AUSTRALIAN 114 BIRD WATCHER

AUSTRALIAN BIRD WATCHER 1985, 11, 114-130

Birds of the Keep River National Park (), Including the Night .Parrot Geopsittacus occidentalis

By JOHN L. McKEAN, 24 Milkwood Circuit, Karama, N.T. 5793

Summary A list is given of the birds (total: 167 species) recorded in the Keep River National Park, north-western Northern Territory, since 1975. Several sightings of the Night Parrot Geopsittacus occidentalis were made in the general area, in sandstone country covered with spinifex Triodia sp. Birds were censussed in each habitat type, and results are given on the percentage of counts during which each species was recorded in each habitat

Introduction Despite its small land area, the Keep River National Park has a diverse and fairly rich bird fauna, containing a mixture of tropical and arid-zone species. The area itself could be described as either semi-arid or subtropical. No one has previously published specifically on the birds of the area (Whittelll954). According to Storr (1966), the bird collector John T. Tunney passed through the area in June 1902, during the course of a lengthy bird-collecting expedition transversing northern from the Pilbara region of to the Arnhem Land area of the Northern Territory. Hartert (1905) provided a list of the birds collected by Tunney in northern Australia. From August 1908 to Aprill909, John P. Rogers collected birds for Gregory M. Mathews in the Wyndham district of the Kimberley Division, Western Australia. Most of the specimens were collected at Parry's Creek which lies about 77 km west of the Keep River National Park Rogers' observations and specimens were reported on by Mathews (1909a, 1909b, 1910a and 1910b). Figure 1 is a map showing the location and boundaries of Keep River National Park.

Methods I conducted a field survey of the avifauna of the National Park for eleven days during October/November 1981, for eleven days during Apri11982 and for five days during August 1982. Technical assistance during the first two trips was provided by Mr A L. Spring, whilst during the August trip I had the assistance of the resident Ranger, Mr P. Hauser. An assessment of the importance of the various vegetation types (habitats) to the avifauna was made by conducting a series of ten-minute counts of the bird species present within a circumscribed area of habitat. Birds were identified by sight or voice. Sample sights were scattered throughout the whole of the park and observations were only made during the early morning when birds are most active. In fact, no counts were made after 0900 hours. The results of these counts are summarised in Appendix 1 and given under each species in the systematic list. VOL. 11 (4) DECEMBER 1985 Birds of Keep River National Park (N.T.) 115

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA NORTHERN TERRITORY ~_) .I

-Maj;"'Road (unsealed) Kilometres

Figure 1. Map of north-western Northern Territory, showing location of Keep River National Park. Systematic list Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae An uncommon to rare resident, found in grassland and open woodland. Two adults sighted during February 1981 had a half-grown young bird running with them. Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae A few present on Cockatoo Lagoon from August to October 1982. Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Up to three birds seen during the dry-season months. This species occurs only on the fresh-water lagoons and billabongs. Darter Anhinga melanogaster Noted in small numbers during the dry-season months on Cockatoo Billabong, Police Hole and other lagoons. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo One record only. A single bird seen at Cockatoo Billabong on 15 August 1982. Identification was positive, being based on the species' large size and yellow throat skin. Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius One bird seen on Cockatoo Billabong on 15 August 1982. The bird was associated with a Great Cormorant and was positively identified on the basis of its large size and the large area of white on its face. Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Occurs throughout the year, along the watercourses, around lagoons, billabongs and swamps in groups of up to 15 birds. Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Moderately common along watercourses, around lagoons, billabongs and swamps. Occurs throughout the year. AUSTRALIAN 116 McKEAN BIRD WATCHER

Great-billed Heron Ardea sumatrana Only one record, a single bird seen on Police Hole during September 1975. Pacific Heron Ardea pacifica Odd birds seen throughout the year though more common in the dry season. This species frequents the vicinity of watercourses, swamps, lagoons and wet grasslands. White-faced Heron Ardea novaehol/andiae A resident species in low numbers. Found in open woodland and grassland as well as in the vicinity of water. Pied Heron Ardea picata Several present around Cockatoo Billabong from August to October 1982. Cattle Egret Ardeola ibis At least ten birds present in the vicinity of Barringtonia Swamp during August and September 1982. This species normally follows cattle or Water Buffalo, feeding on the invertebrates that they disturb. Great Egret Egretta alba Moderately common in the vicinity of water but also at times in woodland and grassland. Recorded throughout the year. Little Egret Egretta garzetta An uncommon visitor. Recorded during September 1975 and August 1982. Occurs along watercourses and on swamps and lagoons. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia A few seen during dry-season months. Usually present along watercourses and on swamps and lagoons but occasionally noted in woodland. Rufous Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus Common throughout the year. During the day, groups roost in thick vegetation along watercourses; Police Hole is a favourite spot At dusk they fly out to feed around the edges of billabongs and swamps. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis Uncommon resident. Occurs along creeks in woodland. During the day it roosts in clumps of sedge or paperbark (Me/aleuca spp.) thickets. Black-necked Stork Xenorhynchus asiaticus Odd birds seen throughout the year. Mainly frequents watercourses, lagoons and swamps but occasionally seen in woodland and grassland. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Several birds seen at a lagoon in late February 1981. Sacred Ibis Threskiomis aethiopica A few noted during the dry-season months. This species occurs both around water and in grassland. Straw-necked Ibis Threskiomis spinicol/is Groups of up to 20 birds seen during the dry season, in grassland and woodland. Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Up to five birds seen during the dry-season months. Practically all sightings have been made in the vicinity of Cockatoo Lagoon. Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes An occasional visitor in small numbers during the dry season. Frequents watercourses, lagoons and swamps. Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Small numbers occur at any time of the year but the species is more common during the wet season when an estimated 20 pairs nest on Barringtonia Swamp. Magpie Geese may be found on any of the watercourses, lagoons and swamps. They commonly feed over dry ground, chiselling away in the ground for the bulbs of spike-rush (Eleocharis spp.). Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Up to 50 birds have been noted on Cockatoo Lagoon. Although irregular in occurrence they could occur any time of the year on any of the watercourses, swamps and lagoons. Birds with broods of ducklings were seen on the la~oons during March and Aprill982. This species obtains most of its food by 'duck-diving . VOL. 11 (4) DECEMBER 1985 Birds of Keep River National Park (N.T.) 117

Black-necked Stork Xenorhynchus asiaticus, Cairns, Queensland, December 1977 Plate 29 Photo: Peter Klapste

Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia, Kerang, Victoria, October 1981 Plate 30 Photo: Peter Klapste AUSTRALIAN 118 McKEAN BIRD WATCHER

Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni Up to 200 birds have been recorded on Cockatoo Lagoon. As with the Wandering Whistle-Duck they are irregular in occurrence and frequent the edges of lagoons. They obtain much of their food by grazing or plucking vegetation both in or out of the water. A pair with newly hatched downy young were present on Cockatoo Lagoon during late February 1981. Radjah Shelduck Tadoma radjah One record only, a pair seen on Cockatoo Billabong in early March 1981. Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Small numbers occur throughout the year, chiefly found along watercourses, swamps, lagoons and wet grassland. At times it will even visit small pools or puddles in the open woodland. It is often rated to be the finest game bird in Australia, however it should be noted that it and all other wildlife are strictly protected in the Keep River National Park and all other national parks at all times of the year. Hardhead Aythya australis A few present during the dry season of 1982 on Cockatoo Billabong. These ducks feed on aquatic animals which they obtain by 'duck-diving'. Green Pygmy-Goose Nettapus pulchellus Prior to the acquisition of the Keep River area as a national park this species only occurred in the wetter months when the swamp vegetation was at its best. The fencing of Cockatoo Billabong in 1982 to keep out cattle provided a different situation, as the waterlilies and other floating vegetation that are an integral part of this species' preferred habitat remained during the drier months. Large numbers (150+) were utilising the area during Aprill982; numbers dropped off to ten or so during the dry. During the ;:. ~riod of our study, birds were noted with small downy young in the months of February and March. P. Hauser found a nest with seven eggs in a tree hollow on the edge of Cockatoo Lagoon on 21 February 1982. Recent studies indicate that the most important food items of this species are floating aquatic vegetation, particularly the seeds and buds of waterlilies. Pacific Baza Aviceda subcristata Only one sighting, a group of three seen inMelaleuca forest along the edge of.Police Hole on 23 April 1982. Black Kite Milvus migrans . Common during the dry season but virtually absent during the months of high rainfall; ranges over all habitats. Large numbers assemble over any bushfires and catch insects and reptiles disturbed by the flames. Black Kites are excellent scavengers and feed on the carcasses of stock and other animals. They are not high in the peck order and are readily driven from carcasses by Dingoes, Whistling Kites and Wedge-tailed Eagles. Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon One bird seen over open woodland on 16 August 1982. Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus Moderately common over most habitats except spinifex and rocky areas. This species obtains most of its food by scavenging, but like the Black Kite will also catch insects and reptiles disturbed by fires. Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Moderately common in woodland and ocassionally seen in riverine habitat Occurs throughout the year. Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter ci"hocephalus Only one record, a juvenile male seen in Melaleuca forest in a riverine situation on 22 April 1982. White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster One resident pair present during the surveys. They are usually found in riverine country along the Keep River. Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Uncommon resident where it frequents mainly woodland and rocky areas. Has been noted feeding on the carcasses of dead donkeys and pursuing young Euros Macropus robustus. A nest found during August 1981 was in a Boab Adansonia gregorii on a scree slope, and contained one downy young. VOL. 11 (4) DECEMBER 1985 Birds of Keep River National Park (N.T.) 119

Black Falcon Falco subniger A single bird seen in woodland during August 1982 was our only record. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus A resident species in small numbers. Probably no more than two pairs are present on the park. The white-washed roosts that they use may be seen on a number of the sandstone cliffs. The birds normally hunt their prey, usually birds, over grassland or lightly timbered country. Australian Hobby Falco longipennis A few sightings throughout the year. Birds have been seen over grassland, watercourses and woodland. Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos One sighting only, a bird seen flying over woodland during September 1975. This species is one of Australia's rarer birds. Its appearances in the Top End are sporadic. Brown Falcon Falco berigora A common resident preferring woodland and grassland areas. Most of the birds present in the park are of the white-breasted phase. Australian Kestrel Falco cenchroides Moderately common, occurring throughout the year. In the park this species frequents rocky areas and hunts over spinifex, woodland and grassland habitats. Brown Quail Coturnix australis A common resident preferring well-grassed areas with or without forest. King Quail Cotumix chinensis Only one record, a bird seen in well-grassed woodland on 16 August 1982. Little Button-quail Turnix velox One seen on 23 April 1982. The bird was flushed from sorghum grassland. Red-chested Button-quail Turnix pyrrhothorax A dry-season visitor in small numbers, frequenting grassland and open woodland. Buff-banded Rail Rallus philippensis Frequents reedbeds and marshy areas. Our only record is a bird sighted during September 1982, however it is rather secretive and may actually occur regularly in the area. White-browed Crake Poliolimnas cinereus The species was only recorded during the wet season when small numbers were located in the reedbeds of Barringtonia Swamp. Purple Swamphen Porphyria porphyria Moderately common during the wet-season months. It frequents lagoons occasionally but is more common on Barringtonia Swamp. Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Occasionally recorded in small numbers on lagoons during the dry season. Brolga Grus rubicundus Reasonably common in the park. The population at times may reach thirty or so birds. They occur mainly in open woodland and grassland and occasionally along the edges of watercourses or lagoons. The species breeds in the area, as a pair and small downy young were seen near a billabong in the Wonjini Hill area on 24 April 1982. Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis This species has declined drastically throughout its range and must be considered in danger of eventual extinction (Frith 1973, Slater 1978). It is pleasing to therefore to record that Keep River National Park has a population of some 20 breeding pairs. The Bustards frequent grassland and open woodland and may be observed readily from a vehicle. They eat a wide variety of foods but are particularly fond of grasshoppers. Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Two seen on 10 August 1982 on Cockatoo Lagoon are our only sighting to date. However, now that Cockatoo Lagoon has been fenced to keep out stock a resultant increase in the number of water plants including lilies should mean an increase in this species. Bush Thick-knee Burhinus magnirostris An uncommon resident. This nocturnal species occurs in woodland. During the day it rests in the shade of trees or shrubs. AUSTRALIAN 120 McKEAN BIRD WATCHER

Masked Lapwing Vanel/us miles Moderately common and resident throughout the year. This species frequents open woodland, grassland and occasionally the edge of swamps, billabongs and watercourses. Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus A flock of ten seen on grassland near Cockatoo Lagoon on 30 October 1981. Black-fronted Plover Charadrius melanops A few resident on the banks of billabongs and lagoons. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Occasional birds present at Cockatoo Lagoon during the dry-season months. Little Curlew Numenius minutus A flock elf 50 birds seen resting in grassy open woodland near Cockatoo Lagoon on 30 October 1981. They did not stay in the area and thus were presumably on passage further south. Breeds in Siberia and migrates annually to northern Australia. Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos A regular migrant to Australia from the Northern Hemisphere. Our only record for the Keep River Park is one seen on the edge of Police Hole on 17 September 1980. Greenshank Tringa nebularia Another migrant from the Northern Hemisphere; only recorded on one occasion, namely I November 1981, when two birds were present on Cockatoo Lagoon. Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella Birds were reported from grassland country during September and October 1982. This bird is a dry-season visitor to the subcoastal plains of the Northern Territory from the arid zone. Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida Resident throughout the year and abundant in all habitats except grassland. A nest with the usual clutch of two eggs was discovered in the park on 4 June 1982. Diamond Dove Geopelia cuneata Nomadic and numbers fluctuate widely. From September 1980 to March 1981 it was moderately common throughout the area. It could not be located, however, despite intensive bird-recording activity between August 1981 and November 1981. When the area was visited in April and August 1982, the species was common. P. Hauser recorded its presence also in September and October 1982. It is most common in woodland but also is moderately common in spinifex habitat and less common in riverine areas. Bar-shouldered Dove Geopelia humeralis Resident throughout the year; found in all habitats except grassland but is particularly common in riverine areas. A nest with two eggs was found in late February 1981, 1.5 metres up in a Bauhinia . Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Moderately common, occurring throughout the year. It is most common in shrubland, woodland and spinifex habitats but occasionally feeds in the grassland areas. White-quilled Rock-Pigeon Petrophassa albipennis Moderately common, occurring throughout the year. It is confined to rocky areas, either bare or spinifex-clad. A nest containing two well-incubated eggs was found on 13 August 1982. The nest, a flat bowl of spinifex, was situated in a rock hollow under an overhang, 1.5 metres above the ground. Another was located on 14 September 1982 under an overhang on the top of a rock outcrop about 50 metres above the ground. This nest also contained two eggs. Spinifex Pigeon Petrophassa plumifera An uncommon resident species. As implied by its name this species usually is associated with the occurrence of spinifex (Triodia and Plectrachne). A nest containing one half-grown young was found on 4 June 1982. Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus magnificus Moderately common, occurring throughout the year. The species frequents woodland and riverine habitats, sometimes feeding on the grassland areas. Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Quite common, occurring throughout the year. It can be found in all habitats but is rare in the spinifex and rocky areas. VOL. 11 (4) DECEMBER 1985 Birds of Keep River National Park (N.T.) 121

Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris, resident in the area throughout the year Plate 32 H.E. Tarr

Little Corella Cacatua sanguinea A very common resident. Like the preceding species it is common in all habitats except the spinifex and rocky areas. A nest containing one egg was located on 13 August 1982 and another with an egg and small chick on 3 September 1982. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cacatua galerita Common in riverine areas and moderately common in grassland and woodland habitats, present throughout the year. A nest containing one egg was found on 30 July 1982 in the Police Hole area. Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis A common resident that occurs in all habitats but is most abundant in riverine and woodland areas, particularly when the trees are in flower. Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor Nomadic but can be present any time of the year. Frequents flowering gums (Eucalyptus spp.), Grevillea spp. and paperbarks (Melaleuca spp.) in riverine and woodland areas. Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Moderately common resident species. Occurs throughout all habitats except spinifex and rocky areas. Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Present throughout the area in small numbers. It occurs chiefly in woodland areas and occasionally in grassland and riverine habitats. Night Parrot Geopsittacus occidentalis The Night Parrot remains one of Australia's most mysterious birds (Forshaw 1978). It is certainly one of the least reported of all Australian birds. Frith (1973) rated it very seriously threatened, however recent reports (Ives 1971, Parker 1980, Menkhorst & Isles 1981) plus the observations reported herein indicate that the species is widely distributed. Like most birds of arid regions the species is probably highly nomadic. This, coupled with its propensity for hiding in spinifex tussocks and being nocturnal, are perhaps reasons why the species has been so rarely reported. On 27 April 1982 I was about to commence a series of bird counts in sandstone 'breakaway' country in the north of the Keep River National Park. At 0638 hours a Night AUSTRALIAN 122 McKEAN BIRD WATCHER

Parrot was seen in the half-light. The colour of the bird was not discernible but the shape and outline of it were clearly seen. It seemed to have come from a fresh-water soak c. 100 metres to my left, and it flew directly past me about six metres away and headed straight for a rocky slope covered in thick old spinifex Triodia racemigera where it disappeared. I clambered as quickly as I could to tl;l.e spot where I presumed the bird had landed but was unable to flush it or elicit any sound as I stomped around in the deep and very prickly spinifex. I sat down and made the following notes. 'Size, definitely much smaller than White-quilled Rock-Pigeon, more the size of a Peaceful Dove, but seemed to be a little bulkier in the body. Tail comparatively shorter than most parrots.' After jotting down these impressions I did a life-size sketch of the bird from memory. We set a mist-net in the area where the bird appeared to land and carried out night and early morning searches for a further two days without success. A field trip in August 1982 was mounted to net watering points in the sandstone areas in hope of capturing Night Parrots but unfortunately none were encountered. We also briefly surveyed the sandstone country 100 km east of the Keep River on the Bulloo River Station, where Charlie Taylor, a Police Officer formerly of Timber Creek and Rob Roos of Water Resources Branch, independently reported seeing birds which from their description I consider could not have been anything else but Night Parrots. On 5 October, two sightings of a possible Night Parrot were made on Kildurk Station by two Conservation Commission Wildlife Rangers, Messrs A Bone and P. Sullivan. Kildurk Station lies about 90 km to the south-east of the Keep River escarpment. The bird was seen at dusk at 1900 hand later at about 2000 h. I twas flying low to the ground. The habitat in the area was sandstone escarpment with spinifex. Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus Our only record is of small flocks frequenting open woodland during September 1975. This highly nomadic species is well known for its sporadic appearances in the northern part of its range. Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus Moderately common and resident throughout the year. It occurs in all habitats but is more common in the spinifex-covered escarpment and woodland areas. Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus A few present mid August to March each year. Occurs in all habitats except grassland but most common in woodland and shrubland. Brush Cuckoo Cuculus variolosus Only recorded during October and November 1981, however the lack of records in other months might be due to the species not being vocal then, rather than being absent. It has been seen or heard calling in all habitats except grassland and shrubland. Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis Uncommon, recorded only in November 1981 and August 1982. Birds were seen or heard calling in spinifex and woodland habitats. Common Koel Eudynamys ~colopacea . Present only during the late dry and early wet-season months. Recorded in small numbers in all habitats except shrubland and grassland. Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae Present in the area October to March. It is moderately common then, very conspicuous and noisy. Often the Cuckoos may be mobbed by Torresian Crows which are the Channel­ billed Cuckoo's main parasitic host. The Cuckoos occur throughout all habitats but feed on fruit trees such as figs which grow on the rocky and riverine areas. Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Moderately common and present throughout the year, found in all habitats provided that they contain an adequate cover of grass or sedges. Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae Small numbers resident in the park. Widely distributed in all habitats. Not often seen, mainly heard at night. Barking Owl Ninox connivens Common resident and found throughout the area. Often heard calling at night or at dawn. Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Moderately common and resident throughout the year. Found in all wooded habitats but most common in open woodland. VOL. 11 (4) DECEMBER 1985 Birds of Keep River National Park (N.T.) 123

Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus Moderately common and resident throughout the year. This nocturnal species spends the day in a tree hollow. At night it hawks for insects over all habitats. Spotted Nightjar Caprimulgus guttatus Occasionally recorded during the dry-season months frequenting woodland and grassland areas. Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacijicus Only one record, a party of three over open forest on 31 October 1981. Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azurea An uncommon resident species, only seen in riverine habitat Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii A common resident; may be found in all habitats but is most common in woodland and riverine areas. Red-backed Kingfisher Halcyon pyrrhopygia An uncommon resident, found in all habitats except the riverine areas where the Sacred Kingfisher is the dominant species. Sacred Kingfisher Halcyon sancta A moderately common resident Its preferred habitats are woodland and riverine areas. A pair was seen on 29 October 1981 excavating a nest in a termitarium in the hollow of a tree. Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus A common resident. Numbers fluctuate at times due to the influx of birds on passage between southern Australia and Indonesia. These birds are widespread in all habitats but most common in riverine areas. Dollarbird Eurystomus orienta/is Present between September and March each year. During the dry season it migrates to the Indonesian region. Odd pairs of Dollarbirds occur throughout the area but the population is more dense in riverine situations. Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica Moderately common and resident throughout the year. This species occur-s only in grassland or woodland/shrubland with a dense grass understorey. Tree Martin Cecropis nigricans Only recorded on one occasion when two birds were seen hawking for insects over open forest on 21 November 1981. Fairy Martin Cecropis ariel Present throughout the year in small numbers. Feeds over all habitats but more commonly seen over lagoons and swamps. Remains of old nests have been found in shallow caves. Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Uncommon, probably resident throughout the year. Has only been recorded in grassland areas. Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Resident throughout the year, abundant in all habitats except shrubland and grassland. White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis A moderately common resident. It occurs in woodland, rocky and spinifex habitats· but is most common in riverine areas. White-winged Triller Lalage tricolor A moderately common resident, found in riverine and woodland areas. A nest containing three young was found in late February 1981. It was situated 2.5 metres up on the horizontal branch of a Bauhinia Lysiphyllum cunninghamii. The female was seen feeding the young on moths and other insects. Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata Status uncertain. The only record is a bird seen in woodland during September 1975. Jacky Winter Microeca leucophaea Uncommon but probably resident throughout the year. Occurs in riverine and woodland habitats. AUSTRALIAN 124 McKEAN BIRD WATCHER

White-browed Robin Poecilodryas superciliosa Found only in thickets along watercourses where it is a reasonably common resident. A nest containing an egg and a newly hatched nestling was found in the Police Hole area on 2 November 1981. The nest was about 1 metre off the ground in a small forked twig of a fresh­ water mangrove Barringtonia acutangu/a. Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Abundant in all habitats except grassland; resident in the park throughout the year. Sandstone Shrike-thrush Colluricincla woodwardi An uncommon resident. As implied by its name, it occurs only in the sandstone escarpment areas. It spends much of its time hopping around the spinifex clumps and boulders looking for insects. A nest with two eggs was found on a sandstone ledge on 18 September 1980. Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricinc/a harmonica Resident but rather rare in the park; has been recorded in woodland and spinifex habitats. Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula A few pairs resident in the park. Its preferred habitat is the riverine areas. Paperbark Flycatcher Myiagra nana This species was until recently regarded as a small northern race of the Restless F1ycatcher M inquieta. The Paperbark Flycatcher is a moderately common resident It occurs in woodland, shrubland and riverine areas. Shining Flycatcher Myiagra a/ecto . An uncommon resident. It appears to be confined to the thicker riverine vegetation along the Keep River. Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris Moderately common and resident throughout the year. Its main habitat is the riverine areas. Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Common and resident throughout the year; particularly abundant in woodland but may be found in all other habitats.

Northern Fantail Rhipidura rufiventris, resident in the area throught the year Plate 32 Photo: H.E. Tarr VOL. 11 (4) DECEMBER 1985 Birds of Keep River National Park (N.T.) 125

Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis A moderately common resident It prefers woodland and shrubland areas. Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Moderately common and resident throughout the year. Its main habitat is grassland but it will occur in other areas as long as a thick grass understorey is present. Rufous Songlark Cinclorhamphus mathewsi A few seen during the dry-season months. During the wet-season months it moves to southern Australia to breed. It has been recorded in the park only in woodland habitats. Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus Iamberti A rare resident confined to the sandstone escarpment/spinifex habitats. The form in the area is the race rogersi which is otherwise known from the Kimberley Region, Western Australia. Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus Common and resident throughout the year. It has been recorded in all habitats except spinifex and rockY areas, however it seems to particularly favour grassland and shrubland . Weebill Smicromis brevirostris Moderately common and occurs throughout the year, in all timbered habitats. Green-backed Gerygone Gerygone chloronota An uncommon resident which appears to be confined to the densest forests in the riverine areas. White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea An uncommon species of the woodland areas whose residential status is not clear. Our only records are three separate sightings in November 1981. Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera Our only record is a small party noted during September 1981. It may well be an uncommon resident. Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris me/anura A moderately common resident; occurs in woodland, shrubland and grassland with scattered trees. Silver-crowned Friarbird Philemon argenticeps Moderately common and resident throughout the year; occurs through all wooded habitats. Little Friarbird Philemon citreogularis Abundant and resident throughout the year. The numbers of birds fluctuate widely, apparently depending on the availability of blossoming trees on which they feed. Occurs in all wooded habitats. Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Moderately common and resident throughout the year. It occurs in small groups which may be family parties and particularly favours woodland and riverine habitats. Yellow-throated Miner Manorina jlavigula Resident throughout the year; particularly common in woodland and spinifex habitats but also in grassland and riverine areas. Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens Quite uncommon but appears to be resident throughout the year. It has only been recorded in woodland areas. White-gaped Honeyeater Lichenostomus unicolor A moderately common resident. Its preferred habitat is riverine forest. Grey-fronted Honeyeater Lichenostomus plumulus Recorded only on spinifex-covered hillsides. It is moderately common within this limited area. Yellow-tinted Honeyeater Lichenostomus jlavescens Resident throughout the year, common in some woodland areas and abundant in most riverine areas. Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis On distributional grounds this species should occur on a regular basis. Our only record is of a small party recorded during April 1982 in riverine habitat. AUSTRALIAN 126 McKEAN BIRD WATCHER

White-throated Honeyeater Melithreptus a/bogu/aris A common resident; mainly occurs in riverine areas and occasionally in woodland and spinifex. Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Resident throughout the year, and plentiful in all wooded habitats. Bar-breasted Honeyeater Ramsayornis fasciatus Moderately common and resident throughout the year; has only been recorded from riverine areas where it is particularly fond of paperbark forest (Melaleuca). Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis Resident throughout the year and common in all wooded habitats. Banded Honeyeater Cenhionyx pectoralis Sporadically occurs, usually in dry-season months. This nomadic species can then be found in small groups in paperbarks (Me/aleuca spp.) in riverine areas. Dusky Honeyeater Myzomela obscura Uncommon but resident throughout the year, only recorded in woodland and riverine habitats. Surprisingly this species has not yet been recorded from Western Australia (cf. Storr 1980). It almost certainly will be found in the riverine vegetation along the Keep River where it enters Western Australia. Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Moderately common and occurs throughout the year. Mistletoe birds occur in all wooded habitats where, as their name implies, they feed on mistletoe berries. Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus Uncommon; only recorded during the wet season. Favours the woodland areas. Striated Pardalote Paradalotus striatus Common and resident throughout the year. Occurs in woodland and riverine areas. Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton An uncommon resident, only recorded in riverine forest Zebra Finch Poephila guttata . Moderately common and resident throughout the year, occurring in woodland areas. Double-barred Finch Poephila bichenovii A moderately common resident, frequenting woodland and riverine areas. A nest containing two eggs was found on 25 April 1982. It was placed beside the trunk of a Pandanus about two metres above the ground. Masked Finch Poephila personata Moderately common and present throughout the year. Inhabits woodland habitat Long-tailed Finch Poephila acuticauda A common resident. Occurs in small groups, often in association with Masked Finches. Present in all timbered habitats. Pictorella Mannikin Lonchura pectoralis Uncommon, nomadic and consequently sporadic in occurrence. Occurs in woodland, riverine and grassland habitats. Yellow-rumped Mannikin Lonchura flaviprymna Only one observation. A party seen in woodland during September 1975. Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae Occasionally recorded during the dry season. All observations are from woodland areas. Yellow Oriole Oriolus flavocinctus Moderately common and present throughout the year, occurring primarily in riverine areas. Olive-backed Oriole Oriolus sagittatus Moderately common and occurs throughout the year, mainly in woodland and occasionally in riverine habitat. Figbird Sphecotheres viridis An uncommon resident, only recorded in riverine areas. Great Bowerbird Chlamydera nucha/is Common and resident throughout the year, in all habitats except grassland. VOL. 11 (4) DECEMBER 1985 Birds of Keep River National Park (N.T.) 127

Australian Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Common and resident throughout the year. Occurs in all habitats but most common in woodland and riverine areas. White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorhynchus Present throughout the year but uncommon; its favoured habitat is riverine areas. Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus Occasional records during the wet season; it could be found in any wooded habitat Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus Resident; most common in woodland and shrubland areas and moderately common feeding over grassland areas. It is rarely found in rocky, spinifex and riverine habitats. Birds were seen building a nest on 28 October 1981. Little Woodswallow Artamus minor Common and occurs throughout the year. The preferred habitat was found to be spinifex and sandstone areas. Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Moderately common and present throughout the year. Mainly frequents riverine and occasionally woodland areas. Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis A common resident, found throughout all habitats. Birds were noted building a nest during September 1980. Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Moderately common and resident throughout the year, found chiefly in woodland and grassland areas. Torresian Crow Corvus orru Moderately common and present throughout the year in all habitats. A nest containing two young w~s discovered on 24 September 1982.

Acknowledgements I gratefully acknowledge the companionship, field assistance and observations provided by R.J. Begg, B.L. Bolton, P. Hauser, S. King, K Martin, J. McCartney, M. Orchard, R Pengelley, S.B. Raskin, M. Reed and AL. Spring.

References Forshaw, J.M. (1978), Parrots of the World, 2nd Edn, Lansdowne, Melbourne. Frith, H.J. (1973), Wildlife Conservation, Angus and Robertson, Sydney. Hartert, E. (1905), 'List of birds collected in north-western Australia and Arnhem Land by Mr J.T. Tunney', Novitates Zoologicae 12, 194-242. Ives, N.L. (1971), 'Possible nest of Night Parrot in the Pilbarra, W.A' West Aust Nat 12, 11- 12. Mathews, G.M. (1909a), 'On the birds of north-west Australia, Part I. Birds from Wyndham', Emu 9, 1-16. - (1909b), 'On the birds of north-west Australia, Part II. Birds from Wyndham (continued)', Emu 9, 53-65. -- (1910a), 'List of birds observed on Parry's Creek, north-\Yest Australia', Emu 9, 238- 241. - (1910b), 'On the birds of north-west Australia, Part II', Emu 10, 103-110. Menkhorst, P.W. & Isles, A. C. (1981), 'The Night Parrot Geopsittacus occidentalis : evidence of its occurrence in north-western Victoria during the 1950's', Emu 81, 239-240. Parker, SA. (1980), 'Birds and conservation parks in the north-east of South Australia', SA. Parks and Conserv. 3, 11-18. Slater, P. (1978), Rare and Vanishing Australian Birds, Rigby, Adelaide. Storr, G.M. (1966), 'J.T. Tunney's itinerary in northern Australia 1901-1903', Emu 66, 59-65. Storr, G.M. (1980), Birds of the Kimberley Division, Western Australia, W.A Mus. Spec. Publ. no. 11, Perth. Whittell, H.M. (1954), The Literature of Australian Birds: A History and a Bibliography of Australian Ornithology, Paterson Brokensha, Perth. • AUSTRALIAN 128 McKEAN BIRD WATCHER

Appendix 1 Percentage occurrence* of bird species according to habitat

Species Woodland Shrub/and Grassland Spinifex Riverine Rocky Areas

Australasian Grebe 3.5 Australian Pelican 1.7 Darter 1.7 Little Black Cormorant 1.7 Little Pied Cormorant 1.7 Pacific Heron 4.6 1.7 White-faced Heron 2.9 1.7 Pied Heron 1.7 Great Egret 2.9 4.6 6.9 Intermediate Egret 1.4 8.6 Rufous Night Heron 15.5 Black Bittern 1.4 Black-necked Stork 1.4 5.2 Straw-necked Ibis 1.4 Rofral Spoonbill 1.4 Ye low-billed Spoonbill 1.4 1.7 Magpie Goose 6.9 Wandering Whistling- Duck 1.7 Plumed Whistling- Duck 3.5 Pacific Black Duck 2.9 9.1 6.9 Hardhead 3.5 Green Pygmy-Goose 5.2 Pacific Baza 1.7 Black Kite 1.7 Whistling Kite 1.4 33.3 4.6 5.2 Brown Goshawk 4.3 White-bellied Sea-Eagle 5.2 Wedge-tailed Eagle 1.4 Peregrine Falcon 4.6 Australian Hobby 4.6 Brown Falcon 5.7 13.6 3.5 Australian Kestrel 5.7 18.2 10.3 Brown Quail 4.3 King Quail 1.4 Red-chested Button- quail 4.3 4.6 White-browed Crake 1.7 Purple Swamphen 3.5 Eurasian Coot 1.7 Brolga 10.0 13.6 5.2 Australian Bustard 9.1 Comb-crested Jacana 3.5 Bush Thick-knee 1.4 Masked Lapwing 10.0 13.6 3.5 Black-fronted Plover 3.5 Black-winged Stilt 1.7 Peaceful Dove 48.6 33.3 27.3 67.2 22.4 Diamond Dove 30.0 18.2 6.9 Bar-shouldered Dove 8.6 33.3 67.2 1.7 Crested Pigeon 17.1 33.3 9.1 18.2 White-quilled Rock-Pigeon 9.1 32.8 VOL. 11 (4) DECEMBER 1985 Birds of Keep River National Park (N.T.) 129

Appendix 1 cont.

Species Woodland Shrub/and Grassland Spinifex Riverine Rocky Areas

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo 10.0 9.1 13.8 Galah 21.4 66.7 22.7 3.5 5.2 Little Corella 40.0 33.3 59.1 32.8 3.5 Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 4.3 4.6 29.3 Red-collared Lorikeet 32.9 9.1 9.1 41.4 3.5 Varied Lorikeet 1.4 5.2 Red-winged Parrot 10.0 33.3 9.1 12.1 Cockatiel 8.6 4.6 1.7 Night Parrot 1.7 Northern Rosella 17.1 36.4 1.7 Pallid Cuckoo 17.1 66.7 9.1 5.1 6.9 Brush Cuckoo 1.4 9.1 12.1 1.7 Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 2.9 9.1 Common Koel 8.6 33.3 1.7 5.7 Channel-billed Cuckoo 5.7 9.1 6.9 8.7 Pheasant Coucal 7.1 9.1 8.6 Tawny Frogmouth 1.4 9.1 Australian Owlet-nightjar 1.7 1.7 Azure Kingfisher 3.5 Blue-winged Kookaburra 31.4 18.2 9.1 34.5 13.8 Red-backed Kingfisher 4.6 3.5 Sacred Kingfisher 18.6 27.6 Rainbow Bee-eater 12.9 33.3 9.1 36.2 7.4 Dollarbird 7.1 4.6 27.3 31.0 Singing Bushlark 5.7 33.3 45.5 Fairy Martin 9.1 Richard's Pipit 4.6 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 20.0 4.6 18.2 12.1 5.7 White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike 7.1 9.1 20.7 1.7 White-winged Triller 20.0 6.9 Jacky Winter 1.4 3.5 White-browed Robin 6.9 Rufous Whistler 34.3 33.3 18.2 46.6 20.7 Sandstone Shrike-thrush 27.3 17.2 Grey Shrike-thrush 9.1 Leaden Flycatcher 13.8 Shining Flycatcher 10.3 Paperbark Flycatcher 18.6 33.3 24.1 Northern Fantail 7.2 39.7 5.7 Willie Wagtail 38.6 66.7 9.1 13.8 Grey-crowned Babbler 28.6 66.7 3.5 Golden-headed Cisticola 2.9 1.7 Rufous Songlark 4.3 Red-backed Fairy-wren 20.0 66.7 59.1 10.3 Wee bill 27.1 4.6 36.4 5.2 Green-backed Gerygone 8.6 AUSTRALIAN 130 McKEAN BIRD WATCHER

Appendix 1 cont.

Species Woodland Shrub/and Grassland Spinifex Riverine Rocky Areas

White-throated Gerygone 2.9 Black-tailed Treecreeper 22.9 33.3 9.1 Silver-crowned Friarbird 17.1 33.3 4.6 9.1 29.3 Little Friarbird 47.1 100.0 22.8 9.1 39.7 Blue-faced Honeyeater 12.9 4.6 9.1 22.4 Yellow-throated Miner 34.3 13.6 27.3 8.6 Sin~ing Honeyeater 2.9 White-gaped Honeyeater 4.3 34.5 Grey-fronted Honeyeater 1.4 36.4 Yell ow-tinted Honeyeater 12.9 22.4 White-throated Honeyeater 4.3 9.1 44.8 Brown Honeyeater 21.4 33.3 18.2 37.9 Bar-breasted Honeyeater 3.5 Rufous-throated Honeyeater 32.9 33.3 10.3 Banded Honeyeater 1.7 Dusky Honeyeater 1.4 3.5 Mistletoebird 15.7 4.6 18.2 24.1 Red-browed Pardalote 4.3 Striated Pardalote 37.1 32.8 Crimson Finch 1.7 Zebra Finch 2.9 Double-barred Finch 8.6 13.8 Masked Finch 10.0 Long-tailed Finch 14.3 33.3 18.2 6.9 Pictorella Mannikin 5.7 1.7 Gouldian Finch 1.4 Yellow Oriole 12.1 Olive-backed Oriole 7.1 Great Bowerbird 12.9 4.6 18.2 27.6 32.8 Australian Magpie-lark 71.4 100.0 27.2 9.1 41.4 12.1 White-breasted Woodswallow 9.1 Masked Woodswallow 1.7 Black-faced Woodswallow 30.0 66.7 18.2 3.5 Little Woodswallow 1.4 54.5 3.5 32.8 Grey Butcherbird 4.3 17.2 Pied Butcherbird 72.9 33.3 27.3 63.6 69.0 37.7 Australian Magpie 11.4 9.1 Torresian Crow 50.0 33.3 22.7 9.1 50.0 15.6 No. of counts in sample 70 3 22 11 58 58

*expressed as the number of counts during which a species was present, as a percentage of total counts in that habitat •