Fourth Biennial AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE

Ornithological Society of New Zealand

December 3 – 5, 2007

The University of Western Australia

Perth

Welcome On behalf of Birds Australia Western Australia we are pleased to welcome you to Perth and the Fourth Biennial Australasian Ornithological Conference. We gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship, both financial and in kind, that has enabled us to bring plenary and keynote speakers to Perth. Our major sponsors are listed below.

The overwhelming number of papers submitted for consideration has prompted the timetabling of concurrent sessions, four on Monday 3 rd and three on Tuesday and Wednesday. The program offers papers on a wide range of topics. We have attempted to group these in the appropriate symposia and sessions.

The aims of this conference are to:

• provide a forum for sharing current research in environmental policy and sustainable development as it relates to bird conservation and management • present current ornithological research to delegates at a local, national and international level • stimulate discussion and debate on world ornithological and conservation issues • showcase current Western Australian research in an international context • provide an avenue for post graduate students to present their research and develop professional networks • provide professional development for delegates employed in projects that have conservation issues. However, most of all, we hope that you will enjoy the fellowship of like-minded people.

The Organising Committee AOC2007

AOC2007 SPONSORED BY

The University of Western Australia Fortescue Metals Group Ltd The Royal Society of Western Australia Newcrest Mining Limited The Western Australian Museum Portman Limited The Department of Environment and Conservation Newmont Australia Limited Iluka Resources Limited Woodside Energy Ltd Dampier Salt Limited St Ives Gold Mine Pty Ltd Jane Brook Wines Chevron Australia Pty Ltd Organising Committee Allan Burbidge Claire Stevenson Department of Environment and Conservation Western Australian Museum Perth Perth John Blyth Kerry-Jayne Wilson Birds Australia Western Australia Group Lincoln University New Zealand Stephen Davies Perth Philip Withers The University of Western Australia Patricia Fleming Perth Murdoch University Perth Ron Wooller Murdoch University Andrew Ley Perth Birds Australia Northern NSW Group Suzanne Mather The committee thanks and is most grateful to the many Birds Australia Birds Australia Western Australia Group Western Australia members who have given voluntary assistance.

Social functions The Opening Reception is on Sunday 2 nd , 5:00 – 7:00pm at The University of Western Australia Guild Refectory. This is free to all registered delegates. The conference dinner is to be held at Trinity College, Hampden Road, Crawley. Delegates who have registered for this will find a ticket for the dinner included in their satchel. The State of Australian Birds will be launched and the Serventy Medal will be presented at this dinner. The streets adjacent to The University of Western Australia, Broadway and Hampden Road, house a number of restaurants and eating facilities. Lunches, morning and afternoon teas Registration fees cover these that will be served in the covered areas outside the lecture room being used. Name tags Delegates are requested to wear their name badges so they can be admitted to the sessions and be provided with lunches or teas. Information for speakers The room available as a preparation facility for speakers is G201 . Please forward Powerpoint presentations prior to the conference preferably through the contact details on the website www.birdswa.com.au/aoc2007 or on Sunday 2 nd between 3-5pm when registering. However please still meet with the team in G201 in the break before your talk. Liz Fox is the person responsible for overseeing this. Messages These can be left on the notice board at the reception desk in the GUILD REFECTORY. Delegates need to take responsibility for checking on this board.

Page 2 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS Timetable ...... 4 Program overview ...... 5 Presenting Author Index ...... 13 Symposia and Sessions ...... 14 Ecophysiology Plenary: Carlos Martinez del Rio ...... 14 Surveying the landscape ...... 22 The challenges of nectarivory Keynote : Sue Nicolson ...... 28 General...... 35 Seabirds – Ecology ...... 38 Seabirds – Conservation ...... 42 Evolution and behaviour ...... 48 Management of threatened species ...... 56 Miners ...... 63 Bioacoustics ...... 69 General...... 77 Waterbirds ...... 80 Health and Diet ...... 84 Parrots ...... 90 Plenary : Ian Newton ...... 98 The Effects of climate change on ecosystems Keynote: Bryson Bates ...... 99 Keynote: Stephen Williams ...... 100 Keynote: George Divoky ...... 101 Keynote: David Winkler ...... 102 Disturbance...... 103 The interface between research and management in avian conservation ...... 109 Environmental impacts: understanding long-term trends ...... 115 Neil Boucher ...... 121 Poster papers...... 121 Plenary: Leo Joseph ...... 137 Evolution ...... 138 Ecology and evolution of brood parasitism ...... 145 Brood parasites and predators ...... 151 Shorebirds I & II...... 157, 165 Urban landscapes and resources ...... 171 Habitat selection ...... 177 Bird conservation in managed landscapes – approaches, challenges and insights I & II...... 185, 191 Acknowledgment of sponsors ...... 199 List of Delegates...... 200

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 3 of 198 pages TIMETABLE

Page 4 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 PROGRAM OVERVIEW Session Ab. Authors Title No.

MONDAY AM Ecophysiology 1 Carlos Martínez del Rio Stable isotopes in bird biology Chairs : Todd 2 Caroline Isaksson Oxidative stress and coloration in urban and rural great tits McWhorter & Phil Withers 3 C.D.L. Powell , J.S. Bradley & R.D. Is nestling obesity in shearwaters an insurance strategy to Wooller avoid acute starvation? 4 P.C. Withers, C.E. Cooper, Thermal and metabolic physiology of a pest, the Rainbow E.Schleucher & P. Mawson Lorikeet ( Trichoglossus haematodus ) - are there chinks in its physiological armour? 5 Philip Withers, Elke Schleucher & Environmental correlates of avian basal metabolic rate Christine Cooper 6 A.E. McKechnie , B.F.N. Erasmus & B.O. Taking the heat: climate change, evaporative water loss Wolf and desert birds 7 B. Smit & A.E. McKechnie Do owls use torpor? Winter thermoregulation in African Scops-owls and Pearl-spotted Owlets in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa 8 Phil F. Battley , Robert E. Gill, Lee Using satellite telemetry to track the movements of Bar- Tibbitts, Dan Mulcahy, Brettt Gartrell tailed Godwits in the Pacific region and Nils Warnock General session 22 Holdaway, Richard N.and Richard Rowe Moa eggs: more a smorgasbord than an omelette Chair: Peter Spencer 23 Tiawanna D. Taylor Forensic genetics to detect illegal trade in wildlife and assist conservation: building capacity in South Africa 24 C. John Ralph & Leo Salas A new paradigm from observational and banding data for a comprehensive understanding of landbird life history phenomena Seabirds - Ecology 25 J. N. Dunlop & Indre Asmussen Central place foraging in seabirds: insights from stable Chairs : Peter Dann & isotope analyses Kerry-Jayne Wilson 26 Peter Dann , Leanne Renwick, Julie Foraging areas of Little Penguins during chick-rearing: McInnes, Andre Chiaradia, Roger evidence of changing food availability Kirkwood, Emma Buick, Janosch Hoffman & John Arnould. 27 André Chiaradia, Akiko Kato, Sarah Alternating short and long foraging trips on inshore Robinson, & Yan Ropert-Coudert seabirds: foraging strategy or response to food limitation? 28 Ashley Bunce Alternate foraging strategies in Australasian gannets: the effect of age, breeding experience and sex on habitat utilisation, diving performance and activity patterns Management of 43 Louisa Robertson The effects of captive rearing on the survival of Kaki (Black threatened species Stilt) post-release Chair : Cam Tiller 44 Sarah Brown & Rohan Clarke Mallee emu-wrens: Landscape-scale habitat use and population estimates within the Victorian reserve system 45 N. Carlile & D. Priddel The Lord Howe Island Currawong: trouble in paradise 46 Hugh A Ford Progressive loss of sub-populations of Hooded Robins and Brown Treecreepers in northern New South Wales 47 Jack Baker Assessment of Eastern Bristlebird microhabitat – another step in the recovery of the species 48 Martin L Cody Bird diversity and density across the Nullarbor Plain 49 Sophy Allen & James V Briskie Population bottlenecks and immune function of introduced birds in New Zealand General session 64 Michelle Plant Wildlife tourism-making a postivive contribution to Chair : Stephen Davies conservation and research of Australia's native birds

65 J.R. Funnell & U. Munro Adaptations to a migratory lifestyle in the Tasmanian Silvereye, Zosterops lateralis lateralis

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MONDAY AM , ctd General session , ctd 66 Desiree Moon Patterns and processes of dispersal: a biogeographical account of invasive avian species in south-western Australia Waterbirds 67 A.C.M. Smith , G. Ross & U. Munro Breeding success, movements and management of Chair: Mike Bamford the Australian White Ibis, Threskiornis molucca 68 Kate Brandis & Richard Kingsford Key colonial waterbird breeding sites across Australia 69 Catherine Thomas & Ursula Munro Large scale abundances and distributions of Australian White Ibis, Threskiornis molucca , in natural and urban environments during the breeding and non-breeding season 70 Pieter Fransen , Joanne Thompson & Gary Birdlife at cyanide bearing tailings ponds, Waihi Choat Gold Mine, NZ MONDAY PM 1 Surveying the 9 Jessica van der Waag Dispersal and habitat use in isolated bush remnants landscape by young Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata Chair: Carla Catteral 10 Guy Dutson Australian Important Bird Areas: are they comprehensive, adequate and representative? 11 David M Watson Effectiveness of the standardised search at sampling diverse sites: lessons from Barro Colorado Island 12 Judit Szabo & Hugh Possingham Regional bird surveys – atlases versus stratified surveys. Does it make a difference? 13 D.F. Shanahan & H.P. Possingham How much do we know? Predicting avian patch occupancy in South East Queensland 14 No Presentation

Seabird/conservation 29 Robyn Blyth & Kerry-Jayne Wilson The current status of NZ seabirds: what do we know? Chair : Kerry-Jayne 30 Ashley Bunce The current status of Australian seabirds Wilson & Peter Dann 31 D. Priddel , N. Carlile, K. Moce & D. Watling Saving the elusive Fiji Petrel 32 Mark J. Carey & Catherine E. Meathrel The effects of investigator disturbance on the hatching success of Short-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tenuirostris 33 Philip Seddon & Ursula Ellenberg Effects of human disturbance on penguins: the need for site and species specific visitor management guidelines 34 No presentation Miners 50 C. Catteral l, S. Piper, H. Bower & M. Davis Miners and their impacts in the humid and Chair : Mike Clarke urbanising subtropics 51 Amanda Dare The impact of bell miners Manorina melanophrys on the invertebrate predators and parasites of psyllids (Psylloidea) 52 Merilyn Grey , Joanne Oldland, & Michael Microhabitat preferences of the Noisy Miner Clarke Manorina melanocephala 53 Alison Howes & Martine Maron Woodland bird diversity and Noisy Miners in Brigalow belt forests 54 Rick S Taylor , Joanne M Oldland & Michael F Edge geometry influences patch-level habitat Clarke preferences of an edge specialist in south-eastern Australia 55 Joanne Oldland, Rick Taylor & Michael Clarke Habitat preferences of the Noisy Miner ( Manorina melanocephala ) – a propensity for prime real estate?

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MONDAY PM 1 , ctd Health and diet 71 I. Castro, L. Howe, D. Tompkins, D. Slaney, R. Avian malaria in NZ Saddlebacks living on Mokoia Chair : Ron Wooller Barraclough, D. Brunton, M. Alley & K. Island, Lake Rotorua McInnes 72 M. Oorebeek & S. Kleindorfer Are avian ticks harmful to their host? 73 Simon C. Cherriman Diet of the Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax in the Perth region 74 Lisa Doucette , Chris Pavey, Chris Burwell & Aerial versus terrestrial prey: diet and foraging Fritz Geiser tactics of Owlet-Nightjars differ in desert and woodland habitats 75 I. Castro , S. Cunningham, K. Jaffe, A. Gsell & Kiwi olfaction: odour source and composition, A. Cabrera scenting behaviour and function of olfaction 76 Susan Cunningham , Isabel Castro & Maurice Prey-detection mechanisms and convergent Alley evolution in kiwi and shorebirds

MONDAY PM 2 The challenges of 15 Sue Nicolson Birds and flowers: nectarivory on southern nectarivory continents Chair : Phil Withers 16 Angela Köhler , Luke Verburgt, Trish Fleming & Varying nectar concentrations of food plants: how Sue Nicolson do White-bellied Sunbirds ( Cinnyris talatala ) cope? 17 Kathryn Napier , Todd McWhorter & Trish Glucose absorption in the Red Wattlebird and Fleming Rainbow Lorikeet 18 Cromwell Purchase , Trish Fleming, Sue Added salt helps sunbirds to deal with extremely Nicolson dilute diets 19 Todd McWhorte r & Trish Fleming Life on the edge: digestive capacity in nectarivorous birds 20 Patricia A. Fleming , Halina Kobryn & Richard Shelter and a square meal: factors determining Hobbs honeyeater sightings in the wheatbelt of southwest Western Australia 21 John Dell Honeyeater species in urban Swan Coastal Plain remnants: numerical relationships, threats and conservation Evolution and 35 A. Pavlova , R. Zink & S. Rohwer Comparative mitochondrial phylogeography of behaviour temperate Eurasian birds Chair: Hugh Ford 36 Toby Galliga n & Sonia Kleindorfer Adaptive divergence and assortative pairing in Darwin’s finches: implications for speciation scenarios and rates of evolution 37 Rebekah Christensen & Sonia Kleindorfer Song variation in Darwin’s Tree Finches

38 Andrew Black , Janette Norman & Les Speciation in grasswrens of the Amytornis textilis- Christidis modestus complex 39 Michelle L Hall & Anne Peters Mate-guarding in the duetting Purple-crowned Fairy- wren 40 P.-J. Guay & A. N. Iwaniuk Captive breeding reduces brain volume in waterfowl (Anseriformes) 41 Christine A. Debruyne & James V. Briskie Comparative fluctuating asymmetry and body morphology of introduced birds in NZ 42 Yvonne Eiby Temperature dependent sex-biased embryo mortality in a megapode bird Bioacoustics 56 Abby Berryman Song sharing and repertoire change in the Noisy Chair: Allan Burbidge Scrub-bird – an indicator of social system 57 A.H. Koetz , D.A. Westcott & B.C. Congdon Song variation at all scales? Patterns, causes and function of geographic song variation in Chowchillas 58 E. Fox Noise removal from field recordings for improved individual recognition using speaker recognition methods

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MONDAY PM 2 , ctd 59 S. Parsons , J. Corfield, V. Obolonkin & J. Acoustic identification of species and individuals Bioacoustics , ctd Szewszak using ensembles of artificial neural networks 60 Kevin Parker & Dianne Brunton Evidence of cultural drift in a translocated population of North Island Saddleback ( Philesturnus rufusater ) 61 Dianne H Brunton , Barbara A Evans, Taneal A test of the dear enemy hypothesis in female Cope & Weihong Ji bellbirds: female neighbors as threats 62 Diane Colombelli-Négrel , Jeremy Robertson & Do Superb Fairy-wrens alarm calls indicate level of Sonia Kleindorfer risk? 63 Paul G. McDonald , Anahita J.N. Kazem & Begging playbacks increase provisioning in parents Jonathan Wright and helpers: one investment rule for different direct benefits Parrots 77 R.E. Johnstone & T. Kirkby The conservation of Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo, Chair: John Blyth Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo and the Forest Red- tailed Black-Cockatoo in south western Australia 78 D. Stojanovic , R. Scott, L. McLellan & G. Conservation of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo on Farrelly private lands: a cross-regional challenge 79 M. Cameron The impact of high-intensity fire on Glossy Black- Cockatoo nest resources 80 L. Thornton & G. Gunn An industry approach to managing conservation significant cockatoos: operational management controls to minimise impact on the south-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo 81 Tamra F. Chapman Could shooting to protect fruit crops cause the demise of Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo? 82 Mike Perrin Ecology and conservation biology of southern African parrots 83 Stuart J. N. Cooney and Penny D. Olsen Trisyntopa neossophila in the nests of Hooded Parrots ( Psephotus dissimilis )—an experimental evaluation 84 No Presentation TUESDAY AM Plenary & Keynote 85 Ian Newton Highlights from a long-term study of Eurasian Sparrowhawks 86 Bryson Bates Climate change – a predetermined future? 87 Steve Williams Climate change and rainforest birds 88 George Divoky The response of seabirds to four decades of increasing temperatures in the Alaskan Arctic 89 David Winkler Avian response to weather and climate: perspectives from American swallows TUESDAY PM 1 Disturbance 90 Paul Mahon, Scott Lassau & Jack Baker The response of native birds to fox control under the NSW Fox Threat Abatement Plan Chair : Stephen Davies 91 Christa Beckmann & Richard Shine Australian birds and the invasive cane toad: who is at risk? 92 Yolanda van Heezik & Amber Smyth Impacts of domestic cats on urban birdlife 93 Malsha Kitulagodage , Lee Asthiemer, Bill Physiological assessment of avian exposure to Buttemer, Mike Hooper & Andrew Keats fipronil, a new-generation pesticide 94 Belinda Cannell, Stuart Bradley, Ron Wooller, Little Penguins use of Perth metropolitan waters Yan Ropert-Coudert & Akiko Kato exposes them to risk of injury from watercraft 95 Diane Colombelli-Négrel, Jeremy Robertson & Playback tests of the differential responses to alarm Sonia Kleindorfer calls in Superb Fairy-wrens

Page 8 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Session Ab. Authors Title No.

TUESDAY PM 1, ctd The interface between 96 Allan Burbidge & Martine Maron Questions for research and guidelines for research and management: how can we do it better? management in avian 97 Damon Oliver , David Parker & Michelle The value of research in the management and conservation Ballestrin recovery of the endangered Plains-wanderer Chai r: Martine Maron Pedionomus torquatus in New South Wales 98 Mike Clarke Converting research findings into management actions – lessons from the Black-eared Miner recovery effort 99 Greg Ford Involve me and I’ll understand: research WITH land managers to nurture conservation activity BY land managers 100 Jack Baker Truth in policy and management for the conservation of birds 101 PANEL DISCUSSION Environmental 102 Lynda Chambers The impact of a changing climate on migration and impacts: breeding in Australian birds understanding long- 103 Carol Devney , Mike Short & Brad Congdon Climate change on the Great Barrier Reef: a tern for term trends the worse Chairs : Lynda 104 Rodney P. Kavanagh Why are Barking Owls so uncommon in Southern Chambers & Sue Australia? Mather 105 B.J. Gill Australasian museum collections as a resource for ornithology 106 Beth E. Schlotfeld t & Sonia Kleindorfer Does food availability explain adaptive shifts in island birds? 107 Adam Leavesley Investigating the fire mosaic hypothesis: the edge effect on birds at a pyric edge in mulga woodland

TUESDAY PM 2

Poster session — 108 Neil Boucher , J. Michihiro, I. Gynther New possiilities in ornithology using a new sound authors will be in recognition system, Sound ID attendance 109 Lynda E. Chambers , Marie Keatley & Lesley A metadatabase for Australasian natural systems Hughes data 110 Leanne Renwick, Peter Dann & Sally Effect of fire on Little Penguins at Seal Island, south-

Thompson eastern Australia 111 Carol Devney , Julian Caley and Brad Congdon Measuring seabird resilience to climate change on

the Great Barrier Reef 112 K. Eguchi , Y. Katsuno, N. Yamaguchi, I. Sex ratio and morphological variation in the Great Nishiumi, H.Koike & R. Noske Bowerbird 113 A. Herrod , A. Pavlova, P. Sunnucks & J. Using genetic tools to quantify movement of Radford woodland birds within and among fragmented landscapes 114 S. Jones &L. Sadler An industry approach to managing conservation significant cockatoos: identification and impact assessment 115 A. H. Koetz , D. A. Westcott & B. C. Congdon Cultural, morphological and genetic divergence reveal evolutionary history of a rainforest passerine 116 Katrina Lumb & Jim Radford Influence of land-use on the utility of farmland as supplementary habitat for insectivorous woodland birds 117 K. Maute, S. M. Legge & L. Astheimer Seasonal and habitat related variation in the health

of tropical savanna finches 118 H. Parsons & K. Ravich Birds in Backyards: a research, education and conservation program

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TUESDAY PM 2 , ctd 119 John Rawsthorne Why isn’t the world full of mistletoe? The role of the Poster session , ctd Mistletoebird in establishing mistletoe infection patterns 120 P. Smith Managing the Glossy Black-Cockatoo on North

Stradbroke Island 121 Judit Szabo , Robert Sutherst & Evan Cleland Research and management needs for Australian

birds in a changing climate 122 Kerry-Jayne Wilson, , Sol Heber, Robyn Blyth , Conservation of the Blue Penguin Eudyptula minor Laura Molles, Helen Chambers & Jill Cotton on the West Coast, South Island, NZ 123 Simon J. Watson , Rick Taylor, Andrew F. Managing fire at the landscape level: understanding Bennett & Michael F. Clarke the importance of fire mosaics for the avifauna of the Murray Mallee region 123B N. White Development of genetic tools for conservation, management and protection of Black-cockatoos

WEDNESDAY AM Evolution 124 Leo Joseph Evolution in birds of the Australo-Papuan region: Chair : Leo Joseph looking back and forward 125 Michael Bunce Ancient DNA isolated from bird fossils provides insights into evolutionary processes in island ecosystems 126 William A. Buttemer , Harry Battam & A.J. Do birds that live long have membrane properties Hulbert that differ from those of short-living species? 127 Sonia Kleindorfer , Geoffrey Brown & Steven A test of the Island Rule in New Holland Myers Honeyeaters ( Phylidonyris novaehollandiae ) on Kangaroo Island: evidence for pattern and process 128 Kevin E. Omland & Leo Joseph Using mitochondrial DNA to study speciation and species limits in birds: mitochondrial DNA do not a species make 129 Steven Trewick & Gillian Gibb Assembly of the NZ avifauna 130 T. H. Worthy , M. Bunce, N. Rawlence & A. Ecology and environmental history, not just genetic Cooper diversity, brings important perspectives to defining species diversity - illustrated by moas 131 Laws, R . & Jamieson, I. Effects of inbreeding under environmental conditions in a wild population of New Zealand robins Shorebirds I 144 Clive Minton , Johannes Wahl, Rosalind Migration routes and destinations of a wide range of Chair: Phil Battley & Jessop, Chris Hassell, Pete Collins & Heather migratory waders in the East Asian/Australasian Falk Huettmann Gibbs flyway 145 Rosalind Jessop &Clive Minton Visible departures of migratory shorebirds from Broome, Western Australia 146 Falk Huettmann , Yuri Gerasimov, Aleksey Ten years later: a summary from migratory Antonov, Ekatarina Matsina, Alexander shorebird investigations in the Sea of Okhotsk Matsina & Igor Dorogoy 147 Danny I. Rogers , Clive D.T. Minton, Adrian N. Growing up slowly by the sea-side: age of first Boyle, Chris J. Hassell & Andrew Silcocks northwards migration of shorebirds from Australian non-breeding grounds 148 Iain R. Taylor Do waders on inland wetlands avoid feeding close to tall vegetation? 149 Michael D. Craig The importance of Lake McLarty in south-west Western Australia for trans-equatorial migrants and other waterbirds 150 M. Bamford , M. Craig, & D. Moro Why fly elsewhere? Barrow Island as a destination site for migratory shorebirds 151 Alice Ewing Survival of shorebirds in north Western Australia

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WEDNESDAY AM , ctd Habitat Selection 164 A. M.van Doorn , J. C. Z. Woinarski & P. Response of the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren Chair: Mike Craig A.Werner (Malurus coronatus coronatus ) to grazed habitat in the Victoria River District, NT 165 A.J. Leavesley , G.J. Cary, G. Edwards & J.T. The influence of fire on the distribution of mulga Wood birds in central Australia 166 N. Weston, W. Wright, R. Loyn & R. Mac Nally How does time since timber harvest affect bird communities in a managed native forest? 167 Rodney P. Kavanagh , Matthew A. Stanton & Bird species associations with ephemeral streams in Patrick Tap the Pilliga forests of north-western NSW 168 Grant C. Palmer Riparian zones provide high quality habitats for birds in forest landscapes 169 Lainie Berry , James Ha, Renee Ha & Melanie Effects of food availability and forest structure on the Colon abundance of the endangered Rota Bridled White- eye, Micronesia 170 Julian R.W. Reid Patterns and correlates of bird diversity in arid Australia 171 Robert A. Lambert The osprey in Britain, 1880-2007; an environmental history WEDNESDAY PM 1

Ecology and evolution 132 James V. Briskie Egg mimicry in the hosts of the Long-tailed Cuckoo of brood parasitism 133 M.G. Anderson , H.A. Ross, D.H. Brunton & A comparative analysis of the begging calls of NZ Chair: Jim Rivers & M.E. Hauber passerines: where does the Shining Cuckoo fit in? Mark Hauber 134 Brian Peer , R. Given Harper, J. Rivers, Jeff Implications of organochlorine contamination on Frick, Mark Benson, Matt Anderson, Brandy brood parasite-host coevolution Blackwell, Toritseju Eshedagho, Jill Raabe, Bridget Wall & Emma Wear 135 Peter Samas & Tomas Grim Egg discrimination by thrushes: selection by intra- or inter-specific parasitism? 136 M.J. Kuehn , S.I. Rothstein & B.D. Peer The role of experience with brood parasites in explaining the apparent loss of behavioural anti- parasite strategies 137 J.W. Rivers , W. E. Jensen, K. L. Kosciuch & Community-level patterns of host use by the Brown- S.I. Rothstein headed Cowbird, a generalist brood parasite Shorebirds II 152 Justine Keuning , Jeremy Robertson & Sabine Why are waders declining in the Coorong? Dittmann Chair: Danny Rogers 153 Daniel Rogers & David C Paton Predicting ‘habitat quality’ for shorebirds in the Coorong, South Australia 154 Phil Battley , Danny Rogers, Nial Moores, Chu Assessing the impact of large-scale reclamation on Yong-Gi & Ken Gosbell migratory shorebirds: the case of Saemangeum, South Korea 155 Tamara van Polanen Petel & Ashley Bunce Assessing management techniques for the effective conservation of shorebirds 156 R. Clemens & K. Gosbell A review of migratory shorebird population monitoring in Australia and proposed methods to increase sensitivity 157 Donna Petrachenko & Joanne Oldland Shorebirds 2020 - a reinvigoration of national shorebird monitoring in Australia – Official Launch Bird conservation in 172 Jim Radford & Andrew Bennett Predicting the conservation value of agricultural managed landscapes - landscapes for woodland birds in southern Australia approaches, challenges and insights I Chair: Andrew Huggett

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WEDNESDAY PM 1 , ctd Bird conservation in 173 Andrew F. Bennet t Temporal change and avifaunal conservation: managed landscapes - dynamics of a woodland bird assemblage over a approaches, decade challenges and insights I , ctd 174 Rohan Clarke , Andrew Bennett, Alistair Landscape-level benefits of revegetation to birds in Stewart & James Radford an agricultural system 175 Angie Haslem & Andrew F. Bennett How valuable are different landscape elements for birds in agricultural mosaics in south-eastern Australia? 176 Kerry-Jayne Wilson , Maaike Schotborgh, Te Conservation of an endemic pigeon in an Ari Prendergast, Karli Hopkins & Shaun urban/rural landscape, Banks Peninsula, NZ Ogilvie. 177 Greg Ford Conserving birds in production landscapes: tools

and training support for land managers WEDNESDAY PM 2 Brood parasites and 138 M.E. Hauber & C. Moskat Evictor brood parasites and their hosts pay a growth predators cost for experimental co-habitation Chairs :Jim Rivers & 139 R. Noske , N. Sato, K. Tokue & K. Ueda Cuckoo-host arms race in nestling stage: direct Mark Hauber cuckoo chick ejection by the Large-billed Gerygone 140 Vladimir Remes Egg and nestling stage defences co-vary negatively across species in a brood parasitic system 141 Graham Fulton Nest ecology and nest-predators in old-growth eucalypt woodland 142 R. Noske Low nest attentiveness and short incubation bouts in two monsoon-tropical passerine species 143 Sarah Lambert & Sonia Kleindorfer Nest predation and nest defence in New Holland Honeyeaters Urban 158 Robert A Davis & Lesley Brooker The avifaunal housing crisis: determining birds at landscapes/resouce risk in a rapidly urbanising city Chair : Iain Taylor 159 J.S. Mansell-Fletcher & S.H. Mather Diversity in an urban matrix: bird use of Bold Park 160 Marion Massam , Tamra Chapman & Peter A wolf in sheep’s clothing – Rainbow Lorikeets in Mawson south-west Western Australia 161 Monica Awasthy & Wayne L. Linklater Winter movements, ranges, land-use and food sources of an endemic pigeon (Kererū; Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae ) in an urban landscape 162 No presentation 163 No presentation Bird conservation in 178 Andrew Huggett Re-building the Buntine-Marchagee Catchment managed landscapes - (Western Australia) landscape for birds: an overview approaches, 179 G.W. Barrett , D. Freudenberger, A. Drew, J. Colonisation, breeding and survival of birds in challenges and Stol, A.O. Nichols, E. M. Cawsey revegetation in an agricultural landscape in south- insights II eastern Australia Chairs :Cheryl Gole & 180 Nicola Munro , David Lindenmayer, Joern Re-creating habitat - is 'best practice' revegetation Andrew Huggett Fischer & Geoff Barrett best for the birds? 181 Stephen Murphy, Sarah Legge & Joanne Avian flashpoint: will birds cope with increased Heathcote prescribed burning in northern Australia? 182 Chris Sanderson , Glenn Ehmke, Mike Weston Bird atlassing in natural resource management & Mark Antos, regions: case studies of three projects in regional Queensland 183 E.B. Spurr , J. Innes & R.G. Powlesland Attracting native nectar-feeding birds into towns and cities in NZ

Page 12 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 PRESENTING AUTHOR INDEX Presenting Authors Page Fleming, Patricia A. 34 Omland, Kevin E. 142 Allen , Sophy 63 Ford, Greg 113, 191 Oorebeek, M 86 Anderson, M.G. 147 Ford, Hugh A. 60 Palmer, Grant C. 182 Awasthy, Monica 175 Fox, E. 72 Parker, Kevin 74 Baker , Jack 61, 104, 114 Fransen, Pieter 84 Parsons, H 132 Barrett, G.W. 193 Fulton, Graham 155 Parsons, S. 73 Bates, Bryson 100 Funnell, J.R 79 Pavlova, A. 49 Battley, Phil F. 22, 168 Galligan, Toby 50 Peer, Brian 148 Beckmann, Christa 105 Gill, B.J. 119 Perrin, Mike 96 Bennett , Andrew F. 187 Grey, Merilyn 66 Petrachenko, Donna 171 Berry, Lainie 183 Grim, Tomas 149 Plant, Michelle 78 Berryman, Abby 70 Guay, P.-J. 54 Powell, C.D. 17 Black, Andrew 52 Hall, Michelle L 53 Priddel, D 45 Blyth, Robyn 43, 136 Haslem, Angie 189 Purchase, Cromwell 32 Boucher, Neil 122 Hauber, M.E. 152 Radford, Jim 186 Brandis, Kate 82 Herrod, A. 127 Ralph, C. John 38 Briskie , James V. 146 Holdaway, Richard N. 36 Rawsthorne, John 133 Brown, Sarah 58 Howes, Alison 67 Reid, Julian R.W. 184 Brunton, Dianne H 75 Huettmann, Falk 160 Remes, Vladimir 154 Bunce, Ashley 42, 44 Huggett, Andrew 192 Rivers, J.W. 151 Bunce, Michael 139 Isaksson, Caroline 16 Roberston, Jeremy 109 Burbidge, Allan 110 Jessop, Rosalind 159 Robertson, Louisa 57 Buttemer, William A. 140 Johnstone, R.E. 91 Rogers, Daniel 167 Cameron, M. 93 Jones, S 128 Rogers, Danny I. 161 Cannell, Belinda 108 Joseph, Leo 138 Sanderson, Chris 196 Carey, Mark K 46 Kavanagh, Rodney P. 118, 181 Schlotfeldt, Beth E. 120 Carlile, N 45 Keuning, Justine 166 Seddon, Philip 47 Castro, I. 85, 89 Kitulagodage, Malsha 107 Shanahan, D.F 27 Catterall, C. 64 Kleindorfer, Sonia 141 Smit, B 21 Chambers, Lynda A. 116, 123 Koetz, A.H. 71, 129 Smith, A.C.M 81 Chapman, Tamra F. 95 Köhler, Angela 30 Smith, P. 134 Cherriman, Simon C. 87 Kuehn, M.J 150 Spurr, E.B. 197 Chiaradia, André 41 Lambert, Robert A. 157 Stojanovic, D 92 Christensen, Rebekah 51 Lambert, Sarah 185 Szabo, Judit 12, 135 Clarke, Mike 112 Laws, R. 145, 190 Taylor, Iain R. 162 Clarke, Rohan 188 Leavesley, A.J. 121, 179 Taylor, Rick S. 66 Clemens, R 170 Lumb, Katrina 130 Taylor, Tiawanna, D. 37 Cody, Martin L. 62 Mansell-Fletcher, J.S 173 Thomas, Catherine 83 Colombelli-Négrel, Diane 76 Martínez del Rio, Carlos 15 Thornton, L. 94 Cooney, S.J.N. 97 Massam, Marion 174 Trewick, Steven 143 Cooper, Christine 19 Maute, K. 131 van der Waag, Jessica 23 Craig, Michael D. 163 McDonald, Paul G 77 van Doorn, A.M. 178 Cunningham, Susan 90 McKechnie, A.E. 20 van Heezik, Yolanda 106 Dann, Peter 40, 124 McWhorter, Todd 33 van Polanen Petel, Tamara 169 Dare, Amanda 65 Minton, Clive 158 Watson, David M. 26 Davis, Robert A 172 Moon, Desiree 80 Watson, Simon J. 137 Debruyne, Christine A. 55 Moro, D. 164 Weston, N. 189 Dell, John 35 Munro, Nicola 194 White, N. 136 Devney, Carol 116, 125 Murphy, Stephen 195 Williams, Stephen E. 101 Divoky, George 102 Napier, Kathryn 31 Wilson, Kerry-Jayne 136, 190 Doucette, Lisa 88 Newton, Ian 99 Winkler, David 103 Dunlop, J.N. 39 Nicolson, Sue 29 Withers, P.C. 18 Dutson, Guy 24 Noske, R. 153, 156 Worthy, T.H 144 Eguchi, E. 126 Oldland, Joanne 69 Eiby, Yvonne 56 Oliver, Damon 111 Ewing, Alice 165

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 13 of 198 pages SYMPOSIA AND SESSIONS

ABSTRACTS IN ORDER OF PRESENTATION

Presenting author underlined

PLENARY: 1. Stable isotopes in bird biology Carlos Martínez del Rio Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, USA ( [email protected] )

Biology has two major conceptual currents, one explores the transmission of information and includes genetics and evolutionary biology. The other one explores the flow of energy and materials among living systems and includes much of physiology and ecology. We can call this current “metabolic biology”. Progress in both of these currents depends on both conceptual and technological advances. Advances in genetics and evolution depend on the ease with which we can sequence nucleic acids. I will propose that stable isotope analyses can play a role in metabolic biology that is similar to that of the polymerase chain reaction in genetics and evolution. I will describe how a variety of physical and biological processes, including the action of “global enzymes”, such as RUBISCO and carbonic anhydrase, give the materials synthesized by primary producers and modified by consumers, distinctive isotopic signatures. I will illustrate how stable isotopes have been used by ornithologists to track migration pathways, to measure the position of birds in food webs, and to assess their reliance on key resources. I will describe the “isotopic niche” as a tool that can be widely used by ornithologists as they probe the biology of the feathered creatures that they study.

Page 14 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Ecophysiology

2. Oxidative stress and coloration in urban and rural great tits Caroline Isaksson Department of Zoology, University of Göteborg, Medicinaregatan 18, S-413 90 Göteborg, SWEDEN ([email protected] )

Anthropogenic pollution, such as NO x and diesel fumes, has negative impact on human health. However, less is known about their effects on wild animals. Many pollutants are reactive oxygen species (ROS) that will, when inhaled, react with lipids, proteins and carbohydrates and cause damages to cell-membranes and DNA. As a consequence, the antioxidant defense system is expected to be up-regulated (commonly referred to as oxidative stress) in environments with high pollution levels to prevent oxidative damage. The antioxidant system includes both dietary (e.g., carotenoids) and synthesized antioxidants (e.g., reduced glutathione; GSH).

Dietary carotenoids not only have potential antioxidant functions, but are also responsible for different yellow to red plumage colours. The dual function of carotenoids is hypothesized to cause a trade-off between its use as antioxidant and pigment. Consequently, plumage coloration could be a potential non-invasive biomarker of oxidative stress.

Here I present results from a 5-year study on Swedish urban versus rural populations of great tits, Parus major , investigating the effects of urban environment on health and pigmentation. Urban great tits (1) had higher oxidative stress level (2) were in worse condition, and (3) had a paler yellow carotenoid-based breast pigmentation compared to rural living birds. However, there was no allocation conflict between antioxidant function and plumage pigmentation. Thus, pigmentation is not a useful biomarker of oxidative stress. Long-term studies on urban population of birds are needed to evaluate if the increased level of oxidative stress have an impact on mortality, population densities and reproduction success.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 15 of 198 pages 3. Is nestling obesity in shearwaters an insurance strategy to avoid acute starvation? C.D.L. Powell , J.S. Bradley & R.D. Wooller School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Shearwaters of the Puffinus genus are known to exhibit exaggerated nestling obesity. The single young may become over 50% heavier than either of its parents during the three months it spends in its burrow nest.

Mass accumulation generally follows a sigmoid curve, in which a slow initial increase precedes a period of rapid growth to a point of inflection before reaching an asymptote. A period of mass recession follows during which the young bird loses weight and fledges at around adult mass.

The widely accepted explanations for nestling obesity assume that parent shearwaters over-feed their chick as a form of insurance against acute starvation because, for various reasons, foraging is unpredictable. However, substantial deposition of body fat typically does not commence until late in development, culminating in a peak body mass after some two-thirds of the nestling period has elapsed.

This raises an important question. Why would parents insure their chick during only one period of its growth, when foraging should be equally unpredictable early in nestling life, and this insurance no less valuable?

The Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes feeds its chick, on average, once every 1.4 nights. We present evidence that chicks less than one week old were capable of enduring fasts of seven to eleven days duration; long before they accumulated substantial fat reserves.

Page 16 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 4. Thermal and metabolic physiology of a pest, the Rainbow Lorikeet ( Trichoglossus haematodus ) — are there chinks in its physiological armour? P. C. Withers 1, C. E. Cooper 2, E. Schleucher 3 & P. Mawson 4 1 Zoology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 School of Environmental Biology, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, WA 6845, AUSTRALIA 3 Institute of Ecology, Evolution and Diversity, Johan Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main 60323, GERMANY 4 Department of Environment and Conservation, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, WA 6983, AUSTRALIA

The Rainbow Lorikeet ( Trichoglossus haematodus ) is an introduced pest in southwest Western Australia, having become established as a result of accidental and deliberate releases in the late 1960s. Its numbers in the Perth metropolitan area have been steadily increasing, and it is having significant impacts on native birds. We examined the thermal, metabolic and hygric balance of long-term captive-born and freshly-caught wild Rainbow Lorikeets to determine whether any aspects of their physiology can be exploited for biological control. Rainbow lorikeets (130 g body mass) tightly regulate body temperature at about 41 oC during the day and about 38 oC at night, with a slight decline in nocturnal T b at low T a. Their metabolic physiology is as expected, with a basal metabolic rate of about -1 -1 o -1 -1 1.3 ml O 2 g h in the thermoneutral zone (about 22-28 C) and a wet thermal conductance of 0.094 ml O 2 g h o -1 o C . Evaporative water loss increases moderately with air temperature, then increases markedly at T a = 35 C indicating panting associated with mild hyperthermia. Overall, Rainbow Lorikeets are good endothermic o thermoregulators over a wide range of T a from 0 to 35 C. Physiological control would be best directed at low T a when the birds show signs of mild hypothermia, or high T a when they become mildly hyperthermic and enhance evaporative cooling.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 17 of 198 pages 5. Environmental correlates of avian basal metabolic rate Philip Withers 1,3 Elke Schleucher 2 & Christine Cooper 1,3 1 Zoology, School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, Perth WA AUSTRALIA 2 Stoffwechselphysiologie, Zoologisches Institut, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, GERMANY 3 Environmental Biology, Curtin University, Perth WA AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

We analysed the allometric relationship of basal metabolic rate (BMR) for 254 species of bird by conventional and phylogenetically-corrected (autocorrelation, phylogenetic vector and phylogenetic least squares) regression. Allometric relationships were highly significant for both conventional and phylogenetically independent datasets. Consistently significant effects of diet and diurnality were found for avian BMR both before and after phylogenetic analysis. Herbivorous and folivorus birds had lower BMRs than birds from other dietary categories, while nectarivores had high BMRs. Nocturnal birds had low BMRs compared to diurnal or crepuscular birds. Three of the four analysis methods also indicated that aquatic species had a higher BMR than other birds. Climate was a significant factor influencing BMR by conventional analysis, but not after any of the phylogenetic analyses, suggesting that phylogeny history, and not necessarily adaptation to climatic conditions, can account for this variation. Habitat and locomotory mode had no influence on avian BMR.

Page 18 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 6. Taking the heat: climate change, evaporative water loss and desert birds A.E. McKechnie 1,2 , B.F.N. Erasmus 2 & B.O. Wolf 3 1 DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, SOUTH AFRICA 2 School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, SOUTH AFRICA (presenting author: [email protected] ) 3 Biology Department, University of New Mexico, USA.

The responses of organisms to global warming are often determined by complex interactions between physical, physiological and ecological factors. In some cases, however, climate change can be directly linked to demography and distribution by simple physiological models and seasonal bottlenecks in water and/or energy supply. For birds living in hot deserts, survival and reproduction during summer are constrained by high water demand and/or limited water supply. Avian rates of evaporative water loss (EWL) increase rapidly when environmental temperature exceeds body temperature, and even small increases in air temperature lead to dramatic increases in EWL. We used published data to develop a generalized model linking EWL rates to body mass and air temperature. We combined this model with global air temperature data to predict changes in the evaporative water requirements of desert birds. To identify regions where avian survival and reproduction will be most severely affected by climate change, we compared predicted increases in water demands to projected changes in rainfall. The avifaunas of several of the worlds’ major desert systems will experience a combination of increased water demands and decreased water availability. Since mass-specific EWL rates, and hence daily water turnover, are strongly dependent on body mass, water-related constraints arising from global warming will be most pronounced in small birds. We predict that catastrophic mortality events, similar to those occasionally observed in the Australian deserts during the 20 th century, will become more frequent in coming decades.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 19 of 198 pages 7. Do owls use torpor? Winter thermoregulation in African Scops-owls and Pearl- spotted Owlets in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa B. Smit & A.E. McKechnie DST/NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, SOUTH AFRICA (presenting author: [email protected] )

Many avian taxa use facultative hypothermic responses to reduce their energy requirements. Whereas torpor is widespread in caprimulgids, it has not been reported in owls, a closely related group with numerous ecological similarities. We investigated the occurrence of facultative hypothermia in the nocturnal African Scops-owl ( Otus senegalensis ) and the largely crepuscular Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum ). Telemetric measurements of skin temperature (T skin ) were obtained from four African Scops-owls (62 g) and seven Pearl-spotted Owlets (80 g), during winter 2007 in the Kalahari Desert of South Africa. African Scops-owls regularly reduced their body o temperature below normothermic levels during the study period, with a minimum T skin of 29 C observed in three individuals. Typically, T skin was reduced below the lower limit of normothermic T skin for 3-4 hr after sunrise. We found no evidence for pronounced torpor in O. senegalensis . In contrast, Pearl-spotted Owlets remained normothermic throughout the study period. The thermoregulatory differences between these two species may be related to their diets and activity patterns. African Scops-owls are almost exclusively insectivorous and experience marked reductions in food availability on cold winter nights. In contrast, Pearl-spotted Owlets have more flexible, opportunistic activity patterns, and include diurnal vertebrate prey in their diet.

Page 20 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 8. Using satellite telemetry to track the movements of Bar-tailed Godwits in the Pacific region Phil F. Battley 1, Robert E. Gill 2, Lee Tibbitts 2, Dan Mulcahy 2, Brett Gartrell 3 and Nils Warnock 4. 1 Ecology Group, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND ( [email protected] ) 2 US Geological Survey Alaska Biological Science Center, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA ([email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected] ) 3 Institute of Animal, Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand ( [email protected] ) 4 PRBO Conservation Science, 3820 Cypress Drive #11, Petaluma, CA 94954, USA ( [email protected] )

There are limits to what can be concluded from indirect measurements of migration patterns such as observations of marked birds along a migration route, but reductions in satellite transmitter sizes now make it possible to determine flight lengths and pathways directly for medium-sized birds. In 2007, we used satellite telemetry to study the migrations of eastern bar-tailed godwits ( Limosa lapponica baueri ) between their non-breeding grounds in New Zealand and their breeding grounds in Alaska. Females with implanted coelomic transmitters made week-long non- stop flights of c. 10,000 km from New Zealand to eastern Asia (China, South Korea, Japan) on their way north before refuelling around the Yellow Sea. They then flew non-stop to breeding grounds in southwestern Alaska. The transmitter battery lives were unexpectedly long and several birds were still transmitting during their return flight to New Zealand. Confirming an earlier suggestion, their route was across the Pacific Ocean, with one bird making a flight of c. 11,500 km between the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in Alaska and the Firth of Thames in New Zealand. Only one of the tracked birds made a direct flight; others deviated to the west and made landfall on islands in the western Pacific. These findings accord with the presence of New Zealand-banded godwits on the east coast of Australia during southward migration in 2006 and 2007. Male godwits were tracked with lighter external-mounted transmitters. There was clear evidence of an impact on their migratory performance, making implanted transmitters the only viable satellite-tracking option for birds making such long flights.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 21 of 198 pages Surveying the landscape

9. Dispersal and habitat use in isolated bush remnants by young Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata Jessica A. E. van der Waag School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, AUSTRALIA

Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata chicks emerge from the nest mound fully feathered and independent. They disperse immediately, moving up to 2km per day, and were thought to lead solitary lives until reaching maturity at three to four years of age. In a study radio-tracking chicks and young Malleefowl in habitat remnants in the agricultural region of Western Australia., the dispersal, behaviour, habitat use and survival were examined. The results of this study provide new information for the current knowledge gap in the lives of young Malleefowl between emergence from the mound and maturity, and can be used to inform management and conservation of Malleefowl, particularly in a fragmented landscape.

Page 22 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 10. Australian Important Bird Areas: are they comprehensive, adequate and representative? Guy Dutson Birds Australia, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Birds Australia and Rio Tinto are documenting all ca.300 Australian sites which meet one or more of the four global Important Bird Area (IBA) criteria. This process is designed to be comprehensive, adequate and representative (CAR) for the species triggering IBA selection (28 ‘globally threatened’, 151 ‘congregatory’, 64 ‘range-restricted’ and 53 ‘biome-restricted’ mainland species). Subspecies have not been addressed and the marine range of seabirds has not been addressed. The final IBA network is predicted to be ‘CAR’ for most other species. However dispersed low-density species (e.g. Red Goshawk, Grey Falcon) are poorly represented by any site-based analysis; although some hotspots can be identified, most birds will remain outside IBAs. Species utilising landscapes of scattered habitat patches rather than discrete sites (e.g. Australasian Bittern, Plains-wanderer, Rainbow Pitta) require either highly fragmented IBAs or landscape-scale IBAs. Nomadic or resource-tracking species (e.g. arid biome honeyeaters) require a network of large IBAs, ideally including ‘core’ sites (e.g. Flock Bronzewing) but proving CAR for these species is difficult. Pending definition of the final IBA network, potentially inadequately represented species include those restricted to habitats not defined herein as ‘biomes’, notably woodland (which is however represented by the ‘near threatened’ Painted Honeyeater and Diamond Firetail) and grassland/farmland (e.g. Long-billed Corella, Grass Owl, songlarks). Some species are just inadequately known (e.g. Buff-breasted Buttonquail). By conserving each of the ca.300 IBAs (many already protected areas) nearly all Australian species could be ‘CAR’ protected, but this must be undertaken in parallel with landscape and policy-level actions.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 23 of 198 pages 11. Effectiveness of the standardised search at sampling diverse sites: lessons from Barro Colorado Island David M Watson Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW 2640, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

The high diversity associated with tropical forests has long made them attractive to ecologists, yet it also presents many difficulties for conducting inventories and estimating species richness. Various cumulative approaches have been pioneered in diverse tropical forests, from the intuitive McKinnon method to more complex quantitative approaches like the Michaelis-Menten predictive equations. Previous evaluations of these methods have been hampered by the fact that the true species richness of the sites being surveyed was unknown, precluding estimates of sample completeness. Here, I present the results of an exhaustive survey of Barro Colorado Island, a 1,500 ha tropical forest located in Gatun Lake in the canal zone of central Panama. In addition to being a relatively closed community with limited movements between the island and adjacent forest, the diverse avifauna is well known, having been studied intensively since the island was formed in 1914. I used the recently developed standardised search to estimate the richness of birds inhabiting the island, setting the sample duration to six hours. After 32 days of sampling within the forest yielding 204 species, a second period of 32 days was used to survey the island from the water, to test the completeness of the sample and ascertain which species were missed. In addition to recording several new species for the island, this inventory demonstrated the utility of results-based stopping rules in estimating the richness of highly diverse sites, with richness estimates approaching actual values within less than a week. These results are discussed relative to other rapid assessment techniques, and the use of results-based stopping rules are recommended, although considerable time may be required if actual identities of all species are needed.

Page 24 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 12. Regional bird surveys – atlases versus stratified surveys. Does it make a difference? Judit Szabo & Hugh Possingham School of Integrative Biology, University of Queensland, Applied Environmental Decision Analysis Research Facility, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

If done systematically, surveys can convey important information for monitoring and management of bird populations. Surveys can inform us about a species’ habitat preferences, changes in its distribution and general trends in numbers over time.

In this study, we compare two datasets to obtain information about species abundances, one collected by Possingham et al. from native vegetation patches within the Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR) of South Australia in 2000–2004, while the other is a subset of the Birds Australia Atlas from the same location done in the same time frame. Seventy terrestrial bird species were selected for comparison and were divided into three categories based on their dependence on native vegetation. Bird survey points from both datasets were overlaid with a vegetation layer in a GIS and species reporting rates in the two habitat types were calculated. Based on the surveyed areas, numbers in the whole MLR were calculated.

Reporting rates for individual species were different in the Possingham dataset, the Birds Australia dataset including all data points within the MLR, surveys within native vegetation patches or surveys only within “Gum” and “Stringybark” patches. In general, the predicted preference to “Gum” versus “Stringybark” habitats was similar based on the two different datasets. For more than 70% of the species, predicted total numbers calculated from the Possingham dataset were higher than the ones based on the Birds Australia dataset. This could be explained by the site selection of Birds Australia volunteers and as well as identification problems, as species dependent on native vegetation as well as the ones that are difficult to see and are mostly recorded based on their call (e.g. cuckoos) were underestimated.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 25 of 198 pages 13. How much do we know? Predicting avian patch occupancy in South East Queensland D.F. Shanahan & H.P. Possingham Spatial Ecology Lab, The Ecology Centre, University of Queensland, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] )

South East Queensland is Australia’s fastest developing region, with the human population set to almost double over the next 20 years (South East Queensland Regional plan 2005-2026). The continued development poses a serious threat to the avian wildlife in the region. To ensure effective conservation planning in developing landscapes it is critical managers have access to information on how changes in the patterns of habitat influences avian population persistence. Though landscape ecology has created many general ‘rules of thumb’, e.g. the 30% rule, these are rarely tested and applied a priori . Instead, managers carry out long-term expensive research in every landscape to answer these same questions. We created a simple patch occupancy model based on species specific life-history traits and three simple ‘rules’ obtained from the scientific literature; these rules specify relationships between the presence of a species and three landscape variables: patch area, patch isolation, and connectivity of the landscape. The model was applied to the South East Queensland region using readily available species specific information and vegetation maps, and its accuracy was then tested by surveying 51 patches in the region. The simple a priori model was compared to the statistically optimal model for each species. We found that this model provides reasonable predictive power for many bird species, though life-history traits such as high habitat specialisation appear to reduce predictability. This study demonstrates that current readily available knowledge and simple ‘rules of thumb’ can be useful for making informed conservation decisions without embarking on region- specific landscape scale investigations.

Page 26 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 14. No Presentation

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 27 of 198 pages The challenges of nectarivory

KEYNOTE: 15. Birds and flowers: nectarivory on southern continents Sue Nicolson Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, SOUTH AFRICA; ([email protected] )

Nectar-feeding birds are conspicuous on the southern continents: especially hummingbirds, sunbirds and honeyeaters. Nectar rewards for birds are copious and characteristically dilute. The dichotomy between sucrose- rich hummingbird nectars and hexose-rich passerine nectars is not due to the inability of passerines to digest sucrose, because lack of intestinal sucrase is mainly restricted to the sturnid-muscicapid lineage. Nor is it due to preferences of hummingbirds for sucrose, because both hummingbirds and sunbirds show a lack of sugar type preference when the solutions offered are equicaloric, and this finding has recently been extended to two honeyeater species. An alternative view is that nectar sugar composition may be constrained by plant phylogeny. Other aspects of nectar chemistry are also important. Amino acids occur in some South African bird nectars at surprisingly high concentrations ( Aloe and Erythrina ). Sunbirds do not select sugar solutions containing amino acids; however, since birds ingest large volumes of these very dilute nectars, nectar amino acids may contribute to nitrogen balance. Secondary compounds such as alkaloids may be present in nectar as a result of their occurrence elsewhere in plants, and may attract or deter avian nectar consumers. Returning to the question of dilute nectars, we have recently taken a fresh look at bird flowers in southern Africa, and can divide them into two groups. Those pollinated by specialist nectarivores (sunbirds) produce relatively small volumes of sucrose-rich nectar. In contrast, those pollinated by generalist nectarivores (e.g. bulbuls, weavers, mousebirds) produce large volumes of extremely dilute hexose-rich nectar. Honeyeaters, with their wide range of body size and bill length, may utilise both types: we need more data on nectars of Australian plants.

Page 28 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 16. Varying nectar concentrations of food plants: how do White-bellied Sunbirds (Cinnyris talatala ) cope? Angela Köhler 1, Luke Verburgt 1, Patricia A. Fleming 2 & Sue W. Nicolson 1 1 Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, SOUTH AFRICA (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150, AUSTRALIA

Nectarivorous birds encounter varying nectar concentrations while foraging on different food plants and must adjust their consumption to maintain constant energy intake. We determined how rapidly captive White-bellied Sunbirds ( Cinnyris talatala ) adjust their volumetric intake and feeding pattern after changes in nectar concentration. On three consecutive days, birds were fed sucrose diets alternating between 16% w/w and 2.5, 8.5 or 30% w/w respectively for 1.5 h intervals. Feeding events were recorded with an infrared photo-detection system. Food intake and body mass were monitored continuously by electronic balances, interfaced to a computer. Birds increased their feeding frequency and food intake within 10 min after a decrease in the sucrose concentration. However, individuals responded differently to the most dilute diet (2.5%): while most increased their food intake, others stopped feeding for a short while, appearing to dislike this diet. The number and duration of feeding events increased in the first few minutes after the switch from 2.5% to 16%, the birds appearing to compensate for lower sugar intake. Daily sugar intake was lower when birds alternated between 2.5% and 16% diets than on other test days, but birds were able to maintain body mass, indicating behavioural adjustments. Sunbirds in the field probably select flowers with more concentrated nectar and ingest very dilute nectar only in the absence of alternatives.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 29 of 198 pages 17. Glucose absorption in the Red Wattlebird and Rainbow Lorikeet K. Napier , T.J. McWhorter & P.A. Fleming School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University Murdoch, WA 6150, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

Epithelial absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine occurs by two mechanisms: carrier mediated uptake (facilitated transport) and non-mediated (paracellular) uptake. In mammals such as the mouse, rat and rabbit, the absorptive capacity of mediated mechanisms generally either meets or exceeds the dietary carbohydrate intake of the animal. However, in avian species, rates of mediated glucose transport measured in vitro are often lower than the actual total in vivo rates of glucose absorption. It has been shown that a significant proportion of glucose absorption in some birds occurs via non-mediated mechanisms through the paracellular pathway. Using pharmacokinetic techniques recently adapted for these types of measurements, the proportion of total glucose absorbed by the paracellular pathway was estimated in the Red Wattlebird ( Anthochaera carunculata ) and the Rainbow Lorikeet ( Trichoglossus haematodus ). Results indicate that the paracellular pathway is a significant route for glucose absorption in both species; however there are significant differences in the rate of absorption of glucose between these taxa. Glucose absorption in the red wattlebird appears to be more rapid and efficient than glucose assimilation measured for any other bird species to date, possibly reflecting their high dependence on nectar, whilst results for lorikeets are similar to previous studies of granivorous and frugivorous birds. Paracellular absorption provides birds with an absorptive process that is able to compensate for rapid and acute changes in lumenal sugar concentrations that is directly matched to concentration; however, reliance on the paracellular pathway may lead to a potential vulnerability to water-soluble toxins.

Page 30 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 18. Added salt helps sunbirds to deal with extremely dilute diets C. Purchase 1, P.A. Fleming 2, S.W. Nicolson 1 1 Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, SOUTH AFRICA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150, AUSTRALIA

Nectar-feeding birds ingest large volumes of preformed water and risk losing electrolytes when excreting it. Previous work has shown that White-bellied Sunbirds ( Cinnyris talatala ) are unable to maintain energy balance on dilute (0.1 M) sucrose-only diets, and that they excrete more electrolytes on this extremely dilute diet than on more concentrated diets. We therefore tested the effect of adding electrolytes to dilute sucrose, by including equimolar NaCl and KCl at concentrations from 0-40 mM or the individual salts at 20 mM. Addition of salts allowed whitebellied sunbirds to drink significantly more of the extremely dilute diet than in the absence of salt. At 20 mM mixed salts or NaCl, the birds consumed over 70 g (8.6x body mass) of sucrose solution daily, although they still did not maintain body mass. KCl alone had no effect. These data confirm that birds are limited in their consumption of extremely dilute diets by increasing losses of Na +. On dilute sucrose diets with and without added NaCl the plasma [Na +] remained within the normal range. However [Na +] in ureteral urine is roughly twice that found in cloacal fluid, suggesting water shunting through the gut or cloacal absorption of sodium. In contrast to the considerable effects of salts in these experiments, we have found that whitebellied sunbirds fed normal nectar concentrations do not discriminate between solutions with 20 mM differences in added NaCl, however they do show a preference for added salt when offered dilute diets.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 31 of 198 pages 19. Life on the edge: digestive capacity in nectarivorous birds T.J. McWhorter & P.A. Fleming School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

Balance between energy expenditures and acquisition is critical for the survival and reproductive success of organisms. Energy budgets may be limited by environmental factors and an animal’s physiological capacity to assimilate energy and nutrients. These challenges are especially important in nectar-feeding birds, small endotherms that power their high mass-specific metabolic rates mostly on sugar water. Nectar-feeding birds respond to variation in nectar energy density by modifying their food intake: more sugar leads to less volume consumed. This pattern, whereby energy intake is matched with needs, has been understood in the past as the animals compensating for food quality by changing their feeding behaviour. More recently, mathematical modelling of digestive function has provided a tool for exploring how physiological limitations to energy assimilation (digestion, nutrient absorption, dealing with excess water) might limit feeding, and for predicting digestive capacity and spare capacity (think about this latter concept next time you board a crowded lift!). In this talk, we will compare digestive capacity among members of the three major evolutionary radiations of nectar- feeding birds: the Neotropical hummingbirds (Trochilidae), the African sunbirds (Nectariniidae) and the Australasian honeyeaters (Meliphagidae). Our results suggest that passerine nectar specialists may have greater digestive spare capacity than hummingbirds: when acutely cold-challenged (to increase energy demands for keeping warm), hummingbirds are generally unable to increase intake and lose body mass quickly, whereas honeyeaters increase food intake and maintain energy balance. Sugar type feeding challenges suggest that capacities to digest and absorb sugars are closely matched in nectar-feeding birds.

Page 32 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 20. Shelter and a square meal: factors determining honeyeater sightings in the wheatbelt of southwest Western Australia Patricia A. Fleming 1, Halina Kobryn 2 & Richard Hobbs 2 1 School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ). 2 School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150, AUSTRALIA.

Honeyeaters are the major vertebrate pollinators in Australia and the most common guild of birds in southwest Western Australia. In the wheatbelt of WA, 13 of 20 honeyeater species have demonstrated significant decline over the last century; only two species have increased in abundance and/or range. We analysed nine years of Birds Australia records to determine spatial links between honeyeater sightings and datasets for presence of flowering plants, vegetation complexity and native vegetation extent for 10 x10 km grid cells over the wheatbelt.

Numbers of honeyeater records were positively correlated with the presence of flowering plant species known. For the wheatbelt, numbers of bird records were correlated with the extent of clearing, with higher incidence in areas that have a greater area of remnant native vegetation. The extent of native vegetation was also significantly linked with honeyeater species richness, the greatest diversity of honeyeaters being found in the northern and southeastern wheatbelt.

These landscape-scale findings provide quantitative support for localised observations of the abundance of individual honeyeater species: species that have declined over time demonstrated positive correlations with native vegetation extent in the present study, those that have increased in abundance and/or range demonstrated negative correlations in the present study (perhaps reflecting their ability to use degraded habitats). Significant positive spatial correlations with the distribution of nectar-bearing flowering plant species were evident for species recorded as largely nectarivorous by other authors. Such landscape analyses offer the potential to identify regions important for the conservation and management of this avian guild.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 33 of 198 pages 21. Honeyeater species in urban Swan Coastal Plain remnants: numerical relationships, threats and conservation John Dell Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

As part of an urban biodiversity survey, honeyeaters were recorded in 44 sites from 20 vegetation remnants on the Swan Coastal Plain. The size of remnants ranged from 1-361 ha. The number of sample days per site ranged from 40-58 and surveys were conducted in several seasons. Vegetation type and remnant size influenced the diversity between honeyeater assemblages. The nomadic generalist Brown Honeyeater was the most abundant species comprising more than half (53.12%) of all individuals of the 8 species recorded. White-cheeked Honeyeater (16.76%), Singing Honeyeater (15.63%) and Red Wattlebird (10.77%) were the next most abundant species. Western Spinebill (1.66%), New Holland Honeyeater (1.35%), Western Little Wattlebird (0.62%) and the habitat-specialised Tawny-crowned Honeyeater (0.1%) were recorded on few remnants. Data indicated strong positive significant correlations between most honeyeater species abundances as well as number of days recorded. The Yellow-throated Miner, Western White-naped and Brown-headed Honeyeaters were not recorded in any of the sample locations, but occasional opportunistic records were made in other sites during the survey. The Yellow- plumed Honeyeater was not recorded and is probably extinct in the urban parts of the Swan Coastal Plain. Habitat fragmentation and degradation are impacting on the survival of many bird species, including honeyeaters, on the Swan Coastal Plain. Woodland canopy feeding species (Yellow-plumed, Brown-headed and Western White-naped Honeyeaters) and the heathland specialist Tawny-crowned Honeyeater are the most threatened. Long-term conservation of faunal assemblages requires adequate retention of a range of remnant vegetation types and sizes with appropriate biogeographical spread and ecological linkages to facilitate movement and dispersal.

Page 34 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 General

22. Moa eggs: more a smorgasbord than an omelette Richard N Holdaway 1,2 & Richard J Rowe 3 1 Palaecol Research Ltd, P.O. Box 16 569, Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND 2 School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 3 Zoology & Tropical Ecology, School of Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, AUSTRALIA

Statistical analyses of the external dimensions of the <40 known measurable moa (Aves: Dinornithiformes) eggs allowed all to be attributed to taxon. Egg size also allowed the volume, fresh mass and component mass of each egg and the mean and variance of egg and hatchling masses to be estimated for the moa taxa represented in the original sample. Criteria for attributing moa eggs to taxa are presented and their utility discussed. A power-function relationship between egg mass and female body mass was derived for moa. Egg dimensions and mass are potential predictors of the range of body mass of female moa. Moa egg size and shape parameters, and egg mass in relation to female body size are compared to those of living large ratites. Moa eggs were larger than usual for most birds, with respect to body mass, whereas living large ratites lay relatively small eggs. Female investment per egg was higher than for other ratites. Moa eggshells were of normal thickness, in contrast those of living ratites (except rheas), which lay eggs with abnormally thick shells. Moa eggs and eggshells provide a little-appreciated resource for interpreting the biology of moa.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 35 of 198 pages 23. Forensic genetics to detect illegal trade in wildlife and assist conservation: building capacity in South Africa Tiawanna D. Taylor University of KwaZulu-Natal, School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, KwaZulu Natal, SOUTH AFRICA ( [email protected] )

Illegal trade in wildlife is massive, with only 10% estimated to be detected, preceded only by the illegal drugs and arms trade. Often endangered species are those most desirable in trade and therefore most at risk. Even when discovered illegal trade can be difficult to provide the conclusive evidence necessary to prosecute a case in court. Genetic evidence can provide the robust evidence required for successful prosecutions, and its availability can also deter illegal trade. This study was aimed at developing genetic markers to detect illegal trade in two birds determined as at risk of illegal trade in South Africa, the Blue Crane and Cape Parrot. One method in which illegal traders try to circumvent the law is to launder illegally wild caught birds into ‘legitimate’ trade by claiming they have been captive bred. ‘Captive bred’ permits (local and international) can then be obtained and the birds traded for profit. Wildlife forensics is in its infancy in South Africa, so in addition to the development of forensic genetic markers to detect illegal trade in these two species, capacity building was also undertaken to increase awareness, and encourage the use of, wildlife DNA forensics by the South African authorities. Activities include workshops for wildlife investigators on how to collect and preserve DNA evidence and chain-of-custody requirements. Genetic markers have been developed for forensic investigations. This, combined with the increased capacity of investigating officers to utilize forensic genetics, should assist the conservation efforts for these two species of bird at risk of illegal trade

Page 36 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 24 .A new paradigm from observational and banding data for a comprehensive understanding of landbird life history phenomena C. John Ralph 1 & Leo Salas 1, 2 1 U.S. Forest Service, Redwood Sciences Laboratory, Arcata, California 95521, USA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Petaluma, California, USA

Effective conservation requires a thorough and detailed understanding of the spatial and temporal strategies of bird species, both common and rare. Recent innovations in computer technology and web-based data retrieval have now provided a quantum leap in our abilities to collect, collate, analyze and understand various adaptive strategies of birds in all seasons. New visualizations of seasonal dynamics of landbird populations, now available from citizen science programs that collect observational data for many areas of the world, provide a dynamic continent- wide picture of migration, breeding, and wintering strategies, unavailable just a very few years ago. We have recently taken data from monitoring at constant-effort banding stations to further understand what individual birds are doing during the various stages of their life histories. It is now possible to determine the precise timing and location of various critical events, such as moult and details of the breeding, dispersal, and migration. For example, using weight, fat, and measurements, it is now possible to reveal precise indications of the condition of birds at various locations (e.g. mountains, coastal, deserts) and times of year, and therefore their strategies for survival, and to relate the results to observational data visualizations. We will illustrate this with several species of birds across the Americas, both resident and migratory, and show how existing efforts in Australia and New Zealand can be augmented to provide important insights into both scientific and conservation issues.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 37 of 198 pages Seabirds — Ecology

25. Central place foraging in seabirds: insights from stable isotope analyses J. N. Dunlop & Indre Asmussen Biodiversity Conservation Officer, Conservation Council (WA) Perth, WA, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Optimal foraging theory maintains that organisms will maximise the size and quality of their food intake whilst minimising the energy expended and time taken during foraging. Central place foraging is a special case of optimal foraging where the organism is constrained by the need to return at intervals to a particular location. When attending breeding colonies seabirds are central place foragers obtaining their resources from a marine area around nesting sites.

Foraging trip distance and duration changes with the species-specific pattern of colony attendance, through the pre-laying, incubation and chick provisioning, and in some cases (e.g. some terns) post fledging, stages of the breeding cycle. Within that context inter-annual and intra-seasonal variations may occur in response to shifts in prey density or distribution within the foraging range.

Application of central place foraging theory predicts significant differences in the dietary composition of breeding seabirds, between stages in the nesting cycle, and between breeding and maintenance periods. This study utilises changes in the stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in expended or expendable seabird tissues to investigate central-place foraging in five seabird species breeding on islands off south-western Australia.

Page 38 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 26. Foraging areas of Little Penguins during chick-rearing: evidence of changing food availability Peter Dann 1, Leanne Renwick 1, Julie McInnes 1, Andre Chiaradia 1, Roger Kirkwood 1, Emma Buick 2, Janosch Hoffman 3 & John Arnould 2. 1 Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Park, PO Box 97, Cowes, Vic 3922, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ). 2 School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA. 3 School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

It has been proposed that one mechanism for the density-dependent regulation of seabird populations operates through the depletion of food around a colony by the intense foraging by breeding seabirds, particularly during chick provisioning (“halo effect”). This depletion of food reduces breeding success and, consequently, recruitment and population size.

Here we examine the evidence that food availability changes during chick-rearing and the role that intraspecific competition for food might play in determining the size of populations of Little Penguins Eudyptula minor in south-eastern Australia. Little Penguins have relatively short daily foraging ranges and we used satellite telemetry to track up to 20 individuals at each of two chick-rearing stages at Phillip Island (2005 & 2006), Rabbit Island (2005) and Notch Island (2006). We tested the hypothesis that, if prey availability declined during chick-rearing, the birds would forage in different areas or further away from the colony as the chick-rearing period progressed. In the four instances where we had data on both stages of chick rearing, the foraging ranges increased substantially between guard and post-guard stages in three and not in one. At Rabbit Island in 2005, the foraging range of penguins increased dramatically and this was accompanied by a drop in the relative abundance of both sandy sprat and anchovy in their diets. At Phillip Island in 2005, the foraging range did not change substantially and nor did the diets of penguins between guard and post-guard stages.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 39 of 198 pages 27. Alternating short and long foraging trips on inshore seabirds: foraging strategy or response to food limitation? André Chiaradia 1, Akiko Kato 2 , Sarah Robinson 3,4 & Yan Ropert-Coudert 2 1 Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Park, PO Box 97, Cowes, Vic 3922, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 National Institute of Polar Research, 1-9-10 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8515, JAPAN 3 Department of Zoology, University of Tasmania, AUSTRALIA 4 Australian Government Antarctic Division, Kingston, Tasmania, AUSTRALIA

Foraging strategy in pelagic seabirds suggests that they make short trips to feed their chicks, alternated with long trips to nourish themselves. However, such behaviour has not yet been studied in inshore seabird species and/at different breeding stages. Here, we examined the foraging behaviour of little penguins, an inshore seabird, during incubation and chick rearing using an automatic identification system and miniature accelerometers to examine time/activity budget and ratio of prey encounter.

During incubation, little penguins with lower body condition went for long trips that resulted in increased body mass. The prey encounter rate was higher on the second and subsequent days than during the first day. On the contrary, while raising chicks, penguins went for long trips regardless of their body condition at the beginning of the trip. In addition, body condition was significantly lower after long trips in comparison with short trips.

Our results suggest that alternating short and long trips are not always adaptive and beneficial when breeding requirements have changed. Little penguins incubating eggs may target more profitable and distant prey patches. This could be a strategy to decrease the level of intra-specific competition for food resources and food depletion in local waters. In contrast with pelagic seabirds, alternating long and short trips was not beneficial during chick rearing. Long foraging trips seem to be performed in response to unfavourable changes in food supply rather than to correspond to a strategy that improves body condition or chick provisioning.

Page 40 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 28. Alternate foraging strategies in Australasian gannets: the effect of age, breeding experience and sex on habitat utilisation, diving performance and activity patterns Ashley Bunce Centre for Environmental Management, Central Queensland University, PO Box 1319, Gladstone QLD 4680, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Many species of seabirds are known to show considerable variation in foraging behaviour and demonstrate flexible foraging strategies in response to feeding in a patchy environment. Variation in foraging behaviour may occur at both the population and individual level; however, our understanding of the proximate factors shaping individual foraging strategies is limited. This study investigated the effect of age, breeding experience and sex on individual foraging strategies of Australasian Gannets ( Morus serrator ) by examining patterns of habitat utilization, diving performance and activity patterns of selected individuals determined using GPS-depth-loggers. Behavioural parameters compared included foraging site fidelity, trip duration, distances travelled, dives per trip, mean dive depth and duration for individuals both within a season and also between subsequent breeding periods. Individuals varied with respect to foraging behaviour and could be classified into distinct specialised foraging strategies. These ranged from individuals that demonstrated consistent habitat utilization, diving performance and activity patterns both within a season and between subsequent breeding periods to those that displayed a high degree of variation in all parameters within and between breeding periods. Differences in foraging strategies were also correlated with variation in reproductive performance, providing new insights into the importance of individual variability in foraging behaviour as an intrinsic driver of life-history strategies in seabirds.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 41 of 198 pages Seabirds — Conservation

29. The current status of New Zealand seabirds: what do we know? Robyn Blyth & Kerry-Jayne Wilson Bio-Protection and Ecology Division, Lincoln University, Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND (presenting author: [email protected] ).

New Zealand is a centre of diversity for seabirds with 38 endemic species and about a quarter of the world’s species breeding in New Zealand. At least 20 species are threatened or endangered. Seabirds are exposed to numerous threats, and for many species there is a lack of knowledge of their status, biology or threats. This paper reviews the current conservation status of New Zealand seabird species. While introduced predators and fisheries related impacts have been the immediate threats faced by seabirds, climate change and habitat competition appear to pose insidious yet under reported threats. The blue penguin ( Eudyptula minor ) is arguably the best studied New Zealand seabird. On the West Coast of the South Island the species appears to have been in decline for several decades but we have not yet identified the factors causing this decline. If such a decline in this well known, charismatic, mainland-breeding species can go unnoticed what do we really know about the status of less studied species that breed on remote islands?

Page 42 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 30. The current status of Australian seabirds Ashley Bunce Centre for Environmental Management, Central Queensland University, PO Box 1319, Gladstone QLD 4680, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Seabirds as a group are declining at a faster rate compared to other groups of birds, with serious declines in many species reported over the past two decades. One hundred and forty-two species of seabird occur in Australian waters. Seventy six of these breed and spend their lives in the region, 34 are regular or occasional visitors, and fewer than 10 species are endemic. While seabirds account for less than 20% of Australia’s avifauna, they represent roughly one third of the threatened birds in Australia, with 35 species listed as threatened under the EPBC Act. Seabirds face a range of threats, almost all of which are human in origin, including incidental capture in commercial fisheries and introduced predators. Although the biology of many species is well known in relation to terrestrial species, there is a lack of knowledge of populations and conservation status, even for the few well studied species or high profile groups, such as albatrosses and petrels. This paper therefore reviews the current conservation status of Australian seabirds with an emphasis on highlighting critical information gaps.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 43 of 198 pages 31. Saving the elusive Fiji Petrel D. Priddel 1, N. Carlile 1, K. Moce 2 & D. Watling 2 1 Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, NSW, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 NatureFiji-MareqetiViti, Suva, Fiji

Until a single bird was captured in 1984, the critically endangered Fiji Petrel Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi was known from only a single museum specimen collected in 1855. This elusive species is believed to nest only on the island of Gau, Fiji, but its breeding grounds have yet to be located. Potential threats on Gau include introduced cats, rats and pigs. Traditional knowledge of the Fiji Petrel is restricted to a few lines of an ancient lullaby. In this presentation we review all records of the species and all previous attempts to locate nests. We report the collection of two additional specimens. Although the amount of data is increasing, the timing of the breeding cycle remains uncertain, making the search for nesting sites particularly difficult. We detail recent conservation efforts and prescribe some new initiatives, including the use of sniffer dogs. Locating the breeding grounds of the Fiji Petrel remains the first conservation priority for this species, and the recent acquisition of a freshly dead specimen provides the best opportunity yet to do this.

Page 44 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 32. The effects of investigator disturbance on the hatching success of Short-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tenuirostris Mark J. Carey & Catherine E. Meathrel Department of Environmental Management and Ecology, La Trobe University, Wodonga, Vic 3690, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] ).

Investigators studying long-lived birds should understand how their research procedures affect their study animals and take precautions to mitigate adverse effects, especially when threatened species are involved. In an abundant procellariiform, the Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris , we examined whether the frequency of investigator disturbance during the incubation period influenced hatching success. All birds in this study had received no investigator disturbance in the past 12 years. Weekly , every three days and daily handling of parents reduced hatching success by 39, 61 and 100% respectively, compared to the control group. Most failures were caused by egg abandonment by the parents, particularly in the early stage of incubation and during incubation change over between parents. Once an egg had been deserted, mammalian and reptilian predators quickly took advantage of the exposed egg. Our results demonstrate that weekly , every three days and daily investigator disturbance during incubation greatly reduced the hatching success of naïve Short-tailed Shearwaters. These findings are significant in broader terms because any investigator disturbance that reduces reproductive success could exacerbate population declines, particularly of rarer species, and interfere with the accurate assessment of demographic parameters.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 45 of 198 pages 33. Effects of human disturbance on penguins: the need for site and species specific visitor management guidelines Philip J. Seddon & Ursula Ellenberg Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, NEW ZEALAND (presenting author: [email protected] )

Penguins are a major wildlife tourism attraction throughout the Southern hemisphere. Lack of overt signs of distress by some penguin species during certain times of the year have lead to a general perception that penguins are little perturbed by even the close proximity of well-meaning human visitors. Increasingly however, sophisticated research tools have revealed subtle behavioural and physiological responses to human disturbance, responses that can have impacts on the survival and productivity of individual penguins, and on the distribution and abundance of colonies and populations. The available evidence suggests that intra-and inter-specific variation in penguin responses to human disturbance and uncertainty over the potential to habituate to such disturbance, make the application of generic visitor management guidelines inappropriate or even potentially dangerous. With reference to ongoing work on the physiological, behavioural and demographic effects of unregulated visitor access to breeding sites of the Yellow-eyed Penguin Megadyptes antipodes on Otago Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand, we propose frameworks for both the investigation and the management of human disturbance effects on penguins, and potentially for other bird taxa that are the focus of tourism operations.

Page 46 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 34. No presentation

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 47 of 198 pages Evolution and Behaviour

35. Comparative mitochondrial phylogeography of temperate Eurasian birds A. Pavlova 1, R. Zink 2 & S. Rohwer 3 1 School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA 3 Burke Museum, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

The distribution of modern species results from a dynamic history of range shifts, fragmentation and recolonisation, in response to climatic fluctuations during the Pleistocene. These types of historic events can leave traces in the genetic structure of animals. Using phylogeographic tools, it is possible to uncover recent histories of gene flow and/or speciation, infer patterns of historical distribution, locate likely Pleistocene refugia, and in some cases infer direction of colonisation. In an attempt to discover general trends of responses of temperate Eurasian birds to Pleistocene climate fluctuations, we compared phylogeographic patterns (patterns of geographic distribution of genetic lineages), genetic diversity and demographic histories for over 20 widespread species. Comparison of phylogeographic patterns among species reveals idiosyncratic responses of species to climate fluctuations. In general, genetic diversity was low in clades (genetic lineages) widely distributed throughout Eurasia, indicating past population bottlenecks and recent colonisation of the region from refugia. However, some widespread species had high genetic diversity. This suggests they may have survived the periods of Pleistocene cooling in high numbers in treeless Eurasian steppe-tundra without drastic range changes. The clades from southern and southeastern Asia have relatively high genetic diversity, indicating high effective population size and stable population range, consistent with the distribution of suitable habitats during last glacial maxima 18,000- 14,000 years ago. Post-Pleistocene recolonization of Eurasia shaped the currently observed mosaic of phylogeographic structures.

Page 48 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 36. Adaptive divergence and assortative pairing in Darwin’s finches: implications for speciation scenarios and rates of evolution Toby Galligan & Sonia Kleindorfer School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The ecological theory of adaptive radiation predicts divergence of phenotypes under conditions of differential resource use across habitats. Previous research on Darwin’s Small Ground Finch, Geospiza fuliginosa , found evidence for adaptive phenotypic divergence among individual birds at the clinal extremes of their contiguous population on Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos Archipelago. Highland birds had longer beaks, which they slid through vegetation to extract seeds, and lowland birds had shorter beaks and longer claws and more commonly scratched for food on the ground. Here, we present evidence of assortative pairing for beak length in both habitats. Importantly, beak length has high heritability in Darwin’s finches. The findings of this research show the possibility of adaptive divergence in sympatry/parapatry and raise new possibilities for speciation scenarios and the adaptive radiation in Galapagos birds. Finally, we discuss the role of sexual selection to influence the rate of evolution.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 49 of 198 pages 37. Song variation in Darwin’s Tree Finches Rebekah Christensen & Sonia Kleindorfer Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Ecological diversification of traits can also lead to diversification of mating signals. For example in birds, the bill can be important both for resource use and for the production of song. Darwin’s finches are well known for their diversity of bill form and function, and recent studies have also shown variation of song characteristics in correlation with bill morphology. We investigated the relationship between bill morphology and song characteristics more closely in a subgroup of Darwin’s finches, the Tree finches. Interestingly, despite differences in bill morphology between our three study species, we found a significant difference between species in only one of six song characteristics measured (lowest frequency). Lowest frequency was also the only song characteristic to show a significant correlation with bill morphology. Our findings are in contrast to prior studies of Darwin’s Ground finches, and may suggest different constraints on song production across species of Darwin’s finch according to their feeding ecology. Additionally, while song is important for mate choice in Darwin’s Finches, our findings imply that other signals (e.g. visual) are important in mate choice and species recognition in this group.

Page 50 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 38. Speciation in grasswrens of the Amytornis textilis-modestus complex Andrew B Black 1, Janette A Norman 2 & Les Christidis 3 1 Birds Section, South Australian Museum, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Population and Evolutionary Genetics Unit, Museum Victoria, GPO Box 666, Melbourne, Vic 3001, AUSTRALIA 3 Division of Research and Collections, Australian Museum, 6 College St, Sydney, NSW 2010, AUSTRALIA

Three populations of grasswrens are currently described as subspecies of the Thick-billed Grasswren Amytornis textilis . Far western textilis has been recorded in recent years only near its most westerly extremity and eastern modestus appears to have been lost from the most northern (NT) and eastern (NSW) parts of its range. Recent morphological studies have drawn attention to the differences between central western myall and adjacent populations of modestus where the two approach closely while remaining allopatric in the rangelands north of the Gawler Ranges, South Australia. The relationship between myall and the formerly widespread and variable textilis is unresolved, including the question of whether grasswrens have recently occupied the Nullarbor Plain.

We are now conducting DNA sequence analysis on tissue samples taken from the restricted extant populations of textilis and myall and from three regions within the more extensive range of modestus .

We will present our findings and outline our current view of the taxonomy of this group of grasswrens.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 51 of 198 pages 39. Mate-guarding in the duetting Purple-crowned Fairy-wren Michelle L Hall & Anne Peters Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Radolfzell, GERMANY (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Sexual conflict is extreme among fairy-wrens (Malurus spp.), with up to 95% of broods containing offspring sired by males outside the social group. Males engage in a range of behaviours to maximise both within- and extra-pair paternity, including off-territory “petal” courtship displays to extra-group females. These displays have been seen in all malurids except the less-known purple-crowned fairy-wren (Malurus coronatus). This species is characterised by conspicuous duets sung by breeding pairs and believed to function in cooperative territorial defence. However, duets could also arise from conflict between the sexes if males answer their partners to advertise their mated status and deter extra-pair males. We observed breeding pairs of purple-crowned fairy-wrens during the nest-building period to determine how males attempt to maximise paternity. We found that males maintained close proximity to their partners when females were fertile, but were not more likely to duet with them. We observed within-pair copulations and courtship feeding, with courtship feeding rates peaking the day before the female laid her first egg and after copulation rates had peaked. We observed no territorial intrusions by extra-group males performing courtship displays to fertile females. Male purple-crowned fairy wrens thus guard their partners physically but not acoustically, do not use food to acquire copulations, and do not court extra-pair females.

Page 52 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 40. Captive breeding reduces brain volume in waterfowl (Anseriformes) P.-J. Guay 1 & A. N. Iwaniuk 2 1 Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic 3010, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E9, CANADA

Brain size reduction in domesticated forms of mammals in comparison to their wild ancestors is well documented in numerous species. Although it does not involve intentional artificial selection for traits such as meat production, captive breeding also causes a reduction in brain size in some mammalian species. In birds, domestication also results in a reduction in brain size, but whether captive breeding causes a similar effect is unknown. Given the increasing number of avian captive breeding programs, it is important to assess whether captive breeding affects the behaviour and morphology of a species. Here, we investigated whether relative and absolute brain volume differs between wild and captive-bred stocks of 21 species of waterfowl (Anseriformes). Absolute brain volume of captive-bred specimens was lower than in wild specimens for most (16/21) of the species examined and the decrease varied from 1 to 33% (mean = 4.7%). Similarly, all but one species showed relative brain volume decrease that varied between 2 and 30% (mean = 7.7%). Overall, these reductions in absolute and relative brain volume are smaller than that caused by domestication in ducks ( Anas platyrhynchos ) and geese ( Anser anser ), but are larger than the decreases observed in captive bred mammals. Thus, captive breeding appears to result in a decrease in both absolute and relative brain volumes in waterfowl. How this reduction reflects changes in behaviour and/or brain composition is unknown, but it may nevertheless have important implications for the successful reintroduction of captive-bred individuals.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 53 of 198 pages 41. Comparative fluctuating asymmetry and body morphology of introduced birds in New Zealand Christine A. Debruyne & James V. Briskie School of Biological Sciences University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND (presenting author: [email protected] )

Over 30 avian species were introduced into New Zealand in the 19 th century by acclimatization societies. Most species were introduced from the UK, and during their introduction, passed through population bottlenecks ranging from 12 to ~1000 individuals. As the source populations of these species are still extant in the UK, comparisons can be made between pre- (UK) and post-bottlenecked (New Zealand) populations to determine the effects of bottlenecks on avian morphology. Our objective was to compare changes in body size and levels of fluctuating asymmetry of introduced species in New Zealand to their UK source populations, and to determine whether any changes are related to bottleneck size. We measured various morphological traits (e.g., body mass, bill, tarsus, and wing lengths) in both New Zealand and UK samples of 8 species. Our analysis revealed that many introduced species displayed changes in a variety of morphological traits. For example, male blackbirds were found to be heavier in the UK, while redpoll bills were longer in New Zealand. However, there was no relationship between bottleneck size and any morphological difference between New Zealand and UK populations among any trait examined. Our results suggest that although morphological changes have occurred among introduced species in New Zealand the reasons for these changes are not clear. As consistent differences in morphology have developed in introduced species after only ~130 years in New Zealand our results also indicate that at least some species may be capable of changing rapidly to the new environments they encounter.

Page 54 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 42. Temperature dependent sex-biased embryo mortality in a megapode bird Yvonne Eiby School of Integrative Biology, The University of Queensland, QLD 4072, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Scrutinizing sex allocation theory, a crowning achievement of theoretical evolutionary biology, has been modest in bird species because of the difficulties in both determining sex before hatching and manipulating sex ratios experimentally. For example, the effects of temperature on sex ratios have been well demonstrated in numerous species across a diverse range of taxa, but not in birds. However, recent evidence of temperature affecting the sex ratio of Australian Brush-turkey ( Alectura lathami ) has prompted our investigation of the mechanism underlying this phenomenon. As with all megapode birds, brush-turkeys are exceptional in their use of environmental heat sources to incubate their eggs, hence their embryos experience and tolerate large changes in temperature. Because birds have genetic sex determination the suggested mechanism behind the skewed sex ratios is differential mortality. Using molecular techniques to, for the first time in brush-turkeys, sex both failed embryos and chicks, we confirmed that temperature dependent sex-biased embryo mortality is the mechanism causing the disparity observed in the sex ratio of chicks. This study provides the first strong evidence of this phenomenon in a higher vertebrate. A mechanistic knowledge of sex ratio manipulation, combined with brush-turkeys’ lack of parental care and males’ sole control over incubation conditions, creates a valuable avian model for investigating sex allocation theory.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 55 of 198 pages Management of Threatened Species

43. The effects of captive rearing on the survival of Kaki (Black Stilt) post-release Louisa Robertson 589 Ferguson Street, Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND ( [email protected] ).

Kaki ( Himantopus novaezelandiae ) are critically endangered New Zealand endemic waders. Current estimates of the wild population stand below 100 individuals. An intensive captive rearing programme has been established whereby all wild laid eggs are incubated and reared in captivity before they are released to the wild as juveniles or sub-adults. More than 100 captive reared kaki are released to the wild each year but high mortality in the wild means that the population is not increasing at a similar high rate. Predation by introduced mammals, exposure and starvation are possible causes of mortality in released kaki. Because many of the carcases are scavenged, the extent to which each of these factors is the immediate cause of death is unknown and there may be other factors increasing the vulnerability of kaki to these sources of mortality. This research will examine possible factors contributing to the mortality of captive reared kaki post-release. A body condition assessment will be conducted by validation of a bone fat assay to detect starvation in released kaki. Digestive organ morphology will be compared between wild and captive kaki to assess whether the captive diet is reducing gut size and mass and having an impact on body condition. The impact of intestinal parasites on survival will be examined by correlating parasite load with body condition and also by comparing parasite load in wild and captive birds. The results of this research will be invaluable in guiding future management options for kaki and other bird species.

Page 56 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 44. Mallee emu-wrens: landscape-scale habitat use and population estimates within the Victorian reserve system Sarah Brown & Rohan Clarke School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] )

The Mallee Emu-wren Stipiturus mallee is a narrow-range endemic passerine, considered Vulnerable. Evidence of population declines and the paucity of data on distribution, abundance and habitat preference, urgently warranted a regional quantitative study. Distance sampling methods and ecological niche factor analysis enabled us to estimate population size, distribution and determine habitat requirements within the Victorian reserve system. Low population estimates and population distribution give ground for reconsideration of upgrading the Mallee Emu- wren conservation status from Vulnerable to Endangered under IUCN listing criteria (IUCN 2001). Landscape- scale analysis of habitat found Mallee Emu-wrens are habitat specialists, occurring only in habitat that has been burnt longer than 15 years ago and containing Triodia . We discuss implications for management. IUCN 2001. IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Version 3.1. Prepared by the IUCN Species Survival Commission. 9 th February 2000. IUCN The World Conservation Union 2001.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 57 of 198 pages 45. The Lord Howe Island Currawong: trouble in paradise N. Carlile & D. Priddel Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, NSW, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

This study was undertaken to gather ecological information on the Lord Howe Island Currawong ( Strepera graculina crissalis ) to underpin the management of this species during the planned eradication of rodents from the island. Through the colour banding of individuals and nest observations over the 2005-06 season, significant insights were gained. The population was found to be three times greater (215 birds, including 48 juveniles) than previously estimated. The adult currawongs could be trapped only during the period July–October, after which courtship and nesting commenced. Pairs occupied and defended a territory of about 5.4 ha of undisturbed forest in a fashion more typical of magpies and butcherbirds. Food items fed to nestlings included invertebrates, vertebrates (particularly lizards, rodents and birds) and fruit. Overall, 41% of nests successfully produced at least one fledgling. Outside the breeding season, birds aggregated into small, highly vocal flocks and individuals were not wide-ranging. The extent of available nesting habitat appears to be the key factor limiting population size; however, illegal shooting remains a threat. Their often successful raiding parties into White Tern colonies situated within the islands settled areas does not endear them to many islanders. A high incidence of genetic deformities suggests that inbreeding may also threaten the viability of the population. This study confirmed that they are at risk from secondary poisoning during the planned eradication of rodents and as such will need to be protected.

Page 58 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 46. Progressive loss of sub-populations of Hooded Robins and Brown Treecreepers in northern New South Wales Hugh A Ford Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351 ( [email protected] )

Woodland birds have declined in recent decades across southern Australia. Species have disappeared from remnants or gone extinct within regions. I report on two species that virtually disappeared from a 40km radius of Armidale in northern New South Wales over three decades. Hooded Robins and Brown Treecreepers bred at Wollomombi, 40km east of Armidale in the early 1980s. Both disappeared a few years later, and Hooded Robins went from three other sites in the 1980s. Lulu Fitri studied Hooded Robins in 1991-2 at four sites east and seven west of Armidale. By 2006 they had disappeared from all four eastern sites and several of the western sites. Stephen Debus only found three groups near Armidale, in exotic pine forest. Jeff Walters and Caren Cooper surveyed Brown Treecreepers around Armidale from 1992 to 1998. They found the species common from 30km west of Armidale, with small sub-populations (mostly single groups, sometimes lone males) in several sites east of Armidale. All eastern groups had disappeared by 2005, including one at Eastwood State Forest (later Imbota Nature Reserve), which had healthy populations in the late 1970s, three groups in the early 1990s but none after 2004. Brown Treecreepers disappeared from the nearest western site by 1994 and from at least two more western sites by 2007. Both these species have contracted their ranges by 40 to 60 km over 30 years, showing that small isolated populations are unsustainable, perhaps due to lower breeding success in Robins and poor dispersal in Treecreepers.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 59 of 198 pages 47. Assessment of Eastern Bristlebird microhabitat – another step in the recovery of the species Jack Baker Biodiversity Conservation Science Section, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

The Eastern Bristlebird is an endangered endemic of south-eastern Australia. Its distribution is highly fragmented with only two populations exceeding 500 and thus, recovery planning included reintroductions to increase the number of viable populations. Eastern Bristlebirds are typically found in low, dense vegetation; however, the importance of heath-wood ecotonal habitat needs to be understood prior to selecting re-introduction sites. Twenty- two birds were radio-tracked at Jervis Bay and were found to use a wide variety of vegetation types: forest, woodland, mallee, shrubland, heathland, sedgeland and former pine plantation. The microhabitat of 12 of these birds was investigated at heath-wood ecotones. Although individual birds appeared to prefer or avoid the heath, ecotone or wood, there was no strong pattern of microhabitat selection and there was no attraction to, or avoidance of, the heath-wood edge. This knowledge allowed greater latitude in the selection of the host site for a recent, successful reintroduction of Eastern Bristlebirds and a second reintroduction is planned.

Page 60 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 48. Bird diversity and density across the Nullarbor Plain Martin L. Cody Department of Ecology & Evolution, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA ( [email protected] )

The sparsely vegetated Nullarbor Plain disrupts continuity of the Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs) in southern Australia, where a similar range of vegetation persists to its east and west (chenopod scrub through Eucalyptus , Acacia , or protead-dominated heaths to Eucalyptus woodland and open forest). While the barrier of the Nullarbor has varied in size and efficacy since its Tertiary origins, presently it separates western (W) and eastern (E) MTE avifaunas that differ in species richness, composition, distribution and density over habitats. Breeding bird censuses (59 and 55 sites, E and W) over similar habitat ranges revealed 31% fewer bird species W vs E overall: 19% fewer in the woodlands comparison, 52% fewer in mallee, but 16% higher in adcoastal Acacia shrublands. There is, however, much greater similarity in breeding species’ counts (SPP) and intra-site densities (DEN—summed over all species present) in habitats not isolated by the Nullarbor, e.g. interior mulga bushland and chenopod scrublands. Differences in regional species totals are best understood through consideration of both historical and present-day factors, such as past effects on habitat fragmentation, constriction, or isolation, and current areal extent. Variation E to W in SPP and DEN is constrained by their dependence on vegetation structure, and is further mediated by two sorts of compensatory mechanisms. In areas with lower regional species totals, within-habitat SPP may be boosted by taxa with expanded habitat ranges and, within sites of lower SPP, DEN may be enhanced via density compensation to levels comparable to those of richer sites.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 61 of 198 pages 49. Population bottlenecks and immune function of introduced birds in New Zealand Sophy Allen & James V. Briskie School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The negative fitness implications of severe bottlenecks are well documented, and include lowered reproductive success, increased susceptibility to disease, and decreased immune function. The question of crucial relevance to conservation managers is: what is the minimum bottleneck size that should be used to found a population and avoid (or at lease minimise) these negative effects? We examined the implications of bottlenecks on the immunocompetence of birds using species introduced into New Zealand in the late 1800s as a model system. As the number of individuals introduced for each species varied, we could directly assess how variation in the severity of bottlenecks during establishment has affected immune response in each post-bottlenecked population today. We compared immune function using the phytohaemagglutnin (PHA) wing web test in six species introduced in numbers ranging from 66 individuals to over 500 individuals, Contrary to expectation, PHA response was not correlated to bottleneck size, and was not reduced in species founded from <100 individuals. However, as the PHA response tests only one part of the complex avian immune system, it is possible that other aspects of immunocompetence might be more affected. It is also important to note that the lowest founder size tested was 66 individuals, whereas translocations of native birds for conservation often use less than half that number. This suggests caution is warranted before discounting deleterious effects of bottlenecks on the immune response of birds until the effects of more severe bottlenecks are known.

Page 62 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Miners

50. Miners and their impacts in the humid and urbanising subtropics C. Catterall 1, S. Piper 1, H. Bower 2 & M. Davis 1 1 School of Environment, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Flora Management, Lord Howe Island

Bird observers’ anecdotes and recent quantitative ecological research agree that land occupancy and aggression by Manorina (particularly the noisy and bell miners M. melanocephala and M. melanophrys ) is often associated with decreases in the abundance or diversity of other birds. Over the past decade, there has been a growing research effort aimed at discovering the responses of avifauna to anthropogenic vegetation change. An often-unexpected major finding of many such studies has been the existence of irruptions of noisy miners in situations where eucalypt vegetation occurs in small patches or as sparse trees. Bell miners have been widely reported to be irrupting in previously-logged moist eucalypt forests. In most cases, these miner irruptions have been implicated as a major cause of local declines of other birds. These are not the kinds of change that would have been predicted by conventional conservation theory, which expects bird declines after vegetation change to be due to disruption of population size and dispersal processes. Both aspects of the miner phenomenon (miner increases in space and time, and the specific nature of their impacts on other birds) need to be better understood, as a basis for management of vegetation and biodiversity. In this presentation we: consider evidence for these processes in the near-coastal Australian subtropics; test the significance of other species’ body mass as a predictor of their vulnerability to exclusion by miners; and describe changes over time in the prevalence of noisy miners in the urbanising Brisbane region.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 63 of 198 pages 51. The impact of Bell Miners Manorina melanophrys on the invertebrate predators and parasites of psyllids (Psylloidea) Amanda Dare Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Bell Miners, a cooperatively breeding honeyeater, defend colony areas from potential predators and competitors. They tend to be associated with a decrease in avian abundance and richness and an increase in psyllid density. And the presence of a Bell Miner colony is often associated with eucalypt dieback. Bell Miners feed both on the psyllid, sap-sucking insects, themselves as well as the lerp, a carbohydrate covering the psyllid secretes. The mechanism that allows psyllid populations to reach infestation levels in Bell Miner colonies is still not understood. Here we explore one hypothesis to explain the anomaly. A large scale removal of Bell Miners was undertaken on private property in Merimbula, se NSW. We seized this opportunity to test Stone’s (1996) hypothesis that Bell Miners interfere with the invertebrate predators and parasites of psyllids. Control sites, which would retain Bell Miners and treatment sites, were sampled in November 2005 prior to the removal of Bell Miners. Collection of leaf samples and fogging with insecticide were used to sample invertebrates. We returned in November 2006, following removal of Bell Miners from all treatment sites, and leaf collection and fogging was again carried out. Stone’s hypothesis predicts that with the removal of Bell Miners there will be an increase in the abundance of invertebrate predators and parasites of psyllids.

Page 64 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 52. Microhabitat preferences of the Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala Merilyn J Grey 1, Joanne Oldland 1,2 & Michael F Clarke 1 1 Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, AUSTRALIA 2 Current address: Birds Australia, Suite 2/05, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Victoria 3053, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] )

In small, degraded woodland remnants without a shrubby understorey, we studied how sites where Noisy Miners chose to ground feed differed from sites noisy miners could have chosen. Remnants were selected where grazed and ungrazed areas matched as closely as possible in all visible features except for the presence or absence of a grassy understorey. Over 200 Noisy Miner movements were monitored in detail between layers of habitat and between the grazed and ungrazed areas in order to identify locations where they fed on the ground. Detailed habitat measurements were then made at sites where Noisy Miners were observed ground feeding and at sites where they did not ground feed. When ground feeding, Noisy Miners showed a significant preference for grazed sites. At ground feeding sites mean grass height, grass net weight, distance from fallen timber and the presence of a tree canopy made the greatest contribution to selection of a site by Noisy Miners. The implications of microhabitat selection of Noisy Miners for management of small woodland remnants will be discussed.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 65 of 198 pages 53. Woodland bird diversity and Noisy Miners in Brigalow belt forests Alison Howes & Martine Maron Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD, 4350 AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The vegetation of Australia’s Brigalow Belt bioregion has been extensively cleared and modified to accommodate grazing and pasture production, subsequently altering habitat structure, area and connectivity. Carnarvon Station Reserve is situated in the heart of the Brigalow Belt in central Queensland and was previously run as a cattle station for 140 years. With its recent purchase by Bush Heritage Australia, a cooperative research project has commenced to investigate the effects of grazing and habitat alteration on woodland avifauna and how any impacts may be redressed with appropriate land management. Despite substantial restoration of the native flora on the property, large areas remain dominated by the highly aggressive noisy miner ( Manorina melanocephala ). The aim of this study was to investigate habitat and management factors related to high noisy miner abundance. A Bayesian Belief Network model was developed as a practical tool to enable prediction of noisy miner responses to changing habitat variables. There was a strong negative correlation between abundance of passerines and noisy miner abundance. Noisy miner abundance was highest in areas with little understorey, and was also related to the abundance of lerps. As current ecological burning practices on the property thin understorey vegetation, it is possible this management approach is maintaining habitat suitability for noisy miners.

Page 66 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 54. Edge geometry influences patch-level habitat preferences of an edge specialist in south-eastern Australia Rick S Taylor 1, Joanne M Oldland 2 & Michael F Clarke 1 1 Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Birds Australia, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, VIC 3053, AUSTRALIA

We investigated the habitat preferences of the noisy miner ( Manorina melanocephala) along farmland-woodland edges of large patches of remnant vegetation (> 300 ha) in the highly fragmented box-ironbark woodlands and forests of central Victoria, Australia. Noisy miners exclude small birds from their territories, and are considered a significant threat to woodland bird communities in the study region.

Fifteen different characteristics of edge habitat were recorded, together with the detection or non-detection of noisy miners along 129 500-m segments of patch edge. Habitat characteristics ranged from patch-level factors related to patch-edge geometry to site-level floristic factors. After accounting for the effects of spatial autocorrelation on the occurrence of noisy miners along edges, we identified projections of remnant vegetation from the patch edge into the agricultural matrix (e.g., corners of patches, peninsulas of vegetation) and clumps of trees in the agricultural matrix within 100 m of the edge, as significant predictors of the occupancy of edges by noisy miners. This relationship was also confirmed in two other geographically and floristically distinct habitats within Victoria.

In light of these results, we advocate revegetation strategies that attempt to enclose projections within 100 m of the edge, with fencing placed out to this new boundary, to reduce the likelihood of colonisation and domination of an edge by noisy miners. Our study highlights the need for greater consideration to be given to the habitat preferences of aggressive edge specialists, particularly in relation to patch-edge geometry and other human-induced components of landscapes.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 67 of 198 pages 55. Habitat preferences of the Noisy Miner ( Manorina melanocephala ) – a propensity for prime real estate? Joanne M. Oldland 1, Rick S. Taylor 2 & Michael F. Clarke 2 1 Birds Australia, Suite 2-05, 60 Leicester St, Carltonn VIC 3053, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundooran VIC 3086, AUSTRALIA

This study investigated habitat characteristics that have been postulated to influence the occurrence of noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala ). It builds on an earlier study that identified corners along remnant edges as an important predictor of the presence of noisy miners in large blocks of remnant vegetation (> 300 ha). Six habitat characteristics were recorded at 39 corner sites within the box-ironbark region of Victoria. We failed to detect any significant affect of the density of understorey vegetation upon the likelihood of noisy miners occupying a site. The most powerful predictors of the presence of noisy miners at remnant corners were soil type and the proportion of canopy trees at a site that were yellow gum ( Eucalyptus leucoxylon ), with noisy miners being associated with deeper, more fertile soils and higher proportions of yellow gum. Since yellow gum is a prolific and reliable nectar producer, the inherent productivity of a site may be more important in determining the attractiveness of a site to noisy miners than structural attributes like understorey. Noisy miners are a sedentary colonial species that occupy year-round territories, often at high densities. Sites capable of supporting such high density occupation year-round may be limited to the most productive sites within the landscape. This productivity hypothesis has potentially profound implications for other woodland avifauna, since noisy miners may be excluding other woodland birds from some of the most fertile components of the landscape; components that are already rare in the box-ironbark region due preferential clearing for agriculture.

Page 68 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Bioacoustics

56. Song sharing and repertoire change in the Noisy Scrub-bird – an indicator of social system Abby Berryman School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Murdoch University, Western Australia 6150, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

The Noisy Scrub-bird is an Endangered passerine found only in a small area on the south coast of Western Australia. The aim of this study was to investigate song sharing and repertoire change in this species with the hope of providing information to indicate their social system, about which little is known.

Only the male Noisy Scrub-bird sings, and each territorial male sings about six different types of territorial song. Groups of up to ten neighbouring males all shared the same set of song types. Neighbouring song sharing groups had no song types in common. All members of a song group made the same changes to their shared song types over time. This repertoire change was rapid, with song types often unrecognisable within six months.

A translocation carried out by the Department of Environment and Conservation provided an opportunity to study how song groups form by combining non-song-sharing birds at the release site. These males rapidly altered their songs so that they shared with their new neighbours. There was some evidence that the songs of dominant males were copied.

It is suggested that each song group consists of a dominant male whose songs are more attractive to females and/or effective in territory defence. The surrounding males may copy his songs in order to appear more attractive themselves. It is possible that each song group is actually a dispersed lek. Study of the songs of the Noisy Scrub- bird has provided a non-invasive method to indicate their social system.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 69 of 198 pages 57. Song variation at all scales? Patterns, causes & function of geographic song variation in Chowchillas A. H. Koetz 1, D. A. Westcott 2 & B. C. Congdon 1 1 School of Marine & Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Tropical Forests Research Centre, Atherton, AUSTRALIA

The extent and spatial pattern of song similarity in the Chowchilla, Orthonyx spaldingii , were examined to determine at what geographic scale song similarity changes, to establish whether this pattern is indicative of the timing of learning and dispersal strategy, and to explore the level of within-group song variation in this rainforest passerine. We recorded songs at different scales from across the species’ entire range in the Wet Tropics of Australia. We measured spectrotemporal song characteristics and used a multivariate approach to test for large- scale as well as within-group variation. Songs were also divided into their elements to create an element catalogue for the whole population. Pair-wise comparisons of element sharing were used to calculate a similarity index for each recorded group as well as for neighbours and non-neighbours. Chowchillas have a single-song repertoire, which is primarily used in territorial defence. Chowchillas show exceptional spatial variation in their song at both large and small scales, and song similarity was significantly correlated with distance. Song similarity decreased sharply at one kilometre, confirming the existence of song neighbourhoods that share near identical songs. Neighbours shared significantly more elements than non-neighbours. These results are consistent with the idea that Chowchillas learn their songs after dispersal when settling into a new group, and introduce the possibility of dialect formation as a by-product of the learning and dispersal strategy in this species.

Page 70 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 58. Noise removal from field recordings for improved individual recognition using speaker recognition methods E. Fox School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Applying methodologies borrowed from human speaker recognition to carry out recognition of species and individuals has gained popularity in recent years. Speaker recognition methodologies use features obtained through methods such as cepstral analysis or linear prediction, and classification using methods such as artificial neural networks or hidden markov models. Despite their growing popularity, these methods are known to be highly susceptible to background noise, with accuracy dropping dramatically when different noise is present in the training and testing recordings. Due to the prevalence of noise in field recordings, this may be a significant obstacle in the application of speaker recognition methods to field recordings of animals. I determined the impact of background noise on the individual recognition accuracy of ten willie wagtails, Rhipidura leucophrys , recorded in the field. I then tested various methods of noise removal, borrowed from human speaker recognition, to determine if the accuracy could be increased. Noise removal was found to significantly improve the individual recognition accuracy from field recordings of willie wagtails.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 71 of 198 pages 59. Acoustic identification of species and individuals using ensembles of artificial neural networks S. Parsons 1, J. Corfield 1, V. Obolonkin 2 & J. Szewszak 3 1 School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Harpst St., Arcata, CA 95521, USA 3 Department of Biological Sciences, Humboldt State University, USA

Most vocalisations of birds have evolved to convey information on the identity of the calling individual. Vocalisations, therefore, may allow for identification of individuals and species by researchers. In the past a number of qualitative and quantitative methods have been used to identify callers including subjective listening surveys, multivariate statistics, and machine learning. Here we provide results from two studies, the first attempting to identify 134 species of birds from California (including 12 federally-listed species) and the second attempting to identify individual North Island Brown kiwi ( Apteryx mantelli ). In both studies we calculated cepstral coefficients from calls and used them to identify species and individuals using ensembles of neural networks. Results showed that 11 out of 12 federally endangered species could be identified with 100% certainty but separating them from the remaining 122 species was more difficult. All individual male A. mantelli could be identified with greater than 95% certainty. This work shows that it is possible to identify species and individuals with high levels of certainty thus making automated acoustic inventories a viable option for researchers and conservationists.

Page 72 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 60. Evidence of cultural drift in a translocated population of North Island Saddleback ( Philesturnus rufusater ) Kevin A. Parker & Dianne H. Brunton Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 102904, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] )

As a result of conservation translocations initiated in 1964, the North Island saddleback has increased from a single remnant population of approximately 500 birds to one comprising 13 island and two mainland populations. Most translocations have consisted of a single release of 21-40 birds and some translocated populations were used for subsequent translocations, resulting in populations that have undergone up to four successive bottlenecks. Saddlebacks provide a unique system for examining the impacts of translocation on the cultural diversity of song dialects. Male saddlebacks disperse from their natal territories, establish a territory and learn the songs of their new contiguous neighbours. While the loss of genetic diversity through founder events has been well documented, there has been less attention given to the impacts on cultural diversity. Therefore, we predict that the process of translocation has had a profound impact on the cultural transmission of saddleback song. We compared saddleback song recorded on Cuvier Island 1970-72 to songs recorded on the same island 2005-2006. Songs recorded in the 1970s are more similar to contemporary songs in the source population, Hen Island, than they are to modern Cuvier songs and we suggest there is evidence of both a founder effect and subsequent drift within the Cuvier population. We suggest translocation has the potential to impact both the evolutionary trajectory of saddleback song, and potentially create challenges for the management of translocated populations.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 73 of 198 pages 61. A test of the dear enemy hypothesis in female Bellbirds: female neighbours as threats Dianne H. Brunton , Barbara A.Evans, Taneal Cope & Weihong Ji Ecology and Conservation Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Albany Campus, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The ‘dear enemy’ hypothesis proposes that the level of territorial aggression towards conspecific neighbours is lower than that shown towards strangers as strangers pose a greater ‘threat’. Among songbirds individual recognition is often based on vocalisation and male song playbacks have been used to test this ‘dear enemy’ hypothesis. However, territorial song is not an exclusively male activity and female song is more widespread than expected, although the functions are not understood. The vocalisations of the endemic New Zealand bellbird (Anthornis melanura ), a species in which both sexes sing prolifically, have recently been quantified and bellbirds provide an interesting model for examining the advantages and function of female song. We experimentally tested, for the first time, the hypothesis that female bellbirds support the ‘dear enemy’ hypothesis. We conducted female neighbour–stranger playback experiments and quantified the responses of the territory owners. We found clear evidence that individual females discriminate between conspecific female neighbour and stranger song. Aggressive responses were strongest during the chick stage and involved countersinging responses. Most importantly females were more aggressive toward the songs of neighbouring females. This result is opposite to the ‘dear enemy’ phenomenon and suggests that neighbouring females pose a greater threat than strange females. A higher female neighbour threat may be linked to either competition for food resources and/or paternal care. It is tempting to speculate that these higher levels of aggression may play a role in polygyny prevention and that neighbouring females are the greatest threat to the loss of a mate.

Page 74 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 62. Do Superb Fairy-wrens alarm calls indicate level of risk? Diane Colombelli-Négrel , Jeremy Robertson & Sonia Kleindorfer Flinders University, School of Biological Sciences, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

Alarm calls can either provide information about the identity of specific predators (functional referential signals), or the level of risk (type and speed of approach of predator). In addition, some species give different alarm calls in response to different predators, but their structure, call rate and duration also vary depending on the level of risk. Superb Fairy-wrens ( Malurus cyaneus ) produce aerial and terrestrial alarm calls: the latter are also believed to function as a mobbing call to attract other birds to the predator. We tested whether the alarm calls of superb fairy- wrens differ in response to aerial (a gliding model sparrowhawk) and terrestrial (fox and human) predators, and whether they encode different levels of risk. We scored level of risk in terms of the wren group size, the presence or absence of fledglings, and whether the predators approached directly or obliquely. We also found a new undescribed call, the startle call, which is given in response to predators that are almost upon them.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 75 of 198 pages 63. Begging playbacks increase provisioning in parents and helpers: one investment rule for different direct benefits Paul G. McDonald 1,2 ; Anahita J.N. Kazem 3 & Jonathan Wright 3 1 School of Biological Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2UW, UK (presenting author: [email protected] ). 2 Centre for the Integrative Study of Animal Behaviour, Macquarie University, Sydney, AUSTRALIA. 3 Institute of Biology, NTNU, Trondheim, N-7491, NORWAY.

Research on helping at the nest in birds has typically centred upon the importance of indirect fitness benefits gained through assisting related young. However, recent work has highlighted the importance of direct benefits in species like the bell miner Manorina melanophrys , where substantial levels of aid are provided by helpers unrelated to the broods they provision. To investigate how these differing adaptive explanations shape the dynamics of cooperative provisioning, we experimentally increased brood demand via targeted begging playbacks during nest visits of either (i) breeding males or (ii) unrelated male helpers. Both male types significantly increased their food delivery rate during playback relative to control periods. Surprisingly, all other nest attendants also increased their visit rates, although to a lesser extent, apparently in response to the increase in visits by the targeted individual, suggesting a mechanism by which attendants in a cooperative setting adjust their own provisioning effort. This resulted in nestlings begging at lower levels and gaining additional body mass during playback periods. Notably, in bell miners the same behavioural investment rule appears to be used irrespective of whether fitness rewards are derived via direct kin-selected benefits (fathers) or direct benefits of group augmentation (unrelated male helpers).

Page 76 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 General

64. Wildlife tourism- making a positive contribution to conservation and research of Australia’s native birds Michelle Plant University of Queensland / Consultant Wildlife Interactions, PO Box 254, Canungra QLD 4275 AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat is renowned for their wildlife tourism activity — involving supplementary feeding of free ranging wild birds, with visitors coming in their thousands to feed the Australian King Parrots Alisterus scapularis and Crimson Rosellas Platycerus elegans of Lamington National Park. A move to implement and support formal research of current best practices will be accompanied by site development to provide targeted conservation messages to visitors. Educational materials raising awareness of beneficial backyard feeding practices (including appropriate feed type for individual species, controlled quantity and frequency of feed provision and hygiene requirements), and a demonstration garden to illustrate backyard planting principles to provide a broader range of support to native birds - are two of the major initiatives being planned. Previous studies have been effective in researching and developing guidelines and an initial model for best practice for supplementary wild bird feeding — aimed at addressing wildlife management concerns. The model will form the basis of the practices being implemented at O’Reilly’s and selected backyard feeding sites. The current research project will formally investigate bird health and behaviour at supplementary feeding sites, under standard and best practice. Birds frequenting feeding sites will be captured, identified (banded) and subject to a full health review. General body condition, diet composition, infections, parasites, and blood and fecal test results will be recorded. Preliminary findings will determine if further investigations are required to identify causal factors. If a connection to supplementary feeding practices is identified - responses of bird health, behaviour and causal factors to implementation of best practices will be examined. Findings will provide a formal understanding of dynamics at supplementary feeding sites and contribute to further development of beneficial practices.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 77 of 198 pages 65. Adaptations to a migratory lifestyle in the Tasmanian Silvereye, Zosterops lateralis lateralis J.R. Funnell & U. Munro Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

We recorded and compared the behaviour and physiology of two captive held subspecies of the Australian silvereye, the partially migratory Tasmanian subspecies and the sedentary mainland subspecies, over one year. We focused on their orientation, locomotor activity, fat deposition, body weight, food consumption and moult, and investigated whether these parameters differed between subspecies in relation to their migratory and sedentary lifestyles. Tasmanian silvereyes displayed significant, seasonally appropriate orientation and heightened locomotor activity during the migratory seasons, while the mainland silvereyes had lower activity levels and oriented randomly. Tasmanian silvereyes also deposited more fat and were significantly heavier than the mainland birds. This was most pronounced during the migratory seasons. Both subspecies consumed similar amounts of nectar in a consistent seasonal pattern. This suggests that nectar is not involved in the fattening of the Tasmanian birds, and implies that other foods are used for this process. Moult proceeded normally in both subspecies and was both earlier and shorter for the Tasmanian birds. The spontaneous development of migratory behaviour and fat deposition in the Tasmanian birds, but not the mainland birds, during migratory periods, and the earlier onset and completion of moult, suggest that the Tasmanian birds have distinct adaptations to their migratory lifestyle that are endogenously prompted. The similarity of these adaptations to those of many Northern Hemisphere migrants suggests that migration in birds from both hemispheres share a common basis.

Page 78 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 66. Patterns and processes of dispersal: a biogeographical account of invasive avian species in south-western Australia Desiree Moon Edith Cowan Uni, ( [email protected] )

This study investigates occurrences of avian invasion within the Southwest region of Western Australia. Primarily it seeks to identify patterns of dispersal of the target species throughout the study area subsequent to their arrival in order to investigate associations between dispersal and various geographic and anthropogenic factors including climate, topography, vegetation, land-use, transport and urbanisation. Dispersal analyses using Geographic Information Systems technology will be conducted on comprehensive sightings lists compiled for each of the target species consisting of historical records from the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union (Birds Australia), Birds Australia (WA), Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme, Agriculture and Food (WA) and Western Australian Museum. Detailed ecological profiles for each of the target species featuring its taxonomy, feeding and breeding requirements, daily activities and inter-specific interactions will also be compiled in order to address possible impacts or implications for other local species and environments. Attention will be given to identifying activities of the target species that result in damage to personal property, agriculture, or industry. Field verification will be sought to substantiate findings from the literature. The research will be considered in relation to other avian invasion events occurring throughout Australia and overseas. The study incorporates techniques that can be applied to other species, areas and environments. It augments existing knowledge about avian invasion events, allowing the development of models to improve understanding of the phenomenon and assist the creation of effective strategies to manage biological invasion events should they occur.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 79 of 198 pages Waterbirds

67. Breeding success, movements and management of the Australian White Ibis, Threskiornis molucca A.C.M. Smith 1, G. Ross 2 & U. Munro 1 1 Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, Hurstville, AUSTRALIA

The Australian White Ibis, Threskiornis molucca , is a colonially breeding wetland bird that traditionally nested along inland water bodies and in perennial wetlands. Since the early 1980’s their overall population in their traditional environments of eastern Australia has declined, while urban populations have increased dramatically. Many government and non-government agencies are currently trying to manage urban ibis populations, mainly by culling adults and/or destroying nests and eggs. Management has focused on reducing breeding success in order to reduce recruitment to the urban population. Management is resource intensive and has proven difficult, since very little is known about the breeding biology and population dynamics of ibis in the urban environment. The aim of this study is to provide baseline data on seasonal abundances, movements, and the reproductive biology of urban ibis. This has been achieved through monitoring three urban colonies on a weekly basis for one year. Methods used included the individual marking of nests, eggs and colour banding of chicks. Also diurnal and roosting counts were used to monitor population size and age composition. Here we present the results of these studies. Our outcomes will allow wildlife managers to further the development and implementation of management plans for this species.

Page 80 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 68. Key colonial waterbird breeding sites across Australia Kate Brandis & Richard Kingsford University of New South Wales, Sydney, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Colonially breeding waterbirds (Ciconiiformes) breed in relatively few sites around Australia. They often concentrate in large numbers when conditions stimulate breeding. Protection and management of such sites is critical to the long-term survival of such species. We created a GIS database of breeding sites for colonial waterbirds across Australia, consisting of more than 900 records spanning 107 years (1899-2006) for nine species (Straw-necked Ibis, Glossy Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Australian Pelican, Pacific Heron, Great Cormorant, Pied Cormorant, Intermediate Egret, and Little Egret). Data were sourced from survey results, government reports, scientific papers, nest record scheme, databases, and publications. Each breeding event consisted of species, date, nest numbers, breeding numbers, month of breeding and data regarding the breeding site (lat., long, wetland name, type, dominant vegetation, catchment). This study aimed to provide a comprehensive list of breeding sites across Australia for these species, the timing of breeding in relation to flooding and rainfall. We compared preferences for breeding among species in relation to habitat attributes that could be collected across Australia. The analysis provides the first continental assessment of breeding sites and their importance for nine species of colonial waterbirds. Such information will be essential for species management and long-term management of rivers and wetlands.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 81 of 198 pages 69. Large scale abundances and distributions of Australian White Ibis, Threskiornis molucca , in natural and urban environments during the breeding and non-breeding season Catherine Thomas & Ursula Munro Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway 2007, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Recent studies have shown that the Australian White Ibis, Threskiornis molucca , has decreased in abundance in its natural wetland habitats in inland Australia. At the same time abundances have increased in coastal urban areas. This shift in range may be due to the prolonged drought and increased irrigation. Ibis numbers are particularly high during the breeding season, suggesting that ibis from non-urban environments are moving into Australia’s coastal cities solely for breeding purposes. Many government and non-government agencies are currently managing ibis in urban areas by destroying their nests and eggs during the breeding period, when numbers peak. These management practices are potentially dangerous for the survival of this native species and may further the decline of ibis in inland Australia. Negative effects on inland ibis could be especially pronounced, if breeding and recruitment in these areas are low.

Currently, we do not know (1) to what extend and how successfully ibis are still breeding in their traditional ranges, and (2) whether breeding is restricted mainly to urban areas. In order to manage ibis responsibly and ensure their continuous survival it is essential that we gain knowledge on their broad scale distribution, abundances, and breeding locations and how these parameters change between the breeding and non-breeding season.

Here we present our findings from Australia wide surveys, with a NSW focus, on ibis abundances and distributions, which also highlight the major breeding areas of these birds. Our findings provide the first baselines for developing broad scale management plans for ibis and possibly other species with similar ecological requirements.

Page 82 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 70. Birdlife at cyanide bearing tailings ponds, Waihi Gold Mine, New Zealand Pieter Fransen , Joanne Thompson & Gary Choat Newmont Waihi Gold Limited, PO Box 190, Waihi, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Bi-weekly observations of birds and their behaviour in various habitats at two large tailings ponds aimed to assess effects of cyanide toxicosis. More than 29,000 birds visited in two years of intensive monitoring with the greatest recorded visitations occurring during the winter game hunting season. In areas of open water where weak acid dissociable cyanide concentrations were less than the 50 mg/l (a limit adopted by the International Cyanide Management Code to protect birdlife) bird mortalities were only 0.02% of that recorded. WAD cyanide concentrations above the 50 mg/l level occurred in small areas where tailings were discharged and formed a beach that have been visited occasionally by the Pied Stilt ( Himantopus himantopus leucocephalus ). The stilts have attempted to search for food but were not successful presumably due to the absence of a food source. No bird mortalities have been recorded during daily inspections of the active tailings discharge points. Future exposure of birds to elevated WAD cyanide concentrations is negligible as tailings surfaces will be immersed until late-2009 and as current cyanide management practices are unlikely to vary significantly.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 83 of 198 pages Health and Diet

71. Avian Malaria in New Zealand Saddlebacks living on Mokoia Island, Lake Rotorua I. Castro 1, L. Howe 2, D. Tompkins 3, D. Slaney 4, R. Barraclough 5, D. Brunton 5, M. Alley 6 & K. McInnes 7 1 Ecology, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: . [email protected] ) 2 Infectious Diseases, Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222 , Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND 3 Landcare Research, Private Bag 1930, 764 Cumberland Street, Dunedin, NEW ZEALAND 4 Ecology and Health, Institute of Environmental Science & Research (ESR), PO, Box 50-348, Porirua, Wellington, NEW ZEALAND 5 Ecology & Conservation Group, Institute of Natural Resources , Massey University, Albany , Private Bag 102 904 , North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND 6 Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary pathology, Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222 , Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND 7 Threatened Species Section, RD&I, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10-420, Wellington, 6143, NEW ZEALAND

Avian malaria is responsible for the extinction of 32% of endemic Hawaiian birds and for keeping 62% of the remaining species at risk. Recent deaths from epidemic outbreaks of malaria in South Island saddlebacks and Mohua have sparked New Zealand’s interest in this disease. Our study is the first to establish the prevalence, distribution, taxonomy, and vectors of avian malaria at a single location, Mokoia Island, in NZ. We report results from the first three surveys in January, May and October 2007. PCR was used to detect malarial parasites from blood samples. Malarial strains were identified by sequencing. The prevalence of Plasmodium in saddlebacks was low between 3.8% and 7.8%. Known birds changed infectious status between surveys suggesting that they may suffer chronic infections. Haemoproteus spp. was found in tui at a prevalence of 23.5%. Possible mosquito vectors (Aedes notoscriptus ; Culex quinquefasciatus , Cx. pervigilans and Cx. Rotorua ) were caught in CO 2 traps although in low numbers. We argue that our results reflect an evolutionary history between saddlebacks and malaria. Epidemic malaria outbreaks such as the ones in the South Island may result from birds confronting malaria strains for which they have no immunity to or to the combined effect of new (introduced) malarial strains, bottlenecks and small population sizes. To effectively manage avian malaria outbreaks in the wild, we need to learn about the distribution of malarial strains and their vectors; confirm the taxonomy of the malarial strains found so far; and investigate the epidemiology and pathogenicity of these parasites.

Page 84 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 72. Are avian ticks harmful to their host? M. Oorebeek & S. Kleindorfer School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Parasites and infectious diseases have become a major concern in conservation biology. They play important roles in the ecology and evolution of their hosts, by maintaining genetic diversity and altering species composition in ecological communities. In South Australia 29.5% of the sampled passerines are infested with avian ticks. Ticks can reduce the fitness of their hosts by feeding-induced blood loss and disease transmission. We tested the prediction that birds have a reduced reproductive performance in the presence of ticks. We compared the breeding success of the New Holland Honeyeater, Phylidonyris novaehollandiae , between parks with and without ticks. Data were collected from 62 first nesting attempts, of which 15 were in parks with ticks and 47 in parks without ticks. We found no significant differences between the parks in the clutch size, growth rate of nestlings, and fledgling size. However, the haemoglobin level of six day old nestlings was higher in parks with ticks than in parks without ticks. This could be explained by modulated levels of maternal androgens in the eggs in the presence of ticks. Overall, our study shows no negative effects of ticks on the reproductive performance of their host.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 85 of 198 pages 73. Diet of the Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax in the Perth region Simon C. Cherriman School of Environmental Biology, Curtin University WA AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

The Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax is the largest and one of the better known birds of prey in Australia. Its diet has been studied in a variety of regions, but there is no published literature on its biology near Perth, Western Australia. The diet of this eagle was studied from 2004 to 2006 at 5 sites near Perth, one on the Swan Coastal Plain and 4 in the Darling Range. Two of the study sites, Karakamia and Paruna Wildlife Sanctuaries, are owned and managed by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). A collection of prey remains (n = 610), regurgitated pellets (n = 164), as well as some observations of fresh prey from nests, revealed 13 species of mammals, 20 birds and 4 reptiles taken as eagle prey. Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and macropods (especially immature Macropus fuliginosus ) were the main prey item, constituting 32.6 and 24.5% of biomass taken (from prey remains), and 49.1 and 15.6% of total pellet mass, respectively. At Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary, where several native species of marsupial are common in an environment free from introduced mammals, eagles preyed mainly on threatened marsupials. Brush-tailed possums Trichosurus vulpecula , woylies Bettongia penicillata , tammar wallabies Macropus eugenii and quenda Isoodon obesulus contributed to 29.6, 11.8, 9.1 and 5.5% of diet biomass, respectively, at this site. Birds including Australian ravens Corvus coronoides (5.1% of biomass) and wood ducks (2.7%) were also important as eagle prey; reptiles including the bobtail skink Tiliqua rugosa (0.8%) were less frequently taken.

Page 86 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 74. Aerial versus terrestrial prey: diet and foraging tactics of Owlet-Nightjars differ in desert and woodland habitats Lisa I. Doucette 1, Chris R. Pavey 2, Chris Burwell 3 & Fritz Geiser 1 1 Behavioural and Physiological Ecology Research Centre, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Biodiversity Conservation, Parks and Wildlife Service, Alice Springs, AUSTRALIA 3 Entomology, Queensland Museum, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

Seasonal shifts in foraging behaviours of birds in response to changes in insect abundance are well known, but few studies have examined geographic differences in diet and foraging ecology for a species found in diverse habitat types. We compared the diet and inferred foraging tactics of the Australian owlet-nightjar ( Aegotheles cristatus ), a sedentary nocturnal insectivore found throughout Australia, in a eucalypt woodland and a desert habitat by analysing faecal samples collected from birds and cavity roosts at both locations. Light and pitfall traps were used to sample prey availability and composition. The ratio of aerial-to-terrestrial insect biomass was comparable at both locations. Wholly terrestrial insects comprised 31-38% and 48-49% of the diet in the desert and woodland habitat, respectively. Lepidoptera were most abundant by biomass at both locations, however, none were found in the woodland diet, compared to 20-40% in the desert site diet. Coleoptera dominated the woodland diet (44-48%), yet represented less than 30% of the insect biomass. Since low nocturnal ambient temperatures likely restricted Coleoptera flight in winter, and consequently captures by light trap were low (abundance 13%), we suggest that owlet-nightjars primarily obtained them through ground foraging. Thus, the diet of woodland owlet-nightjars in winter could be composed entirely of terrestrial-caught insects. Greater terrestrial foraging in the woodland habitat suggests that owlet-nightjars are using optimal foraging strategies to obtain sustenance with minimum energy expenditure. Habitat differences in foraging may also be influenced by vulnerability to predation when foraging on the exposed ground.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 87 of 198 pages 75. Kiwi olfaction: odour source and composition, scenting behaviour and function of olfaction I. Castro 1, S. Cunningham 1, K. Jaffe 2, A. Gsell 3 & A. Cabrera 2 1 Ecology, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Centro de Estudios Estratégicos (CEE) & Laboratorio de Comportamiento, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Apartado 89000, Caracas 1080, VENEZUELA 3 Ecology & Conservation Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Albany, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND

Birds have been shown to be capable of both producing and sensing odours. Despite this, birds generally do not seem to show any behaviours related to scent and their bright colours and showy displays, make scent appear unnecessary to social communication. Amongst birds, kiwi have a well developed olfactory system which in the past has been attributed mainly to foraging. However, conflicting results in experiments designed to test the use of scent in prey-detection, together with the recent discovery of a bill-tip organ in kiwi facilitating remote-touch foraging, have made us hypothesise that kiwi use scent in social interactions. We video recorded 10 different kiwi coming out of their burrows in front of which we left objects with and without prey smell. We also recorded 3 birds while they were foraging. On three occasions kiwi were confronted with smell of other kiwi when leaving their burrow. Kiwi responded to objects, humans and other kiwi with scenting behaviour. There were no significant differences in the way kiwi responded to objects whether they had prey scent or not. However, they reacted differently to the scent of other kiwi and humans. We found that kiwi have three main behaviours related to scent: sniffing, snorting and tap-snorting. We analysed the composition of the volatiles in kiwi faeces and found aromatic oils and alcohols. We suggest these substances may be produced in the uropygial gland and deposited on the faeces directly. The unusual location of the gland immediately above the cloaca would make this possible.

Page 88 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 76. Prey-detection mechanisms and convergent evolution in kiwi and shorebirds Susan Cunningham 1, Isabel Castro 1 & Maurice Alley 2 1 Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND

Kiwi (Apterygidae) possess nares positioned uniquely at the tip of the bill and have enlarged olfactory centres in the brain. They are traditionally assumed to detect their soil-dwelling invertebrate prey using their sense of smell, but studies designed to show the importance of olfaction in prey-detection have provided equivocal results. Probing members of the shorebird family Scolopacidae detect their prey using vibration/pressure-sensitive mechanoreceptors embedded in pits in the bill-tip. We studied kiwi foraging patterns using probe-holes as a proxy for direct observation of these secretive nocturnal birds. Results showed that aspects of the foraging patterns of North Island brown kiwi ( Apteryx mantelli ) are like those of scolopacid shorebirds, suggesting kiwi may use a similar prey-detection mechanism. Examination of the bill morphology of all five kiwi species and histological examination of the bill of A. mantelli , showed that kiwi possess an arrangement of mechanoreceptors within pits similar to that in Scolopacidae species. They may therefore be able to localise prey using a similar vibrotactile sense, which may function in conjunction with, or be dominant over, olfaction. The Apterygidae and the Scolopacidae are members of the two different super-orders of birds: the Paleognathae and the Neognathae, respectively. Therefore we cite the similar bill-tip anatomy of these two families as an example of convergent evolution across a deep taxonomic divide. This presentation is based on our paper: Cunningham S, Castro I, Alley M. (2007) A new prey-detection mechanism for kiwi (Apteryx spp.) suggests convergent evolution between paleognathous and neognathous birds. Journal of Anatomy. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7580.2007.00786.x

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 89 of 198 pages Parrots

77. The conservation of Baudin’s Cockatoo, Carnaby’s Cockatoo and the Forest Red- tailed Black-Cockatoo in south western Australia R.E. Johnstone 1 & T. Kirkby 2 1 Western Australian Museum, Locked bag 49, Welshpool DC, WA 6986, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 49 Canning Mills Road, Kelmscott, WA 6111, AUSTRALIA

Baudin’s Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus baudinii, Carnaby’s Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris and the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii naso are large, iconic, forest and woodland cockatoos, endemic to the south-west corner of Western Australia. Baudin’s and Carnaby’s Cockatoos are currently listed as endangered and the Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo as vulnerable and all have suffered a substantial loss of habitat and a decline in numbers in the past 50 years. Direct causes of population decline include the large numbers shot by orchardists (with Baudin’s Cockatoo), clearing and fragmentation of habitat (especially the loss of breeding hollows) and the impact of hollow competitors. Details are given on the distribution, status, breeding, feeding ecology, social organisation, migration and movements for these cockatoos in the south-west. The conservation of Baudin’s Cockatoo in particular provides us with a great challenge for the future. Although listed as endangered, it is also a declared pest of agriculture because it damages commercial fruits. As part of the recovery plan for Baudin’s Cockatoo we recommend future monitoring of major roost sites in order to determine population trends and to measure progress in conservation efforts.

Page 90 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 78. Conservation of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo on private lands: a cross-regional challenge D. Stojanovic 1, R. Scott 2, L. McLellan 3 & G. Farrelly 4 1 Birds Australia (WA), Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo Recovery Project. Perth, WA, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Birds Australia (WA), Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo Recovery Project, Albany, WA, AUSTRALIA 3 WWF, Threatened Species Network, Perth, WA, AUSTRALIA 4 WWF, Back From the Edge, Narrogin, WA, AUSTRALIA

Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris is a charismatic and wide spread migrant, endemic to the south west corner of WA. Significant portions of its fragmented breeding habitat are scattered throughout private properties in the semi-arid wheat-sheep farming region (wheatbelt) of WA, thus public engagement is critical in shaping conservation strategies for this species. Large flocks of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoos are often sighted, leading to the general misconception that the species is not threatened. Fragmentation and loss of key nesting and feeding habitats, persecution and poaching have been identified as key threatening processes and a Recovery Team was created in 2000 to address these issues.

Birds Australia’s Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo Recovery Project has identified and monitored nesting sites in the Northern Agricultural Region for the past 5 years. This year, in partnership with WWF-Australia, Department of Environment and Conservation and local Natural Resource Management groups (South Coast NRM, Northern Agricultural Catchment Council and Avon Catchment Council), the project area has been extended and several new breeding areas have been identified and monitored; these results will be presented.

Future project directions include continuing the protection of critical habitats, developing an expanded monitoring program to include newly identified breeding sites, and aiming to clarify some aspects of the species’ natural history that are still poorly understood. Assisting landholders in the conservation of their remnant vegetation is vital to the success of this project.

Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo is a flagship species, whose continued survival is dependant on both private and public land conservation.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 91 of 198 pages 79. The impact of high-intensity fire on Glossy Black-Cockatoo nest resources M. Cameron Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, Albury, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Glossy Black-cockatoos ( Calyptorhynchus lathami ) are obligate hollow-nesters. The large hollows they require are typically found in senescent or standing dead trees. The physical characteristics of such trees make them vulnerable to destruction by fire. I used pre-fire data sets of known and potential Glossy Black-cockatoo nest hollows to investigate the impact of a high-intensity wildfire on this resource in the Goonoo Community Conservation Area, central New South Wales. This wildfire followed an extended period of drought and burnt 27,000 hectares or 50% of the reserve. The 24 known Glossy Black-cockatoo nest hollows within the burn area where destroyed. Ninety five percent of potential nest hollows subject to high-intensity fire were destroyed. This single wildfire resulted in a catastrophic loss of large tree hollows within the study area that is unlikely to be compensated for by any fire induced acceleration in hollow development. The impact on Glossy Black-cockatoo breeding is potentially severe. The frequency and intensity of wildfires in the woodlands and forests of southern Australia are likely to increase as a result of global warming. The impact of these altered fire regimes upon hollow dependent fauna requires further investigation. A review of current strategies for managing fauna populations and wildfire in affected environments is warranted.

Page 92 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 80. An industry approach to managing conservation significant cockatoos: operational management controls to minimise impact on the south-eastern Red- tailed Black-Cockatoo L. Thornton & G. Gunn Iluka Resources Limited, Level 23, 140 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Iluka Resources is a major participant in the global mineral sands sector and has mining and processing operations in Australia and the USA. Iluka is committed to operating in a responsible manner which minimises the impact on the environment.

This paper is one of a series of three papers proposed by Iluka Resources Limited and its affiliate, Consolidated Rutile Limited. Conservation of significant Cockatoos at Iluka sites involves a whole of mine-life approach. All three sites are at various stages of their conservation program and all have had to address the conservation challenge / mine production balance in innovative ways.

The nationally endangered south-eastern species of the Red-tail Black Cockatoo (RTBC) has been observed foraging in Buloke trees on the Douglas Mine Mining License and flying across the mine site to woodlands in the north where nesting has been observed.

On the ground management actions include: increasing awareness of all staff about the RTBC, monitoring of all trees for nesting RTBC’s prior to clearing, strong emphasis on the importance of minimising vegetation clearance with a particular emphasis on trees with suitable nesting hollows and potential forage trees (examples of this include the re-alignment of soil stockpiles, roads and noise bunds), permanent protection of two significant areas with potential forage and nesting trees, relocation of suitable hollows, planting of 25,140 native plants within the mining license – planting programs were also aimed at specifically increasing forage trees and the creation of ecological corridors that link significant habitats across the mine site.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 93 of 198 pages 81. Could shooting to protect fruit crops cause the demise of Baudin’s Cockatoo? Tamra F. Chapman Department of Environment and Conservation, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, Bentley WA 6983, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] ).

Baudin’s Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus baudinii (the Long-billed White-tailed Black Cockatoo) is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. The population of around 12,000 birds is threatened by clearing of forests for agriculture, loss of habitat due to logging and nest competitors. It is Endangered because it has declined from at least 50% of its range in the past 50 years. Baudin’s Cockatoo has been feeding in apple and pear (pome fruit) orchards since the early 1990s. Damage to fruit crops appears to be greater in years of poor seed production by its traditional food source, Marri Corymbia calophylla . Baudin’s Cockatoo is a declared pest of agriculture, but crops may only be protected by non-lethal scaring and exclusion techniques. Although it is illegal, some fruit growers continue to shoot Baudin’s Cockatoo to protect their fruit crops from damage. A survey in 2005 showed that some growers believe the cockatoos are neither rare nor likely to become extinct and that shooting to kill will not threaten the population. A population viability analysis (PVA) demonstrated that the population is vulnerable to extinction due to low breeding success and the stochastic events associated with the variability in Marri production. Even low levels of shooting to protect fruit crops have the potential to rapidly cause the demise of this species.

Page 94 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 82. Ecology and conservation biology of southern African parrots Mike Perrin School of Biological and Conservation Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, SOUTH AFRICA ( [email protected] )

Recent studies have compared the ecology of several southern African parrots in relation to their habitat and conservation status. The Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus is a habitat-dietary specialist and a food nomadic dependent upon afromontane yellowwood ( Podocarpus ) forest for its survival. It is critically endangered and is threatened by habitat loss, disease and trade. However, the closely related and locally common Greyheaded Parrot, P. fuscicollis suahelicus , is a dietary and habitat generalist with a wide geographical distribution. A recent taxonomic review separated the species pair. The smaller-bodied triad comprising Ruppell’s Parrot P. rueppellii , the Brownheaded Parrot P. cryptoxanthus and Meyer’s Parrot P. meyeri exhibit increasing niche breadth, dietary diversity, habitat preference, geographical range, (and threat),likely corresponding with their phylogentic divergence. Phylogenetic inertia explains their low reproductive potential and secondary cavity nesting behaviour, which can constrain their demographic productivity. This is discussed in relation to conservation action.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 95 of 198 pages 83. Population bottlenecks and immune function of introduced birds in New Zealand Sophy Allen & James V. Briskie School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The negative fitness implications of severe bottlenecks are well documented, and include lowered reproductive success, increased susceptibility to disease, and decreased immune function. The question of crucial relevance to conservation managers is: what is the minimum bottleneck size that should be used to found a population and avoid (or at lease minimise) these negative effects? We examined the implications of bottlenecks on the immunocompetence of birds using species introduced into New Zealand in the late 1800s as a model system. As the number of individuals introduced for each species varied, we could directly assess how variation in the severity of bottlenecks during establishment has affected immune response in each post-bottlenecked population today. We compared immune function using the phytohaemagglutnin (PHA) wing web test in six species introduced in numbers ranging from 66 individuals to over 500 individuals, Contrary to expectation, PHA response was not correlated to bottleneck size, and was not reduced in species founded from <100 individuals. However, as the PHA response tests only one part of the complex avian immune system, it is possible that other aspects of immunocompetence might be more affected. It is also important to note that the lowest founder size tested was 66 individuals, whereas translocations of native birds for conservation often use less than half that number. This suggests caution is warranted before discounting deleterious effects of bottlenecks on the immune response of birds until the effects of more server bottlenecks are known.

Page 96 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 84. Trisyntopa neossophila in the nests of Hooded Parrots ( Psephotus dissimilis ) — an experimental evaluation Stuart J. N. Cooney and Penny D. Olsen School of Botany and Zoology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia ( [email protected] )

Interactions between birds and invertebrates are widespread. Parasitic and commensal relationships are commonly reported, however mutualisms between birds and invertebrates have not been reported. Despite this, candidates for this type of relationship exist. We experimentally examined one such candidate; the relationship between the Hooded Parrot ( Psephotus dissimilis ) and its nest residing moth, Trisyntopa neossophila . By manipulating the population of moth larvae in a sample of Hooded Parrot nests, we sought to establish the impact of the relationship on each species. The moth benefits from its association with the parrot by the parrot’s provision of shelter and a reliable food source. The parrot however, is neither benefited nor harmed by the interaction in terms of short term reproductive output or chick growth, although difference between the experimental and control nests were noted. The relationship between the hooded parrot and T. neossophila is therefore concluded to be commensal.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 97 of 198 pages PLENARY: 85. Highlights from a long-term study of Eurasian Sparrowhawks Ian Newton

Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripto9hn, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 2LS, UNITED KI NGDOM ([email protected]) The Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus is a forest-dwelling raptor that nests in forests, hunts in forests or open country and eats other birds, especially small song-birds. This talk, based on a 25-year study, will include discussion of population regulation in this species, and the factors that influence breeding density on different regions. It will also discuss the survival and breeding of marked individuals, including lifetime reproductive success, and age-related changes in annual survival and reproduction. Only a small proportion of individuals in any one generation contributed most of the young to the next generation. During the natural life-span of the birds, their annual survival and breeding success increased up to mid-life, apparently because of increasing experience and social status, and thereafter declined in association with senescence. The behaviour of the birds with respect to territory quality will also be described, and on some aspects, parallels will be drawn with other species.

Page 98 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 KEYNOTE: 86. Climate change – a predetermined future? Bryson Bates CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, CSIRO Environment and Life Sciences Laboratory, Private Bag No. 5, Wembley WA 6913, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Interest in anthropogenic (human-induced) climate change continues to grow due to the release of the movie “An Inconvenient Truth” (2006), the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change (2006), the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2007), and continuing drought conditions across southern Australia. The balance of scientific evidence indicates that climate change is happening more rapidly than expected, and debate has begun on when and how society should respond. This talk will provide overviews of the latest evidence on climate change at global and national scales, the newly-released CSIRO climate change scenarios for Australia, recent research findings on the impacts of climate change on wildlife and ecosystem health in Australasia, and topics of relevance to bird populations and their health that require further research. Future management of wildlife within and outside conservation areas will be technically complex: it will be subject to high levels of uncertainty and risk. This risk can be managed more effectively if it is accepted that: (1) climate is non-stationary, and can exhibit seemingly irreversible changes or a set of regimes; (2) more attention has be to given to the detection and attribution of changes in the health and behaviour of wildlife and ecosystems; and (3) as new information comes to hand, wildlife management strategies may need to be more interventionist and evolve over shorter periods than in the past.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 99 of 198 pages KEYNOTE: 87. Climate change and rainforest birds Stephen E. Williams Centre for Tropical Biodiversity & Climate Change Research, School of Marine & Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

I will describe patterns of bird diversity and assemblage structure in the rainforests of the Australian Wet Tropics and discuss the factors that have determined these patterns. I will then discuss the likely impacts of global climate change on the biodiversity of this region. Ongoing research is set within a general framework to assess the relative vulnerability of biodiversity to global climate change. Vulnerability is a function of both the degree to which an organism, habitat or process is exposed to change, its relative sensitivity to the change and the potential for adaptation (evolutionary, ecological and active conservation management). I will illustrate the framework with extensive empirical data from ongoing research on bird ecology in the Australian Wet Tropics bioregion carried out within the Centre for Tropical Biodiversity & Climate Change. I will discuss the relationships between patterns of bird species richness, assemblage structure and distributions and vegetation, elevation, climate, seasonality and long-term habitat stability over the last 20 000 years. The combined impacts of increasing temperature, increasing dry season severity, reducing cloud capture and changes to ecosystem processes are potentially catastrophic to the unique avifauna of the region. Assessing relative vulnerability and the factors determining or alleviating vulnerability is a key step towards the efficient allocation of management resources and the minimisation of impacts.

Page 100 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 KEYNOTE: 88. The response of seabirds to four decades of increasing temperatures in the Alaskan Arctic George J. Divoky Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775 ( [email protected] )

Since the late 1960s, the Alaskan Arctic has experienced some of the greatest increases in atmospheric temperature anywhere on earth. This warming has resulted in major modifications in the snow and ice habitats that dominate the region, altering both the terrestrial and marine habitats utilized by seabirds. Observations at Cooper Island, 30 km east of Point Barrow, Alaska have shown that the Black Guillemot ( Cepphus grylle ), a high arctic seabird, initially benefited from the warming. Guillemots colonized northern Alaska in the late 1960s and increased in the 1970s and 1980s as the length of the annual snowfree period increased, regularly exceeding the 80-days the species requires for successful breeding. Continued warming in the 1990s resulted in decreases in the summer pack ice, which guillemots exploit for ice-associated Arctic Cod when provisioning nestlings, and a concurrent decrease in guillemot numbers and breeding success. Record annual ice retreats in the 21 st century have been associated with extremely low guillemot breeding success and nestling growth rates. The regional changes in snow and ice allowed the Horned Puffin ( Fratercula corniculata ), a subarctic cavity nesting seabird, to colonize Cooper Island in 1986, though the number of breeding pairs has remained small (<5 pair). Currently the marine environment off Arctic Alaska appears to be suboptimal for both the Black Guillemot and Horned Puffin. Lacking Arctic Cod, guillemots are relying on less abundant and lower quality demersal prey while ice in the early breeding season constrains puffin numbers and success. The anticipated decreases and eventual disappearance of persistent summer ice in the Arctic Basin should result in major decreases in Black Guillemot numbers. Horned Puffins could be expected to increase with regional increases in the diversity and abundance of subarctic prey.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 101 of 198 pages KEYNOTE: 89. Avian responses to weather and climate: perspectives from American swallows David W. Winkler Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA ( [email protected] )

Warmer spring temperatures have led to earlier laying dates of Tree Swallows across North America, and we are investigating temperature effects on laying, incubation, clutch size and chick-rearing. One of the strongest ways that birds are affected by environmental change is through effects on their food supply, and swallows, which feed almost entirely on flying insects, are vulnerable to rapid changes in flying insect availability whenever air temperatures dip below those required for local insect flight. As climate changes in the Northern Hemisphere, we are experiencing not only a general increase in temperatures, but an increase in their variability. Thus, climate change raises the prospect of generally warmer weather with more cold snaps: a novel combination with intriguing effects on the birds and their insect prey. In the rest of the Western Hemisphere, we are beginning to gather data and insights in a research network called Golondrinas de las Americas ( http://golondrinas.cornell.edu ) on the causes of variation in life histories as well as the patterns of climate change and the responses of birds and flying insects to those changes. The Tree Swallow ( Tachycineta bicolor ) has expanded its range over the past several decades, though the changes in distribution appear to be more an effect of changing availability of nest cavities than a response to climate change. Knowledge of the dispersal biology of these birds is essential to forecasting the response to any environmental change, and the reliance on boxes creates novel opportunities for exploring the effects of weather and climate in formerly unoccupied areas.

Page 102 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Disturbance

90. The response of native birds to fox control under the NSW Fox Threat Abatement Plan Paul Mahon, Scott Lassau & Jack Baker Biodiversity Conservation Science, Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, PO Box 1967, Hurstville BC 1481, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The control of widespread exotic species such as foxes remains one of the greatest challenges in wildlife conservation and management. Under the NSW Fox Threat Abatement Plan, priorities for control have been established across the state by identifying which threatened species are at greatest risk from fox predation and at which sites fox control for these species is most critical. At present, intensive broad-area (across-tenure) fox control and/or fauna monitoring are ongoing at 73 priority sites across NSW, targeting 34 threatened species (11 mammals, 15 birds and 8 reptiles). Thus far, fox control targeting priority sites for threatened shorebirds has resulted in increased recruitment of little terns and pied oystercatchers compared to non-treatment sites, although there has been significant variation between sites and years likely associated with other threats. Fox numbers have been reduced across priority sites in western NSW for malleefowl and other ground-nesting birds, but evidence of increases in malleefowl is limited. The absence of a response of Albert’s lyrebird at one priority site and an apparent positive relationship between lyrebird and fox numbers at sites does not support negative impacts by foxes on this species. Data from these monitoring programmes will allow the priorities for control and the methods used to be refined over time, thereby exemplifying the role of science in the management of broad-scale threats to biodiversity.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 103 of 198 pages 91. Australian birds and the invasive cane toad: who is at risk? Christa Beckmann & Richard Shine School Biol. Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The invasive and highly toxic cane toad ( Chaunus marinus ) has spread across much of tropical Australia since its introduction in 1935. The cane toad now occupies more than 1,000,000 km 2 of Australia, and is predicted to double its current range. Although interest is growing, little work had been conducted to document the effects of this toxic invader on native fauna. The cane toad has been shown to have adversely affected populations of native Australian predators such as snakes, lizards and quolls, all of which die after consuming toads. We have compiled a list of bird species whose distribution overlaps with the current range of the cane toad, and with predicted expanded range of the toads given likely global warming scenarios. All bird species that eat native frogs (adults, tadpoles or eggs) are potentially at risk of mistakenly consuming toxic cane toads (due to its similar body shape), and are included in an effort to identify bird species potentially at risk. We compared the distribution and phylogenetic history (i.e., “relatedness”) of these species in order to determine if evolutionary history affects tolerance to toad toxins. We further broke down this species list to identify birds with endemic or cosmopolitan ranges in order to determine if species with wider ranges show a tolerance to the toad toxin as anecdotal reports suggest.

Page 104 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 92. Impacts of domestic cats on urban birdlife Yolanda van Heezik & Amber Smyth Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, NEW ZEALAND (presenting author: [email protected] )

Various studies have documented the prey brought back by domestic cats, and have identified cats as opportunistic predators catching locally abundant species. The most commonly taken prey in all studies are rodents, followed by birds. We aimed to assess the impacts of domestic cat predation on native birds in Dunedin city, New Zealand. We recorded prey brought back by 122 domestic cats in Dunedin city during one year: 35% of the 1827 prey items were birds and 42% of these were natives. By surveying 400 households we estimated the total cat population of Dunedin city, and extrapolated that a minimum of 17,000 native birds are caught each year. About a third of cats did not bring back prey at all, and 18% brought back prey frequently. Using data from bird counts conducted at monthly intervals over the course of a year, we estimate population sizes of the more abundant birds and speculate on levels of impact due to cat predation. Domestic cat movements, measured using GPS collars are also presented, and we explore how home range data could be used to establish cat-free buffers to protect birds in patches of native vegetation.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 105 of 198 pages 93. Physiological assessment of avian exposure to fipronil, a new-generation pesticide

Malsha Kitulagodage 1,, Lee Asthiemer 1,, Bill Buttemer 1,, Mike Hooper 2, & Andrew Keats 3, 1 Institute for Conservation Biology & Law, University of Wollongong, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 The Institute for Human and Environmental Health, Texas Tech University, USA 3 Agri-Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA

Fipronil, a phenyl pyrazole pesticide, is aerially applied in semi-arid and agricultural areas of Australia to control locust outbreaks. Locust populations build to plague proportions when rainfall occurs in late winter and spring, promoting early vegetation growth. These conditions also attract breeding birds. Over 100 species have been observed coincident with locust control operations. Avian exposure to fipronil occurs via direct contact and by ingesting contaminated insects or seeds. Avian toxicity information demonstrates there is high species-specific variability in fipronil sensitivity in the few avian species studied. There is no research, however, explaining this variability, nor is there research regarding physiological or behavioural sub-lethal effects on avian species. This makes it extremely difficult to predict the toxicity of fipronil on unstudied species at high risk of exposure. Our research aims to resolve this lack of essential information in two ways: firstly we examine whether fipronil has identifiable sublethal effects in exposed birds and their offspring that compromise population health, and secondly evaluate avian metabolism of fipronil in selected species to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying variation in species sensitivity. Our results provide critically needed information for evaluating field effects of locust-control spraying in Australia.

Page 106 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 94. Little Penguins use of Perth metropolitan waters exposes them to risk of injury from watercraft Belinda Cannell 1, Stuart Bradley 1, Ron Wooller 1, Yan Ropert-Coudert 2 & Akiko Kato 2 1 Murdoch University, South St, Murdoch, WA 6150, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 National Institute of Polar Research, 1-9-10 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8515, JAPAN.

The rapid growth of urban areas near Little Penguin colonies on Penguin and Garden islands in Perth, Western Australia, potentially increases their exposure to various threats. To identify the possible range of threats at sea, the foraging ranges and diving behaviour of the penguins have been studied. From radio tracking Penguin Island penguins and satellite tracking those from both islands, we found they generally remained within a 20 km radius of their colony during breeding. Using time depth recorders, we found the penguins travelled in the top 2m, and some penguins preferentially dived within the top 4 m. The bays used by the penguins are also used extensively for recreational and commercial activities such as fishing, boating, water skiing and windsurfing. Results of autopsies of Little Penguins showed many had injuries that were likely to be caused by watercraft.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 107 of 198 pages 95. Playback tests of the differential responses to alarm calls in Superb Fairy-wrens Diane Colombelli-Négrel, Jeremy Robertson & Sonia Kleindorfer Flinders University, School of Biological Sciences, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

Superb Fairy-wrens ( Malurus cyaneus ) produce specific alarm calls in response to aerial and terrestrial predators. Aerial predators pose an immediate danger to adult wrens, thus they should immediately seek cover with only brief and potentially risky alarm calls. Conversely, terrestrial predators pose less threat to adult wrens, but are a serious risk to fledglings and nests. Consequently, adult wrens are expected to respond to terrestrial predators by calling prominently and hence the terrestrial alarm call might also function as a mobbing call to attract other birds to the predator. We use playback experiments to test the behavioural and acoustic responses of the wrens to aerial and terrestrial alarm calls. We tested whether receivers gain information about both the predator type and the level of risk from conspecific alarm calls, and whether they behave accordingly. We also played back a new undescribed call, the startle call, which is given in response to predators that are almost upon them. Unlike terrestrial and aerial alarm calls, startle calls appear to vary individually and so we tested whether the response varied for startle calls of known and unknown wrens.

Page 108 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Interface between Research and Management

96. Questions for research and guidelines for management: how can we do it better? Allan Burbidge 1 & Martine Maron 2 1 WA Department of Environment and Conservation, PO Box 51, Wanneroo 6946 AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments and Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba 4350 Qld AUSTRALIA

Getting the most appropriate research and actually putting the results into practice can be a challenge. While there are success stories, a series of cultural and logistical factors operate to reduce the likelihood of initiation of the most appropriate research for conservation management, the communication of that research, and its successful implementation. This talk, and this symposium, explore some of these issues. Many of them involve effective communication between researchers, administrators/bureaucrats and on-ground managers. There can be unrealistic expectations by researchers concerning the application of their results, by managers in relation to the feasibility of proposed research, and by both researchers and managers in relation to active adaptive management. This is exacerbated by the need by managers to manage today, in the absence of a full understanding of the processes at work in the population or ecosystem of interest. Multiple jurisdictions and tenures can complicate these issues. While some structural improvements could be made, there is no substitute for improved liaison and communication, focussed on engaging stakeholders throughout the research/management cycle.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 109 of 198 pages 97. The value of research in the management and recovery of the endangered Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus in New South Wales Damon L. Oliver 1, David G. Parker 2 & Michelle L. Ballestrin 3 1 Biodiversity Conservation Section, Department of Environment and Climate Change, PO Box 2115 Queanbeyan NSW 2620, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Department of Environment and Climate Change, South West Region, PO Box 397 Griffith NSW 2680, AUSTRALIA 3 Department of Environment and Climate Change, Parks and Wildlife Group, Griffith Area, PO Box 1049 Griffith NSW 2680, AUSTRALIA

The Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus is an endangered grassland bird of the western Riverina of NSW whose ecology and distribution are relatively well understood from past studies into habitat selection, diet, home range and broad-scale habitat mapping. This information is being applied to the management of its habitat on Oolambeyan National Park through long-term monitoring of habitat condition and bird abundance to inform grazing management decisions. In the last five years monitoring has shown that management on Oolambeyan and some private properties has allowed the Plains-wanderer to persist in the worst drought in one hundred years. However, the key challenge to ensuring the survival of the species in NSW is conservation management on private land. The main mechanisms for achieving this goal are providing landholders with practical management advice based on research and monitoring and incentive programs that will provide financial support for achieving optimal habitat grazing management and fox control. Current and future research needs to be focused on the potential threats to the species. Two of the main perceived threats to the Plains-wanderer are pesticides used in locust control and fox predation in habitat in close proximity to irrigated cereal cropping. A project investigating the potential impacts of fipronil, a chemical used to control locust swarms, commenced in 2006. Clearly, the conservation of the Plains-wanderer depends on the support and involvement of landholders through the integration of accumulated knowledge from research and monitoring of outcomes of land management activities, which requires long-term commitment and funding .

Page 110 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 98. Converting research findings into management actions – lessons from the Black- eared Miner recovery effort Mike F. Clarke Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

A national recovery program for the critically endangered Black-eared Miner Manorina melanotis has been underway for over fifteen years. Considerable research studying the taxonomy, conservation status, mating system, social organisation, and threats facing the species has been completed. There has also been research carried out to trial potential management options like culling of Yellow-throated Miners M. flavigula and the translocation and release of captive-bred birds into the wild. In this paper I will summarise the key findings from this research and their implications for management of the species across the three states in which it occurs. The research has clarified the major management actions that need to be undertaken to conserve this species; namely a) control of genetic introgression by Yellow-throated Miners and the closure of permanent water holes within previously dry continuous mallee; b) provision and protection of extensive areas of long-unburnt mallee (>40 years post fire) from large-scale wildfires and clearing and c) supplementation of isolated remnant populations by translocation of colonies from larger populations. In this paper I will argue that the major impediment to implementing these management actions is not uncertainty over the science. Rather, it is the increasing complexity of administrative structures among management agencies and a decrease in political will at various levels of bureaucracy and government to fund these actions, under the guise that it is someone else’s responsibility.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 111 of 198 pages 99. Involve me and I’ll understand: research WITH land managers to nurture conservation activity BY land managers Greg Ford Queensland Murray-Darling Committee Inc., PO Box 6243, Toowoomba West, Qld 4350, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

Avian conservation is increasingly dependent upon the engagement of private land managers in activities to protect and enhance bird habitats. However, despite volumes of published research and countless fact sheets and other ‘extension’ publications on the conservation biology of birds, uptake and implementation of species conservation by land managers is not overwhelming. ‘Traditional’ research and extension techniques fail to deliver in terms of uptake and implementation, largely because of the intangible nature of the outcomes of such practice change. Well-researched, ‘revolutionary’ ideas that have a demonstrable productivity or financial benefit (e.g. moderated stocking rates or minimum till farming) are relatively easy to ‘extend’ and usually implemented willingly by land managers. But the often complex nature of biodiversity conservation, with questionable benefit to the individual land manager, requires significant changes in the way science and extension is conducted. The paper examines the benefits of engaging land managers more intimately in ecological investigation, with a view to stimulating an evolution of understanding linked to sense of place and the importance of the land manager as agent of ecological change. Examples are presented of such engagement processes being utilised in the Queensland catchments of the Murray-Darling Basin.

Page 112 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 100. Truth in policy and management for the conservation of birds Jack Baker Biodiversity Conservation Science Section, NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

If science is truth, then science should be the basis of policy and management intended to conserve birds. In linking science and management, policy provides an important path for the new knowledge and understanding generated by scientific research to be incorporated into management. The policy nexus may facilitate adaptive management through: (i) the use of an evidence-based approach to policy development, eg Translocation policy for threatened fauna in NSW ; (ii) having explicit requirements for research written into plans and policies, eg Birds Australia’s Windfarms and Birds Policy ; and (iii) having processes where there is scientific independence, eg the NSW Scientific Committee listing of the Gang-gang Cockatoo as vulnerable based on IUCN criteria and analysis of Birds Australia’s Atlas data. The policy nexus may also hinder adaptive management by: (i) redirecting resources away from research programs, which are serving management needs, eg in the case of Albert’s Lyrebird monitoring for the NSW Fox Threat Abatement Plan; (ii) blocking instead of linking, eg the state and national recovery plans for the Eastern Bristlebird have remained unpublished for more than 10 years; and (iii) misusing or abusing research, eg through accepting inadequate survey and assessment, rigging results or withholding knowledge. Research in ornithology is characterised by scientific rigour, critical evaluation, evidence-based conclusions and passionate conservationists. So, one way to improve the communication and application of science in our efforts to conserve birds is to have researchers infiltrating and plying their trade at all levels of policy and management throughout Australia.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 113 of 198 pages 101. PANEL DISCUSSION

Page 114 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Environmental impacts: understanding long-term trends

102. The impact of a changing climate on migration and breeding in Australian birds Lynda Chambers Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre, Melbourne, Vic, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Some of the clearest evidence of links between climate change and biological changes has been provided by studies of the timing of breeding and migration in birds, both globally and in Australia. Daily records from the Eyre Bird Observatory in south-eastern Western Australia have revealed earlier arrival dates for certain species, such as the Purple-crowned Lorikeet and Grey Fantail. Many species, including the Fork- tailed Swift, also departed earlier, and some, such as the Rainbow Bee-eater, stayed longer. Changes in migration dates have also occurred in the south-west of Western Australia. However, for many of these species rainfall changes appeared to have a greater influence on migration timing than changes in temperature; this was particularly evident for waterbirds. On the other side of the continent, changes in migration timing have been reported for south-eastern Australian birds; many arriving earlier than in the past (~4 days earlier per decade). Similarly, many species departed later (~5 days per decade). Over time, short distance migrants generally increased the amount of time spent in south-eastern Australian breeding grounds, while long distance migrants were present for less time. For the geographically isolated and critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater, changes in breeding timing and success appeared related to local rainfall and temperature changes. For the more widespread Masked Lapwing, relationships between regional changes in breeding and climate were more complex and variable. Studies such as these illustrate the importance of long-term monitoring for gaining insight into the impacts of climate change on the timing and success of breeding and migration.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 115 of 198 pages 103. Climate change on the Great Barrier Reef: a tern for the worse? Carol Devney 1, Mike Short 2 & Brad Congdon 3 1 AIMS@JCU , Australian Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine & Tropical Biology, James Cook University, PO Box 6811, Cairns, Qld 4870, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Marine Technical Support Unit, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, PO Box 2006, Cairns, Qld 4870, AUSTRALIA 3 AIMS@JCU , School of Marine & Tropical Biology, James Cook University, PO Box 6811, Cairns, Qld 4870, AUSTRALIA

Our understanding of whether Australian seabirds are being impacted by global warming, especially in tropical and sub-tropical Australia, has been very limited. However, recently using both long- and short-term datasets on pelagic species from two locations in the northern (Michaelmas Cay) and southern (Heron Island) Great Barrier Reef, we investigated whether climate variation signals are emergent in aspects of the biology of these top-predators and we identified the temporal and spatial scales at which environmental fluctuations are impacting the populations. The three pelagic/offshore foraging species, the Sooty tern ( Sterna fuscata ), Common noddy ( Anous stolidus ), and Black noddy ( Anous minutus ), showed significant relationships with environmental covariates at three levels: precursor and cumulative effects of the El Niño Southern Oscillation, and within season impacts of sea-surface temperature variation. A fourth species, the inshore foraging Crested tern ( Sterna bergii ) was not impacted by environmental variables at any scale investigated. It is clear that not only is the top marine community responding to climate fluctuations at multiple levels, but that these impacts vary between seabird foraging guilds.

Page 116 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 104. Why are Barking Owls so uncommon in southern Australia? Rodney P. Kavanagh Science and Research Division, NSW Department of Primary Industries, P.O. Box 100, Beecroft, NSW 2119, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

The southern form of the Barking Owl, Ninox connivens connivens , is listed as vulnerable in NSW, endangered in Victoria, rare in South Australia, but is not listed in Western Australia or Queensland. Surveys over the past 20 years (in NSW, Victoria and WA) have shown that this species is rarely encountered in the publicly-owned, tall, wet forests of the coast and adjacent mountain ranges. Instead, they appear to favour dry sclerophyll forests and woodlands on low-lying, relatively fertile country, especially near rivers and swamps. These woodlands are poorly represented in the conservation reserve system. Potentially threatening factors acting to limit populations of the Barking Owl are reviewed, particularly with reference to a recent field study in the Pilliga forests of north-western NSW. Information about owl diet, habitat, spatial requirements, responses to logging, wildfire and drought, breeding success and predation are considered. Food availability is hypothesised as the key limiting resource for Barking Owls in Southern Australia, a factor which has been exacerbated by the continuing loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat in the rural landscapes where this species now mainly occurs. Predation on nestlings is also identified as a significant factor in some areas. Systematic surveys for Barking Owls are urgently needed throughout rural areas to better understand the conservation status of this species. Incentive payments for land- holders may be required to protect and regenerate habitat in key areas.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 117 of 198 pages 105. Australasian museum collections as a resource for ornithology B.J. Gill Auckland War Memorial Museum, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND ( [email protected] )

There are 14 major museum bird collections in Australia (10) and New Zealand (4). Results of a survey quantify for the first time that these collections together hold half a million specimens, including 275,000 birds from Australia and 115,000 from New Zealand. Six large collections in Australia, and two in New Zealand, each hold at least 30,000 birds. The largest single collection (Australian Museum, Sydney) has 78,000 birds. Overall, study- skins are the most common form of preparation (47%), followed by eggs (20%). However, for New Zealand collections alone, fossil bones are the biggest single category (56%) reflecting that country’s remarkable Holocene fossil record of birds. Taxonomically, the best-represented group in the Australasian collections is the order Passeriformes, followed by Anseriformes, Procellariiformes, Psittaciformes, Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Falconiformes and ratites (Ratitae). Most birds in Australasian collections (81%) are from Australia or New Zealand, followed by 27,000 specimens (6%) from the South-west Pacific (islands of Polynesia and Melanesia, including New Guinea). Though small compared to the collections of the great European and North American museums, the 14 Australasian bird collections together form a nationally and internationally important resource. They document the biodiversity of the birds of the Australasian biogeographic region, and allow researchers to study many aspects of avian biology, including speciation, biogeography, moult and plumages, systematics and conservation.

Page 118 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 106. Does food availability explain adaptive shifts in island birds? Beth E. Schlotfeldt & Sonia Kleindorfer School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, SA, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Small passerine birds tend to have a larger body and/or bill size and a wider ecological niche on islands compared than their mainland counterparts. This is interpreted to be adaptive according to ecomorphology theory because it allows individuals to exploit a greater range (size or type) of prey items. However, few studies have compared island and mainland food resource availabilities, particularly for insectivorous birds, and most studies generally attribute adaptive shifts on islands to fewer competitors and/or predators. Insect prey availability on islands is generally unknown, although may follow the pattern of lower species diversity and greater population density on islands found in birds and mammals, and may be important in promoting adaptive divergence in island birds.

The current study presents morphological and behavioural evidence for the Superb Fairy-wren having differing prey size and availability on Kangaroo Island compared to the mainland Mount Lofty Ranges in South Australia. I will also present current preliminary insect diversity and availability data for both island and mainland.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 119 of 198 pages 107. Investigating the fire mosaic hypothesis: the edge effect on birds at a pyric edge in mulga woodland Leavesley, A.J. 1, Cary, G.J. 1, Edwards, G. 2, Gill, A.M. 1 Wood, J.T. 1 ¹ Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia ² NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment and Arts, Alice Springs, Australia (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The notion that a fine-scaled fire mosaics can deliver benefits for biodiversity conservation and fire management is popular with Australian land mangers and scientists. The postulated benefits for biodiversity are often justified on the grounds that species will benefit from the close proximity of complimentary resources at an edge – an edge effect. To our knowledge, the effect of edge at a pyric boundary has not been tested in Australian ecosystems.

We investigated the question using the mulga bird/mulga woodland model system. Mulga woodland is ideal because it is structurally and floristically simple, yet supports a rich avifauna. Our study site is Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in central Australia. The study was conducted at 10 edges between patches of mulga woodland with contrasting times-since-fire - <4 years-since-fire and >29 years-since-fire. Birds were surveyed at the edge and in interior habitat 150m either side. Surveys were repeated in the early spring of 2005 and 2006.

Multivariate tests showed that the bird community present at the edge was intermediate between that present either side. The species present at the edge were a combination of those present in the two interior habitats. Univariate tests showed that no species was ecotonal (present only at edge) and no species was edge conspicuous (preferred the edge). Neither was bird abundance or species richness greatest at the edge. Our study found no evidence that edge effect at a pyric boundary in mulga woodlands provides a mechanism by which a fine-scaled fire mosaic could benefit biodiversity.

Acknowledgements

Thanks to Ross Bradstock, Jack Baker, Grant Allan, Mirjana Jambrecina, Peter Ewin and Stuart Rae. This work was funded by the Bushfire CRC, Desert Knowledge CRC, Norman Wettenhall Foundation, Stuart Leslie Bird Research Award and Gould League of NSW.

Page 120 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Poster Session

108. New possibilities in ornithology using a new sound recognition system, Sound ID Neil J Boucher¹ , Michihiro Jinnai ², Ian Gynther³

¹ DNA Communications, Maleny, Queensland, Australia ( [email protected] ) ² Takamatsu National College of Technology , Japan ³ Environmental Protection Agency, Queensland, Australia

In the development of a sound recognition system to be used to identify calls of the rare Coxen’s Fig-Parrot, it soon became obvious that existing techniques, using the FFT and sonagrams were not capable of producing the low false-positive rate that is needed for this task. As a result we based our technique on a telecommunications transform, the LPC and a new similarity technique which we call Geometric Distance. In laboratory tests and in limited field trials with these techniques we have been able to demonstrate high accuracy in identification, a very low false positive rate and fast processing times. Field implementation in the search for the Coxen’s Fig-Parrot and the Night Parrot is scheduled for late 2007.The technique is inherently suitable for use with all birds (or other vocalisations) and can quickly be reconfigured for different targets. The technique represents a breakthrough in recognition technology and will enable ornithological research to be undertaken that until now has been impractical. In addition to being able to identify rare species, the technology can be used for population surveys over prolonged periods. It can be used to identify vocalizations to a degree hitherto not possible and can count unique “words” as well as measure variability within vocalizations of the same “word”; and it can do this at a rate of 20 “words” per second on a P4 computer. Many questions about bird behaviour, distribution, regional call variations and meaning of the vocalization may now be answered with this technology. This paper discusses some of them and invites new applications.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 121 of 198 pages 109. A metadatabase for Australasian natural systems data Lynda E. Chambers 1, Marie Keatley 2 & Lesley Hughes 3 1 Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre, GPO Box 1289, Melbourne, VIC 3001, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 School Forest & Ecosystem Science, University of Melbourne, Water Street, Creswick, VIC 3363, AUSTRALIA 3 Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, AUSTRALIA

The National Ecological Meta Database (NEMD) is a new Bureau of Meteorology product produced with support from the University of Melbourne, Macquarie University and the Australian Greenhouse Office. The NEMD project was conceived following the publication of the Third Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2001. This report highlighted that, although there were numerous studies linking changes in natural processes and species with changes in regional climate, very little was known about the effects that changes in the Australasian climate system were having on our natural systems and species. It was perceived that at least part of the problem was a lack of knowledge of what datasets, relevant to the Australasian region, existed. NEMD recognises the need to centralise existing natural systems data information to improve the accessibility of the data to climate scientists, species modellers, natural resource managers and policy makers, and to ensure that this information is fed back into national and international programs and assessments. Natural systems data includes ecosystems and individual species of plants and animals (including agricultural, pest and native species), snow, ice and ice-cores, tree-rings, caves, crops, pollen, sediment, coral, etc. The system is available at http://www.bom.gov.au/nemd .

Page 122 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 110. Effect of fire on Little Penguins at Seal Island, south-eastern Australia Leanne Renwick 1, Peter Dann 1 & Sally Thompson 2 1 Research Department, Phillip Island Nature Park, PO Box 97, Cowes, Vic 3922, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA

On 24 th October 2005, lightning started a fire on Seal Island, 15km east of Wilsons Promontory, Victoria. The fire burnt 90% of the island over the next 4 days, before it was extinguished by Phillip Island Nature Park research staff and volunteers on the 28 th October. The island is predominantly coastal tussock grassland with some patches of coastal headland scrub and fringing cliff herbland (succulent dominated) on steeper areas close to the water. The grassland was most affected by the fire. Most Little Penguins were incubating eggs and at least 90% of their breeding area was burnt. The penguins bred both in subterranean burrows and under Poa tussocks. Many burrows collapsed either during or immediately after the fire front passed and the nesting sites under tussocks were entirely destroyed in most cases. Responses of the penguins to fire were surprisingly inappropriate and un-adaptive. Many dead birds were found either in burrows (often collapsed) or within metres of burrows. Penguins nesting under vegetation appeared to remain until they were severely burnt (observed several times) or killed. The relative contributions of burns and asphyxiation were not determined. 92 penguins were found sheltering under rocks along the shoreline. Most had obvious burns, usually of the feet and legs. At least 360 penguins were incinerated and a further 178 were found alive, most with injuries. The significance of this mortality will be discussed in terms of estimates of the population size of the island and the management of fire in Little Penguin colonies.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 123 of 198 pages 111. Measuring seabird resilience to climate change on the Great Barrier Reef Carol Devney 1, Julian Caley 2 and Brad Congdon 3 1 AIMS@JCU , Australian Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine & Tropical Biology, James Cook University, PO Box 6811, Cairns, Qld 4870, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] ) 2 Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville, Qld 4811, 3 School of Marine & Tropical Biology, James Cook University, PO 6811, Cairns, Qld 4870

Despite increasing evidence that recent population declines in multiple species of seabirds breeding on the Great Barrier Reef are directly related to fluctuations in climate associated with global warming, we have essentially no knowledge of the individual resilience capability of these species. The degree to which top pelagic and offshore predators are able to respond to environmental variability is crucial for gauging the long-term impacts of climate change in this region. Equally important is determining whether individuals of different phenotypic characteristics (i.e. age, sex) within a single species display distinct potential climate change coping mechanisms. A supplemental feeding study conducted on Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, was used to assess the resilience potential of an offshore foraging seabird, the Black noddy ( Anous minutus ), to climate change. Sex-specific adult foraging behavioural and chick developmental ‘plasticity’ were investigated in the context of natural and experimentally- controlled variations in food abundance. Our results suggest that the life history characteristics measured in the Black noddy are long-term behavioural and physiological adaptations that do not vary between individuals. This implies that Black noddies can only respond to future changes in sea-surface temperature and other climate change- associated environmental variation via natural selection-induced changes over multiple generations.

Page 124 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 112. Sex ratio and morphological variation in the Great Bowerbird K. Eguchi1, Y. Katsuno 2, N. Yamaguchi 3, I. Nishiumi 4, H. Koike 2 & R. Noske 5 ¹ Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, JAPAN( [email protected] ) ² Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University, Japan ³ School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Japan 4 National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo 5 School of Science and Primary Industry, Charles Darwin University

We conducted DNA sexing in a population of Great Bowerbirds Chlamydera nuchalis near Darwin, Northern Territory in 2005-06. The aim of this study was to document sexual dimorphism, particularly in crest size, and the sex ratio of visitors to bowers (n - 20) and a “gathering site”, where up to twenty bowerbirds congregated in the early morning only. All birds captured were divided into three age classes according to the colour of the upper palate (dark orange = youngest, light orange = medium, lemon yellow = oldest). At bowers, both sexes were captured, though males outnumbered females. All females were smaller than males, and lacked their lilac-coloured crest. Older males had larger crests than young males. At bowers, males other than owners visited frequently. Owners were larger in body size than these “satellite” males, but not significantly different in crest size. All birds captured at the gathering site were males including both young birds and bower-owners. This is the first report of a “gathering site”, but its functional significance is unknown.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 125 of 198 pages 113. Using genetic tools to quantify movement of woodland birds within and among fragmented landscapes

A. Herrod 1, A. Pavlova 1, P. Sunnucks 1 and J. Radford 2 ¹ Molecular Ecology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences and Australian Centre for Biodiversity, Monash ² Landscape Ecology Research Group, School of Ecology and Environment, Deakin University

Effective strategies to counter loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function depend on an understanding of the mechanisms leading to population decline in changing landscapes. In fragmented systems, the total amount of habitat at the landscape level significantly affects species richness and incidence of woodland birds. Ecological and genetic theory predicts that movement of individuals between patches and landscapes is necessary for maintaining sustainable populations. Although it is often assumed that movement is enhanced by structural connectivity, it has rarely been demonstrated empirically. Thus, a key question remains: does structural connectivity enhance functional connectivity in fragmented landscapes? In this project, we will generate a powerful and unique database that combines genetic data with existing data on the incidence of six woodland bird species in ten 100km 2 landscapes within the Box-Ironbark bioregion of central Victoria. We aim to quantify the relationship between landscape structure (amount and configuration of vegetation), population size and movement of individuals of six bird species. Comparisons will be made between species that show a decrease in incidence in landscapes with decreasing vegetation cover and those that appear ‘tolerant’ to decreasing vegetation cover. Microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA markers will be used to obtain genetic data for target species. Microsatellite markers are available for many avian species. These will be tested for amplification in the target species, supplemented by new marker development. The project will provide the first quantification of functional connectivity at this scale for birds and a unique comparison between species that show different responses at the landscape level.

Page 126 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 114. An industry approach to managing conservation significant cockatoos: identification and impact assessment

S. Jones & L. Sadler Iluka Resources Limited, level 23, 140 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Iluka Resources is a major participant in the global mineral sands sector and has mining and processing operations in Australia and the USA. Iluka is committed to operating in a responsible manner which minimises the impact on the environment. This paper is one of a series of three papers proposed by Iluka Resources Limited and its affiliate, Consolidated Rutile Limited. Conservation of significant Cockatoos at Iluka sites involves a whole of mine life approach. All three sites are at various stages of their conservation program and all have had to address the conservation challenge / mine production balance in innovative ways. This paper focuses on the initial identification and impact assessment process. Each new mine requires consideration of the environmental significance of the site and the potential impacts that the mining operation may have on the environment. In Western Australia, Carnaby’s Cockatoo ( Calyptorhynchus latirostris ), Baudin’s Cockatoo ( Calyptorhynchus baudinii ) and Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo ( Calyptorhynchus banksii naso ) have been observed on prospective mine sites. Local experts have conducted surveys on a number of mine sites, including four consecutive breeding seasons of Carnaby’s Cockatoo surveys at Iluka’s Cataby site. The surveys provide information on the use of each site and its surrounds for feeding, roosting and breeding. This information provides an understanding of the potential impacts, and also allows mining to be designed to minimise impact, by modifying mine layouts and work times, and conducting programs to improve habitats to provide net environmental benefit in the long run.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 127 of 198 pages 115. Cultural, morphological and genetic divergence reveal evolutionary history of a rainforest passerine A. H. Koetz 1, D. A. Westcott 2 & B. C. Congdon 1 1 School of Marine & Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Cairns, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Tropical Forests Research Centre, Atherton, AUSTRALIA.

Understanding the relative influence of different evolutionary processes on patterns of population divergence is crucial to understanding the speciation process, yet this topic remains a source of substantial controversy and debate. Extensive empirical evidence demonstrates that the principal driving forces of evolutionary change – natural and sexual selection and genetic drift – can independently produce population divergence. However, few studies demonstrate the concurrent operation and relative importance of these processes in a single species. In this study, patterns of divergence in morphology, song and molecular genetics were compared in nine historically isolated populations of an Australian songbird. We found that historical refugial isolation has divided populations into two distinct genetic lineages that also have clearly divergent morphology and song. This finding demonstrates that vicariant isolation and genetic drift produced phenotypic divergence in a rainforest specialist taxa; a result at odds with previous findings for other sympatric, range-restricted rainforest species. No equivalent variation in bill morphology was found, suggesting that natural (stabilising) selection associated with trophic niche maintains bill characteristics. Consistent sexual size dimorphism and reversed sexual dichromatism also identified sexual selection as important in the creation and maintenance of sex-specific morphology. These results show that different evolutionary processes can have significant and contrasting roles in shaping and maintaining divergence of different character traits, and that studying these processes in isolation is unlikely to lead to a complete understanding of how species developed their current shape, form and behaviour.

Page 128 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 116. Influence of land-use on the utility of farmland as supplementary habitat for insectivorous woodland birds Katrina Lumb & Jim Radford Landscape Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125 AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Woodland remnants in farmland are often too small to contain enough resources to support viable populations, or even a breeding pair, of many woodland species. The persistence of these species in agricultural landscapes therefore, may hinge on their use of the surrounding farmland to obtain supplementary resources. This process however, is poorly represented by traditional conceptual frameworks for conservation biology (e.g., island biogeography, meta-populations, patch-corridor-matrix). In contrast, relatively new frameworks such as landscape mosaics, variegated landscapes and resource gradients emphasise the importance of landscape context but empirical support is scarce. This study examined species composition and foraging behaviour of insectivorous, ground- foraging, woodland birds in farmland adjacent to small remnants in north-central Victoria to investigate the influence of land-use intensity on the utility of farmland as supplementary habitat. Three land-use treatments were examined: cropping, grazing and grazing with scattered trees. Species composition differed between treatments but was more closely aligned to habitat features in farmland than land use itself. A larger proportion of species present in a given remnant used farmland, spent longer in farmland and ventured further from the remnant when scattered trees were present. Only slight differences were detected between cropping and grazing without scattered trees. The results confirm that several ‘woodland-dependent’ insectivores (e.g., Hooded Robin, Jacky Winter, Brown Treecreeper) use farmland to supplement resources. Management that retains key habitat features in farmland (e.g., scattered trees, fallen logs, native grasses) could play an important role in the conservation of woodland birds in agricultural landscapes.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 129 of 198 pages 117. Seasonal and habitat related variation in the health of tropical savanna finches K. Maute 1, S. M. Legge 1 & L. Astheimer 2 1 Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary, Derby, WA, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 School of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW, AUSTRALIA

Differences in habitat quality can affect the abundance, distribution, and physiological status of wild birds. In Australia’s tropical savannas, grass finches live in habitats of varying land use and resultant habitat quality. Recent studies have documented regional declines in the abundance and distribution of small granivorous birds in areas affected by cattle grazing, urban development, and changes in fire frequency and timing. Small birds, especially semi-nomadic species of grass-finches, are extremely difficult to survey for changes in local abundance and productivity. Consequently, we are using a range of physiological measures to determine the susceptibility of populations to decline. We present the preliminary findings of a study using multiple condition indices to describe the health of five grass finch species living in a variety of savanna habitats. Our early results suggest that simple body condition measures such as bird mass, muscle contour, and fat storage, are not always sensitive enough to identify subtle differences in the health of individuals and populations. Measures of haematological health state, stress, and background nutritional status of finch populations appear to be associated with seasonal and site differences where body condition measures or abundance surveys would have failed to present a coherent picture. We are using habitat characteristics important to these species to help explain the differences in the health of finch populations across the North.

Page 130 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 118 . Birds in Backyards: a research, education and conservation program H. Parsons & K. Ravich The Birds in Backyards Program, Southern NSW and ACT Group, Birds Australia, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

Established in 1998, the Birds in Backyards Program (with the Australian Museum) uses three themes: scientific research, education and conservation to examine and understand the ecology of birds in the urban environment. With the expanding urban environment changing native habitats, we must understand how to manage urban locations so as to maximise biodiversity within them. However, until recently, urban bird research has been uncommon. Coupled with this need for scientific investigation is the need to better educate the public to encourage them to connect with wildlife and put into practice the research recommendations. Only with these three themes of research, education and conservation working together can any positive change to urban management be achieved. Here we will discuss how the Birds in Backyards Program accomplishes this. The Birds in Backyards Program has developed a set of best practice documents entitled ‘ Guidelines for the Development of Urban Bird Habitat’. Consisting of a scientific report based on reviews of the literature, as well as a series of handouts, these documents translate scientific research into guidelines that can be used by a range of audiences from urban-planners to gardeners. Our next aim is to establish the Birds in Backyards Program as a national project, encouraging groups outside Sydney to become involved. Cowra, NSW, has become a pilot study for this expansion.

The Birds in Backyards Program promotes a ‘hands on’ approach to research and conservation, encouraging the public to connect with their local wildlife and directly contribute to, and benefit from, scientific research.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 131 of 198 pages 119. Why isn’t the world full of mistletoe? The role of the Mistletoebird in establishing mistletoe infection patterns John Rawsthorne School of Environmental Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Thurgoona AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

The distribution of parasitic mistletoes amongst stands of host plants may be limited by both host quality and vector behaviour. Birds are the primary dispersers of mistletoe seeds in Australia, and predominant amongst Australian mistletoe-dispersing birds is the Mistletoebird ( Dicaeum hirundinaceum ). Here I investigate the role of the Mistletoebird in dispersing Amyema preissii mistletoe seeds amongst Acacia hosts in a semi-arid shrubland system near Tibooburra, north west NSW. A range of techniques, including remote call recorders, searches for deposited seeds and directed observations of Mistletoebird foraging and movements are used to compare the dispersal of seeds by this dietary specialist over a fruiting season with the distribution of existing mistletoes. My findings demonstrate that the Mistletoebird is entirely ineffective in transporting seeds to hosts beyond existing patches of mistletoe infection in this system. This finding suggests a greater role for birds that are dietary generalists in determining the distribution of mistletoe populations at the stand scale than has generally been appreciated.

Page 132 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 120 . Managing the Glossy Black-Cockatoo on North Stradbroke Island P. Smith Environment and Community Relations Manager, Consolidated Rutile Limited, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

This paper is one of three papers proposed by Iluka Resources Limited and its affiliate, Consolidated Rutile Limited (CRL). Conservation of significant Cockatoos at Iluka sites involves a whole of mine life approach. All three sites are at various stages of their conservation program and all have had to address the conservation challenge / mine production balance in innovative ways. This paper focuses on the Glossy Black Cockatoo on North Stradbroke Island and the efforts of CRL’s conservation program. The Glossy Black Cockatoo is “Vulnerable” under QLD state legislation. Surveys of adjacent islands, offshore from Brisbane identified a need to survey North Stradbroke Island. The survey was essential to determine whether the population is stable and whether CRL’s mining activities would affect the population. The project highlights were: • Volunteers were used, getting the community involved in conservation.

• Water sources are the most likely limiting factor on the island.

• Rehabilitated areas provide “hot spots” of feed trees

• The population may have been a result of displacement, when Brisbane was cleared.

CRL’s program has contributed to a larger study into the GBC in the region (inc. state and local government, and local community groups) and is a model for the assessment of the birds’ requirements using a mixture of volunteer and expert consultant expertise.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 133 of 198 pages 121 . Research and management needs for Australian birds in a changing climate Judit Szabo 1, 2 , Robert Sutherst 1 & Evan Cleland 3 1 School of Integrative Biology, University of Queensland, QLD, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Applied Environmental Decision Analysis Research Facility 3 Birds Australia South Queensland, Goondiwindi, QLD, AUSTRALIA

The impacts of anthropogenic climate change differ from those of previous climate changes in that they are occurring in fragmented and degraded ecosystems. The regional abundance of birds will be affected by climate change and changes in bird habitats are expected. The challenge for researchers, managers and policy makers is to facilitate the natural, adaptive responses of birds. First of all, we need to manage for increased variability and uncertainty of the climate. Adaptation involves combined monitoring, interpretive studies and adaptive management. Long-term monitoring is needed to reveal geographical and seasonal changes in species occurrence. This includes observations designed to differentiate between the effects of changes in climate, land use and land cover on birds. We need more life-history studies on rare, specialist and less mobile species to understand their relationships with their food, shelter and other species, such as predators, competitors and parasites. We also need collaboration between climate change, biodiversity and invasive species researchers to improve models. This is best done through proposing alternative models of how different groups should respond to different changes. The most urgent management actions are to increase the area of representative habitat types, enhance their connectivity and rectify the damage caused by land clearing and invasive species. We need sufficient habitat with adequate structural complexity and connectivity to enable birds to adapt to climate change.

Adapting to climate change will require the setting of priorities for conservation based on three criteria of threats, costs and biodiversity values.

Page 134 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 122 . Conservation of the Blue Penguin Eudyptula minor on the West Coast, South Island, New Zealand Kerry-Jayne Wilson 1,3 , Sol Heber 2, Robyn Blyth 1, Laura Molles 1, Helen Chambers 3 & Jill Cotton 3 1 Bio-Protection & Ecology Division, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Centre for Nature Conservation, Georg-August University, von-Siebold-Str. 2, 37075, Göttingen, GERMANY 3 West Coast Blue Penguin Trust, RD1, Runanga, West Coast, NEW ZEALAND

This project was initiated by local residents who noticed a decline in the numbers of Blue Penguins ( Eudyptula minor ). However, evidence was anecdotal and there were no prior counts or distribution surveys, so it was impossible to determine if declines were real. Since 2004 we have surveyed for penguin presence along 310 km of the 450 km long Westland coastline, with detailed surveys in areas where penguins seemed most numerous. Colonies are small, with penguins absent from large areas of apparently suitable coast. Monitoring of selected colonies started in 2006 and in August 2007, control of introduced mammal predators began at some of those colonies. Westland penguins lay a single clutch with no evidence of replacement laying. Chicks fledged from 66% of eggs laid with a mean of 1.18 chicks fledged per breeding pair. Only 38% of suitable burrows were occupied suggesting a recent decline in numbers. Threats to penguins vary between colonies, introduced predators, road kills, dogs and land development appear to be the major threats. Our research has been undertaken at Lincoln University, but this project is equally dependent on the commitment of local residents.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 135 of 198 pages 123. Managing fire at the landscape level: understanding the importance of fire mosaics for the avifauna of the Murray Mallee region Simon J. Watson 1, Rick Taylor 2, Andrew F. Bennett 1 & Michael F. Clarke 2 1 Landscape Ecology and Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Department of Zoology, Latrobe University, Melbourne, VIC, AUSTRALIA

Fire is a major process that shapes the composition and structure of ecosystems across Australia. Research in fire- prone ecosystems has identified associations between particular floral and faunal species and specific post-fire age- classes of vegetation. In response, land managers are increasingly focused on managing landscapes to maintain ‘fire mosaics’ that comprise patches of differing fire history and age since fire. However, little empirical data is available on the types of mosaics that will most effectively enhance species conservation. The Mallee Fire and Biodiversity Project aims to identify the properties of fire mosaics that enhance the persistence and status of a range of taxa ( birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates and plants) in eucalypt-dominated mallee vegetation in the Murray Mallee region. We employ a novel landscape-scale study design to investigate the influence of fire mosaic properties on the ecosystem. In particular, we focus on the diversity of post-fire age classes, the extent of long- unburnt mallee and the temporal fire history of landscapes. In this presentation we introduce the project, and outline and encourage discussion on the possible influences of properties of fire mosaics on the composition of avifaunal assemblages.

123B. Development of Genetic tools for Conservation, Management and Protection of Black-cockatoos Nicole White 1 Dr. Peter Spencer 1 & Dr. Michael Bunce 2 ¹ School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Wildlife Genetics Laboratory, Murdoch University ([email protected] , [email protected]) ² School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Ancient DNA Laboratory, Murdoch University ([email protected] )

Genetic tools are an effective, non-invasive method for gaining an understanding into taxonomic structure, genetic structure, movement and biodiversity of endangered populations. Nuclear and mitochondrial markers are being developed with the following aims; (1) gain an understanding of the underlying diversity and taxonomic structure of Black-cockatoos in Western Australia; (2) discriminate cockatoo species and their provenance; (3) calibrate current levels of genetic structure within present day populations using historical museum specimens; and (4) contribute towards the prosecution of illegal wildlife traffickers. This research will involve cockatoo and parrot species from across Australia to facilitate the construction of a comprehensive DNA database.

Page 136 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 PLENARY: 124. Evolution in birds of the Australo-Papuan region: looking back and forward Leo Joseph Australian National Wildlife Collection, CSIRO, Sustainable Ecosystems, GPO Box 284, Canberra ACT 2601, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Study of bird evolution in Australia-NEW ZEALAND-New Guinea is a microcosm of how evolutionary theory developed. Starting with events in the middle of the last century, I explore how developments in systematics, biogeography and population genetics generally have impacted understanding of bird evolution in our region. I discuss why with hindsight, earlier impact might sometimes be seen as negative. Results from DNA analyses are at times confusing for some ornithologists and I discuss this. Overall, however, we have what should be a thriving industry in the study of bird evolution, especially as the potential of molecules is further explored. I argue (?admonish) that much of that potential is not being harnessed. Examples from Western Australian ornithology show how this potential might be met and why this might be of interest to all ornithologists as we move into what should be a bright future of evolutionary study.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 137 of 198 pages Evolution

125. Ancient DNA isolated from bird fossils provides insights into evolutionary processes in island ecosystems Michael Bunce Ancient DNA Laboratory, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

DNA is a stable and abundant molecule that can persevere in the environment for thousands of years post mortem. The amplification and sequencing of DNA from “old” fossil and museum samples can provide valuable insights into past biodiversity, extinctions, taxonomy molecular evolution and conservation.

Prior to human settlement 700 years ago New Zealand had no terrestrial mammals — apart from three species of bats - instead approximately 250 avian species dominated the ecosystem half of which are now extinct. This presentation will discuss two of the major players in the pre-human ecosystem; the Moa (a member of the ratite group of birds) and the giant NZ eagle. DNA isolated from fossils has helped clarify both the taxonomy and evolution of these birds and further demonstrates the remarkable evolutionary processes that occur within island ecosystems.

Page 138 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 126. Do birds that live long have membrane properties that differ from those of short-living species? William A. Buttemer , Harry Battam & A.J. Hulbert School of Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522 AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

There is substantial evidence that small endotherms (birds and mammals) generally have lower life expectancies than larger endotherms. Furthermore, birds of a given body mass, on average, live about twice as long as same- sized mammals. These patterns are strongly correlated with consistent differences in membrane fatty acid composition in relation to both size and phylogeny. Specifically, the susceptibility of membrane fatty acids to oxidative damage varies inversely with size in both groups, and is lower in birds compared to mammals of a given size. What is often overlooked in such comparisons is that lifespan potential varies far more (up to 5-fold) between families of birds than between birds and mammals. Given the strong correlation between membrane composition and lifespan in birds and mammals, a logical prediction is that avian families that differ substantially in lifespan potential should also differ in peroxidisability of their membrane lipids. We tested this prediction by comparing peroxidation indices of membrane acyl chains from short-living species (Galliformes) to these from long-living species (Procellariiformes). The membranes of the latter group are significantly more resistant to oxidative damage, which supports the hypothesis that membrane fatty acids are an evolutionary target for selection of extended longevity in animals.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 139 of 198 pages 127. A test of the Island Rule in New Holland Honeyeaters ( Phylidonyris novaehollandiae ) on Kangaroo Island: evidence for pattern and process Sonia Kleindorfer , Geoffrey Brown & Steven Myers School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The ‘Island rule’ refers to the tendency towards gigantism in small organisms and dwarfism in large organisms on islands. This pattern also holds for some birds. Much work remains to be done to understand the processes that result in such a robust morphology pattern across latitudes and taxa. In this study, we compare the morphology and foraging behaviour in New Holland Honeyeaters ( Phylidonyris novaehollandiae ) between Kangaroo Island ( P. n. campbelli ) and the South Australian mainland ( P. n. novaehollandiae ). We (1) provide descriptive information on body and bill size across populations to test the island rule; and (2) test the prediction that large body size is associated with a wider foraging niche, different use of foraging substrate, and different foraging techniques. The results provide support for the predictions. Island birds were larger than the mainland birds in body size and bill length, had a wider foraging niche (mostly due to greater insect consumption), and foraged more from the bark and air (sallying). Consistent with other studies of island biogeography, at least one common mainland predator and several bird species are absent from Kangaroo Island, which may favour large body size and facilitate niche expansion in the island birds. A wider niche could also be favoured by lower prey abundance on islands (a depauperate community). Evidence for this hypothesis comes from our finding that island birds had longer foraging times, which may be evidence for lower prey abundance.

Page 140 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 128. Using mitochondrial DNA to study speciation and species limits in birds: mitochondrial DNA do not a species make Kevin E. Omland 1 & Leo Joseph 2 1 University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Dept. Biological Sciences, Baltimore, MD 21250 USA (2007 sabbatical ANU / CSIRO) (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Australian National Wildlife Collection, GPO Box 284, Canberra, ACT 2601, AUSTRALIA

Mitochondrial DNA sequencing has provided an unprecedented new data source for understanding geographic variation, species limits, and recent speciation in birds. MtDNA has a rapid mutation rate and other properties that make it well suited to studies of populations and closely related species. However, it is important to consider the processes of evolution that affect mitochondrial gene trees during early and intermediate stages of divergence. In many cases, well recognized species have mtDNA intermixed with mtDNA of other species – “mitochondrial paraphyly”. Mitochondrial paraphyly between otherwise distinctive species can be caused by: 1) hybridisation or 2) recent divergence (incomplete lineage sorting). As a result, mtDNA data alone is not sufficient to determine species limits or to understand evolutionary history. Data on plumage colouration, morphometrics, ecology, and behaviour, along with independent nuclear genes and new coalescent methods are all necessary to understand speciation and species boundaries. We will use examples from our own and other work, especially on Australian birds, to illustrate these issues.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 141 of 198 pages 129. Assembly of the New Zealand avifauna Steven A. Trewick & Gillian C. Gibb Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, Massey University, Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] )

In 1953 Robert Falla (then President of the R.A.O.U) reported on ‘The Australian Element in the Avifauna of New Zealand’, and noted that “the fauna of the New Zealand archipelago conforms, in the main, to what should be expected on large oceanic islands”. Two important and relevant developments that followed soon after this observation were the explanation and acceptance of continental drift, and the discovery and use of DNA for phylogenetic analysis. Here we provide an overview of how assumptions about the makeup of the avian biota of New Zealand has changed during the last 55 years, to the extent that the somewhat romantic notion of ‘Moa’s ark’ (which focuses on the assumption that that the NZ fauna has been isolated since Gondwanan breakup) is widely accepted. As Falla and others noted, many of our birds arrived in NZ relatively recently, and thanks to the diligence of birders some of these dispersal and colonization events have been recorded. For example spur -winged plovers ( Vanellus miles novaehollandiae ) were first recorded as vagrants 1886, and subsequently established as a breeding population around 1950. It is reasonable to suppose that dispersal by birds has been proceeding for as long as NZ has been an island, and that it is the primary if not exclusive source of lineages. At the two extremes, some NZ birds are virtually indistinguishable from their overseas counterparts, while others (such as the kiwi) are unique to NZ, and have no known close relatives (living or otherwise) in other countries. We focus on the information coming from molecular data about the New Zealand Avifauna, and place this in the context of the history of the New Zealand landmass, taxonomy and traditional hypotheses about the origins of our biota.

Page 142 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 130. Ecology and environmental history, not just genetic diversity, brings important perspectives to defining species diversity — illustrated by moas T. H. Worthy 1, M. Bunce 2, N. Rawlence 1 & A. Cooper 1 1 School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Darling Building DP 418, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace 5005, AUSTRALIA 2 Ancient DNA Lab, School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, AUSTRALIA

We examine whether mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) data can be used by itself to identify species limits in the extinct New Zealand moa, an order of birds that for the past 150 years has been difficult to classify. We argue that generally it cannot, and that a range of historical population parameters need to be considered when interpreting genetic and morphological diversity. We use the moas Emeus , Dinornis and Megalapteryx (Aves: Dinornithiformes) as examples. These taxa had very divergent palaeoecological preferences, and their ranges were affected quite differently during the glacial - interglacial cycles of the Pleistocene. We show that mtDNA diversity and genetic distances within and between these moa species is directly related to predicted population sizes over the preceding glacial period, and the likely geological longevity of populations in different areas. The interaction of these factors has produced a wide range of intraspecific diversity within moa genera, which illustrates why a simple quantitative cutoff value for genetic distance cannot be used to define species limits in moa (and potentially other taxa).

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 143 of 198 pages 131. Effects of inbreeding under environmental conditions in a wild population of New Zealand robins R. Laws & I. Jamieson Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, NEW ZEALAND (presenting author: [email protected] )

The detrimental effects of inbreeding have been well documented in captive populations. Studies on wild populations have found that environmental stressors can impact on the expression of inbreeding with varying results, however, the interface between environment, inbreeding and survival remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to look at the effects of inbreeding under different environmental conditions, and at different life history stages, to determine when and under what conditions inbreeding affects survival. A reintroduced island population of South Island Robins ( Petroica australis ) was monitored over a seven year period, providing a complete pedigree from which inbreeding co-efficients could be calculated. The survival of individuals and nesting success were monitored along with environmental and population variables. General linear modelling was used to determine the effects of inbreeding and interactions with environmental factors affecting survival. The population was most sensitive to inbreeding during the incubation stage, with the female’s inbreeding co-efficient having a significant effect on hatching success, the strongest effect being at low temperatures. Inbreeding did not have a significant effect at the nestling stage or on first year survival. Temperature explained most of the overall variation in success during the nestling stage while density and the experience of their parents were the most important factors effecting the survival of fledglings through their first winter. Overall the effects of inbreeding on robin nest success and survival were not uniform, with the incubation stage being most sensitive to the effects of inbreeding, especially under poor environmental conditions.

Page 144 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Ecology and evolution of brood parasitism

132. Egg mimicry in the hosts of the Long-tailed Cuckoo James V. Briskie School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND ( [email protected] )

Egg mimicry is widespread among some host-parasite systems but has not been studied among the cuckoos in New Zealand. The endemic Long-tailed Cuckoo ( Eudynamys taitensis ) parasitises three main hosts across its New Zealand range: Whitehead ( Mohoua albicilla ) on the North Island, and Brown Creeper ( M. novaeseelandiae ) and Yellowhead ( M. ochrocephala ) on the South Island. Using museum egg collections I found a high degree of mimicry between cuckoo and host eggs in the brown creeper, with little intraspecific variation in the colouration of cuckoo eggs. Experimental addition of non-mimetic eggs to brown creeper nests confirmed strong host selection for mimicry of cuckoo eggs and perhaps the evolution of host-specific gentes. In contrast, cuckoo eggs from yellowhead nests were highly variable from nest to nest and showed little mimicry. It is not known if yellowheads reject cuckoo eggs or whether the lack of mimicry is due to the cavity-nesting habits of this species. The recent catastrophic decline of the yellowhead across its range means that any long-tailed cuckoos specialising on this host likely face extinction in the immediate future.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 145 of 198 pages 133. A comparative analysis of the begging calls of New Zealand passerines: where does the Shining Cuckoo fit in? M.G. Anderson 1, H.A. Ross 2, D.H. Brunton 1 & M.E. Hauber 3 1 Ecology and Conservation Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Building 5, Albany Campus, Massey University, Private Bag 102-904, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, NEW ZEALAND. (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Bioinformatics Institute, School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland Mail Centre, Auckland 1142, NEW ZEALAND. 3 School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, PB 92019, Auckland 1142, NEW ZEALAND.

Most studies of brood parasite systems have typically investigated mimicry of host eggs by the parasites. However, several examples of similarity between host and parasite appearance and/or begging calls suggest escalation of host-parasite arms races can lead to visual and vocal mimicry. As yet, there have been no comparative studies of begging calls to show that the similarity of vocalisations between host and parasite is greater than predicted by chance or phylogenetic distance. First, we present data from a survey of begging calls of all native forest passerines in New Zealand and, using multivariate bioacoustic parameters, show that the begging call of the host-specialist Shining Cuckoo is more similar to its host, the Grey Warbler, than to any of the other species. Through randomisation procedures we show that this result is unlikely to have occurred by chance. Second, we investigated any possible phylogenetic signal in the structure of the begging calls by comparing the topologies of phylogenetic trees and call similarity clustering diagrams, using the metrics of symmetric-difference distances and agreement sub-tree distances. These analyses revealed that the incorporation of Shining Cuckoo begging calls into our species-set consistently reduced the phylogenetic signals within cluster trees based on begging call similarity. In contrast, removing the Grey Warbler did not reduce the phylogenetic signal in the begging call similarity trees. These two results further suggest that begging calls of the Grey Warbler retain some of its phylogenetic signal, while that of the Shining Cuckoo has changed to match that of its host.

Page 146 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 134. Implications of organochlorine contamination on brood parasite-host coevolution Brian D. Peer 1, R. Given Harper 2, J. W. Rivers 3, Jeff A. Frick 2, Mark D. Benson 1, Matt Anderson 2, Brandy Blackwell 2, Toritseju Eshedagho 2, Jill Raabe 2, Bridget Wall 2 & Emma Wear 2 1 Department of Biology, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL 61455, USA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Department of Biology, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington, IL 61701, USA 3 Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA

Relatively few hosts of the parasitic Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) reject cowbird eggs. One possible explanation for this enigma is that the costs involved in the rejection of cowbird eggs exceed the benefits. Dickcissels ( Spiza americana ) breed in the grasslands of North America where they are frequent hosts of the cowbird and they winter in Venezuela where they are poisoned by farmers that consider them agricultural pests. We found that Dickcissels reject cowbird eggs at an intermediate frequency and regularly damage their own eggs in the process. We also found numerous organochlorines present in Dickcissel eggs such as DDT and its metabolite DDE. There was a significant negative relationship between eggshell thickness and levels of total OC compounds and there was a significant negative relationship between total OC levels and eggshell brightness. We discuss the effects of organochlorines on Dickcissels, including whether thinning of their eggshells exacerbate the costs of cowbird egg removal.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 147 of 198 pages 135. Egg discrimination by thrushes: selection by intra- or inter-specific parasitism? Peter Samas & Tomas Grim Department of Zoology, tr. Svobody 26, 771 46 Olomouc, CZECH REPUBLIC (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Previous studies have showed that the blackbird ( Turdus merula ) and the song thrush ( Turdus philomelos ) can recognize and reject parasitic eggs. Earlier studies concluded that these abilities evolved by interactions with the European cuckoo ( Cuculus canorus ). We tested both this traditional explanation (the interspecific parasitism hypothesis) and the alternative explanation that these abilities originated under parasitism between individuals of the same species (the intraspecific parasitism hypothesis) in areas of sympatry and allopatry with the parasite. To simulate interspecific parasitism we parasitised host clutches with two types of artificial cuckoo eggs, the immaculate blue “redstart” ( Phoenicurus phoenicurus ) type and spotted brown “meadow pipit” ( Anthus pratensis ) type. We imitated intraspecific parasitism by introducing a real conspecific egg. We also tested aggressive behaviour of hosts by mounts of the cuckoo and the hooded crow ( Corvus cornix ) which depredate Turdus nests. Host species differed from each other in generalized strategies of antiparasitic behaviour. Blackbirds aggressively defended their nests while song thrushes better discriminated and rejected parasitic eggs including conspecific ones. Contrary to the interspecific parasitism hypothesis, hosts tended to show stronger antiparasitic behaviour in allopatry with the cuckoo. These results are in line with the fact that there are presently a few documented cases of intraspecific parasitism in thrushes, while there is no evidence of current interspecific parasitism and only very scarce evidence from the past. Results of this study suggest that intraspecific parasitism is the main force behind the evolution of thrush antiparasitic adaptations.

Page 148 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 136. The role of experience with brood parasites in explaining the apparent loss of behavioural anti-parasite strategies M.J. Kuehn 1, S.I. Rothstein 1 & B.D. Peer 2 1 Dept. of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA (presenting author: [email protected]) 2 Dept. of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, USA

Previous studies have indicated the apparent loss of antiparasite behaviors in host populations that have become free from avian brood parasites. However, it is rarely determined whether the lower expression of defenses in parasite-free populations is due to genetic deterioration of the traits or to phenotypic plasticity in trait expression. This distinction has significance in long-term parasite-host coevolutionary trajectories. For example, parasites that evolve to avoid well-defended hosts may later return to using them if defenses are costly and lost when they are no longer needed, whereas the apparent loss of defenses due to phenotypic plasticity allows for a rapid, population- wide host response to renewed parasitism via learned response. Using taxidermic models we determined that Yellow Warblers ( Dendroica petechia ) breeding in central Alaska, where they have been free from brood parasitic Brown-headed Cowbirds ( Molothrus ater ) for about 8,000 years, expressed two anti-cowbird behaviors, seet calls and nest protection behavior , significantly less frequently than warblers in a parasitized population within the cowbird’s range (western Montana). To determine if the full expression of these defenses requires experience with cowbirds, we tested warblers in eastern Idaho where they are locally free from cowbirds but likely share genes with nearby parasitized populations. Like Alaska warblers, those in Idaho expressed both traits significantly less frequently than parasitized Montana warblers. Therefore, our results suggest that the lower expression of these traits in Alaska is due mostly or totally to phenotypic plasticity and a lack of individual experience with cowbirds (as in Idaho), and not to population level genetic differences.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 149 of 198 pages 137. Community-level patterns of host use by the Brown-headed Cowbird, a generalist brood parasite J.W. Rivers 1, W. E. Jensen 2, K. L. Kosciuch 3 & S.I. Rothstein 1 1 Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, California, USA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Department of Biological Sciences, Emporia State University, Emporia, Kansas, USA 3 Tetra Tech EC, Inc, Portland, Oregon, USA

Estimates of host use by generalist brood parasites are often difficult to obtain because brood parasites may use many host species within a community. Nevertheless, empirical data on host use is important for conservation measures because brood parasites can negatively impact hosts with small populations. During the 2002-07 breeding seasons, we quantified host use by the Brown-headed Cowbird ( Molothrus ater ) at Konza Prairie Biological Station in northeast Kansas, a site of high cowbird breeding density. Over all years, 54.6% of nests (n=2613) of 21 non- rejecting songbird hosts were parasitized, and parasitized nests contained an average of 1.9 cowbird offspring (range 1-7). The vast majority (92%) of parasitized nests comprised four core species which harbored 92% of the total cowbird offspring found on the study site. Parasitism rate of Dickcissel ( Spiza americana ) nests, 70% (n=891 nests), was 3.2x higher than the parasitism rate on Red-winged Blackbird ( Agelaius phoeniceus ) nests, 22%, (n=670 nests) perhaps due to the differences in host quality. The mean proportion of Dickcissel nests parasitized (70%) and the mean number of cowbird offspring per parasitized Dickcissel nest (2.1 offspring) was lower during our study than during a study conducted >25 years ago at the same site (85% and 2.9 offspring, respectively). Our results suggest that cowbirds differentially parasitize hosts under high breeding densities, the majority of cowbird offspring raised at our study site come from a small number of hosts, and Dickcissels may be preferred cowbird hosts.

Page 150 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Brood parasites and predators

138. Evictor brood parasites and their hosts pay a growth cost for experimental co- habitation M.E. Hauber 1 & C. Moskat 2 1 School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, NEW ZEALAND (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Animal Ecology Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, HUNGARY

Nestling common cuckoos typically evict all eggs and chicks from foster parents’ nests. We studied the consequences of experimentally mixed broods of age-matched one parasite and two great reed warbler host chicks and compared these data from observations obtained from naturally parasitized broods with single cuckoo chicks and non-parasitized broods with three warbler chicks. Foster parents fed broods of three chicks more often and with more food than broods of single cuckoos. Cuckoo chicks were fed less frequently than predicted by chance (33%) in mixed broods at younger but not at older ages. Overall, both cuckoo and host chicks grew slower than did either single cuckoos or chicks in host-only broods, respectively. These results confirm that eviction is a necessarily virulent strategy for the cuckoo chicks so as to avoid the loss of provisioning from foster parents and the possible costs of competition through begging with nestmates.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 151 of 198 pages 139. Cuckoo-host arms race in nestling stage: direct cuckoo chick ejection by the Large-billed Gerygone R. Noske 1, N. Sato 2, K. Tokue 2 & K. Ueda 2 1 Faculty of Education, Health and Science, Charles Darwin University Darwin, NT 0909, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Faculty of Science, Rikkyo University 3-34-1 Nishi-ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan

Many hosts of brood-parasitic birds can discriminate against parasitic eggs and adults, but parasitic nestling discrimination or rejection has been documented very few times. Indeed recognition of nestlings based on learning by imprinting would be maladaptive if a parasitic hatchling evicts the first clutch or brood of the host, because the only object for the host to imprint on would be the parasite (Lotem 1993). It has thus been argued that the cost of such misimprinting select against nestling rejection. In SE Australia, however, Superb Fairy-wrens abandoned 40% of nests containing Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo chicks 3-6 days after the cuckoo hatched. Langmore et al. (2003) suggested that Superb Fairy-wrens were able to discriminate cuckoo nestlings because of the high parasitism rates (19-37% of nests) they experienced.

In Darwin, Northern Territory, Large-billed Gerygones (LBG) and Mangrove Gerygones (MAG) suffer exceptionally high rates of parasitism (mean rates over 3 years, 41% and 34%, respectively) by the Little-bronze Cuckoo, and nests with 2 or 3 cuckoo eggs are seen in most years. The cuckoo hatchlings strongly resemble LBG hatchlings, but not those of the MAG. Such apparent mimicry may be a result of a co-evolutionary arms race at nestling stage.

We recently obtained direct evidence of a LBG ejecting a cuckoo hatchling (< 4 h post-hatching) from its nest, using a CCD camera and video recorder. Although host nestling discrimination has been observed mainly in non- evicting parasites (e.g. cowbirds), where hosts can compare their own nestlings with alien nestlings, our observation demonstrates that such comparisons are not necessary for discrimination to evolve.

Page 152 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 140. Egg and nestling stage defences co-vary negatively across species in a brood parasitic system Vladimir Remes Laboratory of Ornithology, Palacky University, Tr. Svobody 26, 77146 Olomouc, CZECH REPUBLIC ([email protected] )

Avian brood parasites provide unique systems to study the dynamics of coevolution. One of the best studied is a system of Brown-headed Cowbird ( Molothrus ater ) and its North American passerine hosts. Cowbirds parasitise dozens of hosts and the parasitic chick is raised together with host chicks, with variable detrimental impact on host chick survival. In a comparative, cross-specific study I found that faster growing host young, when controlled for adult body mass, suffer less from the presence of the parasitic chick. Thus, fast growth rate seems to be an important nestling stage-specific anti-parasitic defence reducing host chick parasite-caused mortality.

Egg rejection behaviour is an important egg-stage-specific antiparasitic defence. The higher is the rate of rejection of parasitic eggs, the lower is actual parasitic rate for a given species. At the same time, high rejection rate co-varies with low growth rate in large and medium sized cowbird hosts. This co-variation does not hold true in small hosts (below ca. 25g).

These results show that fast growth rate of host chicks is needed as a nestling stage-specific anti-parasitic strategy only in species with low or absent egg rejection behaviour. Vice versa, egg rejection behaviour is an efficient anti-parasitic strategy that lowers selection pressure for nestling stage-specific defences (here fast growth rate of host nestlings). This is the first report on negative co-variation of egg and nestling stage-specific antiparasitic strategies in any brood parasitic system and provides an interesting insight on the coevolution of brood parasites and their hosts.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 153 of 198 pages 141. Nest ecology and nest-predators in old-growth eucalypt woodland Graham R. Fulton School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Ecosystem Management, Edith Cowan University, Perth, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

Aims: 1) Identify nest-predators of eucalypt woodland in Western Australia 2) Quantify the roles of nest-predators and other causes of nest failure 3) Quantify nest success for different nests types: cup, enclosed, hole nests. Nests were monitored during the three breeding season at Dryandra, from September 2002 through to December 2004. At Dryandra, exotic predators are controlled allowing native animals to increase and the re-introduction of endangered marsupials. Cameras, 100 artificial ground nests and more than 450 days of observations were used to identify nest- predators and obtain nesting data. Nest-predators included ants ( Iridomyrmex and Camponotus spp. ), Python (Morelia spilota imbricata ), Bettongs ( Bettongia penicillata and B. lesueur ), Bilby ( Macrotis lagotis ), Brushtail Possum ( Trichosurus vulpecula ) and 13 bird species. The most important predator was the Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica ). This contrasts with eastern Australian findings where Pied Currawongs ( Strepera graculina ) were ubiquitous nest-predators. The outcomes for 516 natural nests of 41 species were obtained: cups 45% fledged and 35% depredated (n=334); enclosed 43% fledged and 45% depredated (n=50); hole 72% fledged and 13% depredated (n=126). The remainder of each nest type failed for other reasons such as storms, disease and abandonment (N=92). Overall, 51% of nests fledged, 30% were depredated, 7% failed in storms, 11% were abandoned and 1% failed from disease/heat stress/cuckoo and earth collapse. These results give baseline data on reproductive success and causes of reproductive failure in a least disturbed habitat. They provide benchmarks for the re-habilitation of birds and allow comparison to hypotheses regarding nesting ecology in fragmented landscapes.

Page 154 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 142. Low nest attentiveness and short incubation bouts in two monsoon-tropical passerine species R. Noske Faculty of Education, Health and Science, Charles Darwin University Darwin, NT 0909, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

Among single-sex brooding (SSB) songbirds, the periods a female spends on and off the nest (on- and off-bouts) reflect a trade-off between her energy needs and the thermal needs of the developing embryos. Recent studies, however, have shown that nest predation can constrain incubation schedules, favouring longer on- and off-bouts. Data on nest attentiveness (NA) and incubation schedules of Australian birds are scarce, but among ten SSB insectivorous species, mean NA ranged from 52% to 81%, and on-bouts (7-29 min) invariably exceeded off-bouts (4-43 min).

In mangroves of the Australian monsoon tropics, two biannually-breeding species show remarkably low NA. For the open cup-nesting Lemon-bellied Flycatcher (12 g), mean NA was lower during the early morning and late afternoon (24.0-25.8%), when temperatures were lowest (means, 32-33º C), than during the late morning and early afternoon (35.3-39.0%). On-bouts were very short, averaging 0.9-4.3 min, while off-bouts averaged 2.4-9.5 min. For the dome-nesting Mangrove Gerygone Gerygone levigaster (6.7 g), mean on- and off-bouts were 10 and 17 min, respectively, and mean NA was 33%, half as much as that of its New Zealand counterpart, G. igata (68%; Gill 1982).

The longer off-bouts of both tropical species suggest that they are constrained more by food than by nest predation levels. The domed nest of the Mangrove Gerygone reduces thermal fluctuations within the chamber, which permits shorter on-bouts, but its conspicuousness may contribute to low breeding success (17%). In contrast the tiny, cryptic nests of the Lemon-bellied Flycatcher enjoy moderate success (44%), despite seeing an even greater level of female activity.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 155 of 198 pages 143. Nest predation and nest defence in New Holland Honeyeaters Sarah Lambert & Sonia Kleindorfer School of Biological Sciences, Flinders University, SA, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Nest predation is considered to be a major cause of nesting failure in open-cup nesting passerines (Ricklefs 1969). In the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia, an area identified as having one of Australia’s highest densities of declining bird species (Garnett & Crowley 2000), nest predation has been found to be the major cause of nesting failure in several passerine species. Despite the impacts of nest predation within this region, little is known of the basic breeding biology of many of these species, the identity of nest predators, or the ways in which birds defend their nests against potential predators. This research focuses on the New Holland Honeyeater, Phylidonyris novaehollandiae . Nesting outcome results for the New Holland Honeyeater over four breeding seasons show that there is extreme seasonal variation both in the rate of nest predation and the number of nesting attempts located [2004 – 67.7%, n=31; 2005 – 91%, n=11; 2006 – 56%, n=68]. To examine New Holland Honeyeater nest defence response, we carried out 33 experiments using different predator types (Red Fox, Grey Currawong, Snake) at 17 nests during the 2006 breeding season. Additionally we also carried out artificial nest experiments to examine the role of nest concealment and aid predator identification. The results from these experiments will be presented.

Page 156 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Shorebirds I

144. Migration routes and destinations of a wide range of migratory waders in the East Asian/Australasian flyway Clive Minton 1, Johannes Wahl 2, Rosalind Jessop 3, Chris Hassell 4, Pete Collins 5 & Heather Gibbs 6 1 165 Dalgetty Road, Beaumaris, VIC 3193, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Steinfurter Str. 55, D-48149 Meunster, GERMANY. 3 Phillip Island Nature Park, PO Box 97, Cowes. VIC 3922, AUSTRALIA. 4 PO Box 3089, Broome, WA 6725, AUSTRALIA. 5 Broome Bird Observatory, PO Box 1313, Broome, WA 6725, AUSTRALIA. 6 5 Ormond Street, Brunswick, VIC 3056. AUSTRALIA.

Determination of migration routes, migration strategies, stop-over locations and breeding areas of wader populations that spend the non-breeding season in Australia is important for conservation purposes, for understanding potential for carriage of avian-borne diseases, and for predicting possible effects of climate change. We analysed recoveries and flag sightings of migratory waders originally marked or subsequently found in Australia. There have now been overseas reports of 26 species, with the largest amount of information being available on Red-necked Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit, Great Knot, Red Knot and Double-banded Plover. Most species use the coasts of China, particularly around the Yellow Sea, as their principal stopover location, particularly on northward migration. Many species have different migration routes and stopover locations on northward (late March-May) and southward (mid-July to October) migration. Curlew Sandpipers, for example, have a more westerly route on southward migration (with reports of Australian marked birds in south-east India and Sri Lanka). Bar-tailed Godwits from eastern Australia and New Zealand migrate northwards to Alaska, via the Yellow Sea, but make a direct return flight southwards over the western Pacific (11,000km). The most distant breeding grounds of waders from southeast Australia are over 13,000km, but from northern Australian non- breeding areas the migration distances are rather less (10,000km). Most species seem to make 1-3 major stopovers- on their migration. This use of long non-stop flights as the principal migration strategy may help reduce the chance of migratory waders carrying acute avian-borne diseases, such as the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, into Australia. Movements within Australia and New Zealand are also widespread and sometimes complex, especially in the Red Knot.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 157 of 198 pages 145. Visible departures of migratory shorebirds from Broome, Western Australia Rosalind Jessop 1 & Clive Minton 2 1 Phillip Island Nature Park, PO Box 97, Cowes. VIC 3922, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 165 Dalgetty Road, Beaumaris, VIC 3193, AUSTRALIA.

Roebuck Bay together with 80 Mile Beach near Broome in north-west Australia is the most important area for shorebirds in Australia holding over 500,000 birds in the austral summer. Allowing for migration of individuals to other areas of Australia the total number approaches 850,000 (Lane 1987). Numerically Roebuck Bay is the fourth most important site in Australia holding about 170,000 waders (Lane 1987).

The northern departure of 15 species of shorebird was studied at Roebuck Bay in the autumn of 1994 to 2007. Shorebirds generally left the area in the late afternoon between 1600 and 1800 hours. The most common species observed were Bar-tailed Godwit, Great Knot, Greater Sand Plover, Common Greenshank and Eastern Curlew. Asiatic Dowitcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey Plover, Grey-tailed Tattler, Red Knot, Red- necked Stint, Terek Sandpiper and Whimbrel departures were also observed.

Some species such as Bar-tailed Godwit mainly departed over a two week period whereas other species such as Eastern Curlew departed over a longer period up to seven weeks. Eastern Curlew were the earliest to depart with departures commencing in the first week of March, Great Knot and Greater Sand Plover from mid-March, Bar- tailed Godwit and Grey Plover in early April, Asiatic Dowitcher, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Greenshank, Curlew Sandpiper, Grey-tailed Tattler, Red Knot, Red-necked Stint, Terek Sandpiper and Whimbrel from mid April. Flock size varied from a few birds to nearly 2000. Larger flocks were more common after extreme weather events such as cyclones prevented migration for several days.

Page 158 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 146. Ten years later: A summary from migratory shorebird investigations in the Sea of Okhotsk Falk Huettmann 1, Yuri Gerasimov, Aleksey Antonov, Ekatarina Matsina, Alexander Matsina & Igor Dorogoy 1 EWHALE lab, Biology and Wildlife Dept., Institute of Arctic Biology, 419 IRVING I, University of Alaska Fairbanks AK 99775-7000 USA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The Sea of Okhotsk in the Russian Far East is used by a large number and diverse species of migratory shorebirds. Some of them migrate between Australia and the Russian and Alaskan Arctic, connecting for instance with other migration hotspots in China, Taiwan, Japan, Papua New Guinea and even India and New Zealand. The authors spent over 10 years in the field investigating shorebirds during migration seasons in the Russian Far East. The following subjects are presented from this research: (i) summary of current knowledge on major migration patterns in fall and spring, (ii) conservation status of relevant shorebird species and habitats, (iii) overview of ongoing Avian Influenza research, and (iv) latest information and digital data sources for migratory shorebirds in the region. We emphasize the larger context of the flyway and shorebird status world-wide. Adaptive Management and related monitoring and sustainability issues of this precious region are discussed. Our investigations show that the Sea of Okhotsk requires international attention and effective preservation management on a large scale in order to reverse the general declines of global biodiversity and habitats.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 159 of 198 pages 147. Growing up slowly by the sea-side: age of first northwards migration of shorebirds from Australian non-breeding grounds Danny I. Rogers 1, Clive D.T. Minton 2, Adrian N. Boyle 3, Chris J. Hassell 3 & Andrew Silcocks 4 1 Institute of Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University. Now at 340 Nink’s Rd, St Andrews, VIC 3761, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 165 Dalgetty Rd, Beaumaris, VIC 3193, AUSTRALIA. 3 PO Box 3089, Broome, WA 6725, AUSTRALIA. 4 Birds Australia, Suite 2-05, 60 Liecester St, Carlton 3053, AUSTRALIA.

The age of maturity is a fundamental life-table variable. It can have profound effects on the population dynamics of a species, as delaying the age of first breeding will lower lifetime reproductive output unless compensated for by increased fecundity or survival. Ultimate causes of delayed maturity are however imperfectly known in birds. This study examines delayed maturity in a group (migratory shorebirds, Charadriiformes) in which fecundity is capped by a physiological constraint. We document the age of first northwards migration of shorebirds from non-breeding grounds in Australia, drawing together data from summer and winter counts, retraps and a colour banding study. Some species were found to first migrate north when a year old, but others delayed their first northwards migration for one to four years, hence missing at least their first potential breeding opportunity. The age of first northwards migration was weakly phylogenetically autocorrelated, and analyses both before and after correcting for this effect showed a strong relationship to habitat used in the non-breeding season, with coastal birds delaying maturity longest. This finding reinforces other studies identifying fundamental differences in life histories of shorebirds in coastal and inland environments. It suggests that environmental constraints cause delayed maturity in shorebirds, and that they may therefore be particularly vulnerable to declines in adult survival.

Page 160 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 148. Do waders on inland wetlands avoid feeding close to tall vegetation? Iain R. Taylor Institute of Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, NSW 2640, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Most temporary inland wetlands in Australia have been used for livestock grazing since the early settlement of Europeans, in many cases with seriously adverse ecological results. Controlled low density livestock grazing is used as a management tool on many wetlands in Europe and North America to maintain habitat diversity and enhance waterbird species diversity. This approach has been used at Fivebough Swamp (a Ramsar site), New South Wales, since 2000 in an attempt to achieve a mosaic of open areas in a matrix of taller, denser aquatic vegetation. The response of birds that feed in the open to the presence of nearby vegetative cover varies from avoidance to preference. Waders generally feed in open aquatic habitats. How do they respond to the presence of tall aquatic vegetation? This question was answered for five species on Fivebough; Black-winged Stilt, Red-necked Avocet, Marsh Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Red-kneed Dotterel. The first four avoided feeding close to tall vegetation whereas the latter preferred feeding close to tall vegetation. Red-kneed Dotterel was the only species that responded to the presence of potential bird predators by running into vegetation; the others tended to flock and fly into more open areas. Invertebrate prey abundance was significantly higher close to vegetation. The species other than Red-kneed Dotterel therefore chose to feed in areas of lower prey abundance. It is suggested that they avoided feeding close to tall vegetation to reduce predation risk. Management of inland wetlands by the reduction of grazing pressure should ensure that substantial-sized open areas are retained among the taller vegetation to retain wader populations.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 161 of 198 pages 149. The importance of Lake McLarty in south-west Western Australia for trans- equatorial migrants and other waterbirds Michael D. Craig School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

Wetlands are considered one of the most threatened habitats in south-west Western Australia, so remaining wetlands in the region are considered critical for the maintenance of biodiversity. Lake McLarty, part of the Peel- Yalgorup system, is a seasonal, freshwater wetland about 90 km south of Perth. The lake, approximately 180 ha in area when full, is arguably the most important wetland of its size in south-west Western Australia. Waterbird counts conducted monthly in the last 3 years, and semi-regularly in the 20 years prior to that, have shown that the lake would qualify for Ramsar listing in its own right. It has supported more than 20 000 waterbirds on 9 occasions since 1995, with a maximum of 39 200 on 27 th December 2002. It supports internationally significant numbers (more than 1 % of global population) of 3 species of trans-equatorial migrants and 10 other waterbird species. Of these other waterbird species, 4 are endemic to Australia and 2 are near-endemics. The lake faces a series of threats typical of many wetlands, but its protection has strong community support. Given that south-west Western Australia lies outside the main areas for trans-equatorial migrants in the East Asia-Pacific Flyway, it might be one of the first regions to suffer reduced numbers if global populations of trans-equatorial migrants decline. For this reason alone, it is critical that monitoring of trans-equatorial migrants and other waterbirds at Lake McLarty continues on a regular basis.

Page 162 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 150. Why fly elsewhere? Barrow Island as a destination site for migratory shorebirds M. Bamford 1 , M. Craig 1,2 & D. Moro 3 1 Bamford Consulting Ecologists, 23 Plover Way, Kingsley, WA 6026, AUSTRALIA 2 School of Biological Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, AUSTRALIA (present address) 3 Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, 250 St Georges Tce, Perth, WA 6000, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] )

Barrow Island is Western Australia’s second largest island; it is some 25 km long and 10 km wide, and is located 60 km offshore. It has an arid climate, and is listed as a Class A Nature Reserve. Barrow Island is an internationally significant site for littoral avifauna, supporting >1 % of the East Asian-Australasian populations of the Ruddy Turnstone, Red-necked Stint, Grey-tailed Tattler, Sanderling, Greater Sand-Plover, Lesser Sand-Plover, Fairy Tern and the ophthalmicus race of the Sooty Oystercatcher. It has previously been understood that these species used Barrow Island primarily as a stop-over on the way to alternative foraging grounds. Recent environmental surveys of the littoral avifauna on Barrow Island were undertaken monthly between September 2003 and March 2006. Nearly the whole coastline of Barrow Island was surveyed. A minimum of 32 119 littoral avifauna of 50 species used the Barrow Island shoreline during the survey period, with the highest monthly count of all birds being 20 428 (September 2004). The abundance of the littoral avifauna was highest in the Austral spring-autumn due to migratory species. Unexpectedly, numbers remained consistent or higher across the non-breeding period of the year (southern hemisphere summer), in contrast to other sites in northern Australia where numbers peak in spring and sometimes autumn due to the passage of birds. This information indicates that for most migratory species, Barrow Island appears to act as a destination site rather than as a staging site.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 163 of 198 pages 151. Survival of shorebirds in north Western Australia Alice Ewing Department of Zoology, University of Melbourne, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Many species of migratory arctic-breeding shorebirds are experiencing a concerning population decline, worldwide. This study focuses on several species that use stopover and non-breeding sites within the East Asian- Australasian Flyway, in particular, Roebuck Bay, near Broome, north-western Australia. As many of the shorebird species in this study face increased obstacles to survival during migration, with destruction or loss of prime resources and habitat at stopover sites for rest and refuelling, it is vital to monitor their survival.

With data collected, using the relatively new method of using individually-identifiable engraved leg-flags on various species of shorebirds in NW Australia, a mark-resighting analysis will be carried out to determine year-to- year survival rates. Comparisons across and within a range of species, including age cohorts, non-breeding and breeding birds, and males and females, will give an insight of variation in survival between these groups with different morphology, foraging behaviour, and even choice of non-breeding staging sites. This data will then coupled with mark-recapture data from long-term banding and recapture studies in various locations in NW Australia. It is expected that the greater return rate of recoveries via resightings, as opposed to recaptures alone, will create a clearer picture of survival rates.

With unexpected high resighting rates of all the main study species in the past two years, results to date and preliminary analyses will be presented, with discussion of planned further analyses, particularly a comparison of survival between tropical and temperate staging sites in Australia.

Page 164 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Shorebirds II

152. Why are waders declining in the Coorong? Justine Keuning , Jeremy Robertson & Sabine Dittmann Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The Coorong National Park and Murray Mouth Estuary in South Australia are wetlands of international importance because they are an over wintering site for about 20 species of waders. However, the enormous human impacts on the Murray River have led to the closure of the Murray mouth with a concomitant rise in salinity and decline in the health of the Coorong. The mouth closure has reduced tidal movements, which, together with rising salinity levels, have reduced the benthic fauna and hence the food available for shorebirds. Of the 20 shorebirds I have focused on six: Red-necked Stint ( Calidris ruficollis ); Sharp-tailed Sandpiper ( C. acuminator ); Curlew Sandpiper ( C. ferruginea ); Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica ); Black-tailed Godwit ( L. limosa ); and Greenshank ( Tringa nebularia ). I studied their foraging behaviour and the availability of suitable benthic food in the mudflats they utilised during the 2006-2007 over wintering period. By analyses of video I quantified foraging techniques, intake rates, time spent foraging, and energy expenditures. I recorded the food availability on the mudflats by benthic sampling to show the depth at which prey items are found in relation to the bill length of my six focal species. The foraging behaviour and food availability indicate why some species of shorebirds have declined while others have remained relatively stable.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 165 of 198 pages 153. Predicting ‘habitat quality’ for shorebirds in the Coorong, South Australia Daniel Rogers & David C Paton Discipline of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide SA 5005, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The Coorong wetland system is internationally recognised under Ramsar, primarily for its importance as wetland habitat for a number waterbirds. Among these are a suite of long-distance migratory shorebirds, for some of which the Coorong acts as the most important overwintering site in Australia. However, its value as waterbird habitat has undergone a significant decline over recent decades, primarily in response to reductions in freshwater inflows from the Murray-Darling basin. Because of its link to the river basin and the broad value of the water in that basin, the challenge for ecologists lies in demonstrating the ecological value that environmental flows have, particularly in restoring shorebird habitats in the Coorong.

One of the challenges in predicting the response of birds to environmental change lies in their mobility. Changes in the abundance of long-distance migrants in particular might occur in response to impacts that occur at any location on their migratory pathway, and linking declines in abundance on the Coorong to changes in habitat quality is problematic. Alternatively, one can measure the response of shorebirds to local environmental change by recording the foraging performance of birds locally. By relating the birds’ perception of habitat quality (through their foraging decisions) to changes in environmental conditions, we hope to develop a robust method of predicting changes in habitat quality in space and time, that is independent of off-Coorong impacts on shorebird abundance.

Page 166 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 154. Assessing the impact of large-scale reclamation on migratory shorebirds: the case of Saemangeum, South Korea

1 2 3 3 4 Phil F. Battley , Danny I. Rogers , Nial Moores , Chu Yong-Gi & Ken Gosbell 1 Ecology Group, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 340 Ninks Rd, St Andrews, Vic 3761, AUSTRALIA 3 Birds Korea, 1009 Ho, 3 Dong, Samik Tower Apt., Namcheon 2-Dong, Su-Young Gu, Busan 613762, REPUBLIC OF KOREA 4 117 Banksia Court, Heathmont, Vic, 3135, AUSTRALIA

Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to migratory birds globally, particularly for species with specialised rather than generalised habitat choices. One such group is shorebirds, which are often restricted to intertidal flats that may be subject to reclamation for industrial and other purposes. Here we report on surveys undertaken by the Australasian Wader Studies Group and Birds Korea (the Saemangeum Shorebird Monitoring Program) at Saemangeum, South Korea. Formerly one of the most important stopover sites in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, Saemangeum’s 40,000 ha of mudflat and shallow water are currently being reclaimed. Surveys were conducted through the northward migration period in 2006 (when a 33-km seawall enclosing Saemangeum was completed) and in 2007 (one year after closure); the surveys will continue in 2008. In 2006 shorebirds seemed to cope with the reduction in tidal range from 7 m to 1 m, in part through ready access to millions of dying bivalves on the mud surface. In 2007, the tidal range of around 20 cm and the depauperate fauna were insufficient to enable successful refuelling by many species. The bivalve-dependent great knot was affected disproportionately. While numbers in mid-April 2007 were similar to the same time in 2006, by mid-May Saemangeum was virtually devoid of great knots: only 3600 were counted in 2007 compared with 86,000 in 2006. Overall, over 100,000 fewer birds were counted at Saemangeum in 2007 than 2006, and the total for Saemangeum and neighbouring estuaries had dropped from 244,000 in 2006 to 149,000 in 2007.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 167 of 198 pages 155. Assessing management techniques for the effective conservation of shorebirds Tamara van Polanen Petel & Ashley Bunce Centre for Environmental Management, Central Queensland University, PO Box 1319 Gladstone, QLD 4680, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Shorebirds worldwide face increasing pressures from growing human populations. In Australia, the major threats to shorebird populations, both migratory and resident, are habitat loss and degradation, human disturbance, predation and lack of awareness to shorebird conservation needs. Various techniques are being used to address these threats; however, the majority of the work is undertaken at a local level, e.g. individual roost sites or beaches. There is a lack of integration at the regional, national and even the international level, which limits knowledge sharing and therefore improved conservation outcomes. This project aims to test the efficacy of various management techniques for protecting resident and migratory shorebirds at a regional level. More specifically, on- ground action using management measures to control recreational access and education and awareness initiatives at mapped shorebird roosting and nesting locations will be assessed. Management priorities for addressing the major risks to shorebirds have been identified from a decision-making framework involving stakeholder groups, and the local community. The project used a series of management techniques, including signage, recreational exclusion zones and public education and awareness activities by examining levels of compliance, impacts on activity patterns and breeding success to determine the most effect ways to address the various threats identified. Results will be used to develop management actions at a regional level with stakeholder input, for protecting internationally significant shorebird sites within the Burnett Mary NRM region in Central Queensland. The outcomes can then be used to inform similar shorebird conservation projects at regional scales across Australia.

Page 168 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 156. A review of migratory shorebird population monitoring in Australia and proposed methods to increase sensitivity R. Clemens 1 & K. Gosbell 2 1 Birds Australia, Carlton, VIC, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Australasian Wader Studies Group, Heathmont, VIC, AUSTRALIA

This presentation provides an overview of the Australasian Wader Studies Group’s Population Monitoring Program (PMP) over the last 25 years at sites around Australia, and describes how the only available comprehensive long term data set on shorebird numbers has been used by planners and government agencies. Some of the shorebird count data collected as part of the PMP have been used recently to describe long-term population trends for selected migratory wader species found in southern Australia. Results highlight the declining population trend for Curlew Sandpiper Charidris ferruguinea and suggest declining trends for several other species. Results also indicate that data are not currently available to meet desired sensitivity, are insufficient to assess trends for many species, and are not geographically representative throughout Australia. The need to identify trends early is suggested as a high priority given the habitat loss and other changes occurring in the flyway. We report on methods that could increase count precision, and focus on results of investigations into methods to identify areas that are more spatially representative of closed populations for sampling. We will discuss ways in which the PMP can further inform conservation managers that face the dilemma of designating significant areas for shorebirds based on imperfect data. Finally, presentation of recent results, along with recommended changes to methodologies should provide an estimate of what can be done with the available data, and what changes may allow additional objectives to be met; such as increased sensitivity of the PMP for more species throughout Australia.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 169 of 198 pages 157. Shorebirds 2020 — a reinvigoration of national shorebird monitoring in Australia — Official Launch Donna Petrachenko , Joanne Oldland 1 1 Shorebirds 2020 Programme Manager, Birds Australia, Suite 2-05, 60 Leicester St, Carlton, VIC 3053, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

There is evidence that migratory shorebird populations are declining throughout the world. However, population trends for many species, including many of the 36 species who spend the non-breeding season in Australia, remain unknown. Throughout the East Asian Australasian Flyway, widespread habitat loss and degradation is occurring and is particularly prevalent at staging areas in East Asia. Further, shorebird habitat loss continues in Australia, but it remains uncertain if this has had direct impacts on entire shorebird populations. Consequently there is an urgent need for improved information to conserve migratory shorebirds. Groups such as the Australasian Wader Studies Group (AWSG) and a number of other qualified groups have carried out annual population monitoring since 1980. These counts constitute one of the most important datasets for shorebirds in Australia, and have been critical to informing on population numbers, distributions and trends, and important sites in Australia. The Shorebirds 2020 programme is a collaborative enterprise between Birds Australia, the Australasian Wader Studies Group, WWF Australia and the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust. It is designed to reinvigorate and coordinate national shorebird monitoring in Australia, which has been without funded coordination since the 1980s. The primary objectives of the programme are to collect data on the numbers of shorebirds in a manner that can be utilised to aid their conservation and management, specifically long- and short-term population trends, and explore what may be causing those changes. Further, this project will seek to understand the relationship between habitat, habitat quality, and threats on the distribution and abundance of shorebirds.

Page 170 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Urban landscapes and resources

158. The avifaunal housing crisis: determining birds at risk in a rapidly urbanising city Robert A Davis & Lesley Brooker School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The conservation of urban fauna populations is an imperative and timely goal in an expanding world of concrete and steel. Perth, Western Australia’s capital, is experiencing strong growth and rapid urban development on a small and bio-diverse coastal strip. The objective of our research was to identify bird species most at risk from the ongoing urbanisation of Perth and to determine the key parameters determining species occurrence. We analysed a database of 1400 bird surveys from 121 urban remnants. Pattern Analysis identified six major groups of birds; bushland, tree, park, open habitat, generalist and the Singing Honeyeater. Broad-scale habitat variables including the amount of urban cover and native and other vegetation surrounding sites, were determined using GIS techniques. Fine-scale habitat variables such as canopy cover, understorey cover and leaf litter were recorded at each site. we We used logistic regression to construct models that best explained the groupings generated by the pattern analysis. The proportion of native and other vegetation within a 2 km radius were the most significant predictors for bushland, tree and open habitat birds. Water and the proportion of urbanisation best explained the park grouping. Generalists showed no significant association with any variables except leaf litter cover. A model including the proportion of urban cover within 2 km and the presence of two tree species, explained the Singing Honeyeater group. Urbanisation is impacting 54 species of bird in the Perth region and all are dependent upon the maintenance of vegetative connectivity for their persistence.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 171 of 198 pages 159. Diversity in an urban matrix: bird use of Bold Park J.S. Mansell-Fletcher 1 & S.H. Mather 2 1 Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, West Perth WA 6005 (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 3 Hardy Road, Nedlands WA 6009

Bold Park is a large urban bushland reserve (437 ha), located on the Swan Coastal Plain (SCP), Perth, Western Australia. Ecological works have highlighted it as being an important remnant, with high species diversity of vegetation, invertebrates and reptiles. Over 130 bird species have been recorded in Bold Park and immediate environs over the past century.

When management responsibility was transferred to the Botanic Gardens and Park Authority (BGPA) in 1998, there was a perceived need for a current representative bird list to provide data for adaptive management. Historical records were reviewed and a census, with defined spatial and temporal limits, was conducted to establish a baseline of species likely to populate and/or use the park.

Recent studies on the SCP have indicated a decline of dietary specialists. This study provided limited support for this view, as demonstrated by the absence of the Western Rosella and Western Thornbill. However, the relative abundance of small insectivores with a frequency of occurrence of >50% of possible sightings for White-browed Scrub-wren and Yellow-rumped Thornbill, the presence of three wren species and a high raptor species density suggests that Bold Park has a higher and more diverse abundance of small insectivores and raptors, relative to other areas on the SCP.

The seasonal survey also showed that some species maintained year-round populations within Bold Park, suggesting that within the context of an urban matrix, the park may be providing a refuge for some species that are otherwise declining on the SCP.

Page 172 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 160. A wolf in sheep’s clothing – Rainbow Lorikeets in south-west Western Australia Marion Massam 1, Tamra Chapman 2 & Peter Mawson 3 1 Invasive Species Development Officer, Department of Agriculture and Food, Locked Bag 4, Bentley Delivery Centre, Kensington, WA 6983, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ). 2 Zoologist, Department of Environment and Conservation, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, Kensington, WA 6983, AUSTRALIA. 3 Principal Zoologist, Department of Environment and Conservation, Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, Kensington, WA 6983, AUSTRALIA.

The Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus was first recorded in the wild in Perth in 1968, probably originating from birds deliberately released or escaped from aviaries. The population has since increased exponentially and is spreading rapidly.

A risk assessment for Western Australia predicts that the lorikeet poses an extreme risk to the State’s social, environmental and agricultural values and that it could spread more widely. In Perth, the bird already causes problems including damage to commercial and backyard fruit crops, fouling of outdoor areas and vehicles with droppings, competition with native species, and noise. It also poses a potential disease risk to wild and captive parrots because Psittacine beak and feather disease is endemic in the population.

The Rainbow Lorikeet Working Group was established in 2004, with membership including non-government and government groups. Its Lorikeet Strategy is currently being implemented to meet the following objectives: ensuring ongoing funding for the strategy; restricting the lorikeet population to Perth and significantly reducing its size; raising public awareness of lorikeet issues; conducting targeted research for best-practice lorikeet management; reducing escapes and releases of lorikeets; ensuring collaborative and effective statewide co- ordination of lorikeet management. Issues include: encouraging reporting of a ‘pretty, native’ species in a city; formulating acceptable control methods that can remove large numbers of birds, humanely and efficiently; and educating the human population about the true nature of the birds and the risks they pose to social, environmental and agricultural values.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 173 of 198 pages 161. Winter movements, ranges, land-use and food sources of an endemic pigeon (Kererū; Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae ) in an urban landscape Monica Awasthy & Wayne L. Linklater Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Urbanisation is widely regarded as a major cause of biodiversity loss. However, recent evidence suggests an increase in the number of native and endemic bird species in cities around the world. Despite this, little is known about the ecology and behaviour of endemic birds in human-modified landscapes. This study utilizes the iconic kerer ū (New Zealand Pigeon; Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae ) as a focal species for understanding avian ecology and behaviour in urban areas. We radio-tracked nine wild and one rehabilitated kerer ū within the greater Wellington region in order to determine movements, ranges, land-use and food sources over the non-breeding winter season. Results to date show significant variation in activity and movements among observed kerer ū. While one individual stayed within 45m of the capture sight in a native bush patch, the remaining individuals moved between urban parks and into private yards of neighbouring suburbs, including distances of over 10km. Food sources were broader than expected and included both native and exotic species. These preliminary results and future research directions will be discussed. This study is expected to contribute to the future conservation and re-establishment of other endemic species in urban habitats.

Page 174 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 162. No presentation

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 175 of 198 pages 163. No presentation

Page 176 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Habitat selection

164. Response of the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren ( Malurus coronatus coronatus ) to grazed habitat in the Victoria River District, NT A. M.van Doorn 1, J. C. Z. Woinarski 2 & P. A.Werner 3 1 University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Biodiversity Conservation Division, Department of Natural Resources Environment and the Arts, Palmerston, NT, AUSTRALIA 3 Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, AUSTRALIA

We examined the relationships between cattle grazing, the ecology and life-history variables of the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren, and the wren’s primary habitat (river grass, Chionachne cyathopoda ). We compared grazed and ungrazed sites in addition to monitoring pre and post grazed sites, to determine relative differences. Grazing significantly altered lower level vegetative structure thereby reducing foraging and cover opportunities for Purple- crowned Fairy-wrens. Chionachne height varied significantly among sites being much shorter at grazed sites. Long-term grazing of an area resulted in fewer stands of Chionachne suggesting that long-term grazing also reduces overall abundance. Short-term grazing also reduced Chionachne height, but the abundance of stands did not vary between grazed and ungrazed sites suggesting that Chionachne can recover from grazing once cattle are removed. Adult survivorship was heavily reduced by intense grazing resulting in a substantial loss of adult birds and a reduction in group size. Moreover, the high level of adult mortality took place within one breeding season indicating the response of Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens to grazing is acute. Our results strongly suggest that grazing is a primary threat to purple-crowned fairy-wren populations in the Victoria River District and any successful conservation strategy will need to address riparian grazing.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 177 of 198 pages 165. The influence of fire on the distribution of mulga birds in central Australia A.J. Leavesley 1, G.J. Cary 1, G. Edwards 2 & J.T. Wood 1 1 Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra ACT, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 NT Department of Natural Resources, Environment and Arts, Alice Springs NT, AUSTRALIA

Australian arid-zone landscapes are subject to two strong disturbance regimes, recent rain and fire. The effect of recent rain dominates the distribution of many birds, so much so that the influence of fire has been difficult to detect. To our knowledge no properly replicated studies have succeeded in demonstrating an effect of fire. We investigate the question using the mulga bird/mulga woodland model system. Mulga woodland is ideal because it is structurally and floristically simple, yet supports a rich avifauna. We investigated the effect of time- since-fire because it is the most easily detected effect of fire. Our study site is Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which has the longest running, most detailed fire history in the arid zone. We minimized the confounding influence of recent rain by conducting a space-for-time experiment. Birds were surveyed in 63 patches of mulga in three age classes; three years since fire, 29 years since fire and long-unburnt. Surveys were repeated in the winter and spring of 2005 and 2006. Multivariate tests showed a different bird community was present in mulga that was 3 years-since-fire than mulga that was 29 years-since-fire and long-unburnt. Granivores and aerial insectivores benefited from fire at the expense of foliar insectivores. Univariate tests showed that time-since-fire had no effect on species richness or bird density however both parameters varied between surveys. Variance was highest in the most recently burnt treatment. No species was at highest density in the intermediate age-class. We conclude that fire and recent rain interact to influence the distribution of Australian arid zone birds.

Page 178 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 166. How does time since timber harvest affect bird communities in a managed native forest? N. Weston 1, W. Wright 1, R. Loyn 2 & R. Mac Nally 3 1 School of Applied Sciences and Engineering, Monash University, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Sustainability and Environment, AUSTRALIA 3 Australian Centre for Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, AUSTRALIA

Timber harvesting modifies native forests affecting the ecological requirements of birds. As the forest regenerates after harvesting, its structure changes resulting in different responses from bird communities over time. We investigated the distribution of bird assemblages across regrowth forest of different ages and within mature forest. Fifty study sites, each of 2 ha, were selected within several age-classes of regrowth forest: younger (0-25 years since harvesting); mid-aged (26-45 years) and older (46-65 years) and within mature forest stands. Surveys were conducted on three occasions in 2006 and 2007. Bird surveys involved twenty minute searches at each study site (some sites were excluded following a wildfire). Density and species richness for all birds were higher at sites in mature forest compared to sites in regrowth forest. When comparing sites in different aged forest regrowth, average density of all birds was highest in the younger regrowth and lower in the mid-aged and older regrowth. Species richness was similar across all regrowth age classes. There were differences in responses of guilds to age-class of regrowth, suggesting that regrowth forest of each age class provides the ecological requirements for some guilds and not others. Management of commercially harvested forests as mosaics of multi-aged forest stands seems reasonable given these results but highlights the importance of retaining stands of mature forest interspersed within regrowth of different ages.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 179 of 198 pages 167. Bird species associations with ephemeral streams in the Pilliga forests of north-western NSW Rodney P. Kavanagh 1, Matthew A. Stanton 1 & Patrick Tap 2 1 Science and Research Division, NSW Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 100, Beecroft NSW 2119, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Forests NSW, NSW Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 865, Dubbo NSW 2830, AUSTRALIA

Riparian zones within continuous forest landscapes provide habitat for more bird species and individuals than surrounding non-riparian locations. The importance of these areas for bird conservation is well recognised in semi- arid environments, but little is known about the extent of the riparian influence away from creek-lines. This information is needed to guide the development of stream buffer widths in wood production forests. In this study, we compared the bird assemblages recorded at 50 m and 150 m from the middle of the creek-bed in each of three stream size-classes in the Pilliga forests of north-western NSW. A total of 2177 birds from 76 species were recorded within 50 m radius of the 36 census points. We found that more birds and bird species were recorded at large (stream orders 5 and 6) ephemeral streams than small (orders 1 and 2) or medium streams (orders 3 and 4) and, across all sites, more birds and bird species were recorded close to (0-100 m) than more distant (100-200 m) from ephemeral streams. Bird assemblages recorded at all census points showed a high degree of overlap in species composition and bird abundance with only census points occurring nearer to drainage lines on the larger ephemeral streams having a different (richer) avifauna. These results suggest that bird conservation in the drier forests and woodlands of the Pilliga would benefit from the provision of wide buffer strips either side of large ephemeral streams and that minor drainage lines do not require special consideration in forest management.

Page 180 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 168. Riparian zones provide high quality habitats for birds in forest landscapes Grant C. Palmer Centre for Environment Management, University of Ballarat, Ballarat, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

Riparian zones have been frequently reported to harbour rich and abundant bird assemblages in comparison with those of surrounding non-riparian habitats. As a result, riparian zones have been widely promoted as providing high quality habitats for birds. If this is true, then it would be expected that resources used by birds would occur in greater abundance, or more reliably through the year, in riparian zones. To examine this scenario, a study was undertaken based on explicit contrasts of the vegetation, resource availability and bird assemblages at 30 pairs of riparian and non-riparian sites in extensive eucalypt forests in the Victorian Highlands, south-east Australia. The structure and composition of vegetation and the availability and dynamics of resources (e.g. eucalypt flowering and bark shed) in riparian and non-riparian habitats was examined to determine whether there was differential availability of particular resources, or in their temporal availability throughout the annual cycle. The high ecological value of riparian zones was demonstrated by the provision of key resources used by birds including food and foraging resources such as nectar and bark substrates; nest sites; as well as greater primary production. Accordingly, bird assemblages in riparian zones were richer and supported more ecological groups (e.g. foraging, nest type and body mass groups). Riparian zones in continuous eucalypt forest provided high quality habitats that contributed to the diversity of habitats and resources available to birds in the forest mosaic, with positive benefits for the landscape-level species pool.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 181 of 198 pages 169. Effects of food availability and forest structure on the abundance of the endangered Rota Bridled White-eye, Micronesia Lainie Berry , James Ha, Renee Ha & Melanie Colon University of Washington, Seattle, USA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The endangered Rota Bridled White-eye Zosterops rotensis is a canopy-gleaning insectivore endemic to the island of Rota, in the Northern Mariana Islands, Micronesia. The species has undergone a significant range reduction and decline in numbers in recent years. Its range is now largely restricted to around 250 ha of mature limestone forest above 150m elevation, and the population is estimated to be around 1000 individuals. It is unclear why the distribution of the white-eye is so restricted, as there appears to be suitable mature forest between the regions occupied by white-eyes. We compared food availability and vegetation characteristics between forest plots containing high and low densities of white-eyes. Samples of canopy invertebrates were collected from five tree species in 14 high-density and 14 low-density plots. High-density plots had higher canopy cover, epiphytes, vertical foliage density and stem density compared with low-density plots. High-density plots also contained more snails and Lepidoptera larvae and fewer spiders and beetles. Areas occupied by high densities of white-eyes appear to have a more complex forest structure, owing to higher moisture levels and protection from typhoons, thus providing more substrates for feeding and a higher abundance of some food types.

Page 182 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 170. Patterns and correlates of bird diversity in arid Australia Julian R.W. Reid 1 Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, AUSTRALIA 2 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Gungahlin, ACT, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

The broad patterns of bird diversity in Australia’s arid and semi-arid lands are reviewed. Systematically gathered bird survey datasets and Atlas datasets were compiled to examine the habitat and other environmental features that correlate with variation in avian diversity (species richness) at the site and larger scales. At the site scale high bird species richness is promoted by the presence of tall and dense, if narrow, riparian vegetation associated with larger rivers and regularly inundated lakes. Mulga and allied tall acacia shrublands, particularly in run-on environments, also support a distinctive and rich bird community striking for its consistency of composition across the continental extent. There is a strong correlation between mean annual rainfall and bird species richness, with lowest bird diversity occurring in the large sandy deserts lacking major rivers and the mulga formation. A large group of Keast’s ‘ultra nomads’ – species that roam the continent in search of pulses of high production – is responsible for marked temporal variations in within-site and within-region diversity.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 183 of 198 pages 171. The osprey in Britain, 1880-2007: an environmental history Robert A. Lambert School of History & Christel DeHaan Tourism and Travel Research Institute, University of Nottingham, UK ([email protected] )

The most public success story in the history of nature conservation in Britain is that of the osprey Pandion haliaetus. Persecuted from the Middle Ages onwards as a direct competitor with humans for fish resources, and then in the nineteenth century as a sporting trophy, the osprey was extinct as a British breeding bird by 1916. By the late 1950s the migrant osprey had returned to breed in northern Scotland, and huge conservation efforts were made to protect the first few nests from egg-collectors. A bold but visionary decision was made by the RSPB to open up one nest, at Loch Garten, to public access in 1959, and an ‘osprey tourism’ industry was born that has seen over 2m visitors at that site, and is currently nationally worth £3.5m per annum to local rural economies. Around 300,000 people go ‘osprey-watching’ every year at 8 popular sites in Britain. There are now over 200 pairs of osprey breeding in the UK, mainly in Scotland, but with a natural re-colonisation of northern England and Wales taking place, alongside a successful government and NGO-sponsored re-introduction programme at Rutland Water in the English Midlands. Environmental history research (blending ecology, history and geography) in public and private archives has shed new light on the modern emergence of our cultural admiration for ospreys, and on the management strategies of key conservation NGOs charged with protecting these birds. Ultimately, this paper reflects on the wider historical and contemporary story of all birds of prey in the British countryside, and anticipates a bright future for some ‘raptors’ as top ecological predators, sustainable tourism icons, educational and public relations tools, and powerful symbols of active conservation management in the landscape.

Page 184 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Bird conservation in managed landscapes – approaches, challenges and insights I

172. Predicting the conservation value of agricultural landscapes for woodland birds in southern Australia Jim Radford & Andrew Bennett Landscape Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, VIC 3125, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

A key challenge for improving bird conservation in managed landscapes is to understand the influence that ‘whole- of-landscape’ properties have on native biota, and devise landscape-level strategies that complement patch-based management. Our approach has been to consider land mosaics, rather than individual patches, as the unit of investigation. The defining feature of our approach is that both the explanatory variables (e.g., habitat extent, habitat configuration and landscape composition) and the avifaunal response variables (e.g., species richness, composition and incidence) characterise whole mosaics. This approach has underscored the importance of landscape-level habitat extent for explaining species richness and occurrence of individual species. For example, in 24 rural landscapes (each 100 km2) in north-central Victoria, there was strong evidence of a landscape-level decline in population size that was disproportionately greater than the relative decrease in habitat cover for 27 of the 58 woodland bird species examined. Habitat configuration was influential for 13 woodland species; where important, the effects of fragmentation per se (i.e., independent of extent) were always negative. Thirty species were influenced by landscape composition (e.g., agricultural land-use, vegetation diversity) although the direction of association was inconsistent. These findings increase our understanding of landscape-level influences in north- central Victoria but can they be used to predict bird community composition in other regions? To develop a predictive capacity, we are examining links between functional responses to landscape properties and life-history traits. This may provide a pathway for predicting landscape-level community composition (and hence conservation value) in agricultural landscapes.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 185 of 198 pages 173. Temporal change and avifaunal conservation: dynamics of a woodland bird assemblage over a decade Andrew F. Bennett Landscape Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Vic, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

All landscapes experience change, particularly those managed by humans. The short duration of many studies (2-3 years) means that temporal changes in faunal assemblages often are difficult to recognise. In this study, woodland birds were surveyed at least six times per year for more than a decade (Dec 1996 to present), at each of twelve sites, 2 ha in size. All sites were dominated by Red Ironbark Eucalyptus tricarpa , a prominent winter-flowering eucalypt, and were located at least 1 km apart in the southern half of the largest remaining tract of box-ironbark forest in Victoria (~30,000 ha). Data were pooled from all 12 sites in each survey round to examine temporal changes in the avifauna. Temporal variation in the occurrence and abundance of species reflects at least four main processes: (1) annual patterns of spring-summer and autumn-winter migration; (2) marked fluctuations in abundance of nectarivores in response to flowering patterns of eucalypts; (3) interspecific interactions involving Lichenostomus honeyeaters; and (4) long-term declines corresponding with sustained below-average rainfall. The mass exodus of nectarivores from the forest in years of poor flowering, and a long-term decline in abundance of small insectivores, highlight the vulnerability of assemblages to climatic and phenological change, even in seemingly large forest blocks. Conservation of forest and woodland birds requires a large scale, long-term perspective that recognises the local, regional and continental interdependence of their habitats.

Page 186 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 174. Landscape-level benefits of revegetation to birds in an agricultural system Rohan H. Clarke , Andrew Bennett, Alistair Stewart & James Radford School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, 3125 Vic, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

Restoration of agricultural environments is a major issue across southern Australia. Protection and management of existing native vegetation, and revegetation to expand and create new habitats, are important aspects of restoration. While the planting of woody vegetation is undertaken to achieve a number of goals (e.g. stock shelter, land protection), there is an underlying assumption that revegetation will also benefit the conservation of biodiversity. Using birds as indicators, we sought to identify and measure the landscape-level biodiversity benefits of revegetation in an agricultural region in south-western Victoria. We employed a study design based on circular study landscapes of 8 km 2. Landscapes were selected to provide a gradient from no cover (0-1%) through to a high cover (~20%) of revegetation within the agricultural zone. Additional landscapes containing: a) mixed cover of remnant and revegetation patches and b) remnant only patches, were also selected to provide similar gradients of cover. Within each study landscape, twelve 1 ha plots were surveyed for birds four times over a 12 month period. These data were pooled to provide a ‘snapshot’ of the response of birds to landscape-level changes along a gradient of farmland restoration. Here we summarize changes in the diversity and composition of avifaunal communities as the amount of restored vegetation within production landscapes increases. These results demonstrate that revegetation at individual sites on farms has cumulative benefits at the landscape scale that help to reverse the detrimental effects of native vegetation loss.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 187 of 198 pages 175. How valuable are different landscape elements for birds in agricultural mosaics in south-eastern Australia? Angie Haslem & Andrew F. Bennett Landscape Ecology Research Group, Deakin University, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA (presenting author: [email protected] )

Many native bird species live within agricultural landscapes around the world. Conservation management in these environments will benefit from understanding the value of different countryside (‘matrix’) elements to birds, as well as the associated influence of structural properties of the surrounding landscape. We investigated both factors in an agricultural region in Victoria, Australia. Twenty-seven mosaics (1 x 1 km), representing variation in native vegetation cover and number of landscape elements, were sampled. Birds were surveyed in five types of element: native vegetation, linear vegetation, plantations, scattered trees and pasture. Ordination analysis identified differences in the composition of bird communities in these elements. Overlaps in the species strongly associated with each element suggest that many birds are flexible in their use of landscape elements. Correlation analyses indicated that the richness of woodland and rare species at sites in different elements was influenced by features of the mosaic in which they occurred. Notably, the richness of woodland species in scattered trees and pasture increased with local cover of native vegetation. Key implications for conservation management include: 1) the value of countryside elements for birds is positively influenced by the structural complexity of the element itself, and by tree cover in the surrounding landscape; 2) landscape properties affect the richness of woodland and rare birds in different elements, therefore patches of different elements cannot be managed in isolation from their surroundings; 3) the potential value of agricultural landscapes for conservation will be increased by retaining and enhancing the cover of native vegetation in these environments.

Page 188 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 176. Conservation of an endemic pigeon in an urban/rural landscape, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand Kerry-Jayne Wilson , Maaike Schotborgh, Te Ari Prendergast, Karli Hopkins & Shaun Ogilvie. Bio-Protection & Ecology Division, Lincoln University, Lincoln, Canterbury, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] )

The kereru ( Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae ) is an endemic fruit pigeon whose natural habitat is the closed canopy, podocarp/hardwood forest of primeval New Zealand. The kereru is one of few endemic birds that survives, but does not thrive, in rural and urban habitats. Kereru play an important role in the dispersal of native seeds between forest remnants and are considered a taonga (treasure) by New Zealanders. There are both ecological and social reasons to increase kereru numbers. We have studied movements, habitat use and foods of kereru in a mosaic of farmland, village, regenerating native and exotic forest on Banks Peninsula, Canterbury. Home range size varied greatly with birds in one area remaining within a kilometre diameter range for the entire 13 month study, while in other habitats individuals moved up to 15 km. Kereru ate both native and exotic foods. In previous studies breeding had occurred only when fruit was available, but we found birds breeding while eating only new leaves of introduced deciduous trees. In New Zealand’s native evergreen forests there is no seasonal flush of new leaves. Cats appear to be the major predator. The next phase of our research is to determine the options for reducing cat predation in habitats where both feral and pet cats are common. This research is part of the Kaupapa Kereru project and has strong public support which we utilised to map kereru distribution over 1000 square kilometres of Banks Peninsula.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 189 of 198 pages 177. Conserving birds in production landscapes: tools and training support for land managers Greg Ford Queensland Murray-Darling Committee Inc., PO Box 6243, Toowoomba West, Qld 4350, AUSTRALIA ([email protected] )

Birds are a great advertisement for biodiversity. Their visibility and audibility in farm environments constantly reminds land managers that there’s more to their landscape than soil, crops, livestock and water. Furthermore, as representatives of biodiversity in agricultural landscapes, birds have attracted a higher proportion of research than most other faunal groups. But do the high profile of birds and quantity of research actually translate to an understanding among land managers of bird conservation and implementation of relevant management practices? The answer to this question is, arguably, “no” for many landscapes. This lack of understanding and action is often attributable to a lack of locally applicable land management guidelines and, more importantly, poor engagement of land managers to enhance their understanding of the complexities of nature. This paper describes the development of several tools and engagement programs that have won wide acceptance and achieved acclaim in the farming communities of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Particular reference is made to two regional “field guides” to bird species and habitat management: “Birds of the Darling Downs” and “Birds on Cotton Farms”.

Page 190 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 Bird conservation in managed landscapes – approaches, challenges and insights II

178. Re-building the Buntine-Marchagee Catchment (Western Australia) landscape for birds: an overview Andrew Huggett InSight Ecology, AUSTRALIA ( [email protected] )

There has been global recognition of the plight of biodiversity in highly fragmented agricultural landscapes and of the need to take action now. However, this intervention has often not targeted, or has inadequately targeted, the restoration of landscape function and structure. This is essential for the long-term recovery of remnant native plant and animal communities in these landscapes. In the wheatbelt of Western Australia – one of the most fragmented and ‘at-risk’ ecosystems in the world - a number of catchment-based restoration projects have been undertaken over the past decade. I report on one of these projects - in Buntine-Marchagee Catchment of the northern WA wheatbelt. I overview progress achieved with on-ground implementation of the Buntine-Marchagee design, challenges encountered and insights gained, and implications for landscape restoration at the catchment scale. This work forms part of a major initiative to recover the biological, hydrological and agronomic functions of this catchment, undertaken by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, in collaboration with other government agencies and community-based conservation organisations.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 191 of 198 pages 179. Colonisation, breeding and survival of birds in revegetation in an agricultural landscape in south-eastern Australia G.W. Barrett , D. Freudenberger, A. Drew, J. Stol, A.O. Nichols, E. M. Cawsey CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Gungahlin, Canberra, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] )

A case study from Holbrook in NSW was used to assess woodland birds in three to six year old plantings of native trees and shrubs. The recapture rate of banded birds was used to estimate survival and the presence of a brood patch was used as an index of breeding activity. Of 69 woodland bird species recorded, 70% occurred in planted sites and 49% in adjacent paddock sites. The greater diversity of birds in planted sites relative to paddock sites was mostly due to understorey birds. Ground foraging insectivorous woodland birds were under represented in planted sites, partly due to a lack of native forb species (wildflowers) and leaf litter. Rehabilitating ground ecosystems in revegetation sites is a major challenge in landscapes that have a history of heavy grazing and fertilizer application. Woodland bird diversity was associated with greater canopy cover (>8m). The proportion of birds recaptured in planted sites (15%) was similar to that for remnant woodland, and was associated with the volume of tree and shrub foliage below eight metres. The overall proportion of breeding activity in planted sites was similar to that for remnant woodland sites (24%). The size and isolation of the planted sites had little influence on bird diversity. Birds such as the superb fairy-wren, red-browed finch and southern whiteface were more likely to occur in planted sites, suggesting that plantings provide unique, transitional stage habitat within agricultural landscapes.

Page 192 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 180. Re-creating habitat — is ‘best practice’ revegetation best for the birds? Nicola Munro 1, David Lindenmayer 1, Joern Fischer 1 & Geoff Barrett 2 1 The Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Gungahlin, Canberra, ACT, AUSTRALIA

Revegetation guidelines often recommend the planting of a complex understorey and ground layer to maximise the habitat value for fauna. We tested the effect of revegetation complexity on birds, making use of ‘best-practice’ revegetation plantings on farms in Gippsland, Victoria. We compared these ‘best-practice’ plantings (termed ‘ecological plantings’) with plantings with a poor shrub layer, termed ‘woodlot plantings’. We included control sites of remnant vegetation and paddocks. There were a total of 72 sites, stratified by type (ecological planting, woodlot planting, remnant and paddock), age, area and riparian/non-riparian. Bird species richness and abundance were measured by the point count method at three plots per site during spring in 2005 and 2006. Bird occurrence was correlated with planting type, age, area, riparian/non-riparian and habitat complexity. Habitat complexity, measured using a variety of methods, was greater in ecological plantings that woodlot plantings. Furthermore, with increasing age, the habitat complexity in ecological plantings converged with that of remants faster than woodlot plantings. The richness of all birds and of forest birds was positively correlated with habitat complexity. Despite a body of literature emphasising the importance of riparian areas and large areas for bird richness, neither of these were found to be important. There were significantly more forest-dependent birds in ecological plantings than in woodlot plantings, including species experiencing population declines in other parts of the country, such as the Eastern Yellow Robin. These findings provide empirical evidence to support the view that plantings will support greater bird richness if habitat complexity is increased.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 193 of 198 pages 181. Avian flashpoint: will birds cope with increased prescribed burning in northern Australia? Stephen Murphy , Sarah Legge & Joanne Heathcote Australian Wildlife Conservancy, AUSRALIA

In northern Australia, vast & frequent fires erode the habitat heterogeneity that maintains biodiversity. Early dry season (EDS) prescribed burning is a common management tool used to break up fuel loads and provide refugia for wildlife (and stock) later in the year, should a late dry season (LDS) fire occur. LDS fire suppression using EDS prescriptions is also accountable in the emerging carbon trading economy, which means that the amount of land burnt early in the year is likely to rise significantly. However, evidence for the benefits for biodiversity from EDS prescriptions is limited and inconsistent. Therefore it urgently requires further attention and refinement. Here we present results of an on-going autecological study that compares the demography, physiology and reproductive success of individually marked red-backed fairy-wrens that experience EDS and LDS fires, and a control, unburnt treatment. Most (94%) birds were resighted after the EDS fire, although they lost weight, and their territory size increased significantly in order to incorporate unburnt habitat. Importantly, the number of entire territories supported by the EDS burnt area was dramatically reduced. Comparative results from the LDS fire will be presented, including whether or not the EDS burnt area acted as a refuge. When considered together, these results significantly increase our understanding of the effects of different fires on savanna-dependent birds and other wildlife, which is vital given the imminent changes in northern Australia’s landscapes.

Page 194 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 182. Bird atlassing in Natural Resource Management Regions: case studies of three projects in regional Queensland Chris Sanderson 1, Glenn Ehmke 1, Mike Weston 1 & Mark Antos 1,2 1 Birds Australia, Melbourne, VIC, AUSTRALIA (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Parks Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, AUSTRALIA (present address)

In Australia, the federal government delivers resources for Natural Resource Management (NRM) through 56 Regional Groups who are responsible for on-ground implementation of agreed strategies. Biodiversity monitoring is an often neglected yet important component of NRM in Australia. Birds Australia has been working with ten NRM Regional Groups in a pilot study to investigate using volunteers to collect useful biodiversity monitoring data. This talk will focus on the three Queensland regions: Mackay-Whitsundays, Fitzroy Basin (around Rockhampton) and Burnett-Mary (around Bundaberg). The projects are based on NRM questions identified by the Regional NRM Groups and volunteers, and the experimental designs account for regional volunteer capacity. Volunteers visit fixed sites four times per year, except in the case of Burnett-Mary where analysis is based on all Atlas of Australian Birds surveys from the region. The survey methodology is based on the Atlas survey methods, primarily the 2 hectare 20 minute survey type. Volunteer capacity and uptake of the project has been very different in each region, with some regions having many volunteers and others only a few. Each region also has its own political and environmental considerations, and all these things must be taken into account when analysing and interpreting results. The main findings and their implications for NRM will be presented.

Australasian Ornithological Conference, 2007, Perth, Western Australia Page 195 of 198 pages 183. Attracting native nectar-feeding birds into towns and cities in New Zealand E.B. Spurr 1, J. Innes 2 & R.G. Powlesland 3 1 Landcare Research, Lincoln, NEW ZEALAND (Presenting author: [email protected] ) 2 Landcare Research, Hamilton, NEW ZEALAND 3 Department of Conservation, Wellington, NEW ZEALAND

Three native nectar-feeding birds (tui, bellbird, and silvereye) occur in New Zealand towns and cities, but only the latter is common. Here we review research on movements, feeding, and breeding of tui in and around Hamilton (JI), New Plymouth (RGP), and Invercargill (RGP), and bellbirds in and around Christchurch (EBS). Both species breed in native forest patches outside some towns and cities during spring and summer, and visit urban areas for seasonal food sources, especially in winter. The most common foods consumed are nectar from winter-flowering exotics such as banksia, bottlebrush, camellia, eucalypt, and prunus species, and from natives such as puriri, kowhai, flax, and fuchsia. Both birds also eat fruit, and drink sugar-water provided by the public. Tui will fly 20 km to these seasonal food sources, and bellbirds at least 10 km. Nesting success of both species is low, mainly due to predation by introduced mammals. The number of birds that visit towns and cities can probably be increased by predator control in native forest patches, where the birds breed. However, neither food nor predation is thought to be preventing birds breeding in urban areas because food is apparently abundant, and most birds simply do not stay and attempt nesting. The most likely limiting factor is the tendency of juveniles to breed in their natal areas and/or within hearing distance of other birds. We propose experiments such as translocation of birds into cities, and using song playback to encourage birds to remain there, to directly test this hypothesis.

Page 196 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007 THE FOURTH BIENNIAL ORNIHOLOGICAL CONFERENCE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE SUPPORT OF THE FOLLOWING

Dampier Salt Limited

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Page 198 of 198 pages Australasian Ornithological Conference, Perth, Western Australia, 2007