DOCSLIB.ORG

Lyrebird Tales

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Lyrebird Tales Lyrebird Tales Volume 27 Number 4 December 2018 Birdlife Yarra Valley Newsletter Inala Nature Tour to Top End & East Rufous Owl photo © Warren Cousins Kimberley; July 9th to July 19th 2018 The best of the new ticks were the Arafura Fantail, Blue-winged Trip Report by Warren Cousins Kookaburra, Rufous Owl, Lemon-bellied Flycatcher, and the Torresian (Pied ) Imperial-Pigeon. My tour started officially on July 10th, but I flew in to Darwin a Initial “birdie” impressions of Darwin were the masses of Black day earlier to get my own picture of Darwin. This was my first Kites seen everywhere; the dusk mass roosting of the lovely visit there, as Brenda and I had only previously visited Alice White-breasted Woodswallows in the city trees; and the Red- Springs and Uluru. I had time for a 2-hour walk all around the collared variety of our Rainbow Lorikeets. Also although the wharf area and saw my first tick for the trip; a White-gaped prolific Magpie is nowhere to be found, there were large Honeyeater. quantities of Masked Lapwings and Magpie Larks. Day 1: The first official day involved meeting the members of Continued on page 2 the tour. An interesting bunch. The guide was Darryel Binns who preferred to be called “Biggles”. He is a gentleman of my age but unlike me, has vast knowledge and experience with birds (and butterflies). He currently ranks third on the Contents birdwatchers “League Ladder” (as shown on Tony Palliser’s funpage of Birders Totals) with a total tick list of 851 birds 1-5. Tour to Top End & East Kimberley by Warren Cousins including 760 on mainland Australia. 5. Mind how you go! The other three guests were a retired doctor from Hobart (with 6. Bourke’s Parrots by Dace Fitton vast experience of trips to Antarctica and Macquarie Island) 7-9. Interesting Sightings and a very pleasant couple from Zambia (Claire hailed from Tasmania originally, and Alistair is a Brit). Being such a small 8. What bird is that? group, we had heaps of room in the Mitsubishi mini-bus. 9. Committee. Bus outing to W.T.P. notice. At this time of year Darwin has almost 2 hours extra daylight 10-13. Reports of Meetings and Outings hours than Melbourne, so this allows for a bonanza of bird- 14. Calendar of Events watching time. Day 1 of the tour started at Darwin’s lovely Botanical Gardens; then on to East Point, and the boardwalk mangroves off Lake Alexander. We amassed a good total of 37 birds of which 15 were new to me. Lyrebird Tales Pied Heron photo © Warren Cousins Rajah Shelduck photo © Warren Cousins Day 2: Today we remained in Darwin and revisited the Botanic Day 3: So this morning we checked out of the Travelodge Gardens to be rewarded with a Grey Goshawk (plus nest); then Hotel and proceeded to the Aurora Kakadu cabins at South on to other places including Knuckey Lagoon, Marlow Lagoon, Alligator. En route we dropped in to the unmissable and terrific and Howard Springs Reserve. A great day with 50 total species Fogg Dam. What an eye-opener this place is with hordes of including a new 19 for me. Most interesting were the Black massed waterbirds of numerous varieties. A lunch stop at Butcherbird (so much larger than our Grey), Black-necked Adelaide River (famous for the Jumping Crocodile tours); a Stork, Red-Tailed Black-Cockatoo, Jacana, Large-tailed brief drop-in to the Mary River National Park; then on to South Nightjar, Pied Heron, Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, and the Yellow Alligator. The units have a nice lagoon plus boardwalks only a (Green?) Oriole. short walk away. The Rainbow Pitta was still being elusive (have heard it several times, but not sighted yet), but not so the local feral pigs. After dinner we did some spotlighting and came up with a pair of Barking Owls just nearby to our cabins. It moved off from tree to tree so we decided to leave it in peace. We saw 56 birds today including 9 new ticks for me. These included the Black Bittern, Radjah Shelduck, White- browed Crake, and the Barking Owl. Tawny Frogmouth photo © Warren Cousins Broad-billed Flycatcher photo © Warren Cousins Day 4: Heading off today to Cooinda Lodge at Yellow Waters (Kakadu). Found the Zitting Cisticola en route and from there dropped in to the impressive Mamukala Wetlands and Bird Hide which had excellent birding. Had the good luck to see a Whistling Kite drop into the water and lift off with what we thought may have been a Jacana. Too far away and happened Plumed Whistling Duck photo © Warren Cousins too quick for any photos. 2 Lyrebird Tales Lyrebird Tales Also saw overhead a Pacific Baza on the UBIRR road; well Day 5: Leaving Cooinda today for the Pine Creek Railway spotted Biggles. Next stop was at Bardedjilidi Sandstone area Resort. Travelled there via Nourlangie Rock and we arrived where we took a short walk through the bush. It was classic here very early to avoid crowds and were confronted with a Kakadu country; just what you’d expect to see here. On to very scenic and walkable area. The nearby lagoon was also Cahills Crossing for our first close-up view of crocodiles. It was very relaxing and although plenty of birds, there was nothing amazing to see people fishing so close to the river edge. Braver new. Got a nice pair of Barking Owls by pure fluke. Then our than me (or more stupid!). Next stop Jabiru and still trying to drive to Pine Creek recommenced but suddenly with about see a Partridge Pigeon without success. Not far then to our 60km to go, Biggles totally unexpectedly stopped the car and accommodation at the wonderful Cooinda Resort and a sunset announced quite casually he was hoping to show us a Red 2-hour cruise on the nearby Yellow Waters. Heaps of birdlife Goshawk. Now this was exciting as I had heard that this bird and the wildlife included crocs, buffaloes, wild horses, cattle is Australia’s rarest raptor, but I was a wee bit sceptical. Sure and pigs. Nothing new here but so much volume of birds and enough though, within 5 minutes we had both the nest and a a fabulous wetland scenery. roosting pair in a nearby tree. Oh ye of little faith. This was quite a find as the bird is uncommon to rare and probably declining in numbers. Another excellent day with 64 birds seen. The highlight was obviously the Red Goshawk, plus a Red-backed Kingfisher. Black-necked Stork photo © Warren Cousins Was interesting to watch from the boat a Stork trying to swallow a largish File Snake. It was all down except the last 30cm when the snake, in one last gasp, wrapped its remaining body length around the bill. This prevented the Stork from swallowing so he had to regurgitate the whole thing, and start the killing / swallowing sequence again. We saw 60 species today, plus 5 new ticks for yours truly. Highlights were the Baza and Masked Finch. By the way, the Rainbow Pitta finally Red Goshawk photo © Alastair Newton turned up today. Long-tailed Finch photo © Warren Cousins Masked Finch photo © Warren Cousins December 2018 3 Lyrebird Tales Hooded Robin photo © Warren Cousins Then off again at 10am into the nearby Gregory National Park Crimson Finch photo © Warren Cousins via Binns Track. Saw our first Diamond Doves and some immature Gouldians, followed by Red-browed Pardalote. A bit Day 6: Today we left Pine Creek and were heading for a 2- later a real bonus with a Hooded Robin. Even Biggles was night stay at Timber Creek. Soon after departure, we stopped surprised and really pleased with this bird. Another “goodun” at a small waterhole hoping to see Gouldians. After a long wait was a low flying Square-tailed Kite. Back for a late lunch, then and lots of other small bird activity, we missed out but were set off again 3.30pm for another 3-hour foray where two more compensated with views of Long-tailed Finches, Crimson Finch ticks with Star Finch and Yellow-rumped manikin. I was etc. We then dropped in to the Katherine Sewerage Treatment buggered now! Plant where we got a small group of Avocets (these were the first Biggles has seen in the Territory for about 10 years). En Day 8: Left Timber Creek today to go into WA, with Kununurra route we stopped at the Victoria River Roadhouse for lunch. being our next 2-night stop. We first did a few more rounds of Magnificent scenery surrounds this area. After checking in to some local Timber Creek haunts, and next stop en route was our accommodation we went off for a couple of hours birding the Keep River National park. It was nice to get good views of at nearby spots. My best birds for today were the two finches a Black-breasted Buzzard. After this we crossed the NT/WA mentioned above. border, but before checking in to our accommodation, we went to Wyndham (got the Mangrove Fantail), stopping just before Day 7: Left our rooms before dawn and went to the local there at the wonderful Parrys Lagoon. Here they have a great airport, Policeman’s Point and Bradshaws Bridge. Were super bird hide where we saw heaps of birdlife. On way back we also excited to see lots of Gouldian Finches. These were in a large dropped in to the Grotto (as featured in the recent ABC TV group including the most common black faced and some red series, Mystery Road).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Role of Fire in the Ecology of Leichhardt's Grasshopper (Petasida Ephippigera) and Its Food Plants, Pityrodia Spp
    The role of fire in the ecology of Leichhardt's grasshopper (Petasida ephippigera) and its food plants, Pityrodia spp. Piers Hugh Barrow B. Sc. (University of Queensland) Hons. (Northern Territory University) A thesis submitted to satisfy the requirements for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Institute of Advanced Studies, School for Environmental Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia. March 2009 I hereby declare that the work herein, now submitted as a thesis for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is the result of my own investigations, and all references to ideas and work of other researchers have been specifically acknowledged. I hereby certify that the work embodied in this thesis has not already been accepted in substance for any degree, and is not being currently submitted in candidature for any other degree. Piers Barrow March 2009 i Acknowledgements My partner Cate Lynch provided support and encouragement, field assistance, proof- reading and editing, and forewent much of what is expected in normal life for a such a long time through this project, and I am deeply grateful. My supervisors Peter Whitehead, Barry Brook, Jeremy Russell-Smith and Stephen Garnett provided valuable advice and discussion, and, despite typically huge workloads, never failed to make themselves available to help. I am particularly indebted to Peter Whitehead, who shouldered most of the work, way beyond expectations, and provided guidance and insight throughout, and to Jeremy Russell-Smith, who has encouraged and facilitated my interest in the ecology of the Top End in general, and of the sandstone country and fire in particular, for many years.
    [Show full text]
  • Driving Holidays in the Northern Territory the Northern Territory Is the Ultimate Drive Holiday Destination
    Driving holidays in the Northern Territory The Northern Territory is the ultimate drive holiday destination A driving holiday is one of the best ways to see the Northern Territory. Whether you are a keen adventurer longing for open road or you just want to take your time and tick off some of those bucket list items – the NT has something for everyone. Top things to include on a drive holiday to the NT Discover rich Aboriginal cultural experiences Try tantalizing local produce Contents and bush tucker infused cuisine Swim in outback waterholes and explore incredible waterfalls Short Drives (2 - 5 days) Check out one of the many quirky NT events A Waterfall hopping around Litchfield National Park 6 Follow one of the unique B Kakadu National Park Explorer 8 art trails in the NT C Visit Katherine and Nitmiluk National Park 10 Immerse in the extensive military D Alice Springs Explorer 12 history of the NT E Uluru and Kings Canyon Highlights 14 F Uluru and Kings Canyon – Red Centre Way 16 Long Drives (6+ days) G Victoria River region – Savannah Way 20 H Kakadu and Katherine – Nature’s Way 22 I Katherine and Arnhem – Arnhem Way 24 J Alice Springs, Tennant Creek and Katherine regions – Binns Track 26 K Alice Springs to Darwin – Explorers Way 28 Parks and reserves facilities and activities 32 Festivals and Events 2020 36 2 Sealed road Garig Gunak Barlu Unsealed road National Park 4WD road (Permit required) Tiwi Islands ARAFURA SEA Melville Island Bathurst VAN DIEMEN Cobourg Island Peninsula GULF Maningrida BEAGLE GULF Djukbinj National Park Milingimbi
    [Show full text]
  • A Little Flute Music: Mimicry, Memory, and Narrativity
    Environmental Humanities, vol. 3, 2013, pp. 43-70 www.environmentalhumanities.org ISSN: 2201-1919 A Little Flute Music: Mimicry, Memory, and Narrativity Vicki Powys, Hollis Taylor and Carol Probets Powys: Independent scholar, Capertee Valley, New South Wales, Australia Taylor: Arts and Social Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia. Probets: Independent scholar, Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia. ABSTRACT A lyrebird chick was raised in captivity in the 1920s in Australia’s New England Tablelands, or so the story goes. The bird mimicked the sounds of the household’s flute player, learning two tunes and an ascending scale. When released back into the wild, his flute-like songs and timbre spread throughout the local lyrebird population. We count ourselves among those who admire the sonic achievements of this bioregion’s “flute lyrebirds.” These Superb Lyrebirds (Menura novaehollandiae) do indeed deliver an unusual and extraordinarily complex, flute-like territorial song, although often with a musical competence exceeding what a human flutist could achieve. In this paper, we engage with both the living and the dead across a wide-ranging cast of characters, linking up in the here and now and grasping a hand across the span of many years. Memory and narrativity are pertinent to the at times conflicting stories and reminiscences from archival and contemporary sources. Ultimately, accounts of “flute lyrebirds” speak to how meaning evolves in the tensions, boundaries, and interplay between knowledge and imagination. We conclude that this story exceeds containment, dispersed as it is across several fields of inquiry and a number of individual memories that go in and out of sync.
    [Show full text]
  • Recommended Band Size List Page 1
    Jun 00 Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme - Recommended Band Size List Page 1 Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme Recommended Band Size List - Birds of Australia and its Territories Number 24 - May 2000 This list contains all extant bird species which have been recorded for Australia and its Territories, including Antarctica, Norfolk Island, Christmas Island and Cocos and Keeling Islands, with their respective RAOU numbers and band sizes as recommended by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme. The list is in two parts: Part 1 is in taxonomic order, based on information in "The Taxonomy and Species of Birds of Australia and its Territories" (1994) by Leslie Christidis and Walter E. Boles, RAOU Monograph 2, RAOU, Melbourne, for non-passerines; and “The Directory of Australian Birds: Passerines” (1999) by R. Schodde and I.J. Mason, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, for passerines. Part 2 is in alphabetic order of common names. The lists include sub-species where these are listed on the Census of Australian Vertebrate Species (CAVS version 8.1, 1994). CHOOSING THE CORRECT BAND Selecting the appropriate band to use combines several factors, including the species to be banded, variability within the species, growth characteristics of the species, and band design. The following list recommends band sizes and metals based on reports from banders, compiled over the life of the ABBBS. For most species, the recommended sizes have been used on substantial numbers of birds. For some species, relatively few individuals have been banded and the size is listed with a question mark. In still other species, too few birds have been banded to justify a size recommendation and none is made.
    [Show full text]
  • Budbri Learns to Dance DREAMING STORIES
    D’harawal DREAMING STORIES Frances Bodkin Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews illustrated by Lorraine Robertson Budbri learns to Dance www.dharawalstories.com Budbri Learns to Dance Frances Bodkin Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews illustrated by Lorraine Robertson www.dharawalstories.com Foreword Throughout the past two hundred years, society has come to regard the Koori Dreaming stories as something akin to the fairy stories they were told as children. However, for thousands upon thousands of years, the stories in this book were used as a teaching tool to impart to the youngest members of the clans the laws which governed the cultural behaviour of clan members. The successive attempts to destroy the Koori culture and assimilate The People into the Euro-centric population were unsuccessful, and the Dreaming Stories were able to continue in their dis- guise as charming legends where animals became the heroes and the heroines. Historians and anthropologists have studied the Koori culture since they first arrived on this continent, and have come to the conclusion that the D’harawal culture is dead. Of, course, this has been done without reference to the descendants of that culture, and without even asking the proper questions. The D’harawal culture is not dead, it is a strong, living, vital culture of the Sydney and South Coast re- gions that just had to go underground for a while to be able to survive. Now that the right questions have been asked, we have the key to unlock a vast wealth of knowledge of this part of the country in which we live. It is difficult to explain to a society based on commerce fuelled by the profit motive, that D’harawal cul- ture is not based on the ownership of tangible things like land and dwellings and possessions, but it does have a very strong sense of ownership of information.
    [Show full text]
  • Lyrebird Tales
    Lyrebird Tales Volume 28 Number 3 September 2019 A TRIP TO THE U.K. 2019 (OR; THOUGHTS TO MULL OVER ) By Doug Pocock Nuthatch photo © Alan Spellman Our bird list started with a Great Heron on the river and then Blue, Long-tailed and Great Tits, Nuthatch, Chaffinch and Rock Wren. We knew we were back in the UK! At the head of the gorge was a small weir and many Sand Martins were feeding on the insects. We were impressed by the local authorities who had installed a large wooden board against a bank of earth and had drilled Martin size holes to enable the birds to breed. Continued on page 2 Contents 1-3. Trip to the UK by Doug Pocock 4. Toora, Gippsland by Warren Cousins 5-6. Challenge for high-rise real estate by Valerie Fowler 6. Interesting sightings. Whose feathers? Committee Looking over Loch na Keal, Mull photo © Alan Spellman 7. Proposed outing to Mud Islands notice. We left home on May 27th and flew one stop to Edinburgh. Lillydale Lake update. Birdlife Yarra Valley camp notice. Here we picked up our hire car and were off. In the past we The one that nearly got away. found it best to pre-book accommodation so we headed for 8-9. Reports of Meetings and Outings New Lanark mill town. This was a fascinating place to stay, built by Richard Owen, an early reformer, as an enlightened 10. Calendar of Events place of employment. For instance he did not employ children under the age of ten instead he provided schooling for them.
    [Show full text]
  • Darwin and Northern Territory (06/22/2019 – 07/06/2019) – Birding Report
    Darwin and Northern Territory (06/22/2019 – 07/06/2019) – Birding Report Participants: Corey Callaghan and Diane Callaghan Email: [email protected] Overview: At an Australasian Ornithological Conference in Geelong, November 2017, they announced that the next conference would be in Darwin in 2019. I immediately booked it in the calendar that that is when I would do the typical Darwin birding trip. Diane was on board, and so we decided to do a solid birding trip before the conference in early July. There are some tricky ‘must-get’ birds here, and overall we did pretty well. We ended with 198 species for the trip, and got pretty much all the critical top end birds. Didn’t get any of the mangrove specialties (e.g., whistlers, and fantail), but I was still pleased with how we did. Highlights included all the finches that we saw, and the great spread of waterbirds. Chestnut Rail was also a highlight. When I went to the conference, I dropped Diane off to go hiking at Litchfield National Park, but before that we did a 10 day trip, driving out to Timber Creek and then back. Read below for day- by-day highlights, some photos, and various birding locations. Any hyperlinks should take you to the associated location and/or eBird checklists, which would provide precise coordinates and sometimes more detailed location notes. *Note: I follow the eBird/clements taxonomy, which differs in bird names from IOC. Blue-faced Honeyeater Day 1 (June 22nd, 2019): Flight from Sydney to Darwin We had an early flight from Sydney and got into Darwin at about 2:00 PM.
    [Show full text]
  • Hybridization & Zoogeographic Patterns in Pheasants
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Paul Johnsgard Collection Papers in the Biological Sciences 1983 Hybridization & Zoogeographic Patterns in Pheasants Paul A. Johnsgard University of Nebraska-Lincoln, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/johnsgard Part of the Ornithology Commons Johnsgard, Paul A., "Hybridization & Zoogeographic Patterns in Pheasants" (1983). Paul Johnsgard Collection. 17. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/johnsgard/17 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Papers in the Biological Sciences at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Paul Johnsgard Collection by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. HYBRIDIZATION & ZOOGEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS IN PHEASANTS PAUL A. JOHNSGARD The purpose of this paper is to infonn members of the W.P.A. of an unusual scientific use of the extent and significance of hybridization among pheasants (tribe Phasianini in the proposed classification of Johnsgard~ 1973). This has occasionally occurred naturally, as for example between such locally sympatric species pairs as the kalij (Lophura leucol11elana) and the silver pheasant (L. nycthelnera), but usually occurs "'accidentally" in captive birds, especially in the absence of conspecific mates. Rarely has it been specifically planned for scientific purposes, such as for obtaining genetic, morphological, or biochemical information on hybrid haemoglobins (Brush. 1967), trans­ ferins (Crozier, 1967), or immunoelectrophoretic comparisons of blood sera (Sato, Ishi and HiraI, 1967). The literature has been summarized by Gray (1958), Delacour (1977), and Rutgers and Norris (1970). Some of these alleged hybrids, especially those not involving other Galliformes, were inadequately doculnented, and in a few cases such as a supposed hybrid between domestic fowl (Gallus gal/us) and the lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) can be discounted.
    [Show full text]
  • Top End Adventure 29Th August – 4Th September 2018
    Tracks Birding - Trip Report Top End: August - September 2018 Northern Territory: Top End Adventure 29th August – 4th September 2018 Do I need to say anything more? Gouldian Finch, bird of the trip. Tour Leader: Laurie Ross All photos in this report were taken by Laurie Ross @ Tracks Birding & Photography Tours www.tracksbirding.com.au 0476 110 084 [email protected] 1 Page Tracks Birding - Trip Report Top End: August - September 2018 INTRODUCTION Darwin and the Top End have to be the most under-rated places to bird on the planet and shouldn’t be overlooked by interstate or international birders. On this seven-day tour you have the opportunity to see over 200 species in a week and explore a huge variety of habitats. From the Mangroves, beaches and monsoon forests around Darwin city, world class wetlands like Fogg Dam and Mamukala, Adelaide River and South Alligator River Floodplains, the Sandstone Escarpments of Kakadu National Park to the Outback grassy plains of Victoria River and Timber Creek. Just some of the bird highlights include local endemics like Chestnut-quilled Rock-pigeon, Banded Fruit-dove, White- lined Honeyeater and the beautiful Hooded Parrot, rarities like Yellow-rumped Mannikin, Chestnut-backed Button-quail, Northern Shrike-tit and Red Goshawk and for the colorful bird fans, Purple-crowned Fairy-wren, Rainbow Pitta and of course the spectacular Gouldian Finch. ITINERARY; 29th August Darwin - Mary River Resort 30th August Mary River Resort - Jabiru (Kakadu National Park) 31st August Jabiru – Yellow Water – Pine Creek 1st September Pine Creek – Edith Falls – Katherine – Victoria River 2nd September Victoria River – Gregory National Park – Timber Creek 3rd September Timber Creek - Katherine 4th September Katherine – Darwin www.tracksbirding.com.au 0476 110 084 [email protected] 2 Page Tracks Birding - Trip Report Top End: August - September 2018 DAY 1 - 29th August 2018 After introductions we hit the road to start birding, first stop was Buffalo Creek.
    [Show full text]
  • Book Reviews Edited by P
    Book reviews Edited by P. Dann BANDER'S AID - A GUIDE TO AGEING AND species, plus the three identification keys, mainly of SEXING BUSH BIRDS bush species, although the supplement does contain de- by Ken Rogers, Annie Rogers, Danny Rogers with tails of seven waders. The species descriptions are very assistance from Brett Lane & Bruce Male comprehensive and detailed. They include male and fe- male plumages, as well as immature and juvenile 1986. A. Rogers; St. Andrews, Victoria. Pp. 138, b&w plumages where possible, and details of moult, ageing drawings 12,l map, many tables, 295 x 210 mm. and sexing. This hopefully will act as a spur to many Available from RAOU, $20 (posted). banders and ex-banders to extract information from BANDER'S AID - SUPPLEMENT NUMBER ONE their notebooks and help fill the gaps. by Ken Rogers, Annie Rogers and Danny Rogers The authors have done Australian ornithology a ser- vice by initiating this study. They admit these books are 1990. RAOU; Melbourne. Pp. 76, many tables, 205 x only a starting point and that a lot more data need to be 150 mm. Available from RAOU, $10 (posted). collected. However, if banders can rise to the occasion, These days it is pleasantly surprising to read bird books this approach of cooperative data gathering can lead to that present totally new information about Australian a major advance in our understanding of the regional birds. These two books do just that as the information differences in the morphology of Australian birds. It is they contain is not available from any other source.
    [Show full text]
  • Passerines: Perching Birds
    3.9 Orders 9: Passerines – perching birds - Atlas of Birds uncorrected proofs 3.9 Atlas of Birds - Uncorrected proofs Copyrighted Material Passerines: Perching Birds he Passeriformes is by far the largest order of birds, comprising close to 6,000 P Size of order Cardinal virtues Insect-eating voyager Multi-purpose passerine Tspecies. Known loosely as “perching birds”, its members differ from other Number of species in order The Northern or Common Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) The Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) was The Common Magpie (Pica pica) belongs to the crow family orders in various fine anatomical details, and are themselves divided into suborders. Percentage of total bird species belongs to the cardinal family (Cardinalidae) of passerines. once thought to be a member of the thrush family (Corvidae), which includes many of the larger passerines. In simple terms, however, and with a few exceptions, passerines can be described Like the various tanagers, grosbeaks and other members (Turdidae), but is now known to belong to the Old World Like many crows, it is a generalist, with a robust bill adapted of this diverse group, it has a thick, strong bill adapted to flycatchers (Muscicapidae). Its narrow bill is adapted to to feeding on anything from small animals to eggs, carrion, as small birds that sing. feeding on seeds and fruit. Males, from whose vivid red eating insects, and like many insect-eaters that breed in insects, and grain. Crows are among the most intelligent of The word passerine derives from the Latin passer, for sparrow, and indeed a sparrow plumage the family is named, are much more colourful northern Europe and Asia, this species migrates to Sub- birds, and this species is the only non-mammal ever to have is a typical passerine.
    [Show full text]
  • PARKS and WILDLIFE COMMISSION of the NORTHERN TERRITORY Annual Report 2013-14
    PARKS AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY Annual Report 2013-14 The Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory is responsible for the management, protection and sustainable development of the Territory’s parks and reserves. The Commission provides high-quality, unique recreational, cultural, and natural experiences, which enhance tourism, create greater opportunities for recreation, protect important natural assets, and deliver economic benefits for the entire Northern Territory community. The Parks and Wildlife Commission works closely with a range of stakeholders to facilitate opportunities for development, while conserving the intrinsic natural and cultural values of the parks estate. The Commission also oversees the sustainable management of native wildlife throughout the Northern Territory. The Commission works closely with the community to ensure ongoing education and appropriate management of the Territory’s wildlife, through the administration of the permit system, effective management of pest wildlife, protection of native populations, and enforcement of illegal activities. Purpose of the Report The Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory has achieved significant outcomes against our environmental, community and visitor goals. The report focuses on recognising our achievements against our strategic goals and outcomes, while also acknowledging regional highlights that have resulted in outcomes for conservation, management, visitor satisfaction, tourism, or community engagement. Pursuant to section 28 of the Public Sector Employment and Management Act, the report aims to inform Parliament, Territorians, and other stakeholders of: • The primary functions and responsibilities of the Commission; • Significant activities undertaken during the year highlighting specific achievements against budget outputs; and • The Commission’s fiscal management and performance.
    [Show full text]