’ a topic of the amateur birder or interest by dipping into the book. ornithologist might want Chapter 10, being the balance of the book (a little to know about the origins, over half), is an exposition of the world’s bird orders and basic biology, behaviour, families,a arranged in taxonomic sequence from ratites ecology, biogeography, to the higher passerines. For each order, there is a brief and ‘family trees’ of the introduction on its family composition and some typical world’s birds (and it is a handy summary for members, and often a comment on the interim nature of professionals, too). It the taxonomic treatment pending further work on DNA. is a book that we have Then follows a tabulated profile of each family, giving needed for a long time, to the number of genera and species, and (for its members help field those questions as a whole) their size/weight range, distribution and in bird newsletters, the Birding-Aus chatline and so on habitat, social behaviour, nests and eggs, incubation and about how or why birds do certain things, their anatomy or nestling periods, food, calls, migration and conservation physiology etc. Now one can look it up, with the expectation status, followed by a commentary text on the attributes of that the answer will be in there somewhere, or can be typical members of that family (and subfamilies or lower inferred from the information presented. subdivisionsb as applicable). Chapter 1 covers the fossil history and evolution of The book finishes with a helpful glossary; an appendix birds, including those featured in Australia’s extinct explaining the IUCN/BirdLife Red List criteria; reference megafauna. Chapter 2 deals with anatomy and physiology, lists for each chapter; useful lists of CDs and DVDs, explaining everything from skeletal and organ/endocrine/ organisations and websites; a subject index; and an nervous systems to the senses, sound (song) production index of bird families and names (common and scientific). and plumage (feather types and structure etc.), with Throughout, the text is lavishly illustrated with often an emphasis on adaptations for flight. Chapter 3 then stunning action photographs. focusses down on flight and how birds fly. Chapter 4 The taxonomic treatment in Chapter 10 follows the discusses food and feeding, covering the various food Howard & Moore checklist 3rd edition (2003). Although types, foraging behaviour, methods and strategies, with I appreciate that a book like this takes a long time to examples of adaptive anatomy. Chapter 5 explores the prepare, it has been overtaken by the Howard & Moore topic of bird societies and populations, covering territories 4th edition (non-passerines 2013, with passerines in prep. and territorial behaviour, flocking, population regulation in 2014). Consequently, the taxonomy is a little dated, (factors influencing stability or otherwise), and life-history although the author often foreshadows more recent DNA- strategies. Chapter 6 describes and explains almost based changes. Also, the family treatment and sequence everything about the breeding cycle of birds, from mating for some Australian passerines will be unfamiliar to local systems, courtship, copulation and fertilisation, songs and birders (the BirdLife Australia working list and current IOC calls, to nests, eggs and incubation (including anatomy list notwithstanding). and physiology of the egg), and development and care of young. Chapter 7 covers zoogeography, the world’s Inevitably, in a work of this magnitude, there are minor faunal regions, how birds got to be where they are, and slips and errors. A few I noticed include booted eagles (i.e. Earth’s biomes and habitats. Chapter 8 is all one might with feathered tarsi) having ‘booted’ tarsal scales; a figure want to know about bird migration (e.g. types/patterns and caption transposes bird versus mammal enucleated red how birds navigate). Chapter 9, on birds and humans, is blood cells (though correct in the text); Wedge-tailed is not an incisive commentary on what we have done to birds larger than Golden Eagle; Great Grey Owl is not ‘huge’ and the global environment, including explanation of (many owls are much heavier); Black-breasted Buzzard the IUCN/BirdLife Red List categories, emphasising the using stone tools is hardly a ‘new’ discovery if the Aborigines current extinction rate (12.5% of bird species are globally told John Gilbert (Gould’s collector) about it; cartwheeling threatened) and that human overpopulation is the key in raptors is usually fighting rather than courtship; in the problem, and discussion of conservation strategies. Each ‘box’ on internal incubation (by cuckoos) ‘hatching’ should chapter has several ‘boxes’ of interesting examples or be ‘laying’; ‘Red-breasted’ Falcon should be ‘Red-footed’; side-topics, and to this point I was repeatedly impressed photograph of ‘Greater Sooty Owl’ is a Lesser Sooty Owl; 34 Australian Field Ornithology Book review: The World of Birds ‘Sitella’ repeatedly for ‘Sittella’. However, these scarcely this volume in their arsenal, not least so that print and detract from an amazing achievement, and on the plus side online forums are less cluttered with questions that now there is, for example, a realistic discussion of Peregrine have ready answers in this wonderful book, and perhaps Falcon flight speeds rather than just repeating the usual instead we shall hear more of what the birds they twitch or hype. Other matters on e.g. raptor and button-quail ordinal watch are actually doing. This book is also a most valuable classification, parrot/cockatoo familial classification, reference for the more serious ornithologist. accipitrid and aquiline relationships, reflect the dated taxonomy compared with post-2003 DNA papers. Stephen Debus As well as their field guides and ‘Where to find birds…’ types of books, twitchers and amateur birders should have University of New England, Armidale, NSW.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Gtr Pnw343.Pdf
    Abstract Marcot, Bruce G. 1995. Owls of old forests of the world. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW- GTR-343. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 64 p. A review of literature on habitat associations of owls of the world revealed that about 83 species of owls among 18 genera are known or suspected to be closely asso- ciated with old forests. Old forest is defined as old-growth or undisturbed forests, typically with dense canopies. The 83 owl species include 70 tropical and 13 tem- perate forms. Specific habitat associations have been studied for only 12 species (7 tropical and 5 temperate), whereas about 71 species (63 tropical and 8 temperate) remain mostly unstudied. Some 26 species (31 percent of all owls known or sus- pected to be associated with old forests in the tropics) are entirely or mostly restricted to tropical islands. Threats to old-forest owls, particularly the island forms, include conversion of old upland forests, use of pesticides, loss of riparian gallery forests, and loss of trees with cavities for nests or roosts. Conservation of old-forest owls should include (1) studies and inventories of habitat associations, particularly for little-studied tropical and insular species; (2) protection of specific, existing temperate and tropical old-forest tracts; and (3) studies to determine if reforestation and vege- tation manipulation can restore or maintain habitat conditions. An appendix describes vocalizations of all species of Strix and the related genus Ciccaba. Keywords: Owls, old growth, old-growth forest, late-successional forests, spotted owl, owl calls, owl conservation, tropical forests, literature review.
    [Show full text]
  • The Melbirdian MELBOCA Newsletter Number 73 Spring 2010
    The Melbirdian MELBOCA Newsletter Number 73 Spring 2010 That Really Sticks in My Craw! Or Crop! On a recent trip to Lakes Entrance, Lisa Siciliano spotted this majestic Sea Eagle over the top reaches of Boggy Creek, near the Princess Highway overpass, Nowa Nowa. On closer inspection, she noticed a large bulge near its throat. Initially, Lisa was a bit worried. At first glance, the bulge looks like a Inside This Issue: nasty growth. But it is in fact more likely to be a Past Meeting Reports 2-3 full crop—food stored in the eagle‘s throat for its Outing Reports: young. – Beginners Outings 3 Sea Eagle, like many birds, store food in a – Serendip 5 small pouch in the œso- phagus. There it is pre- – Lillydale Lake 9 digested, either on its way to the stomach, or – Devilbend 10 in order for it to be re- – Birdland Reserve 10 gurgitated later for its young. This pouch is Education Report 5 known as the craw or crop. Interesting Sightings 6-7 Photo by Lisa Siciliano, Dates to Remember 11 6 June 2010. BOCA/MW Update 12 Contact MELBOCA 12 Tuesday 24 August 2010 8:00pm Tuesday 28 September 2010 8:00pm Paul Sinclair: “Remaking Connec- Grainne Maguire: “The Challenge tions between People and Nature” of Protecting Beach-Nesting Birds” MELBOCA Branch Dr Paul Sinclair is an expert on the Grainne will speak about the vulner- Murray River system. Currently with ability of our beach-nesting birds. We Meetings: the ACF, he is one of Australia‘s lead- look forward to hearing about the ing conservationists, often heard on measures being taken to protect nest- Upcoming Guest radio and television.
    [Show full text]
  • Approved Recovery Plan for Large Forest Owls
    Approved NSW Recovery Plan Recovery Plan for the Large Forest Owls Powerful Owl Sooty Owl Masked Owl Ninox strenua Tyto tenebricosa Tyto novaehollandiae October 2006 Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), 2006. This work is copyright, however, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use or educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from DEC. This plan should be cited as follows: Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2006). NSW Recovery Plan for the Large Forest Owls: Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua), Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa) and Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae) DEC, Sydney. For further information contact: Large Forest Owl Recovery Coordinator Biodiversity Conservation Unit Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) PO Box A290 Sydney South NSW 1232 Published by: Department of Environment and Conservation NSW 59–61 Goulburn Street, Sydney Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY: (02) 9211 4723 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au ISBN 1 74137 995 4 DEC 2006/413 October 2006 Cover photographs: Powerful Owl, R. Jackson, Sooty Owl, D. Hollands and Masked Owl, M. Todd. Approved Recovery Plan for Large Forest Owls Recovery Plan for the Large Forest Owls Executive Summary This document constitutes the formal New South Wales State recovery plan for the three large forest owls of NSW - the Powerful Owl Ninox strenua (Gould), Sooty Owl Tyto tenebricosa (Gould) and Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae (Stephens).
    [Show full text]
  • Eastern Australia: October-November 2016
    Tropical Birding Trip Report Eastern Australia: October-November 2016 A Tropical Birding SET DEPARTURE tour EASTERN AUSTRALIA: From Top to Bottom 23rd October – 11th November 2016 The bird of the trip, the very impressive POWERFUL OWL Tour Leader: Laurie Ross All photos in this report were taken by Laurie Ross/Tropical Birding. 1 www.tropicalbirding.com +1-409-515-9110 [email protected] Page Tropical Birding Trip Report Eastern Australia: October-November 2016 INTRODUCTION The Eastern Australia Set Departure Tour introduces a huge amount of new birds and families to the majority of the group. We started the tour in Cairns in Far North Queensland, where we found ourselves surrounded by multiple habitats from the tidal mudflats of the Cairns Esplanade, the Great Barrier Reef and its sandy cays, lush lowland and highland rainforests of the Atherton Tablelands, and we even made it to the edge of the Outback near Mount Carbine; the next leg of the tour took us south to Southeast Queensland where we spent time in temperate rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests within Lamington National Park. The third, and my favorite leg, of the tour took us down to New South Wales, where we birded a huge variety of new habitats from coastal heathland to rocky shorelines and temperate rainforests in Royal National Park, to the mallee and brigalow of Inland New South Wales. The fourth and final leg of the tour saw us on the beautiful island state of Tasmania, where we found all 13 “Tassie” endemics. We had a huge list of highlights, from finding a roosting Lesser Sooty Owl in Malanda; to finding two roosting Powerful Owls near Brisbane; to having an Albert’s Lyrebird walk out in front of us at O Reilly’s; to seeing the rare and endangered Regent Honeyeaters in the Capertee Valley, and finding the endangered Swift Parrot on Bruny Island, in Tasmania.
    [Show full text]
  • Old Conifer Forests of North America
    Old Conifer Forests of North America 1. Ancient forest of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and western redcedar (Thuja plicata), Olympic National Park, western Olympic Peninsula, Washington. Such stands are habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) but in recent years also have been invaded by the Barred Owl (Strix varia). The Barred Owl is fast becoming coexistent with, and in many cases replacing, the less aggressive Spotted Owl. 2. Fragmentation of western hemlock forests in southeast Alaska, Tongass National Forest, from timber harvesting (clearcutting). Such harvesting locally opens forest canopies and eliminates habitat for Boreal (Tengmalm’s) Owls (Aegolius funereus) and other species. 3. Selective cutting of western hemlock forests in southeast Alaska. If such cutting does not greatly reduce canopy closure or nesting substrate (including snags and cavity-bearing trees), then it may be compatible with conserving habitat for some of the old-forest owl species. Studies are needed, however, to assess the response of each species. Hume and Boyer (1991) and Amadon and Bull (1988) list the Lesser Sooty Owl, previously considered a subspecies of the Sooty Owl, as a separate species. Hume and Boyer note that both species inhabit patches of rain forest and wet eucalyptus forests containing old trees with hollow trunks suitable for nesting and roosting, and that the Lesser Sooty Owl favors extensive tracts of rain forests. Both owls have recently taken to roadsides and clearings as foraging habitat, however. 5 Soumagne’s Owl-Soumagne’s Owl is found only in large, dense, evergreen forests of northeastern Madagascar. It has been sighted only in 1929 and 1973 (Clark and others 1978).
    [Show full text]
  • Owls of Old Forests of the World Bruce G
    Owls of Old Forests of the World Bruce G. Marcot Cover The cover illustrates a flew selected species of owls found in old forests of the world. Clockwise from upper left: in conifer forests of North America is the North- ern Spotted Owl (Strix accidentalis caurina); in dense evergreen forests of South- east Asia is the Bay Owl (Phodilus badius); in rain forests of Australia is the Rufous Owl (Ninox rufa); in dense evergreen rain forests of Madagascar is the Soumagne’s Owl (Tyto soumagnei); and in Neotropical lowland forests of South America is the White-Chinned or Tawny-browed Owl (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana). Author BRUCE G. MARCOT is a wildlife ecologist, Ecological Framework for Manage- ment Research Development, and Application Program, Pacific Northwest Research Station, P.O. Box 3890, Portland, OR 97208-3890 Abstract Marcot, Bruce G. 1995. Owls of old forests of the world. Gen. Tech. Rep. PNW- GTR-343. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 64 p. A review of literature on habitat associations of owls of the world revealed that about 83 species of owls among 18 genera are known or suspected to be closely associated with old forests. Old forest is defined as old-growth or undisturbed forests, typically with dense canopies. The 83 owl species include 70 tropical and 13 temperate forms. Specific habitat associations have been studied for only 12 species (7 tropical and 5 temperate), whereas about 71 species (63 tropical and 8 temperate) remain mostly unstudied. Some 26 species (31 percent of all owls known or sus- pected to be associated with old forests in the tropics) are entirely or mostly re- stricted to tropical islands.
    [Show full text]
  • Jackson, Stephen Matthew (1998) Foraging Ecology, Behaviour and Management of the Mahogany Glider Petaurus Gracilis
    This file is part of the following reference: Jackson, Stephen Matthew (1998) Foraging ecology, behaviour and management of the mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis. PhD thesis, James Cook University. Access to this file is available from: http://eprints.jcu.edu.au/17428 Foraging Ecology, Behaviour and Management of the Mahogany Glider Petaurus gracilis Thesis Submitted by Stephen Matthew Jackson M. Sc. in April 1998 In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Zoology and Tropical Ecology of James Cook University of North Queensland. The Glirlil/g Ability of Petallri£is. "On board a vessel sailing off the coast of New Holland was a Squirrel PelaurIls, which was permitted to roam about the ship . On one occasion it reached the mast-head, and as the sailor who was despatched to bring it down approached, it made a spring from aloR to avoid him. At this moment the ship gave a heavy lu rch, which, if the original di rection of the li ttl e creatures course had been continu ed, must have plunged it into the sea. All w ho witnessed the scene were in pain fo r its safety; but it suddenly appeared to check itself, and so to modifY its career that it ali ghted safe ly on the deck". From: Penny Cyclopedia (1839) Marsupiali a, Charles Knight & Co. Vol xiv p. -160 --161. A Mahogany Glider' Launching Into a Gl id e. Phuto by John Young ii Statement of Access I, the undersigned, the author of this thesis, understand that James Cook University of North Queensland will make it available for use within the University Library and, by microfilm or other photographic means, allow access to users in other approved libraries.
    [Show full text]
  • Eastern Australia Tour 2016 (Andy Jensen)
    Newly arrived Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfishers were a grand finale to the Birdquest Eastern Australia tour 2016 (Andy Jensen) EASTERN AUSTRALIA 20 OCTOBER – 9 NOVEMBER 2016 LEADER: ANDREW JENSEN 1 BirdQuest Tour Report: Eastern Australia 2016 www.birdquest-tours.com Eastern Australia is a highly diverse region with a range of habitats hosting a rich and varied avifauna. This tour covered a wide range of these habitats as is possible in three weeks, including eucalypt woodland, wet forests and sandstone country around Sydney, pelagic waters and coastal estuary around Newcastle, upland beech forest in northern New South Wales, rainforest in southeast Queensland, mangrove and dry sclerophyll around Brisbane and the tremendous diversity of habitats the Wet Tropics of north Queensland has to offer. As is often the way with these trips, the weather plays a huge part in influencing the birds seen. Even conditions leading up to the trip exert an influence, inland rains earlier in the year resulting in waterfowl and many other species deserting the coastal strip, - however we did very well for these species, albeit in much reduced numbers. Despite conditions every leader dreads at Barren Grounds in New South Wales (wind and rain) we cleaned up at that site, and we successfully located the very restricted range Eungella Honeyeater through the dense cloud in central Queensland. Conditions ranged from around 1c around the higher parts of New South Wales, to sweltering in 37c heat waiting for finches to come in to drink in north Queensland, and by and large we were blessed with pleasant weather, enabling us to bird at most times, aside from the odd break in the middle of the day.
    [Show full text]
  • Recovery Plan for the Mahogany Glider Petaurus Gracilis Prepared by Mark Parsons and Peter Latch for the Mahogany Glider Recovery Team
    Recovery plan for the mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis Prepared by Mark Parsons and Peter Latch for the Mahogany Glider Recovery Team © John Young Title: Recovery plan for the mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis Prepared by: Mark Parsons and Peter Latch for the Mahogany Glider Recovery Team © The State of Queensland, Environmental Protection Agency, 2007 Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act, reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written knowledge of the Environmental Protection Agency. Inquiries should be addressed to PO Box 15155, CITY EAST QLD 4002. Copies may be obtained from the: Executive Director Conservation Services Environmental Protection Agency PO Box 15155 CITY EAST QLD 4002 Disclaimer: The Australian Government, in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, facilitates the publication of recovery plans to detail the actions needed for the conservation of threatened native wildlife. The attainment of objectives and the provision of funds may be subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties involved, and may also be constrained by the need to address other conservation priorities. Approved recovery actions may be subject to modification due to changes in knowledge and changes in conservation status. Publication reference: Parsons, M. and Latch, P. 2007. Recovery plan for the mahogany glider Petaurus gracilis. Report to Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Environmental Protection Agency, Brisbane. 2 Contents Page Executive Summary 4 1. General information 5 Conservation status 5 International obligations 5 Affected interests 5 Consultation with Indigenous people 5 Benefits to other species or communities 5 Social and economic impacts 7 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Queensland 2019 - Part 4 of 4 - the Northern Tablelands and Cape York Peninsula - Rainforest Frogs, Pythons and the Enchanting Cuscus!
    Queensland 2019 - Part 4 of 4 - The Northern Tablelands and Cape York Peninsula - Rainforest Frogs, Pythons and the Enchanting Cuscus! This the final section of the five week Queensland trip covers travel from Julatten in the Northern Tablelands up the magnificent Cape York Peninsula and into the rainforest of the Iron Range National Park. Kingfisher Park at Julatten in primarily a birdwatchers lodge. It is set in rainforest, but also has a tropical orchard on grounds, and as such not only has great birds but also reptiles, frogs and mammals. I had stayed here previously in 2016 and was well looked after by Carol and Andrew who are great hosts. On arrival I got the low down on what was currently being seen at Kingfisher Lodge, afterwards visited a roosting Eastern Horseshoe Bat on the property after directions from Andrew. It was a privilege to be able to observe a Microbat at such close quarters and provided I used red light the Bat wasn't at all worried. Eastern Horseshoe Bat. This visit at I was staying at the bunkhouse and after unpacking I went for a late afternoon drive around Julatten finding lots of Red-legged Pademelons out and about in the cloudy overcast conditions. Red-legged Pademelon. Back at Kingfisher Lodge orchard I was pleased to find the South American Sapote Tree flowering, and I hoped that in common with the last visit there would be lots of nightime mammals enticed to this rich nectar source. If the number of daytime birds attracted to it was any indication things were looking good.
    [Show full text]
  • Endangered Animals of Australia Pdf Free Download
    ENDANGERED ANIMALS OF AUSTRALIA PDF, EPUB, EBOOK Marie Allgor | 24 pages | 15 Jan 2011 | PowerKids Press | 9781448826445 | English | New York, NY, United States Endangered Animals of Australia PDF Book The quokka is a marsupial, and a relative of the kangaroo. Lucia ST. A subspecies of a national icon, as with the Kangaroo Island dunnart, much of this echidna's range was destroyed in the summer bushfires. The wallaroo gets its name from a combination of wallaby and kangaroo. It gets its name due to an extension of its nose that looks like a double-edged saw. The pied oystercatcher has back and white feathers, whereas the sooty oystercatcher has a completely black plumage. For example, stay in a group or with the fellow volunteers, especially when you want to hit the bar or go grab a drink. Corroboree Frog These types of frogs are only being seen in the Table islands of Australia. Long-beaked echidnas are common in New Guinea. Some projects need a mandatory criminal background check and the same is mentioned in the project info of your program. Prehensile means able to grab things. Ganges river dolphins are freshwater dolphins found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers in Balngladesh, India and Nepal. Can I volunteer as part of a group? Its method of eating is quite peculiar. Its population is on the decline, mainly due to habitat loss. Cookie settings Accept. Dingoes are lean medium-sized Australian wild dogs. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt- out if you wish. Hi, Thank you for this list.
    [Show full text]
  • Australia, 2018
    Trip report Australia Valentin Moser, [email protected] This report covers different trips I undertook during my Exchange semester in Sydney. It covers Alice Springs to Adelaide (6.-17.9.2018, 11 days), Tasmania (14-28.10.2018, 14 days including volunteering 8 days), Deniliquin (11-15.11.2018, 5 days), a trip from the Cairns region to Sydney (18.11-18.12.2018, 30 days) and Perth/Southwest (31.12.18-16.01.19, 15 days). For the broader Sydney region, a separate, more detailed trip report has been published. In total, over 100 mammal and 500 bird species were recorded. Highlights include Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, Tasmanian Devil, Numbat and Honey Possum, as well as all endemic bird families of Australia. The trip report has a focus on the astonishing mammals of Australia, but points out other Naturalist highlights, especially birds. Mammals, when seen by me, are in bold. Bats were recorded with an Echo Meter Touch if not mentioned otherwise. At the end there is a species list. Index Alice Springs to Adelaide via Uluru ...................................................................................................................................... 2 Tasmania............................................................................................................................................................................ 5 East Coast Trip: Cairns to Sydney ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Cairns ...........................................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]