DOCSLIB.ORG

Australasian Grebe Activity on a Flood-Retarding Basin

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Australasian Grebe Activity on a Flood-Retarding Basin 142 AUSTRALIAN FIELD ORNITHOLOGY 2010, 27, 142–145 Australasian Grebe Activity on a Flood-retarding Basin VIRGIL HUBREGTSE 6 Saniky Street, Notting Hill, Victoria 3168 Summary This paper reports observations of breeding activity of Australasian Grebes Tachybaptus novaehollandiae, the movement and survival of a nest when the water-level rose rapidly, and an intruding Grebe feeding one of the resident birds’ young. Introduction The Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae is widely distributed in Australia. It is found on a variety of shallow bodies of fresh water, from small dams to large lakes and marshes, mostly with some fringing vegetation. It is secretive and wary, and usually occurs singly or in monogamous pairs. The nest consists of a soggy platform of waterweeds, usually not far from the shore, and is concealed amongst vegetation. Young birds are fed by the parents until they are old enough to find their own food, and are fully independent at 8 weeks of age. Breeding losses are thought to be high because of fluctuating water-levels, weather and predation (Marchant & Higgins 1990). Between October 2006 and April 2010, Grebes nested eight times on the flood- retarding basin located at the Clayton campus of Monash University in suburban Melbourne, Victoria. Despite occasionally adverse conditions, only one nesting attempt failed. This paper includes a report of the movement and survival of a nest and eggs when there was a rapid rise in water-level, and observations of an intruding Grebe feeding one of the resident birds’ young. The location The flood-retarding basin at the Clayton campus of Monash University is ~200 m long. At the wider (western) end it is ~80 m across. There is a patch of bulrushes Typha sp. at each end, and an outlet covered by a grille near the eastern end, for excess water to flow through. Observations The observations were made opportunistically, generally three times per week, during walks around the flood-retarding basin since 2000. 2002 Australasian Grebes were first observed on the basin on 5 May 2002, when two birds were present. Approximately 4 years and 5 months elapsed before this species was seen there again. VOL. 27 (3) SEPTEMBER 2010 Australasian Grebe Breeding Behaviour 143 2006–2007 In October 2006, two Grebes were present and nested in the bulrushes at the western end of the basin, raising five young. In February 2007 the Grebes built another nest in the bulrushes, near where the first had been. This nest failed, presumably because of intrusive and noisy construction activity nearby; the Grebes often swam near the eastern end of the basin, but they made no attempt to nest there, possibly because of frequent human activity. Both Grebes stayed on the basin for some time, but both eventually departed. One bird was present on 11 September 2007, and one was seen from time to time until January 2008. 2008 Late in January, two Grebes built a nest among the waterweeds in the north- western section of the basin. One of the birds was on the nest on 3 February and subsequently. On the morning of 7 February the nest was gone after heavy overnight rain and a rise in water-level. What may have been the remains of the nest were floating several metres from the nest-site. The Grebes were not seen for more than 2 weeks, but on 23 February they were calling from near the bulrushes at the western end of the basin. The following day they were seen at the same place with four tiny chicks. From 6 March to 22 April only one adult and three young birds were seen, but on 23 April all six birds were present. By 7 June only two adults and one young remained, and they left in June or July. By 2 November, a pair of Grebes had nested in the bulrushes at the western end of the basin and raised three young. 2009 During January, a pair of Grebes built a nest out in the open at the western end of the retarding basin and occupied it for ~4 weeks. On 24 February there were young in the nest, and 3 days later the adult Grebes were seen swimming with three young. During the second and third weeks of March usually one but sometimes two ‘new’ adult Grebes, in breeding plumage, were present. The resident Grebes seemed to spend more time trying to chase away the newcomers than feeding their own young. On 28 March three adult Grebes were present, and each was feeding a young one; each group of two Grebes was well separated from the others. On 30 March one young bird was diving frequently, and the adults were rejecting the young. On 6 April the three groups of two were still intact, although one young bird was chased when it snatched a food item from a surfacing adult. The three adults were chasing the young birds, which were now about full size. AUSTRALIAN 144 HUBREGTSE FIELD ORNITHOLOGY From 7 April one of the young Grebes seemed independent, and on 10, 12 and 13 April just one of the three young birds was pestering an adult for food, but without success. On 27 April and subsequently only two adult Grebes, presumably the original pair, were present on the retarding basin. Later in 2009 a pair of Grebes raised four young, two in September and two in December. The latter nest survived inundation, unlike a nearby Eurasian Coots’ Fulica atra nest that failed. 2010 In March the Grebes raised three young. Previously, they had not bred so late at this location. Discussion Rising water-level and disappearance of the nest When the water-level in the retarding basin rose, on 7 February 2008, somehow the eggs and at least part of the nest must have been saved, because, with an incubation period of ~23 days (Fjeldså 2004) there was not time for the birds to build, lay and incubate again: the chicks were only a few days old when seen on 24 February. Although it is possible that the motion of the rising water moved the nest, it is unlikely that it would have concealed the nest in the bulrushes. There is no mention by Marchant & Higgins (1990) of Grebes being able to move their nest or eggs, but there is a suggestion that breeding losses are ‘probably high, caused by fluctuating water-levels, weather and predation.’ The intruder feeding the residents’ young Although Marchant & Higgins (1990) referred to young Australasian Grebes helping feed younger siblings (a behaviour not yet observed in the Grebes at the retarding basin), and Fjeldså (2004) mentioned parent birds separating, each caring for one or two chicks, neither said anything about adult birds other than the parents feeding the young. In this case, whether or not the ‘intruder’ was related to the breeding pair cannot be determined, although it is known that Tachybaptus grebes may leave and return to their natal waterbody; perhaps the third adult had some social bond with the breeding pair, and was accepted for that reason (J. Fjeldså pers. comm.). The dangerous grille Although several offspring of both Pacific Black Ducks Anas superciliosa and Australian Wood Ducks Chenonetta jubata have fallen through the grille covering the outlet of the retarding basin (pers. obs.), as has happened to ducks elsewhere (Steele 2008), so far this has not happened to any young Grebes, even though they swam near the grille occasionally. In January 2010 a new grille, which should be safe for young birds, was installed (pers. obs). VOL. 27 (3) SEPTEMBER 2010 Australasian Grebe Breeding Behaviour 145 Breeding performance To date, 22 young Grebes have been raised on the retarding basin. Only one nest failed, and that was apparently because of inadvertent human interference. Tachybaptus species can be prolific breeders: a pair of Least Grebes T. dominicus laid 35 eggs in eight clutches and raised 24 young in 10 months (Fjeldså 2004). Acknowledgements Grateful thanks go to Andrew Ley for considerable help with the manuscript. Jon Fjeldså made valuable comments on a draft. References Fjeldså, J. (2004), The Grebes, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK. Marchant, S. & Higgins, P.J. (Eds) (1990), Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, vol. 1, Oxford University Press, Melbourne. Steele, W. (2008), ‘A cluster of duck deaths at the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee, Victoria, during 2005–06’, Australian Field Ornithology 25, 109–120. Received 19 June 2009, revised 31 May 2010 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Aberrant Plumages in Grebes Podicipedidae
    André Konter Aberrant plumages in grebes Podicipedidae An analysis of albinism, leucism, brown and other aberrations in all grebe species worldwide Aberrant plumages in grebes Podicipedidae in grebes plumages Aberrant Ferrantia André Konter Travaux scientifiques du Musée national d'histoire naturelle Luxembourg www.mnhn.lu 72 2015 Ferrantia 72 2015 2015 72 Ferrantia est une revue publiée à intervalles non réguliers par le Musée national d’histoire naturelle à Luxembourg. Elle fait suite, avec la même tomaison, aux TRAVAUX SCIENTIFIQUES DU MUSÉE NATIONAL D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE DE LUXEMBOURG parus entre 1981 et 1999. Comité de rédaction: Eric Buttini Guy Colling Edmée Engel Thierry Helminger Mise en page: Romain Bei Design: Thierry Helminger Prix du volume: 15 € Rédaction: Échange: Musée national d’histoire naturelle Exchange MNHN Rédaction Ferrantia c/o Musée national d’histoire naturelle 25, rue Münster 25, rue Münster L-2160 Luxembourg L-2160 Luxembourg Tél +352 46 22 33 - 1 Tél +352 46 22 33 - 1 Fax +352 46 38 48 Fax +352 46 38 48 Internet: http://www.mnhn.lu/ferrantia/ Internet: http://www.mnhn.lu/ferrantia/exchange email: [email protected] email: [email protected] Page de couverture: 1. Great Crested Grebe, Lake IJssel, Netherlands, April 2002 (PCRcr200303303), photo A. Konter. 2. Red-necked Grebe, Tunkwa Lake, British Columbia, Canada, 2006 (PGRho200501022), photo K. T. Karlson. 3. Great Crested Grebe, Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, Netherlands, August 2006 (PCRcr200602012), photo C. van Rijswik. Citation: André Konter 2015. - Aberrant plumages in grebes Podicipedidae - An analysis of albinism, leucism, brown and other aberrations in all grebe species worldwide. Ferrantia 72, Musée national d’histoire naturelle, Luxembourg, 206 p.
    [Show full text]
  • Brolga Preying on Grebe Eggs
    Australian Field Ornithology 2020, 37, 119–123 http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo37119123 First observation of a Brolga Antigone rubicunda preying on eggs and of ‘water-kicking’ behaviour by Australasian Grebes Tachybaptus novaehollandiae as a nest-defence 1 Helen I. Dunne1 and Elinor C. Scambler2* 1‘Mt Benmore’, Marlborough QLD 4705, Australia 2P.O. Box 1383, Atherton QLD 4883, Australia *Corresponding author. Email: [email protected] Abstract. We report a novel observation of Australian waterbird behaviour: a Brolga Antigone rubicunda preying on eggs of the Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaeholliandiae, the first record of birds’ eggs in the diet of a crane in Australia. We also report ‘water-kicking’ by the Australasian Grebe, the first record of this anti-predator behaviour in the species. Neither Brolga diet nor display behaviours of the Australasian Grebe have been systematically investigated, and we suggest avenues for further studies of egg predation and parental defence behaviours in waterbird breeding wetlands. Introduction studies on Brolgas foraging, and for our understanding of distraction displays in the Australasian Grebe. Cranes are opportunistic omnivores (Mirande & Harris 2019), and the Brolga Antigone rubicunda is one of Study site several species that consume a significant proportion of animal foods (Gowland 1983; Marchant & Higgins 1993), Observations were made over 2 days in February 2019 especially in the breeding season (Sundar et al. 2019). We at ‘Mt Benmore’, a cattle-grazing property at 150 m asl, found eight published records of cranes (all in the genus 100 km north-west of Rockhampton (23°22′S, 150°30′E: Antigone) preying on birds’ eggs, but to date eggs have not Figure 1).
    [Show full text]
  • Australasian Little Grebe (Tachybaptus Novaehollandiae) Breeding on Whangarei Sewerage Wetlands, New Zealand, 2015–2017
    16 Notornis, 2019, Vol. 66: 16-22 0029-4470 © The Ornithological Society of New Zealand Inc. Australasian little grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) breeding on Whangarei sewerage wetlands, New Zealand, 2015–2017 A. J. BEAUCHAMP 17 Bellbird Avenue Onerahi, Whangarei 0110, New Zealand Abstract: Australasian little grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) was detected at the Whangarei sewerage wetlands at Kioreroa Road, in September–October 1996, and since 2012 has attempted to breed. Between October 2015 and April 2017, a pair of grebes produced 4 fledglings from 5 nesting attempts. Adults fed chicks for 26–29 days by diving in open areas with swamp lily (Ottelia avalifolia). Fledglings began independent foraging between 19 and 26 days old. Fledglings were not seen at the site after reaching c. 55-days old. The young from late clutches left the natal site in March–April, 3 weeks after their parents were last detected there. The site was not used by any grebes in June and July. Beauchamp, A.J. 2019. Australasian little grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) breeding on Whangarei sewerage wetlands, New Zealand, 2015–2017. Notornis 66(1): 16–22. Keywords: Podicipedidae, Northland, Australasian little grebe, tertiary sewerage wetlands INTRODUCTION 1990). There is evidence of autumn and winter The Australasian little grebe (Tachybaptus flocking, as well as movements associated with novaehollandiae) is a small recently self-introduced dry and wet seasonality (Marchant & Higgins breeding wetland bird in New Zealand (Chance 1990). Egg laying is asynchronous, and incubation 1969; Checklist Committee 2010). The global is estimated at c. 23 days (Marchant et al. 1989). In estimated is between 25,000 and a million birds some situations, the young remain at or near the (Marchant & Higgins 1990).
    [Show full text]
  • 38 Volunteers • 819 Wetland Birds • 36 Grebes • Waioneke School Children
    SOUTH KAIPARA LAKES SURVEY AND DABCHICK CENSUS FOR 25TH APRIL 2019 COMPILED BY DENISE POYNER – JANUARY 2020 It’s a bit late. However, I’m in the head space to write up the 2019 report for the Dabchick Census completed on 25th April 2019. 38 volunteers 819 wetland birds 36 grebes Waioneke school A puzzle or two Health & Safety children attend again Update on activities Bird Atlas It’s important, I believe, to maintain a sense of what the survey is about and what it entails. This is a scientific survey where at least some insight into the process is provided in each report. The survey was started in 1969. It is run by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand (aka Birds New Zealand), and is particular to the Auckland region of this organisation. The survey is held annually on only one day of the year being 25th April. We do this regardless of the weather. Volunteers who come along are placed in groups with a knowledgeable birding person to help identity the birds they are seeing. At the end of the count we enjoy a barbecue hosted by a local South Head resident and South Kaipara Landcare (SKL). The volunteer group is a mix of SKL members, Birds NZ members, South Head residents and interested parties. As we have sixteen active sites with water in them, it is great to have a good number of volunteers. On the day we had 38 volunteers attend. This is a great number to have along to help with the count. We have twenty-five sites in our records.
    [Show full text]
  • Waterbirds & Raptors of Coastal
    Waterbirds & Raptors of Coastal SEQ An Identification Guide Trevor Ford Map of Coastal SEQ Waterbirds & Raptors of Coastal SEQ R Inglis An Identification Guide Trevor Ford 1 First published in 2011. This booklet may not be produced or transmitted in whole or part, in any form, without prior permission from the author. Printed by Platypus Graphics, Stafford, Brisbane, Qld. The photographs of the Australasian Grebe on the front cover and the roosting Royal Spoonbills on the back cover were taken by Robert Inglis. The photograph on page one is of an Eastern Osprey. The photograph below is of a mixed flock of ducks and geese. The Coastal SEQ map (inside front cover) identifies the five funding councils. W Jolly 2 Contents Page Introduction 4 Waterbirds 4 Raptors 5 Conservation 5 Birding locations 6 Sunshine Coast 6 Moreton Bay 7 Brisbane 7 Redlands 7 Gold Coast 8 Species identification 8 Identification guide 9 Waterbirds 10 Raptors 51 Index of species 66 Acknowledgements 68 3 Introduction This booklet provides an introduction to the waterbirds and raptors of coastal South East Queensland (SEQ), detailing conservation challenges and providing an outline of some easily-accessible sites where many of these species can be seen. The main section of the booklet is an identification guide, describing the waterbirds and raptors that are most likely to be encountered in the region. Hopefully, by raising the general awareness of these special birds and the problems that they face, actions will be taken to help them survive. Waterbirds The waterbirds covered in this booklet come from a diverse range of bird groups that includes grebes, cormorants, herons, spoonbills, ibises, ducks, geese, swans, cranes, gallinules, rails and crakes.
    [Show full text]
  • Supplementary Methods S1
    1 Validation methods for trophic niche models 2 3 To assign links between nodes (species), we used trophic niche-space models (e.g., [1]). 4 Each of these models has two quantile regressions that define the prey-size range a 5 predator of a given size is predicted to consume. Species whose body mass is within the 6 range of a predator’s prey size, as identified by the trophic niche-space model, are predicted 7 to be prey, while those outside the range are predicted not to be eaten. 8 9 The broad taxonomy of a predator helps to predict predation interactions [2]. To optimize 10 our trophic niche-space model, we therefore tested whether including taxonomic class of 11 predators improved the fit of quantile regressions. Using trophic (to identify which species 12 were predators), body mass, and taxonomic data, we fitted and compared five quantile 13 regression models (including a null model) to the GloBI data. In each model, we log10- 14 transformed the dependent variable prey body mass, and included for the independent 15 variables different combinations of log10-transformed predator body mass, predator class, 16 and the interaction between these variables (Supplementary Table S4). We log10- 17 transformed both predator and prey body mass to linearize the relationship between these 18 variables. We fit the five quantile regressions to the upper and lower 5% of prey body mass, 19 and compared model fits using the Bayesian information criterion (BIC). The predator body 20 mass*predator class model fit the 95th quantile data best, whereas the predator body mass 21 + predator class model fit the 5th quantile data marginally better than the aforementioned 22 interaction model (Supplementary Figure S2, Supplementary Table S4).
    [Show full text]
  • Macleod Morass These Wetlands Located Close to the Centre of Bairnsdale Are Birds Recognised Internationally As a Ramsar Wetland
    Macleod Morass These wetlands located close to the centre of Bairnsdale are Birds recognised internationally as a Ramsar wetland. that may be seen at Home for many resident species of native birds, a breeding site for wetland birds, and attracting seasonal migratory visitors, Macleod Morass is an excellent place to observe a wide range of water birds and raptors. Macleod Morass There is always some water in the morass, including treated water from the nearby waste water treatment ponds. Tracks are level and well maintained and there are picnic tables and two bird hides. Macleod Morass can be accessed from On the web at Bosworth Rd. off Forge Creek Rd. Bairnsdale. www.birdlife.org.au/locations/ birdlife-east-gippsland Postal Address Box 825 Bairnsdale, Victoria, 3875 Email [email protected] See also East Gippsland Birding Guide Bairnsdale hp://www.birdlife.org.au/locaons/birdlife-east- Other Brochures available: gippsland/publicaons-eg Birding Guides are available for Bairnsdale, Bruthen & Nowa Nowa, Buchan, Lake Tyers, Lakes Entrance, Lindenow & Mitchell River Naonal Park, Mallacoota, Marlo, Metung, Nicholson, Omeo and Paynesville. Bird Check Lists are available for Buchan Caves, Cann River, Den Updated Jan 2019 of Nargun, Fairy Dell, Gippsland Lakes, Lake Tyers & Fishermans Landing, Macleod Morass, Nyerimilang, Omeo, Oneonta, and Raymond Island. Marlo and Mallacoota have 2 brochures each, (1. Waterbirds and 2. Bush birds). Species Species Species Species Species Musk Duck Australian White Ibis Masked Lapwing Superb Fairy-wren
    [Show full text]
  • Great Crested Grebe Hoary-Headed Grebe Australasian Grebe Australian Pelican Australasian Darter Emu Pied Cormorant Little Pied
    Great Crested Grebe Hoary-headed Grebe Australasian Grebe Australian Pelican Australasian Darter Emu Pied Cormorant Little Pied Cormorant Black-tailed Native Hen Great Cormorant Little Black Cormorant Purple Swamp Hen Pacific (White-necked) Heron Collared Sparrowhawk Little Eagle Eastern Great Egret Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Regent Parrot Tawny Frogmouth Crimson Rosella Black-fronted Dotterel Nankeen Night Heron Australian White (Sacred) Ibis Stone Curlew Chestnut-crowned Babbler White-winged Fairywren Grey Shrike thrush Royal Spoonbill Yellow-billed Spoonbill Hooded Robin Black Swan Freckled Duck Weebill Jacky winter Australian Shelduck Chestnut-rumped thornbill Pacific Black Duck Grey Teal Restless Flycatcher Southern Whiteface Australasian Shoveller Little Friarbird Pink-eared Duck Hardhead (White-eyed) Duck Varied Sittella Maned (Wood) Duck Blue-faced honeyeater White-fronted honeyeater Musk Duck Brown Treecreeper Crimson Chat Black shouldered Kite Black Kite White-eared honeyeater Whistling Kite Brown Goshawk Whiskered Tern White-bellied Sea Eagle Wedge-tailed Eagle Striped Honeyeater Swamp Harrier Brown-headed honeyeater Mistletoe bird Masked Woodswallow Nankeen Kestrel Grey Currawong Australian Magpie Feral Pigeon/Rock Dove White-winged Chough Black-faced Woodswallow Peaceful Dove Little Crow Crested Pigeon Apostlebird Dusky Woodswallow Galah Little Corella Dusky Moorhen White-breasted Woodswallow Pied Butcherbird Eurasian Coot Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike Cockatiel Masked Lapwing White-winged Triller Red-rumped Parrot Red-kneed Dotterel
    [Show full text]
  • Template for Stilt
    The JournalStilt for the East Asian-Australasian Flyway AWSG Number 73-74 • November 2020 Australasian Wader Studies Group OFFICE BEARERS Chair: Alison Russell-French Email: [email protected] Vice Chair: Birgita Hansen Email: [email protected] Chair of Scientific Committee: Danny Rogers Email: [email protected] Editor: Imogen Warren Email: [email protected] Stilt Secretary: (Interim) Alison Russell-French ISSN 0726-1888 Email: [email protected] © AWSG Treasurer: (Interim) Birgita Hansen Email: [email protected] Conservation Officer: Steve Klose MISSION STATEMENT Email: [email protected] To ensure the future of waders and their habitats in INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES Australia through research and conservation programmes and to encourage and assist similar programmes in the NEW ZEALAND rest of the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. North Island: Adrian Riegen Email: [email protected] OBJECTIVES South Island: Rob Schuckard Email: [email protected] . Monitor wader populations through a programme of counting and banding in order to collect data on OTHER COMMITTEE MEMBERS changes on a local, national and international basis. Study the migrations of waders through a programme Robert Bush, Maureen Christie, Joris Driessen, of counting, banding, colour flagging, collection of Amelia Formby, Ken Gosbell, Chris Hassell, Roz biometric data and use of appropriate scientific Jessop, Marcel Klaassen, Amanda Lilleyman, Grace instruments. Maglio, Adrian Riegen and Dan Weller. Instigate and encourage other scientific studies of waders such as feeding and breeding studies. MEMBERSHIP OF THE AUSTRALASIAN . Communicate the results of these studies to a wide WADER STUDIES GROUP audience through its journal Stilt and membership newsletter the Tattler, other journals, the internet, the Membership of the AWSG is open to anyone interested media, conferences and lectures.
    [Show full text]
  • Hasties Swamp Bird Species
    Hasties Swamp Bird Species Australian Brush-turkey Nankeen Night-Heron Wood Sandpiper White-throated Gerygone Magpie-lark Red-rumped Swallow - R Orange-footed Scrubfowl Glossy Ibis Red-necked Stint Buff-rumped Thornbill Pied Monarch - E Bassian Thrush Stubble Quail Australian White Ibis Pectoral Sandpiper Mountain Thornbill - E Yellow-breasted Boatbill Metallic Starling Brown Quail Straw-necked Ibis Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Spotted Pardalote Victoria's Riflebird - E Common Myna - I Magpie Goose Royal Spoonbill Ruff - R Striated Pardalote Pale-yellow Robin Mistletoebird Plumed Whistling-Duck Yellow-billed Spoonbill Red-backed Button-quail Eastern Spinebill Eastern Yellow Robin Olive-backed Sunbird Wandering Whistling-Duck Black-shouldered Kite Painted Button-quail Lewin's Honeyeater Grey-headed Robin - E Red-browed Finch Freckled Duck Square-tailed Kite Australian Pratincole Bridled Honeyeater - E Horsfield's Bushlark Nutmeg Mannikin - I Black Swan Pacific Baza Caspian Tern Yellow-faced Honeyeater Golden-headed Cisticola Chestnut-breasted Mannikin Radjah Shelduck White-bellied Sea-Eagle Whiskered Tern Noisy Miner Australian Reed-Warbler Australasian Pipit Australian Wood Duck Whistling Kite Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Scarlet Honeyeater Tawny Grassbird Eastern Yellow Wagtail Pink-eared Duck Brahminy Kite Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Brown Honeyeater Silvereye Cotton Pygmy-goose Black Kite Rainbow Lorikeet White-cheeked Honeyeater Barn Swallow 231 species Green Pygmy-goose Brown Goshawk Scaly-breasted Lorikeet White-throated Honeyeater Welcome Swallow Australasian Shoveler Collared Sparrowhawk Little Lorikeet White-naped Honeyeater Fairy Martin E - Wet Tropics endemics Grey Teal Grey Goshawk Crimson Rosella Blue-faced Honeyeater Tree Martin I - Introduced birds Chestnut Teal Spotted Harrier Pale-headed Rosella Noisy Friarbird Pacific Black Duck Swamp Harrier Pheasant Coucal Macleay's Honeyeater - E Hardhead Wedge-tailed Eagle Eastern Koel Eastern Whipbird List by members & friends of BirdLife.
    [Show full text]
  • Cairns Highlands
    Bird watching in the tropics The Cairns Highlands has a wide variety of habitats such as Cairns Highlands riverine, wetland, woodland, rainforest, grassland, agricultural and Cairns parkland and also has one of the largest avifauna of any region The Cairns Highlands has long been a favourite destination in Australia. for locals from the coast. Plenty of quality accommodation is available to suit all styles of travel — bed and breakfast Highlands It is home to over 300 species of birds and 12 of these are local houses, self-contained cottages, motels, caravan parks and endemics, being: camping grounds. Bird Watching Capital of Australia Fernwren: • generally seen in the higher altitude rainforests. Marvel at the picturesque volcanic crater lakes, cascading Atherton Scrubwren: • higher altitude rainforests. waterfalls, rainforest and woodland scenery. Numerous national Mountain Thornbill: • higher altitude rainforests. parks provide for ample bushwalking opportunities and the Macleay’s Honeyeater: • common at lower and mid altitudes in rich fertile soils offer a cornucopia of local produce. Tasting rooms and around rainforest areas for coffee, tea, cheese and tropical wines welcome visitors. Bridled Honeyeater: • common, found in rainforest and adjacent Other attractions abound with nature parks allowing woodlands. up close viewing of native animals. • Grey-headed Robin: common in rainforest, generally at higher altitudes. The elevation of the Cairns Highlands makes • Chowchilla: easiest when calling in the early morning, higher our climate very pleasant all year round. altitude rainforest. It is a place to explore and enjoy in • Bower’s Shrike-Thrush: fairly easy to find in higher altitude all seasons. rainforests. • Pied Monarch: throughout except at highest altitudes.
    [Show full text]
  • Back Matter (PDF)
    RECENT ORNITHOLOGICAL LITERATURE, No. 73 Supplement to: TheAuk, Vol.114, No. 3, July19971 TheIbis, Vol.139, No. 3, July19972 Publishedby the AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS'UNION, the BRITISHORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, and the ROYAL AUSTRALASIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION CONTENTS New Journals .............................................. 2 GeneralBiology ............................................ 41 Behavior and Vocalizations ................................ 3 General .................................................. 41 Conservation ............................................... 5 Afrotropical............................................. 42 Diseases,Parasites & Pathology........................... 9 Antarctic and Subantarctic .............................. 42 Distribution ................................................ 10 Australasia and Oceania ................................. 43 Afrotropical............................................. 10 Europe................................................... 44 Australasia and Oceania ................................. 11 Indomalayan............................................. 48 Europe................................................... 12 Nearctic and Greenland ................................. 48 Indomalayan............................................. 17 Neotropical.............................................. 52 Nearctic and Greenland ................................. 17 North Africa & Middle East ............................. 53 Neotropical.............................................. 19 Northern Asia
    [Show full text]