DOCSLIB.ORG

Living Rufous Whistlers, Pachycephala Rufiventris

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Living Rufous Whistlers, Pachycephala Rufiventris Hormones and Behavior 39, 185–194 (2001) doi:10.1006/hbeh.2001.1644, available online at http://www.idealibrary.com on The Influence of Testosterone on Territorial Defence and Parental Behavior in Male Free- Living Rufous Whistlers, Pachycephala rufiventris P. G. McDonald,*,1 W. A. Buttemer,* and L. B. Astheimer† *Department of Biological Sciences and †Department of Biomedical Science, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia Received July 6, 1999; revised September 14, 2000; accepted January 2, 2001 We studied a population of rufous whistlers, tris; aggression; call rates; Challenge Hypothesis; incu- Pachycephala rufiventris, throughout a single breeding bation dynamics; testosterone implants. season in central New South Wales, Australia. We eval- uated the relation between plasma testosterone (T) and reproductive behaviors using both simulated territorial Prior to the onset of breeding, male birds experience intrusions (STIs) and subcutaneous T implants. We com- an increase in circulating testosterone (T) above levels pared circulating T values to aggression levels of males (using STI) during pair bond and territory establishment maintained in nonbreeding periods, facilitating go- and again during incubation. Although plasma T levels nadal recrudescence, sperm production, and the ex- were significantly lower in the latter period, male re- pression of male secondary sexual characteristics (see sponsiveness to STI, in terms of proximity to decoy, call Wingfield and Moore, 1987; Wingfield, Hegner, Dufty, rate, and number of attacks on the decoy, was indistin- and Ball, 1990, for reviews). However, in many spe- guishable between the two breeding stages. T levels of cies, free-living males have notably higher seasonal males exposed to STI were not different from the levels excursions of T than captive conspecifics (Wingfield, of unexposed free-living males at the same breeding 1980; Wingfield and Moore, 1987; Wingfield et al., stage. The effect of exogenous T on parental behavior 1990). This difference is thought to arise from frequent was examined by comparing duration of incubation conspecific agonistic interactions experienced while bouts of males and their mates prior to and after T treatment. T males significantly reduced the amount of establishing territories and/or defending a mate time they incubated following implantation, whereas (Wingfield et al., 1990). Because the intensity of aggres- Control males maintained their incubation effort. After sive behavior is often facilitated by elevated plasma T cessation of breeding activities, T males displayed sig- (e.g., Arnold, 1975; Harding, 1981; Nowicki and Ball, nificantly higher call rates due to increased use of the 1989; Wingfield and Farner, 1993), attainment of high primary intersexual advertisement call in this species. circulating T during periods of frequent agonistic in- The reduction of incubation behavior following T implan- teraction may be advantageous. These behavioral in- tation emphasises the functional significance of the fluences on T secretion in breeding males were for- rapid decline in T in free-living males during incubation. malized in a paradigm by Wingfield (1985), Wingfield, The results from both experiments suggest that inter- sexual advertisement, rather than territorial aggression, Ball, Dufty, Hegner, and Ramenofsky (1987), and may be dependent on high T levels in this species. © 2001 Wingfield et al. (1990) called the “Challenge Hypoth- Academic Press esis.” This model predicts that T levels are elevated Key Words: testosterone; parental care; simulated ter- above a breeding season baseline (a level adequate for ritorial intrusion; rufous whistler; Pachycephala rufiven- gonadal recrudescence and expression of male sec- ondary sex characteristics) only when males are “chal- lenged” by conspecifics or during periods of frequent male–male agonistic interactions, thereby increasing 1 To whom correspondence should be addressed at current ad- dress: Division of Botany and Zoology, Australian National Univer- the intensity (and presumably improving the out- sity, Canberra, Australia. Fax: 0011 61 02 6125 5573. E-mail: come) of aggressive encounters. [email protected]. Testosterone influences the intensity of aggression 0018-506X/01 $35.00 Copyright © 2001 by Academic Press All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. 185 186 McDonald, Buttemer, and Astheimer in many species, but such aggression may be counter- propriate reproductive behaviors in a migratory Aus- productive for males engaged in parental care. In spe- tralian old endemic, we asked whether (1) the inten- cies with biparental care, males typically show a rapid sity of STI responses correlates with plasma T levels in reduction in circulating T levels with the onset of males and (2) experimentally elevated T levels in in- parental duties (Wingfield and Moore, 1987; Wingfield cubating males influence parental care. et al., 1990). Experimental elevation of T levels in males of such species decreases their level of parental care in favor of persisting with more aggressive activities METHODS characteristic of the early breeding period (e.g., Sil- verin, 1980; Wingfield, 1984, 1985; Hegner and Wing- Simulated Territorial Intrusions field, 1987; Vleck and Dobrott, 1993; Raouf, Parker, Ketterson, Nolan, and Zeigenfus, 1997). Wingfield and All field studies were carried out at Back Yamma collaborators (1990) also argue that the pattern of T State Forest in central western New South Wales, Aus- secretion is influenced by a species life history traits. tralia (148°10ЈE 33°20ЈS). Animal ethics approval was For example, males from polygynous, promiscuous, obtained from the Animal Ethics Committees of the or lekking species, which do not provide any parental State Forestry Department and Wollongong Univer- care to eggs or chicks, maintain elevated T levels sity (Ethics Permit No. AE97/18). Methods used were throughout most of the breeding season (see Wing- equivalent to or more stringent than NIH standards. field et al., 1990, for review). Although there is some controversy over terminology Theoretically then, plasma T levels reflect both a in this field, we have referred to all vocalizations made species’ mating system as well as an individual male’s by whistlers as “calls” rather than “songs” and we recent social history. To date, the majority of studies have further categorized them as six phonetically dis- examining the effect of T on parental care have fo- crete phrases which we termed “call types” (see Mc- cused on migratory, socially monogamous north tem- Donald, 2001, for details). Males and, to a lesser extent, perate passerines. In these species territoriality is usu- females used these call types to formulate what others ally abandoned after breeding events cease, with have termed songs (Bridges, 1992). All calls appear to many species then typically forming large migratory be used for more than one function; however, the flocks which move away from the breeding grounds extended song and short whistle calls are the primary to overwintering sites. In contrast, Australian rufous intersexual advertisement and territorial calls, respec- whistlers Pachycephala rufiventris aggressively defend tively, of this species (McDonald, 2001). all-purpose territories for the entire time they remain Simulated territorial intrusions (STIs) were carried on the breeding grounds before migration begins, in- out between 0600 and 1330 h using procedures based cluding a period of several months after breeding on those described by Wingfield et al. (1987). Briefly, a activities have ceased (Bridges, 1994a, b; McDonald, furled 12 ϫ 4 m mist net was placed within the terri- 2001). In other respects, rufous whistlers have a simi- tory of a focal male rufous whistler, with a covered lar life history to most north temperate passerine spe- cage containing an adult male rufous whistler (caught cies, being socially monogamous, territorial, and dis- earlier that day) placed under the closed net. A new playing biparental care. However, the Whistler family decoy male was used for each STI and in each case the (Pachycephalidae) are members of the corvine assem- bird was from a different area than the focal male. We blage of Australia’s old endemic passerines, believed observed the focal male for the next 10 min and re- to have evolved independently on this continent be- corded the type and frequency of calls and aggressive fore the arrival of Eurasian lineages (Boles, 1988; Rus- behaviors given. The caged decoy was then uncovered sell, 1989). Thus, by studying the influence of T on the and a tape recording of adult male rufous whistler breeding behavior of the rufous whistler we can see if calls was played through a speaker next to the decoy the pattern identified in north temperate birds is at a natural volume. The continuous loop tape con- shared by other phyla. Moreover, the few endocrine tained all six call types from a dawn chorus given by studies of Australian old endemics suggest that T an adult male from a different area of the forest. excursions may be reduced in amplitude (Borgia and The tape was played for 10 min, during which the Wingfield, 1991; Poiani and Fletcher, 1994) and there following behaviors were recorded: (1) time within 1 m may be less dependence on T to mediate reproductive of decoy cage, (2) time perched on decoy cage, (3) fly to activities (Astheimer and Buttemer, 1999). (male flies aggressively toward and within1mof To examine the importance of T in facilitating ap- decoy cage), (4) contact (male contacts cage), (5) bob, Testosterone and Male Whistler Behavior 187 and (6) tail flicks. Both bobs and tail flicks are stereotypic types were recorded for 10 min between 1030 and aggressive displays of this species. Bobs involve a 1100. The focal male was then caught in a mist net bow-like motion of the body with the bird’s head held placed within the bird’s territory (without using a STI), back and the tail lifted up, while tail flicks are simple and a 300-␮l blood sample collected for T determina- up and down movements of the tail with the bird’s tion and fitted with a unique combination of colored body in a normal perching position (see McDonald, leg bands.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • CITES Norfolk Island Boobook Review
    Original language: English AC28 Doc. 20.3.6 CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA ___________________ Twenty-eighth meeting of the Animals Committee Tel Aviv (Israel), 30 August-3 September 2015 Interpretation and implementation of the Convention Species trade and conservation Periodic review of species included in Appendices I and II (Resolution Conf 14.8 (Rev CoP16)) PERIODIC REVIEW OF NINOX NOVAESEELANDIAE UNDULATA 1. This document has been submitted by Australia.1 2. After the 25th meeting of the Animals Committee (Geneva, July 2011) and in response to Notification No. 2011/038, Australia committed to the evaluation of Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata as part of the Periodic review of the species included in the CITES Appendices. 3. This taxon is endemic to Australia. 4. Following our review of the status of this species, Australia recommends the transfer of Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata from CITES Appendix I to CITES Appendix II, in accordance with provisions of Resolution Conf. 9.24 (Rev CoP16), Annex 4 precautionary measure A.1. and A.2.a) i). 1 The geographical designations employed in this document do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the CITES Secretariat (or the United Nations Environment Programme) concerning the legal status of any country, territory, or area, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The responsibility for the contents of the document rests exclusively with its author. AC28 Doc. 20.3.6 – p. 1 AC28 Doc. 20.3.6 Annex CoP17 Prop. xx CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA ____________________ DRAFT PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE APPENDICES (in accordance with Annex 4 to Resolution Conf.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Intense Nest Predation in the Decline of Scarlet Robins and Eastern Yellow Robins in Remnant Woodland Near Armidale, New South Wales
    The role of intense nest predation in the decline of Scarlet Robins and Eastern Yellow Robins in remnant woodland near Armidale, New South Wales S. J. S. DEBDSI A study of open-nesting Eastern Yellow Robins Eopsaltria australis and Scarlet Robins Petroica multicolor, on the New England Tablelands of New South Wales in 2000-02, found Iow breeding success typical of eucalypt woodland birds. The role of intense nest predation in the loss of birds from woodland fragments was investigated by means of predator-exclusion cages at robin nests, culling of Pied Currawongs Strepera graculina, and monitoring of fledging and recruitment in the robins. Nest-cages significantly improved nest success (86% vs 20%) and fledging rate (1.6 vs 0.3 fledglings per attempt) for both robin species combined (n = 7 caged, 20 uncaged). For both robin species combined, culling of currawongs produced a twofold difference in nest success (33% vs 14%), a higher fledging rate (0.5 vs 0.3 per attempt), and a five-day difference in mean nest survival (18 vs 13 days) (n = 62 nests), although sample sizes for nests in the cull treatment (n = 18) were small and nest predation continued. Although the robin breeding population had not increased one year after the cull, the pool of Yellow Robin recruits in 2001-03, after enhanced fledging success, produced two emigrants to a patch where Yellow Robins had become extinct. Management to assist the conservation of open-nesting woodland birds should address control of currawongs. Key words: Woodland birds, Habitat fragmentation, Nest predation, Predator exclusion, Predator removal.
    [Show full text]
  • A 'Slow Pace of Life' in Australian Old-Endemic Passerine Birds Is Not Accompanied by Low Basal Metabolic Rates
    University of Wollongong Research Online Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health 1-1-2016 A 'slow pace of life' in Australian old-endemic passerine birds is not accompanied by low basal metabolic rates Claus Bech University of Wollongong Mark A. Chappell University of Wollongong, [email protected] Lee B. Astheimer University of Wollongong, [email protected] Gustavo A. Londoño Universidad Icesi William A. Buttemer University of Wollongong, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://ro.uow.edu.au/smhpapers Part of the Medicine and Health Sciences Commons, and the Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons Recommended Citation Bech, Claus; Chappell, Mark A.; Astheimer, Lee B.; Londoño, Gustavo A.; and Buttemer, William A., "A 'slow pace of life' in Australian old-endemic passerine birds is not accompanied by low basal metabolic rates" (2016). Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health - Papers: part A. 3841. https://ro.uow.edu.au/smhpapers/3841 Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: [email protected] A 'slow pace of life' in Australian old-endemic passerine birds is not accompanied by low basal metabolic rates Abstract Life history theory suggests that species experiencing high extrinsic mortality rates allocate more resources toward reproduction relative to self-maintenance and reach maturity earlier ('fast pace of life') than those having greater life expectancy and reproducing at a lower rate ('slow pace of life'). Among birds, many studies have shown that tropical species have a slower pace of life than temperate-breeding species.
    [Show full text]
  • Featured Photo the Subspecies of the Song Sparrow on Southeast Farallon Island and in Central California Oscar Johnson, P
    FEATURED PHOTO THE SUBSPECIES OF THE SONG SPARROW ON SOUTHEAST FARALLON ISLAND AND IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA OSCAR JOHNSON, P. O. Box 21903, Santa Barbara, California 93121; [email protected] PETER PYLE, The Institute for Bird Populations, P. O. Box 1346, Point Reyes Sta- tion, California, 94956; [email protected] JIM TIETZ, PRBO Conservation Science, 3820 Cypress Drive #11, Petaluma, Cali- fornia 94954; [email protected] The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is one of the most morphologically variable birds of North America. As many as 52 subspecies have been named, 39 of which were recognized by the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU 1957) and Paynter (1970) from Canada, the United States, Baja California, and central Mexico. In the latest taxonomic revision of the Song Sparrow, Patten and Pruett (2009) recognized 25 subspecies. The subspecies vary from small and pale in the desert Southwest (fallax) to large and dark in the Aleutian Islands (maxima), with a wide range of intermediates and other variations. Although the Song Sparrow has little or no prealternate molt, the appearance of the basic plumage, especially in subspecies of more open and drier habitats, is affected by wear. The upperparts generally become paler (grayer or browner) and less distinctly streaked from fall to spring, while the underparts become whiter (less buff or brownish) and more distinctly streaked in spring. The subspecies are migratory to various degrees, with some being resident, while others are short- distance or medium-distance migrants (AOU 1957, Arcese et al. 2002). Grinnell and Miller (1944) detailed the distribution of 18 subspecies of the Song Sparrow in California, including 12 characterized as “permanent residents,” four found only in winter, and two that breed in California and show at least some evidence of seasonal movement.
    [Show full text]
  • Life History Account for Song Sparrow
    California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Interagency Wildlife Task Group SONG SPARROW Melospiza melodia Family: EMBERIZIDAE Order: PASSERIFORMES Class: AVES B505 Written by: S. Granholm Reviewed by: L. Mewaldt Edited by: R. Duke DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND SEASONALITY A common resident of most of California, but avoids higher mountains and occurs only locally in southern deserts. In winter, most leave montane habitats; more abundant and widespread then in lowlands and deserts. At all seasons, prefers riparian, fresh or saline emergent wetland, and wet meadow habitats. Breeds in riparian thickets of willows, other shrubs, vines, tall herbs, and in fresh or saline emergent vegetation. Also breeds in damp thickets and coastal scrub of northern California and Channel Islands where fog drip and a moist climate compensate for a lack of surface water. In winter in much of northern California, also may be found far from water, in open habitats with thickets of shrubs or tall herbs. Usually avoids densely wooded habitats, except along forest edges. An uncommon resident in suitable habitat in southern deserts along western edge (very locally) and in Imperial and Colorado River valleys (Grinnell and Miller 1944, McCaskie et al. 1979, Garrett and Dunn 1981). SPECIFIC HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Feeding: Seeds are the most important foods in annual diet, but insects, spiders, other small invertebrates, make up almost half of diet in nesting season (Martin et al. 1961). Berries and other small fruits are minor foods. Regularly takes crustaceans and mollusks along coast. Usually forages on ground or in low vegetation, under cover of dense thickets or wetland vegetation.
    [Show full text]
  • Disaggregation of Bird Families Listed on Cms Appendix Ii
    Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 2nd Meeting of the Sessional Committee of the CMS Scientific Council (ScC-SC2) Bonn, Germany, 10 – 14 July 2017 UNEP/CMS/ScC-SC2/Inf.3 DISAGGREGATION OF BIRD FAMILIES LISTED ON CMS APPENDIX II (Prepared by the Appointed Councillors for Birds) Summary: The first meeting of the Sessional Committee of the Scientific Council identified the adoption of a new standard reference for avian taxonomy as an opportunity to disaggregate the higher-level taxa listed on Appendix II and to identify those that are considered to be migratory species and that have an unfavourable conservation status. The current paper presents an initial analysis of the higher-level disaggregation using the Handbook of the Birds of the World/BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World Volumes 1 and 2 taxonomy, and identifies the challenges in completing the analysis to identify all of the migratory species and the corresponding Range States. The document has been prepared by the COP Appointed Scientific Councilors for Birds. This is a supplementary paper to COP document UNEP/CMS/COP12/Doc.25.3 on Taxonomy and Nomenclature UNEP/CMS/ScC-Sc2/Inf.3 DISAGGREGATION OF BIRD FAMILIES LISTED ON CMS APPENDIX II 1. Through Resolution 11.19, the Conference of Parties adopted as the standard reference for bird taxonomy and nomenclature for Non-Passerine species the Handbook of the Birds of the World/BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World, Volume 1: Non-Passerines, by Josep del Hoyo and Nigel J. Collar (2014); 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Toxic Birds Not of a Feather
    Commentary Avian chemical defense: Toxic birds not of a feather Paul J. Weldon Conservation and Research Center, Smithsonian Institution, 1500 Remount Road, Front Royal, VA 22630 n 1992, Dumbacher et al. (1) substan- Itially altered prevailing views of avian physiology, biochemistry, and chemical ecology with their report of the potent neurotoxin homobatrachotoxinin in feathers and other tissues of several spe- cies of New Guinean passerine birds of the genus Pitohui. Their discovery was signif- icant not only for suggesting a protective mechanism rarely considered for birds (i.e., chemical defense) but for the nature of the compound they discovered, a struc- turally complex alkaloid that binds Naϩ channels and depolarizes electrogenic membranes. Alkaloids in tetrapods gen- erally had been thought to be confined to amphibians, whose skins have long been acknowledged as arsenals of these biolog- Fig. 1. Hornets (Vespa orientalis) attacking a freshly skinned carcass of a laughing dove (Steptopelia ically active compounds (2). Indeed, be- senegalensis)(Left) while ignoring that of a pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis). This observation prompted H. B. fore its discovery in Pitohui, homobatra- Cott (4) to undertake an extensive investigation of avian chemical defense. [Reproduced with permission chotoxinin, a member of a family of from ref. 4 (Copyright 1947, The Zoological Society of London).] steroidal alkaloids called batrachotoxinins (BTXs), had been found only in skin se- cretions of Central and South American dichrous), the most toxic of the birds they An additional enigma described by poison-dart frogs (Dendrobatidae) of the examined, is aposematic and may be Dumbacher et al. (3) is the profound genus Phyllobates.
    [Show full text]
  • L O U I S I a N A
    L O U I S I A N A SPARROWS L O U I S I A N A SPARROWS Written by Bill Fontenot and Richard DeMay Photography by Greg Lavaty and Richard DeMay Designed and Illustrated by Diane K. Baker What is a Sparrow? Generally, sparrows are characterized as New World sparrows belong to the bird small, gray or brown-streaked, conical-billed family Emberizidae. Here in North America, birds that live on or near the ground. The sparrows are divided into 13 genera, which also cryptic blend of gray, white, black, and brown includes the towhees (genus Pipilo), longspurs hues which comprise a typical sparrow’s color (genus Calcarius), juncos (genus Junco), and pattern is the result of tens of thousands of Lark Bunting (genus Calamospiza) – all of sparrow generations living in grassland and which are technically sparrows. Emberizidae is brushland habitats. The triangular or cone- a large family, containing well over 300 species shaped bills inherent to most all sparrow species are perfectly adapted for a life of granivory – of crushing and husking seeds. “Of Louisiana’s 33 recorded sparrows, Sparrows possess well-developed claws on their toes, the evolutionary result of so much time spent on the ground, scratching for seeds only seven species breed here...” through leaf litter and other duff. Additionally, worldwide, 50 of which occur in the United most species incorporate a substantial amount States on a regular basis, and 33 of which have of insect, spider, snail, and other invertebrate been recorded for Louisiana. food items into their diets, especially during Of Louisiana’s 33 recorded sparrows, Opposite page: Bachman Sparrow the spring and summer months.
    [Show full text]
  • Nest, Egg, Incubation Behaviour and Vocalisations of the New Guinea Endemic Black Pitohui Melanorectes Nigrescens
    Australian Field Ornithology 2019, 36, 116–120 http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo36116120 Nest, egg, incubation behaviour and vocalisations of the New Guinea endemic Black Pitohui Melanorectes nigrescens Richard H. Donaghey1, 2*, Donna J. Belder3 and Tony Baylis4 1Environmental Futures Research Institute, Griffith University, Nathan QLD 4111, Australia 280 Sawards Road, Myalla TAS 7325, Australia 3Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia 4628 Utopia Road, Brooweena QLD 4621, Australia *Corresponding author. Email: [email protected] Abstract. The Black Pitohui Melanorectes nigrescens (Pachycephalidae) is endemic to mid-mountain forests in mainland New Guinea. Spectrograms of three different songs recorded in the Yopno Urawa Som Conservation Area (YUS CA), Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea, are presented. We describe the elevation and nest-site, height above the ground, structure and materials of a nest with an egg, discovered in the YUS CA. The colour and dimensions of the egg are documented. We present photographs of the nest-site, nest, and egg, and compare these with previously described eggs and a nest. We observed only the female Black Pitohui incubating the single-egg clutch. We compare the meagre information on pitohui breeding biology with that of Australian whistlers and shrike-thrushes. Introduction (Bell 1983). In lowland rainforest sites, flock composition was more influenced by the presence of Papuan Babblers Garritornis isidori (Pomatostomidae) than by that of The genus Melanorectes was resurrected by Dumbacher pitohuis, indicating that pitohui toxicity does not drive flock (2014) for the Black Pitohui, previously named Pitohui organisation (Goodale et al. 2012).
    [Show full text]
  • Woodland Birds NE VIC 2018 Online
    Woodland Birds of North East Victoria An Identication and Conservation Guide Victoria’s woodlands are renowned for their rich and varied bird life. Unfortunately, one in five woodland bird species in Australia are now threatened. These species are declining due to historical clearing and fragmentation of habitat, lack of habitat Woodland Birds regeneration, competition from aggressive species and predation by cats and foxes. See inside this brochure for ways to help conserve these woodland birds. Victorian Conservation Status of North East Victoria CR Critically Endangered EN Endangered VU Vulnerable NT Near Threatened An Identification and Conservation Guide L Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (FFG, 1988) * Member of the FFG listed ‘Victorian Temperate Woodland Bird Community’ Peaceful Dove Square-tailed Kite Red-rumped Parrot (male) Red-rumped Parrot (female) Barking Owl Sacred Kingsher Striated Pardalote Spotted Pardalote Size: Approximate length from bill tip to tail tip (cm) Geopelia striata 22 (CT) Lophoictinia isura VU 52 (CT) Psephotus haematonotus 27 (CT) Psephotus haematonotus 27 (CT) Ninox connivens EN L * 41 (CT) Todirhamphus sanctus 21 (CT) Pardalotus striatus 10 (CT) Pardalotus punctatus 10 (CT) Guide to symbols Woodland Birds Woodland Food Source Habitat Nectar and pollen Ground layer Seeds Understorey Fruits and berries Tree trunks Invertebrates Nests in hollows Small prey Canopy Websites: Birdlife Australia www.birdlife.org.au of North East Victoria Birds in Backyards www.birdsinbackyards.net Bush Stone-curlew
    [Show full text]
  • Southwest Pacific Islands: Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu & New Caledonia Trip Report 11Th to 31St July 2015
    Southwest Pacific Islands: Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu & New Caledonia Trip Report 11th to 31st July 2015 Orange Fruit Dove by K. David Bishop Trip Report - RBT Southwest Pacific Islands 2015 2 Tour Leaders: K. David Bishop and David Hoddinott Trip Report compiled by Tour Leader: K. David Bishop Tour Summary Rockjumper’s inaugural tour of the islands of the Southwest Pacific kicked off in style with dinner at the Stamford Airport Hotel in Sydney, Australia. The following morning we were soon winging our way north and eastwards to the ancient Gondwanaland of New Caledonia. Upon arrival we then drove south along a road more reminiscent of Europe, passing through lush farmlands seemingly devoid of indigenous birds. Happily this was soon rectified; after settling into our Noumea hotel and a delicious luncheon, we set off to explore a small nature reserve established around an important patch of scrub and mangroves. Here we quickly cottoned on to our first endemic, the rather underwhelming Grey-eared Honeyeater, together with Nankeen Night Herons, a migrant Sacred Kingfisher, White-bellied Woodswallow, Fantailed Gerygone and the resident form of Rufous Whistler. As we were to discover throughout this tour, in areas of less than pristine habitat we encountered several Grey-eared Honeyeater by David Hoddinott introduced species including Common Waxbill. And so began a series of early starts which were to typify this tour, though today everyone was up with added alacrity as we were heading to the globally important Rivierre Bleu Reserve and the haunt of the incomparable Kagu. We drove 1.3 hours to the reserve, passing through a stark landscape before arriving at the appointed time to meet my friend Jean-Marc, the reserve’s ornithologist and senior ranger.
    [Show full text]
  • New Guinean Passerines Have Globally Small Clutch-Sizes
    Emu 2014 © BirdLife Australia 2014 doi:10.1071/MU14023_AC Supplementary material: Emu, 2014, 114(4), 295–303 New Guinean passerines have globally small clutch-sizes Benjamin G. FreemanA,B,C and Nicholas A. MasonA,B ADepartment of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Corson Hall, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. BCornell Laboratory of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. CCorresponding author. Email: [email protected] Page 1 of 7 Emu 2014 © BirdLife Australia 2014 doi:10.1071/MU14023_AC Table S1. Clutch-size data for 102 species of passerines that occur in New Guinea Data from the Handbook of the Birds of the World: Alström et al. (2006), Boles (2006, 2007a, 2007b, 2007c), Cheke and Mann (2008), Coates (2008), Coates et al. (2006), Collar (2005), Frith and Frith (2009a, 2009b), Gregory (2007, 2008), Higgins et al. (2008), Rowley and Russell (2007, 2009), Taylor (2005), Van Balen (2008), Walther and Jones (2008) Scientific name Family Clutch-size Ailuroedus buccoides Ptilinorhynchidae 1 Ailuroedus melanotis Ptilonorhynchidae 1.5 Amblyornis macgregoriae Ptilonorhynchidae 1 Amblyornis inornata Ptilonorhynchidae 1 Archboldia papuensis Ptilonorhynchidae 1 Sericulus aureus Ptilonorhynchidae 1 Sipodotus wallacii Maluridae 2 Chenorhamphus grayi Maluridae 2 Xanthotis flaviventer Meliphagidae 2 Lichenostomus obscurus Meliphagidae 2 Meliphaga mimikae Meliphagidae 2 Meliphaga orientalis Meliphagidae 2 Meliphaga albonotata Meliphagidae 1.5 Meliphaga cinereifrons Meliphagidae 2 Meliphaga aruensis Meliphagidae 1.5 Philemon
    [Show full text]