VOL. 14 (2) JUNE 1991 51

AUSTRALIAN BIRD WATCHER 1991, 14, 51 -67

Notes on the Birds of the Upper and Middle Reaches of Kimberley Rivers during the Dry Season, 1989

By T. AUMANN, Lot 1 Hansens Creek Road, Hoddles Creek, Victoria 3139

Summary Distributional data are given for 171 avian species occurring on or near rivers of the Kimberley region of Western during the dry season (April-November) of 1989. Additional data are also supplied for some of these species, particularly for raptors.

Introduction The biology of the birds of the Kimberley, that portion of which lies north of 32 °30 'S, remains little known. This is primarily because the region is sparsely settled, far removed from the major Australian population centres to the south and east, and poorly serviced with roads. Nevertheless, Storr (1980) has provided an important annotated checklist for the whole region, and other works of a similar nature exist for specific parts of it (Crossman 1910a,b; Hill 1911; Soderberg 1918; Storr et al. 1974; Johnstone et al. 1977; Johnstone & Smith 1981; Johnstone et al. 1981; Johnstone 1983). The present contribution adds distributional data for some of the avian species that inhabit the upper and middle reaches of Kimberley rivers during the dry season (April­ November). Breeding and other data are also supplied for some species, particularly the raptors, but nesting locations for the less common species have been omitted.

Methods During the period 1 July to 18 November 1989, I conducted field research in the Kimberley for the RAOUIWWF Australia Project on the Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus. Except for one erroneous arid-zone record (Debus & Czechura 1988), a Red Goshawk nest had not been reported for Western Australia for over 75 years (Hill 1911). Thus, the first Project objective was to locate breeding pairs. The method used was to ground-search sample stretches of the upper and middle reaches of a selection of the rivers that traverse the region. These reaches are often characterised by stands of tall ()30m) Cadjeputs Melolf!uca leucadendron and tall eucalypts such as the River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Flooded Box E. microtheca, Woollybutt E. miniata, Small-flowered Bloodwood E. polycarpa, Darwin Box E. tectifica and Darwin Stringybark E. tetrodonta. The searches were undertaken in 29 sample areas 50-250 m wide and 10-25 km long, in the drainages of the Barnett, Bell, Carson, Chamberlain, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack, Forrest, Hann, Isdell, King, King Edward, Manning, Morgan, Ord and Pentecost Rivers. The data presented here were derived from chance observations while searching the tall trees along these rivers for Red Goshawks, or while travelling between search sites. Also included are a few observations made outside the study period, particularly for May-June when I was resident at Kununurra (15 o47 'S, 128°44'E). The geology (Stewart et al. 1960; Wright 1964; Gellatly & Sofoulis 1969; Williams & Sofoulis 1971; Trendall 1975), climate (Slatyer 1960) and vegetation (George & Kenneally 1975, 1977; Beard 1979; Hnatiuk & Kenneally 1981; Kenneally 1981, 1983; Webb & Tracy 1981; Petheram & Kok 1983) of the Kimberley have previously been AUSTRALIAN 52 AUMANN BIRD WATCHER

described in some detail. For the present purpose it is sufficient, if simplistic, to regard the region as having a hot wet season (December-March) and a warm dry season (April­ November). The mean monthly temperature maxima range from c. 30 to c. 40°C, with the extremes being greatest inland. Mean annual rainfall varies from c. 1200-1600 mrn in parts of the north and west to c. 300-600 mm in the south and east. On average, 75-85 per cent of this rain occurs during the wet season, and most of the rivers have dried to a series of pools by August-October. In the checklist that follows, abbreviations are used for lake (L), river (R), creek (Ck), road (Rd), crossing (X), homestead (H) and station (S). Dates are given as date/month.

Annotated species list Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae Adult, Hann R near Old Mt Elisabeth H 29/9; pair, Mitchell R 10 km above Mitchall Falls 23/10. Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus Individuals and groups (10 on Ord R from L Argyle to Ivanhoe X throughout, often fishing near Kununurra Diversion Dam during water release. Several records of single birds and pairs from the Drysdale, Dunham, Durack and Forrest Rivers during June-Sept<>mber. Four at Dunham R Pilot Dam 13/9. Darter Anhinga melanogaster Many records, mainly of single birds, on L Argyle and the Chamberlain, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack, Forrest, Hann, Isdell, Mitchell, Ord and Pentecost Rivers during May-November. Young in low, isolated or colonial, riparian nests during May. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Several at Marglu Billabong 11/6 and L Argyle 2317. One on Bell Ck 4 km above Bell Gorge 6/10. Pied Cormorant P. varius Several on Kununurra Diversion Dam 18/6 & 317 and fishing at L Argyle 2317. Several on Pentecost R near El Questro H 2/8 and Windjana Gorge 14/8. Little Black Cormorant P. sulcirostris Groups of 15-20 fishing at L Argyle 6/5 & 2317 and Kununurra Diversion Dam 17/6. Many groups of 2-5 at Bell Creek, Melarrie Swamp and the Black Elvire, Chamberlain, Drysdale, Forrest, Hann, Manning and Ord Rivers during June-November. Group of 20-30 just below Manning Falls 12/8. Little Pied Cormorant P. melanoleucos Groups of 6-12 common on waters including L Argyle, Kununurra Diversion Dam, Homestead Billabong (Ivanhoe S) , Jack's Hole, Edith Pool, Lambo Hole, Excelsior Reach, Melarrie Swamp, Winjana Gorge and Chamberlain Gorge during June-August. Single birds and smaller groups common on all rivers searched throughout July-October. Pacific Heron Ardea pacifica Many individuals and, less often, pairs at the Barnett, Black Elvire, Carson, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack, Forrest, Hann, Mitchell, Morgan and Ord Rivers, and Melarrie Swamp, during June-November. White-faced Heron A. novaehollandiae Individuals and groups of2-3 on rivers, pools, dams and grasslands throughout region during June­ November. During August, pairs were incubating eggs in nests in riparian trees on the Barnett, Black Elvire, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack, Hann and Manning Rivers. First fledged young recorded 3/9. Pied Heron A. picata Occasional sightings, singly or in small groups, on sandy islands in Ord Rand at Kununurra Diversion Dam during May-July. Cattle Egret Ardeola ibis Groups of 5-10 at Marglu Billabong in June, and groups of20-100 with cattle on Ivanhoe Stn during July-August. Great Egret Egretta alba Individuals and groups of 4-5 on dams, lakes and swamps including Camera Pool (near Oombulgurri), Homestead Billabong (Ivanhoe S), L Argyle, Marglu Billabong, Melarrie Swamp and Winjana Gorge during June-August. Individuals and, less often, pairs on Bell Ck and the Carson, Drysdale, Durack, Forrest, Hann, King, Manning, Mitchell, Morgan, Ord and Pentecost Rivers during June-November. VOL. 14 (2) JUNE 1991 Birds of Kimberley Rivers, Dry Season 1989 53 AUSTRALIAN 54 AUMANN BIRD WATCHER

Little Egret E. garzetta Two on the Ord R at Crossing Falls 19/6 and Ivanhoe X Tl/7, and one on Homestead Billabong (Ivanhoe S) 29/7. One on the Forrest R near Oombulgurri 23/6 & 917. Several individuals on the Dunham R 0-10 km above Excelsior Reach 11/9. Intermediate Egret E. intermedia Several individuals on the Ord R from L Argyle to Kununurra Diversion Dam during May-July. Individuals at Marglu Billabong 11/6, and on the Durack R at Edith Pool 4/9 and Lambo Hole 7/9. Several individuals on the Drysdale R 0-10 km below and 0-5 km above Drysdale X 12/10. Rufous Night Heron Nycticorax ca/edonicus Group of 3-8, often including immatures, roosting diurnally in riparian vegetation by larger pools at Bell Ck, Melarrie Swamp and the Barnett, Black Elvire, Chamberlain, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack, Hann, Isdell, Manning, Mitchell, Morgan, Ord and Pentecost Rivers during June-November. Black Bittern Dupetor jlavicol/is A total of 12 records of individuals at larger pools on Bell Ck and on the Durack, Hann, Mitchell and Morgan Rivers during July-November. Pairs at Chamberlain Gorge 19/9 and Tracey Pool (Hann R) 25/9. Black-necked Stork Xenorhynchus asiaticus Singly or in pairs throughout the Kununurra/Wyndham area during May-June, usually at shallow pools, dams and springs. Individuals on Blackfellow Ck (Karunjie S) and the Chamberlain, Drysdale, Dunham, Fitzroy, Forrest, Hann and Pentecost Rivers during June-November. Pair 3 km below Drysdale X 13/10. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinel/us Individual on mown lawn area near Ord R at Kununurra 15/6. Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopica Several groups of 3-5 on swamps, creeks and dams near Kununurra, Oombulgurri and Wyndham during May-July. Groups of2-5 on Melarrie Swamp and the Drysdale, Forrest, Mitchell and Ord Rivers during July-November. Straw-necked Ibis T. spinicol/is Groups of 10-30 near Kununurra and of 5-10 near Oombulgurri on damp and dry grasslands during May-July. Individuals and groups of 4-10 at Melarrie Swamp and on the Carson, Chamberlain, Drysdale, Durack, Forrest, King Edward, Manning and Mitchell Rivers during June-November. Royal Spoonbill Platalea regia Three at Dunham Pilot Dam 11/9, two at Homestead Billabong (Ivanhoe S) 28/8 and four near Drysdale X 12/10. Individuals on Nettapus Pool (Durack R) 4/7, the Pentecost R near El Questro H 2/8, the Black Elvire R near Old Halls Ck 23/9 and 3 km below Drysdale X 13/10. Yellow-billed Spoonbill P favipes Three near Drysdale X 12110. Magpie Goose Anseranas semipalmata Groups of 50+ at Marglu Billabong 1116, of 100+ at Melarrie Swamp 8/8 and of 8 at Dunham Pilot Dam 11/9. Individuals and groups of 4-5 near the Ord R at Kununurra during June-August. Wandering Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna arcuata Groups of 30-40 at Homestead Billabong and Kununurra Diversion Dam during July. Six pairs at separate localities on the edge of L Argyle 2317. Group of 8-10 on Carson R 4 km above Morgan R junction 19/10. Plumed Whistling-Duck D. eytoni Group of 4-5 on a pool near Oombulgurri 23/6. Groups of 60-70 and 1000+ on Homestead Billabong (Ivanhoe S) on 29/7 and 29/8, respectively. Radjah Shelduck Tadorna radjah Pairs on Ord R between L Argyle and Kununurra during May-July. Group of five on Dunham Pilot Dam 11/9. Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Se:veral groups of adults with young near Oombulgurri 23/6. Groups of 30+ and 60+ on Homestead Billabong (Ivanhoe S) late in July. Group of 50+ at Melarrie Swamp 8/8. Individuals and groups of 2-3 at Lambo Hole (Karunjie S) 6/9. Hardhead Aythya australis Several, Marglu Billabong 11/6. Osprey Pandion haliaetus Individuals at Marglu Billabong 11/6, Carlton Gorge (Ord R) 15/7, near Drysdale X 12/10 and on Morgan R 4 km above Carson R junction 19/10. Nests with fledged young during August on the Charnley, VOL. 14 (2) JUNE 1991 Birds of Kimberley Rivers, Dry Season 1989 55

Drysdale and Pentecost Rivers, 45-150 km from the coast. Some fledged young with parents and perching on natal nest in mid September. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus notatus Individuals noted hovering near the Richenda R 16111. Pacific Baza Aviceda subscristata Individuals at Windjana Gorge 25/9, on Isdell R near Buckboard Point 4/10 and near Drysdale X 13/10. Pairs at one or more nests on the Carson, Isdell , King Edward, Mitchell and Morgan Rivers during October-November. Aerial courtship first observed 15/10 and copulation first observed 16/10. Egg-laying not confirmed for any nest. Black Kite Milvus migrans Groups of 5-200 at refuse tips, stockyards, meatworks, carcasses and burning operations from mid April to mid October. Group of 100-150 roosted in a few dead trees beside the Ord R near Ivanhoe H for at least several consecutive evenings in late July. Group of 1000+ on Card Ck ll/9. Individuals and groups of2-10 frequently in riparian trees, over roads and over grasslands during June-November. Nests only dicovered near rivers in the north-east. Sometimes as close as 250 m apart, they had eggs in April, May and July. Nestlings and recently fledged young were noted in June. Many, but not all, individuals were in heavy moult during June-July. Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Ten sightings of individuals: at The Grotto S of Wyndham ll/6 ; over low, sparse woodland and mudflats near Oombulgurri 1/7 & 817; near Turkey Ck 17/7; over woodland near Ivanhoe H 21/7; over Gibb R Rd 30 km W of El Questro gate 4/8; near Drysdale X 6/8; over Hann R 6 km above Gibb R Rd 9/8; over Bella Ck (Gibb R S) 10/8; over Adcock R (Mount House S) 14/8. One individual was in tail and wing moult during August. Black-breasted Buzzard Hamirostra melanosternon Twenty-eight sightings of individuals at Bell Ck, the Adcock, Barnett, Black Elvire, Dunham, Durack, Forrest, Hann, Isdell, Mitchell, Ord and Pentecost Rivers, and over intervening grasslands during June-November. In addition, nests were found on three rivers, but nest trees were not climbed. From parental behaviour it was inferred that some nests contained eggs and others young nestlings during October. At this time some, but not all, adults were noted to be in heavy wing and tail moult. A young individual observed soaring 18/10 showed no sign of moult. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus One adult over Forrest R near Oombulgurri 717. Whistling Kite H. sphenurus Individuals and groups of2-4 at rivers and over roads and grasslands throughout the region during May-November. A total of 23 nests found at the Dunham Pilot Dam and in riparian trees at Bell Ck and the Barnett, Black Elvire, Carson, Chamberlain, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack, Hann, Isdell, King, King Edward, Morgan, Ord and Pentecost Rivers. Nests were found with eggs in April and September and with nestlings in May and October. One nest held nestlings c. 1 week old 21110. Nestlings fledging in autum often remained associated with their natal territories and natal nests for at least 2-3 months. Several adults were observed to be in heavy wing and tail moult during July. Some were also noted to be in heavy moult in October, but this was not the case for those with nestlings at the time. Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus Many records of A. f didimus from the Dunham, King and Ord Rivers during May-June, and an adult female of this subspecies was noted in the Bungle Bungles in mid July. A total of 59 nests located in riparian trees on the Bamboo, Bell, Camp and Melarrie Creeks and the Barnett, Chamberlain, Drysdale, Durack, Hann, Isdell, King Edward, Mitchell, Morgan and Pentecost Rivers. Active nests were commonly 1.5-2 km apart. Most of the breeders observed seemed referable to A. f didimus, but both the male and female breeders at a nest on the Morgan R appeared typical of A. f fasciatus. Other individuals seemingly referable to the nominate subspecies were sighted from 7/7-19/10. The earliest courtship display was noted 18/6, the first nest construction work 2/8 and the first eggs 2/9. Eggs were found in nests as late as 23/10, by which time at least some nestlings had hatched. Most of the breeders did not appear to be in moult, but one first-year A. f didimus was moulting into second­ year plumage on the chest, abdomen, wings and tail 25/9. Collared Sparrowhawk A. cirrocephalus Recorded much less often than the previous species, although misidentifications probably occurred. Occasionally noted around the Dunham and Ord Rivers during May-June, and records from the Drysdale, Durack, Forrest and Ord Rivers during July-August. Active nests were found on Bell Ck and the Isdell, Morgan and Pentecost Rivers during September-October. Incubation was first noted 19/9 and nestlings first 18/10. AUSTRALIAN 56 AUMANN BIRD WATCHER

Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus Four active nests and three other records at seven different localities. Incubation noted during August­ October, with nestlings hatching September-October. The earliest youngsters to fledge did so in mid November. One female was in primary and secondary moult in mid October. White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster Several records of adults and immatures over the Ord R near Kununurra during May-June, and other individuals or pairs on the Black Elvire R near Old Halls Ck 16/8, Pentecost R near El Questro H 2/8, Durack R near Karunjie H 2/9 and Drysdale R near Woodhouse R junction 13/10. Two active nests located: on the Drysdale R c. 200 km inland during incubation 7/8 and on the Ord R c. 45 km inland with a 5-6 weeks old nestling 29/8. Two adults observed during mid October were in heavy primary, secondary and tail moult. Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Numerous records of individuals or pairs over the Bell and Melarrie Creeks, the Barnett, Drysdale, Dunham, Hann, Isdell, King, King Edward. Lennard, Manning, Mitchell, Ord and Pentecost Rivers, and intervening grasslands during June-November. One group of three observed soaring together 6/8. Nests not discovered, presumably because this species chooses sites away from the river margins. Several, but not all, individuals observed in July-September were in heavy moult. Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Many records of individuals from the Barnett, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack, Hann, King and Ord Rivers during June-November. A total of II active nests found on Bella Ck and the Barnett, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack and Hann Rivers: the closest being c. 1.5 km apart. Incubation noted 20/7, 5/9, 11/9 & 20/9. Nestlings noted from late July onwards, with one nest holding a c. 3 weeks old nestling 12/10. Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis Several records of individuals foraging over grasslands near the Ord Rand Kununurra Diversion Dam during May-late July. Other records for the Isdell R near Beverly Springs S access track 3/10 and the Richenda R near Gibb R Rd 25/10. An adult was observed carrying a c. 40 em stick 4/10 near the Isdell R. Marsh Harrier C. aeruginosus An adult female rose from reeds on the edge of the Ord R 17/6. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus A total of six records from Cathedral Gorge (Bungle Bungles), Windjana Gorge and the King Edward and Mitchell Rivers during July-November. Three nests located on gorge ledges, but stage of breeding cycle not determined in any case. Australian Hobby F longipennis Several records for the Ord R near Kununurra and Crossing Falls and the Forrest R near Oombulgurri during May-July. A total of six nests located, on the Barnett, Drysdale, Durack, Hann, lsdell and Mitchell Rivers. Incubation noted in September at two nests, and two other nests held small nestlings 16/10 & 25110, respectively. Brown Falcon F berigora Numerous records for grasslands, roadsides, at fires and on watercourses throughout the region during May-November. A total of eight nests located on Valentine Ck (Ivanhoe S) and the Adcock, Barnett, Black Elvire, Drysdale, Durack and Isdell Rivers. Copulation was observed at three territories 21/7, 7/8 and 16/9. Incubation was noted during August and September. There were recently fledged youngsters at one territory 2110. Several pairs involved mates of different morphs, however ventrally dark individuals outnumbered ventrally light and rufous individuals. Australian Kestrel F cenchroides Many records of individuals near roadsides, watercourses and over grasslands in the Halls Ck, Kununurra and Oombulgurri districts during May-June. Individuals at Melarrie Swamp 8/8, 2 km above Manning Falls 11/8, near Beverly Springs H 14/8, 45 km S of Wyndham 10/9, Mitchell Falls 25/10 and Fitzroy X 28110. Two nests c. 10 km apart in hollows in trees beside the Durack R in September, but the stage of breeding was undetermined. Brown Quail Coturnix australis Groups of 6-10 recorded on nine occasions in sparse grassland near the Chamberlain, Mitchell , Ord and Pentecost Rivers during May-October. White-browed Crake Poliolimnas cinereus Individuals and groups of 2-5 frequently observed on the Ord R from L Argyle to Crossing Falls during May-July. Copulation observed 18/6. Purple Swamphen Porphyria porphyria Frequent records of individuals and groups of 2-6 on the Ord R near Kununurra during May-July. Brolga Grus rubicundus Groups of 3-14 noted on seven occasions on grasslands beside the King and Ord Rivers near VOL. 14 (2) JUNE 1991 Birds of Kimberley Rivers, Dry Season 1989 57

Kununurra and Wyndham during May-July. Group of 70+ on Forrest R flats near Oombulgurri 20/7. Groups of 3-9 with c. 60 per cent grown youngsters noted in early August on Melarrie Swamp and the Drysdale R. Other groups 2-3 observed on roadsides, grasslands, Melarrie Ck and the Barnett, Carson, Drysdale, Durack, Hann, Isdell, Mitchell and Morgan Rivers during July-October. Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis A few individuals and pairs on grasslands beside the Ord and Dunham Rivers near Kununurra during May-June. A further 18 records of individuals and groups of 2-11 from grasslands on Beverly Springs, Karunjie and Mt Elisabeth Stations, Camp Ck, and the Berkeley, Hann, Isdell, Mitchell and Morgan Rivers during July-October. Comb-crested Jacana Irediparra gallinacea Groups of 100-200 on Kununurra Diversion Dam during May. Groups of 4-20 on swampy grassland throughout the Kununurra and Wyndham districts during May-June, near the Forrest Rat Oombulgurri 8/7, and on the Ord R from L Argyle to Kununurra during May-July. Group of20+ at Melarrie Swamp 8/8. Bush Thick-knee Burhinus magnirostris Individuals and groups of 2-6 beside Ord R near Crossing Falls 10/9, Hann R near Gibb R Rd 9/8, near Manning Falls 29/9, and King Edward R 10 km NW of King Edward R H 15/10. Masked Lapwing Jfmellus miles A few records of individuals and pairs near Ord R and on sandy islands between L Argyle and Kununurra during May-June. Other groups of 2-4 at Jack's Hole and Lambo Hole (Durack R) during August-September. Black-fronted Plover Charadrius melanops Groups of 2-8 at dams and at pools in all rivers searched during June-October. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Eight on Homestead Billabong (Ivanhoe Stn) 21 /7 & 29/7. Four at tank near Mt House H 16/11. Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos Individual perched on rock in Middle Pool (Durack R) 2/9. Greenshank T. nebularia Four at Jack's Hole (Durack R) 15111. Marsh Sandpiper T. stagnatilis Two at Jack's Hole (Durack R) 15/11. Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum Two at Pentecost R near Gibb R Rd 14111. Australian Pratincole Stiltia isabella Group of 7 on flats beside the Forrest R near Oombulgurri 817. Four at Karunjie H airstrip 5/9. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Individuals and groups of 2-20 on Ord R from L Argyle to Kununurra during June-July. Individual at Dunham Pilot Dam 12/9. Torresian Imperial-Pigeon Ducula spilorrhoa Group of 2-4 on King Edward R S of Kalumburu 21110. Peaceful Dove Geopelia placida Very common in pairs or groups of up to 20 throughout the region during May-October. Courtship activity observed in most months. Diamond Dove G. cuneata Groups of 3-7 occasionally noted close to creeks and rivers in the Kununurra district during May­ June. Groups of this size encountered frequently at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Groups of 2-6 recorded for the Barnett, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack, Forrest, Hann and Manning Rivers during July-October. Bar-shouldered Dove G. humeralis Many groups of up to 50 near Ord R from L Argyle to Kununurra during May-July. Individuals and groups of 3-15 very common on all rivers throughout the region during June-October. Nest-building observed at several places during May, and most October records were of pairs. Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera A pair on the Durack R at Jack's Hole 4/8. Crested Pigeon Ocyphaps lophotes Pairs and groups of up to ten observed throughout the Kununurra district during May-June, and at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Groups of2-8 for Bell Ck and the Chamberlain, Drysdale, Durack, Forrest, Hann, King, Manning, Ord and Pentecost Rivers during July-October. Courtship observed in May. AUSTRALIAN 58 AUMANN BIRD WATCHER

White-quilled Rock-Pigeon Petrophassa albipennis Groups of 2-5 common in rocky areas near the King and Ord Rivers and elsewhere in the Kununurra and Wyndham districts during May-June, and groups of 4-8 very common beside Piccaninny Ck (Bungle Bungles) in mid July. Groups of up to 15 common in gorges and other rocky areas associated with Bell Ck and the Adcock, Chamberlain, Forrest, Hann and Mitchell Rivers during July-October. Spinifex Pigeon P. plumifera Individuals and groups of 2-8 common in sparse grasslands by the King and Ord Rivers near Kununurra and Wyndham during May-June, and in spinifex at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Individuals and groups of up to eight noted for Woollybutt Ck and the Dunham, Durack, Forrest, Isdell, Ord and Pentecost Rivers during July-October. Group of 100+ beside the Chamberlain R near its junction with the Pentecost R 19/9. Courtship frequently observed in May and June. Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus magnificus Groups of 100-200+ beside the Dunham and Ord Rivers near Kununurra during May, the Pentecost R near El Questro H on 2/8, and the Hann River near Gibb R Rd on 10/8. Individuals and groups 2-30 noted for all rivers searched during July-October. Adults observed to feed fledged young during July-October. Wing moult noted for a few individuals late in May. Galah Ca catua roseicapilla A few individuals and pairs at creek and river pools near Kununurra and Wyndham during May­ June. Group of 150+ on the Hann R near Gibb R Rd 10/8. Groups of 15-30+ at Donkey Hole (Beverly Springs S) 14/8, Durack R (Karunjie S) 3/9, Hann R near Gibb R Rd 26/9, Bough Shed Ck (near Silent Grove H) on 6/10, and near Drysdale X 13/10. Pairs and groups of (10 noted for Bell Ck and the Dunham, Durack, Hann and Isdell Rivers during July-October. Little Corella C. sanguinea Groups of 1500-2000 on the Ord R near Kununurra during May, June and November. Other groups of 1000+ on recently mown grasslands near Beverly Springs H 14/8 and using trees beside Edith Pool (Durack R) as a nocturnal roost site 2/9. Numerous individuals and groups of up to 100 on all rivers searched from July-October. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo C. galerita Several records of pairs on the Dunham and Ord Rivers near Kununurra during May-June. Individuals and pairs reasonably common on all rivers searched during July-October. Red-collared Lorikeet Trichoglossus rubritorquis Numerous individuals and groups of 2-10 near the Dunham, King and Ord Rivers near Kununurra and Wyndham throughout May-June. Groups of2-12 on all rivers searched during July-October. Pairs commonly at riparian tree hollows during August-October. Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor A few groups of 2-4 near the Ord R at Crossing Falls and Kununurra during May-June. Group of 100+ on the Isdell R near Buckboard Point 4/10, and groups of 20+ on the Woodhouse R near the Drysdale R junction 7/8 and near Bell Gorge 7110. Groups of 2-20 on all rivers searched during July-October. Red-winged Parrot Aprosmictus erythropterus Groups of 2-10 common at watercourses near Kununurra during May-June, and at Bell burn Ck (Bungle Bungles) in mid July. Groups of 2-10 common on all rivers searched during July-October. Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Groups of 5-12 common in the Glen Hill, Kununurra and Wyndham areas during May-June. Groups of 3-5 common at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Groups of 2-10 near the Black Elvire, Dunham, Durack, Fitzroy, Hann and Pentecost Rivers during July-October. Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus Individuals and groups of 2-12 (most often 6-12) in the Kununurra area during May-June. Groups of 3-4 near Glen Hill 17/5, and groups of 6-40 abundant at Bellburn Ck in mid July. A few groups of 2-8 at various points near Gibb R Rd during July-October. Northern Rosella Platycercus venustus Infrequent individuals and pairs on watercourses near Kununurra during May-June, and at Bellburn Ck in mid July. Individuals and pairs occasionally encountered at Bell Ck and on the Barnett, Drysdale, Durack, Hann and King Edward Rivers during July-October. Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus One at Dead Horse Spring near L Argyle on 6/5. Infrequent records of individuals at the Drysdale, Durack, Hann and Ord Rivers during July-October. One on the Durack R near Gibb R Rd 14111 and one at Adcock Gorge 16111. Brush Cuckoo C. variolosus Many individuals on the Dunham and Ord Rivers near Kununurra during May-June. Individuals VOL. 14 (2) JUNE 1991 Birds of Kimberley Rivers, Dry Season 1989 59 very common on all rivers searched during July-October. Courtship first observed near the King Edward R 40 km S of Kalumburu 21/10. Horsefield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis Individuals near Ord R at Crossing Falls 18/6 & 30/8, at Camera Pool near Oombulgurri 917, on Dunham R near Ord Rjunction 2517, and at Jack's Hole (Durack R) 4/8. A nestling which appeared to be of this species was found in a Purple-crowned Fairy-Wren Malurus coronatus nest beside the Durack R 519. Common Koel Eudynamis scolopacea Individuals fairly common on the Carson, King Edward, Mitchell, Morgan and Ord Rivers from 15/10 to 12111. Channel-billed Cuckoo Scythrops novaehollandiae Individuals at Bellburn Ck 1517, sitting on a corvid nest near Emma Gorge (El Questro S) 1/8, at the Hann R 4 km above Gibb R Rd 24/9 and at Adcock Gorge 16/11. Pheasant Coucal Centropus phasianinus Individuals and pairs common on all watercourses near Kununurra during May-June. Numerous records of individuals and pairs for all rivers searched during July-October. Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae Individuals often near the Ord R at Crossing Falls during May-June. One to three individuals frequently heard calling on Bell Ck and the Drysdale, Durack, Hann, Isdell, Morgan and Ord Rivers during July-October. Barking Owl N. connivens Individuals often seen or heard near Bell Ck and the Chamberlain, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack, Hann, Isdell and Pentecost Rivers during July-October. One noted defending a hollow in a tree near Lambo Hole (Durack R) 5/9. Barn Owl Tyto alba Individuals common near the Ord R at Crossing Falls during May-July. Individuals noted near the Ord R near Kununurra 1217 and on the Dunham R 15 km above Excelsior Reach 11 /9. Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides Individuals occasionally in woodland beside the Ord R near Crossing Falls during May-June. Other individuals noted near Drysdale X 7/8 & 13/10, on the Barnett R 10 km below Gibb R Rd 12/8 & 7/10, and on the Carson R near the Morgan R junction 19/10. Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus Individuals near Ivanhoe H 28/5, near Drysdale R H 7/8, near Beverly Springs H 14/8, near Buckboard Point (Isdell R) 3/10, near Mitchell R H 15/10 and on the King Edward R 40 km south of Kalumburu 23/10. Spotted Nightjar Caprimulgus guttatus Individuals near the Ord R at Crossing Falls 28/6, and the Pentecost R near El Questro H ;us, near Drysdale X 7/8 and at the Durack R near Gibb R Rd 14/11. Azure Kingfisher Ceyx azurea Fourteen records of individuals from Donkey Hole, Bella Ck and the Carson, Durack, Hann, Isdell , Manning and Morgan Rivers during July-October. A pair on the Barnett R 5 km above Mt Barnett H 30/9. Blue-winged Kookaburra Dacelo leachii Individuals and groups of 2-4 on watercourses throughout the Kununurra district during May-June. Groups of 2-7 common on all rivers searched during July-October. Many family parties at hollows during September, and fledged young first noted 15/10. Red-backed Kingfisher Halcyon pyrrhopygia Individuals at Flying Fox Waterhole (Dunham R) 2717, the Pentecost R near El Questro H 3/8, Melarrie Swamp 8/8, Bella Ck (Gibb R S) 25/9 and Turkey Ck (Mt House S) 5/10. Sacred Kingfisher H. sancta A few individuals beside the Ord R from L Argyle to Ivanhoe X during May-June. Other individuals and groups of 2-3 noted at all rivers searched during July-October. Pairs at nest hollows in September-October. Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Groups of2-8 very common on all watercourses in the Kununurra area during May-June. Groups of 2-10 common on all rivers searched during July-October. Groups of 50+ gathered in treetops on the Mitchell R near Mitchell R H 15/10. Dollarbird Eurystomus orienta/is First noted on the Hann R 25/9. Very common in pairs (usually) or groups of up to five on all rivers searched thereafter. Often at hollows in dead riparian trees during late September-October. AUSTRALIAN 60 AUMANN BIRD WATCHER

Singing Bushlark Mirafra javanica Very common on grasslands throughout region during May-October. Tree Martin Cecropis nigricans Groups of 5-20+ common on most rivers searched during May-October. Fairy Martin C. ariel Groups of 10-50+ common on most rivers searched during May-October. Groups of 50+ collecting nesting mud near Kununurra Diversion Dam Tl/7. Active nesting colonies noted at rock ledges beside the Hann R 9/8 and at Fitzroy X 26/10, but stage of breeding not determined. Richard's Pipit Anthus novaeseelandiae Individuals and groups of 2-5 noted in sparse grassland at the Bungle Bungles in mid July, near Karunjie H 4/9 and near the Gibb R Rd on frequent occasions during July-October. Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Individuals and groups of 2-6 reasonably common throughout Kununurra district during May-June, at the Bungle Bungles in mid July, at Melarrie Swamp 8/8 and on most rivers searched during July-October. White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike C. papuensis Individuals and groups of 2-6 common at most watercourses near Kununurra during May-June, at the Bungle Bungles in mid July and at Melarrie Swamp 8/8. Individuals and groups of 2-6 very common on all rivers searched during July-October. White-winged Triller LLllage sueurii Individuals and groups 3-20 common around Kununurra during May-June. Groups of 2-5 on the Barnett, Dunham, Durack, Hann, Isdell, King and Ord Rivers during July-October. Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata One individual at the Hann R near Gibb R Rd Tl/9. Jacky Winter Microeca leucophaea Individuals and pairs throughout the Kununurra district during May-June and at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Individuals and groups of 2-4 reasonably common on the Drysdale, Durack, Forrest, Gibb and Hann Rivers during July-September, and very common in western areas during October. White-browed Robin Poecilodryas superciliosa A total of seven pairs located on an Ord R tributary 7 km below Ivanhoe H 10/6, at Excelsior Reach (Dunham R) 11/9, on a Mitchell R tributary 10-20 km above Mitchell R H 15/10 and on the King Edward R 30-50 km S of Kalumburu 21110. Crested Shrike-tit Falcunculus frontatus Individual near Drysdale X 7/8. Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Individuals and groups of 2-4 fairly common on watercourses near Kununurra during May-June and at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Individuals and pairs common on all rivers searched during July-October. Sandstone Shrike-thrush Colluricincla woodwardi Pairs at Hidden Valley National Park 5/6, The Grotto 8/6 & 14111 and Camera Pool (near Oombulgurri) 25/6. Grey Shrike-thrush C. harmonica Individuals infrequently on watercourses near Kununurra and Wyndham during May-June. Individual at Edith Pool (Durack R) 3/9. Leaden Flycatcher Myiagra rubecula Individuals at Bell Ck, Emma Gorge (El Questro S) and on the Adcock, Chamberlain, Drysdale, Forrest, Hann, Manning, Mitchell and Pentecost Rivers during July-September. Pairs in intense courtship at Bell Ck 6/10 and near Drysdale X 12/10. Shining Flycatcher M. alecto Approximately 15 pairs noted on the Carson, Chamberlain, Hann, King Edward, Morgan, Pentecost and Ord Rivers during July-October. Restless Flycatcher M. inquieta Very common on watercourses near Kununurra during May-June. Individuals and pairs very common on all rivers searched during July-October. Two nests located in Cadjeputs beside the Hann R were ready for eggs 28/9 & 29/9. Some nests had nestlings in October and the first fledged youngsters were noted on the Ord R on 9/11. Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa A few individuals on watercourses near Kununurra during May-June. VOL. 14 (2) JUNE 1991 Birds of Kimberley Rivers, Dry Season 1989 61

Fledgling Barn Owl Tyto alba Plate 9 Photo: G. A. Cumming AUSTRALIAN 62 AUMANN BIRD WATCHER

Northern Fantail R. rufiventris Individuals and pairs common on watercourses near Kununurra and Wyndham during May-June. Individuals and pairs at most rivers searched during July-October. Nests with eggs located in October. Willie Wagtail R. /eucophrys Common in most habitats near Kununurra and Wyndham during May-June. Individuals and pairs very common on all watercourses searched during July-October. Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis Groups of 5-10 common in most habitats near Kununurra during May-June and at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Such groups common on all rivers searched during July-October. Many individuals came from or entered nests during September-October, but stage of breeding not determined. Clamorous Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus Individuals in reeds on the Ord R near Crossing Falls during June-July. Tawny Grassbird Mega/urus timoriensis One in reeds on the Ord R near Crossing Falls 15/6. Golden-headed Cisticola Cisticola exilis Individuals near the Ord R at Crossing Falls 3115 & 26/7 and a loose group of 4-8 at the Forrest R near Oombulgurri 8/7. Brown Songlark Cinclorhamphus crura/is A few individuals near the Drysdale and Isdell Rivers during July-August. Purple-crowned Fairy-wren Ma/urus coronatus More than 30 pairs located at tributaries of the Isdell R associated with the Phillips Range, Bell Ck, Melarrie Ck and the Drysdale and Durack Rivers. Nestlings first noted early in September and fledged young first noted early in October. Active nests as close as 300m, but mean separation (likely to be an overestimate because pairs were probably missed) was c. 1.4 km (n=l7 nests) for two stretches of the Drysdale and Durack Rivers. Variegated Fairy-wren M. Iamberti Groups of 2-10 infrequently beside the Bell and Piccaninny Creeks, Galvan's Gorge and the Barnett, Black Elvire, Forrest, Hann and Manning Rivers during June-October. Red-backed Fairy-wren M. melanocephalus Groups of 4-8 common in the Kununurra and Wyndham districts during May-June and at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Such groups common at al l rivers searched during July-October. Many individuals in heavy moult during October. Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris Groups of 4-10 common near Kununurra during May-June. Such groups infrequently at Bell Ck and on the Drysdale, Durack, Forrest and Hann Rivers during July-October. Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera Groups of 4-8 infrequently near Kununurra during May-June. Such groups on the Ord R near Crossing Falls 30/7, near Drysdale X 6/8, near Nettapus Hole (Durack R) 5/9, on the Hann R near Old Mt Elisabeth H 28/9, on Cadjeput Ck 3/10 and on the King Edward R 12 km NW of King Edward R H 15/10. Black-tailed Treecreeper Climacteris me/anura Many groups of 2-10 in woodland beside the Dunham, King and Ord Rivers near Kununurra and Wyndham during May-June. Such groups in similar habitat near all rivers searched during July-O(:tober. Silver-crowned Friarbird Philemon argenticeps Groups of 4-20+ in flowering Grevillea and Melaleuca at most watercourses near Kununurra and Wyndham during May-June. Such groups at most rivers searched during July-October. Little Friarbird P. citreogularis Groups of 2-20+ in flowering Grevillea, Melaleuca and Xanthostemon paradoxus at most watercourses near Kununurra and Wyndham during May-June, and at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Such groups very abundant on all rivers searched during July-October. Blue-faced Honeyeater Entomyzon cyanotis Individuals and groups of2-4 fairly common in riparian woodland near Kununurra and Wyndham in May-June. Such groups fairly common at most rivers searched during July-October. Yellow-throated Miner Manorina .fl.avigula Groups of 2-5 fairly common near Kununurra during May-June. Groups of 6-20+ common at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Similar groups fairly common at most rivers searched during July­ October. Adults with recently fledged young first noted 3/10 on the Isdell R near the Beverly Springs H access track. VOL. 14 (2) JUNE 1991 Birds of Kimberley Rivers, Dry Season 1989 63

Female Red-backed Fairy-wren Malurus melanocephalus Plate 10 Photo: G.A. Cumming AUSTRALIAN 64 AUMANN BIRD WATCHER

Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens Individuals uncommon on watercourses near Kununurra during May-June. One at the King R near Gibb R Rd 118 and several on Bamboo Ck and the Durack R (Karunjie S) 2/9-4/9. White-gaped Honeyeater L. unicolor Individuals very common on most watercourses near L Argyle, Kununurra and Wyndham during May-June, and at all rivers searched during July-October. Grey-fronted Honeyeater L. plumulus Individuals and groups of of 2-5 at Bell burn Ck in mid July. Such groups fairly common on the Barnett, Drysdale, Durack, Hann, King Edward, Manning and Pentecost Rivers during July-October. Yellow-tinted Honeyeater L. jlavescens Groups of 4-100+ very common at watercourses near Kununurra during May-June. Groups of2-30+ very common on most rivers searched during July-October. Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis Groups of2-10 uncommon on the Drysdale, Durack, Gibb, Hann, King and Manning Rivers during July-September. White-throated Honeyeater M. albogularis Groups of 4-20+ common at flowering Eucalyptus and Grevillea beside most watercourses near Kununurra during May-June. Such groups common at all rivers searched July-October. Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Individuals and groups of 2-10 very common at flowering Grevillea and Melaleuca on watercourses near Kununurra during May-June. Such groups very common at all rivers searched during July-October. Bar-breasted Honeyeater Ramsayornis fasciatus Groups of 2-10 moderately common in flowering Eucalyptus, Grevillea and Xanthostemon on watercourses near Kununurra during May-June. Such groups moderately common on most rivers searched during July-October. Nest construction noted 17111 on Adcock R. Rufous-throated Honeyeater Conopophila rufogularis Individuals and groups of 2-10 moderately common on watercourses near Kununurra during May­ June, and numerous in flowering Grevillea and Melaleuca at the King R south of Wyndham and Packsaddle Ck in mid July. Groups of 2-20+ common on most rivers searched during July-October. Banded Honeyeater Certhionyx pectoralis Groups of 5-20 uncommon at flowering Melaleuca on watercourses near Kununurra during May­ June. Groups of 200+ in flowering Eucalyptus on Pentecost R tributaries 1/8. Groups of 1000+ in flowering Melaleuca on the Durack R 2/9. Groups of 2-20+ numerous on southern rivers searched during July-October, less common on northern rivers. Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Individuals and groups of2-5 uncommon on watercourses near Kununurra during May-June. One on the Forrest R near Oombulgurri 917. Groups of 2-8 common at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Groups of2-5 fairly common on the Durack R in September and the Carson and King Edward Rivers in October. Red-browed Pardalote Pardalotus rubricatus Individuals occasionally in woodland near Ord R on Ivanhoe S during May-June. Two near Oombulgurri 917. Striated Pardalote P. striatus Individuals and groups of 2-5 moderately common at watercourses near Kununurra during May­ June. Individuals and such groups fairly common on the Chamberlain, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack and Hann Rivers during July-October. Star Finch Neochmia ruficauda Groups of 10-20 near the King R south of Wyndham in mid July, and many in mixed finch flocks of 50-1000+ near the Ord Rat Kununurra late in July. Groups of 4-20 at Oombulgurri 917 and Windjana Gorge 14/8. Nests in bushes near the Ord Ron Ivanhoe S had nestlings in May and fledged young by mid June. Crimson Finch Neochmia phaeton Groups of 5-30 numerous on watercourses near Kununurra and L Argyle during May-June. Such groups common or numerous at most rivers searched during July-October. Zebra Finch Poephila guttata Groups of 3-5 uncommon near Kununurra during May-June and at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Groups of 10-20 common near Oombulgurri 917. Three on King R 20 km above Wyndham 2817, one 20 km above Excelsior Reach (Dunham R) 12/9 and five near Kununurra 10111 . VOL. 14 (2) JUNE 1991 Birds of Kimberley Rivers, Dry Season 1989 65

Double-barred Finch P. bichenovii Groups of 5-40 common beside watercourses near Kununurra during May-June, with much nest construction at that time. Groups of 20-30 common at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Groups of 2-15 fairly common on most rivers searched during July-October. Masked Finch P. personata Groups of 5-20 common beside watercourses near Kununurra during May-June, and 20-100+ in mixed finch flocks of 100-1000+ near .J(ununurra in mid July. Groups of 2-8 fairly common on the Barnett, Drysdale, Dunham, Durack, Forrest, Hann, King and Ord Rivers during July-October. Long-tailed Finch P. acuticauda Groups of 5-20 very common beside watercourses near Kununurra during May-June, and groups of 50-500+ in mixed finch flocks of 100-1000+ near Kununurra in mid July. Groups of 2-10 fairly common on most rivers searched during July-October. Much nest-building during May-June. Individuals at nests during August-October, but stage of breeding undetermined. Pictorella Mannikin Lonchura pectoralis Individuals and groups of 2-4 uncommon on Valentine Ck (Ivanhoe S) during May-June and on the Dunham R near Flying Fox Waterhole T/17. Chestnut-breasted Mannikin L. castaneothorax Groups of 5-30 fairly common near Kununurra during May-June, and 20-100+ in mixed finch flocks of 100-1000+ near Kununurra late in July. Pairs near Oombulgurri 9/7 and on Tessie Ck (Ivanhoe S) 29/8. Yellow-rumped Mannikin L. jlaviprymna Groups of 15-20 in grassland near Flying Fox Waterhole (Dunham R) T//7. Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae One near Wyndham 1117. Three on Pentecost R 3 km above El Questro H 2/8. Three 8 km above Drysdale X 6/8. One on Bamboo Ck (Karunjie S) 6/9. Yellow Oriole Oriolus jlavocinctus One at Tessie Ck (Ivanhoe S) 2117. One on a tributary of the Mitchell R 20 km above Mitchell R H 15/10. Olive-backed Oriole 0. sagittatus Individuals and pairs uncommon on watercourses near Kununurra during May-June. Individuals and pairs fairly common on most rivers searched during July-October. Figbird Sphecotheres viridis Three at Adcock Gorge 16/11. Great Bowerbird Chlamydera nucha/is Individuals and groups of 2-6 common throughout the Kununurra, L Argyle and Wyndham areas during May-June, and common at Oombulgurri 9/7 and at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Such groups common on most rivers searched during July-October. A nest with eggs in a eucalypt near Bell Ck 7/10. Australian Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Individuals and groups of 2-50+ common in the Kununurra and Wyndham areas during May­ June, and at Oombulgurri 917. Individuals, pairs and groups of 3-5 common on all rivers searched during July-October. White-breasted Woodswallow Artamus leucorhynchus Individuals fairly common at the Ord R near Kununurra during May-June, and groups of 5-40+ commonly foraging around flowering Grevillea teretifolia on watercourses near Kununurra and Wyndham in mid July. Groups of 3-6 fairly common on most rivers searched during July-October. Masked Woodswallow A. personatus Individuals and groups of 2-4 uncommon on the Ord R near Kununurra during May-June. Such groups uncommon on the Drysdale R from Drysdale X to the Woodhouse R junction during August. Black~faced Woodswallow A. cinereus Individuals and groups of 2-20 very common throughout the Kununurra area during May-June. Groups of 2-10 very common on all rivers searched during July-October. Little Woodswallow A. minor Individuals and, less often, groups of 2-4 fairly common in the Kununurra area during May-June. Individuals and such groups common or numerous on most rivers searched during July-October. Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Individuals and pairs uncommon at the Bungle Bungles in mid July and on most rivers searched during July-October. Individuals at nests in September and October, but stage of breeding undetermined. AUSTRALIAN 66 AUMANN BIRD WATCHER

Pied Butcherbird C. nigrogularis Individuals and groups of 2-4 very common throughout the Kununurra area during May-June and at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Individuals and groups of 2-4 common at all rivers searched during July-October. Courtship observed late in September and in October. Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Individuals and groups of 2-5 uncommon near Kununurra during May-June and at the Bungle Bungles in mid July. Such groups uncommon on Bough Shed Ck (near Silent Grove H) and the Barnett, Durack, Hann and Isdell Rivers during July-October. Recently fledged young first noted 2/10. Little Crow Corvus bennetti and Torresian Crow C. orru The corvids were not distinguished. Individuals and groups were common throughout.

Discussion The present paper includes useful distributional and breeding data for many of the avian species that occur on Kimberley rivers, particularly for the diurnal raptors. The breeding records given for some species (Pacific Baza, Black-breasted Buzzard and Red Goshawk) are the first or among the first for the Kimberley, and other records indicate that some species (Osprey, Brown Goshawk, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Little Eagle and Australian Hobby) breed in the region more widely, more commonly, or at different times than was previously thought. Conversely, the dearth of sightings and/or breeding records for some species (Black-shouldered Kite, Square-tailed Kite, Grey Goshawk, Marsh Harrier, Black Falcon and Grey Falcon) also contributes valuable information. The distributional and other data provided for many non-raptorial species are also of interest. Of note are the records given for the Cattle Egret, Radjah Shelduck, White­ browed Robin, Crested Shrike-tit, Shining Flycatcher, Tawny Grassbird, Purple­ crowned Fairy-wren and Gouldian Finch, and the local concentrations reported for a number of other species. Equally interesting are the c. 40 species which have been reported to occur during the dry season in the area searched but which were not seen in the course ofthe present study. Some of these (for example, White-throated Gerygone Gerygone olivacea) were probably overlooked, whereas for others (for example, Rufous Owl Ninox rufa and Black Grasswren Amytornis housei), the appropriate habitat was not visited. In still other cases (for example, Partridge Pigeon Petrophassa smithii), the absence of sightings probably reflects species decline and/or range contraction. In the majority of cases, however, the absence of sightings in the present study simply provides further evidence that the species concerned are rare in the region. The information provided here augments that reported by authors such as those listed previously. Therefore, it should be read in conjunction with the data included in those works and in the books of Storr & Johnstone (1979) and Blakers eta!. (1984) .

Acknowledgements The Red Goshawk Project was funded by the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Sidney Myer Fund, with the support of many generous donors. At various times I was assisted in the field by Olive Aumann, John Dixon, Judy Dixon, Roger Standen and Doug Twaits. For access to their properties I am indebted to many lease-owners and managers, particularly those at Beverly Springs, , , El Questro, , Ivanhoe, Karunjie, , Mt Barnett, Mt Elisabeth, Mt Hart, Mt House and Theda, and to the communities of Kalumburu and Oombulgurri. My thanks are also extended to the editor and to anonymous referees for comments on this paper. VOL. 14 (2) JUNE 1991 Birds of Kimberley Rivers, Dry Season 1989 67

References Beard, J.S. (1979), 'The vegetation of the Kimberley area', explanatory notes to map sheet I of li?getation Survey of ~#?stern Australia: Kimberley, University of Western Australia Press, Nedlands. Blakers, M., Davies, S.J.J.F. & Reilly, P.N. (1984) 7he Atlas ofAustralian Birds, Melbourne University Press, Melbourne. Crossman, A.F. (1910a), 'Birds seen in and around Broome, north-western Australia', Emu 9, 148-150. --(1910b), 'Birds seen in and around Broome, north-western Australia (additional list)', Emu 10, lll-113. Debus, S.J.S. & Czechura, G.V. (1988), 'The Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus: a review', Aust. Bird Uf:ztcher U, 175-199. Gellatly, D.C. & Soufoulis, J. (1969), Drysdale and Londonderry, W.A. 1: 250 000 Geological Series Explanatory Notes SD/52-13, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics, Canberra. George, A.S. & Kenneally, K.F. (1975), 'The flora of the Reserve, north-western Kimberley, Western Australia', in Miles, J.M. & Burbidge, A.A. (Eds), A Biological Survey of the Prince Regent River Reserve, North-1-H?st Kimberley, ~#?stern Australia, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, . --(1977), 'Flora', in Kabay, E.D. & Burbidge, A .A. (Eds), A Biological Survey of the Drysdale River National Park, North Kimberley, ~#?stern Australia in August, 1975, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Perth. Hill, G.F. (1911), 'Field notes on the birds of Kimberley, north-west Australia', Emu 10, 258-290. Hnatiuk, R.J. & Kenneally, K.F. (1981), 'A survey of the vegetation and flora of Mitchell Plateau, Kimberley, Western Australia', in Biological Survey of Mitchell Plateau and Admiralty Gulf, Kimberley, ~#?stern Australia, Western Australian Museum, Perth. Johnstone, R.E. (1983), 'Birds', in McKenzie, N.L. (Ed.), Wildlife of the Dampier Peninsula, South­ west Kimberley, ~#?stern Australia, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Perth. --, R.E. Dell, J., Smith, L.A. & Fuller, P.J. (1977) , 'Birds', in Kabay, E.D. & Burbidge, A.A. (Eds), A Biological Survey of the Drysdale River National Park, North Kimberley, ~#?stern Australia in August, 1975, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Perth. --& Smith, L.A. (1981), 'Birds of the Mitchell Plateau and adjacent coasts and lowlands, North Kimberley, Western Australia', in Biological Survey of Mitchell Plateau and Admiralty Gulf, ~#?stern Australia, Western Australian Museum, Perth. --, Smith, L.A. & Fuller, P.J. (1981), 'Birds' in McKenzie, N.L. (Ed.), Wildlife of the Edgar Ranges Area, South-west Kimberley, ~#?stern Australia, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Perth. Kenneally, K.F. (1981), 'Flora', in McKenzie, N.L. (Ed.), Wildlife of the Edgar Ranges Area, South­ west Kimberley, Western Australia, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Perth. -- (1983), 'Flora', in McKenzie, N.L. (Ed.), Wildlife of the Dampier Peninsula, South-west Kimberley, Western Australia, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Perth. Petheram, R.J. & Kok, B. (1986), Plants of the Kimberley Region of Western Australia, University of Western Australia Press Perth. Slatyer, R.O. (1960), 'Climate of the north Kimberley area, W.A.', in The Lands and Pastoral Resources of the North Kimberley Area, W.A., CSIRO, Melbourne. Soderberg, R. (1918), 'Studies of the birds in north-west Australia', in 'Results of Dr E. Mjoberg's Swedish scientific expeditions to Australia 1910-1913', K. svenska li?tenskaAkad. Hand/. 52(17), 1-116. Stewart, G.A., Twidale, C.R & Bradley, J. (1960), ' Geomorphology of the North Kimberley area, W.A.', in 7he Lands and Pastoral Resources of the North Kimberley Area, W.A., CSIRO Australian Land Research Series 4, 26-32. Storr, G.M. (1980), 'Birds of the Kimberley Division, Western Australia', Western Australian Museum Special Publication 11. Storr, G.M. & Johnstone, R.E. (1979), Field Guide to the Birds of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum, Perth. Storr, G.M., Johnstone, R.E., Dell, J. & Smith, L.A. (1975), 'Birds', in Miles, J.M. & Burbidge, A.A. (Eds), A Biological Survey ofthe Prince Regent River Reserve, North-west Kimberley, Western Australia in August 1974, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Perth. Trendall, A.F. (1975), 'Introduction', in 'Geology of Western Australia', Geol. Survey Mem. 2, 25-32. Webb, L.J. & Tracy, J.G. (1981), 'The rainforests of northern Australia', in Groves, R.H. (Ed.), Australian li?getation, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Williams, l.R. & Sofoulis, J. (1971), 'Prince Regent and Camden Sound, W.A.', 1:250 000 Geological Series, Bur. Miner. Resour. Aust. Explan. Notes SD/51-15. Wright, R.L. (1964), 'Geomorphology of the West Kimberley area', in General Report on the Lands of the West Kimberley Area, W.A. , CSIRO Land Research Series 9. Received 8 May 1990 •