The Avifauna of Bungalbin, Western Australia – an Arid Region with Minimal Human Impact

Australian Field Ornithology 2020, 37, 1–14 http://dx.doi.org/10.20938/afo37001014

The avifauna of Bungalbin, Western Australia – an arid region with minimal human impact

Michael D. Craig1, 2* and Glenn I. Moore1, 3

1School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Nedlands WA 6009, Australia 2Department of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia 3Department of Aquatic Zoology, Western Australian Museum, 49 Kew Street, Welshpool WA 6106, Australia *Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]

Abstract. The Bungalbin area in the Great Western Woodlands of Western Australia has remained relatively free of anthropogenic impacts and we report on the occurrence and abundance of 94 bird species recorded in the area up to 1993. This rich avifauna reflects not only the low anthropogenic impacts in the area but also its position between theBassian and Eremaean biogeographic zones and the diversity of vegetation types present. The most important habitats for birds were Salmon Gum Eucalyptus salmonophloia woodlands, areas of Tammin Mallee E. leptopoda, and Acacia aff. aneura shrublands. The area is likely to be regionally significant for the threatened Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata as well as containing good populations of several uncommon species. However, the area is under threat from mining and this list will provide an important baseline to compare with contemporary surveys, to inform future management of what is a relatively pristine part of the arid zone of Australia.

Introduction Western Australia (also known as the Goldfields), is one of the areas least affected by anthropogenic impacts in the In the more than 200 years since European settlement, southern arid zone, and has no history of livestock grazing. anthropogenic impacts, such as introduced herbivores This area lies north of the Western Australian Wheatbelt, (European Rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and livestock), where extensive clearing of land for growing grain and introduced predators (Cats Felis catus and Red Foxes grazing sheep has dramatically altered the avifauna Vulpes vulpes) and altered burning regimes, have (Saunders & Ingram 1995), and south of the pastoral zone, changed the ecology of arid Australia irreversibly. While where the introduction of livestock and artificial watering many mammal species have been lost (McKenzie et al. points has significantly altered the vegetation and avifauna 2007; Pedler et al. 2016), the avifauna of the arid zone (Davies et al. 2010; Eldridge et al. 2016). Furthermore, has been less severely affected. Although many species before the 21st century, the area had almost no history of have declined in range and abundance (Saunders & Curry human exploitation, and the lack of artificial watering points 1990; Smith et al. 1994), and some subspecies have been and permanent fresh water has meant that the number of lost (Garnett et al. 2011), so far no species of bird has feral animals was extremely low (Dell et al. 1985). This been lost (Morton 1990; Recher & Lim 1990). The basis lack of permanent fresh water also means that the number for this dichotomy is unclear, but Morton (1990) postulated of kangaroos is unlikely to have changed significantly that birds have survived better than mammals for two since European colonisation. The area has also escaped primary reasons. Firstly, no bird is entirely herbivorous in large-scale wildfires that have become prevalent in many the sense that it eats only green vegetation, thus reducing parts of Australia’s arid zone (Gosper et al. 2018, 2019a,b) direct competition with rabbits and introduced livestock. and contains a rich mosaic of habitats characteristic of the Secondly, birds have much greater dispersal capabilities southern arid zone of Australia (Dell et al. 1985; Fitzsimons than mammals and hence are more likely to recolonise et al. 2014; Fox et al. 2016). An understanding of the an area after drought or other disturbances, reducing the avifauna of this area could help us to better understand probability of local extinctions. However, the avifauna of how to conserve birds in the arid zone (see also Fox et al. the arid zone remains vulnerable and it is predicted that 2016). continuing degradation of arid-zone ecosystems will lead The vertebrate fauna of the area was surveyed by to an accelerated loss of avian species parallel to earlier the Western Australian Museum (WAM) as part of the losses of mammal species (Recher & Lim 1990). The Biological Survey of the Eastern Goldfields, as the region main threats are continued overgrazing by livestock, feral was then known (Dell et al. 1985). During three trips from animals, increased numbers of kangaroos (Macropodidae), September 1979 to December 1981, 67 species of birds inappropriate burning regimes (often resulting from weed were recorded and their abundance estimated in eight invasion) and climate change (Smith et al. 1994; Miller vegetation types. During the course of fieldwork with et al. 2010; Smith 2015; Mutze 2016; Connell et al. 2017). researchers from the University of Western Australia, we One of the difficulties in understanding the decline visited the region repeatedly from May 1988 to November of birds in the arid zone, and managing landscapes to 1993 and recorded all birds sighted in a manner similar to prevent these declines, is the paucity of information about Dell et al. (1985). The purpose of this work was to provide the avifauna at sites relatively unaffected by anthropogenic baseline data for a relatively unaltered area of the arid impacts. The Bungalbin area, north of Southern Cross zone. These data could be used both to compare long- in the northern part of the Great Western Woodlands of term changes in the avifauna of the Bungalbin area and 2 Australian Field Ornithology M.D. Craig & G.I. Moore

to compare with areas more heavily impacted by humans. This would then facilitate the identification of the species of greatest conservation concern and potential reasons for their decline. The questions we asked were: (1) What is the abundance of species in the area? (2) Have any significant changes in the avifauna occurred since 1981? and (3) Which habitats appear to be most utilised by birds?

Methods

Study area

The area of observations included in this study covers part of the area called Bungalbin by the Kapurn people, the traditional owners of the country, and extends from the central Helena and Aurora Ranges ~3.5 km north- north-east of Bungalbin Hill (30°21′S, 119°40′E) in a north- easterly direction to a granite outcrop called Kurrajong Rock (30°11′S, 119°53′E) ~45 km north-east of Bungalbin Figure 1. Aerial photograph of the study area showing its Hill (Figure 1). The observations cover an area several location in Western Australia (inset) and outlined in pale kilometres either side of a line drawn between these two grey in the main photograph (taken in January 2004). points and the northern half of the Helena and Aurora In the south of the study area lie the Helena and Aurora Ranges. Bungalbin Hill itself, at the south-western end of Ranges, which are covered primarily with Sandplain the Helena and Aurora Ranges, is ~97 km north-north-east Mallee Eucalyptus ebbanoensis Mallee (JK18) interspersed of Southern Cross in the Great Western Woodlands. with tiny patches of Yilgarn Banksia Banksia arborea Tall Shrubland (JK21). Surrounding the Helena and Aurora Although no long-term weather monitoring occurs Ranges, in a reddish colour, is Salmon Gum E. salmonophloia at the site, data from the two closest weather stations, Woodland (JK44) and to the north-east of that, showing as a mix of pale and green, is Tammin Mallee E. leptopoda Windarling (45 km north-west; open 2004–2017) and Mallee (JK35) interspersed with small patches of Swordfish Koolyanobbing (60 km south-south-west; open 1967–1974 Banksia Banksia elderiana Tall Shrubland (JK39). Between and 2000–2017) (data from www.bom.gov.au), provide a the two, moving from woodland to mallee lie narrow strips basis from which climatic conditions can be deduced by of Mixed Eucalyptus Low Woodland (JK46), York Gum averaging data from these two weather stations. The E. loxophleba Mallee (JK8a) and Spinifex Wattle Acacia study site experiences warm winters and hot summers coolgardiensis Tall Shrubland (JK37). To the north-east where January is the hottest month of the year (mean again, looking reddish, lies a mix of Mixed Eucalyptus Low Woodland (JK46) surrounding large patches of Salmon minimum 19.4°C, maximum 35.4°C) and July is the Gum Woodland (JK44) and moderate-sized patches of coldest month (mean minimum 4.7°C, maximum 17.0°C). York Gum Mallee (JK8a). North of these woodlands and The average annual rainfall is 278 mm and is relatively mallees, looking primarily green, lies Acacia aff.aneura Tall evenly distributed throughout the year with slightly more Shrubland (JK10) around Pittosporum Rock surrounding rain falling in summer (November–April) than in winter tiny patches of Granite Complex (JK15) and these are also (May–October). Winter rain consists mainly of small falls the primary vegetation types around Kurrajong Rock to the east. In between Pittosporum and Kurrajong Rocks, associated with the passage of cold fronts that are fairly darkish red in colour, lies the Hunt Range vegetated with regular in occurrence. Summer rainfall derives mainly from Cleland’s Blackbutt E. clelandiorum Low Woodland (JK41). thunderstorms or former tropical cyclones and tends to be Imagery: ZoomEarth sporadic and unreliable. There are five landform types in the study area (see E. ebbanoensis Mallee (JK18) and Yilgarn Banksia Banksia Figure 3 in Dell et al. 1985). The Helena and Aurora arborea Tall Shrubland (JK21). The Granite Outcrops are Ranges are a Banded Ironstone Formation, and the Hunt vegetated by Acacia aff.aneura Tall Shrubland (JK10) and Range between Pittosporum Rock and Kurrajong Rock is a Granite Complex (JK15). The Sandplain is dominated by a raised Undulating Plain. The area immediately around Tammin Mallee E. leptopoda Mallee (JK35) and Swordfish Pittosporum Rock and Kurrajong Rock is Granite Outcrop. Banksia B. elderiana Tall Shrubland (JK39) and the Broad The area west and immediately north of the Helena and Valley consists mainly of Salmon Gum E. salmonophloia Aurora Ranges, as well as an area south of Pittosporum Woodland (JK44) with York Gum E. loxophleba Mallee Rock, is Broad Valley, characterised by red, clay soils. The (JK8a) and Mixed Eucalyptus Low Woodland (JK46) area around Pittosporum Rock and a large area north of around the edges near the Sandplain. The interzone the Helena and Aurora Ranges is Sandplain, characterised between the Sandplain and the Broad Valley is vegetated by pale, sandy soils. by Spinifex Wattle A. coolgardiensis Tall Shrubland (JK37). For descriptions of habitats see Dell et al. (1985) and The vegetation is quite varied within the study area Table 1. (Figure 1) and the vegetation types are distributed among the various landforms (after Dell et al. 1985). Permanent fresh water is lacking in the study area The Undulating Plain is vegetated by Cleland’s Blackbutt although pools form during winter, particularly in the Broad Eucalyptus clelandiorum Low Woodland (JK41). The Valley. The Granite Outcrops also hold water for long Banded Ironstone Formation is covered in Sandplain Mallee periods, often over the summer. Birds of Bungalbin, Western Australia 3

Table 1. The main vegetation types in the study area (data and habitat identification codes from Dellet al. 1985), and the height of the tallest stratum and the species that make up that stratum with their percentage cover in parentheses (+ = cover <0.1%).

Tallest stratum Habitat code Description Species of tallest stratum height (m) JK8a York Gum Eucalyptus loxophleba Mallee 6–7 York Gum (8) Oil Mallee E. kochii (+) JK10 Acacia aff.aneura Tall Shrubland 2.1–3.5 Acacia aff.aneura (40) Jam A. acuminata (1) A. jennerae (0.1) Kurara A. tetragonophylla (0.1) Rottnest Island Pine Callitris preissii (0.1) JK15 Granite Complex 0.6–1.0 Eremophila granitica (+)

JK18 Sandplain Mallee Eucalyptus ebbanoensis 5–7 Sandplain Mallee (8) Mallee Rough-fruited Mallee E. corrugata (0.2)

JK21 Yilgarn Banksia Banksia arborea Tall 3–4 Sandplain Mallee (+) Shrubland JK35 Tammin Mallee Eucalyptus leptopoda 2.1–3.0 Spinifex Wattle Acacia coolgardiensis (3) Mallee Allocasuarina acutivalvis (2) Tammin Mallee (2) Rottnest Island Pine (0.2) Acacia signata (+) Tamma Sheoak Allocasuarina corniculata (+) Swordfish Banksia Banksia elderiana (+) Leptospermum roei (+)

JK37 Spinifex Wattle Acacia coolgardiensis Tall 2.1–4.0 Spinifex Wattle (45) Shrubland Rottnest Island Pine (2) Tammin Mallee (1) Emu Tree Hakea francisiana (0.2) Stiff-leaved Mallee Eucalyptus rigidula (+) Quandong Santalum acuminatum (+)

JK39 Swordfish Banksia Banksia elderiana Tall 2.1–2.5 Swordfish Banksia (3) Shrubland Tamma Sheoak (+)

JK41 Cleland’s Blackbutt Eucalyptus 7–8 Cleland’s Blackbutt (20) clelandiorum Low Woodland Red Morrel E. longicornis (+) Gimlet E. salubris (+)

JK44 Salmon Gum Eucalyptus salmonophloia 16–18 Salmon Gum (2) Woodland JK46 Mixed Eucalyptus Low Woodland 15–17 Red Morrel (1)

Data collection and analysis were also recorded. Most of the records were in the area at the northern end of the Helena and Aurora Ranges and The observations were collected on an ad hoc basis during the adjacent sandplain (see Figure 1). The habitats in this 12 fieldtrips, whose purpose was to research reptile and area were JK8a, JK18, JK21, JK35, JK37, JK39, JK44 and mammal communities, totalling 75 days between May 1988 JK46. Other habitats visited were JK10 and JK15 around and November 1993. Fieldtrips were conducted in May Pittosporum and Kurrajong Rocks and JK41 between (5 days) and December (4 days) 1988; March (6 days), May these two rock outcrops. Throughout the manuscript we (3 days) and December (5 days) 1989; September 1991 (4 days); January (5 days), April (9 days), August (3 days) use the habitat codes, rather than the habitat names, for and September–October (17 days) 1992; and February– brevity. The abundance and frequency of occurrence of March (8 days) and November (6 days) 1993. Lists of the each species in each habitat were classified as follows: birds recorded were compiled every day in the field based Abundant (>50 individuals seen every day), Very common on visual and auditory observations. The habitats in which (5–50 seen every day), Common (seen on most days but each species was seen and the abundance in each habitat <5 individuals each day), Frequent (seen every few days), 4 Australian Field Ornithology M.D. Craig & G.I. Moore

Uncommon (seen on most fieldtrips but usually only once), Family Megapodiidae Scarce (seen every few fieldtrips) and Rare (seen only Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata once or twice). We also provided an assessment of overall abundance of each species across the study area, based Rare, presumably resident. Recorded in February (two on the species’ abundance in each habitat combined with single birds) and November (a single bird) 1993 in JK35. the spatial extent of that habitat. For example, if a species Other signs of the species’ presence were an old mound was scarce in one habitat but uncommon in another and found in JK37 and tracks seen in JK41. there was more of the latter habitat, then the species would be considered uncommon overall. We also state the most widespread species in the study area, which was the Family Podargidae species that occurred regularly in the greatest number of Tawny Frogmouth Podargus strigoides habitats. Not all habitats were visited on each fieldtrip. We used the temporal and seasonal occurrence of all species Scarce resident. Recorded in January, February, May, to assess whether the species were resident, visitors or September, November and December. Present in 3 of nomads. However, for some of the rarely recorded species the 5 years and on 6 of the 12 fieldtrips. Uncommon in where records were insufficient to assess this, we made JK44; scarce in JK18 and JK46. Because of their nocturnal assumptions based on the literature. nature, this and the following two species are probably more common in the study area than the scattered To determine factors that affected the species richness sightings suggest. of different habitats, we also calculated the vertical foliage height diversity for each habitat using Shannon’s Diversity Index based on the data from Dell et al. (1985). To account Family Caprimulgidae for the fact that we spent differing periods of time in each Spotted Nightjar Eurostopodus argus habitat, we included only species that were abundant, Scarce resident. Recorded in January, February, March, very common, common or frequent in the analyses as May and December. Present in 4 of the 5 years and on sufficient time was spent in each habitat to detect species with these abundances. We assessed whether the 5 of the 12 fieldtrips. Uncommon in JK18; scarce in JK35. relationship between species richness and vertical foliage height diversity was statistically significant by conducting a Family Aegothelidae correlation between the two variables using vertical foliage height diversity as the independent variable and species Australian Owlet-nightjar Aegotheles cristatus richness as the dependent variable. We determined Scarce, presumably resident. Recorded in February, whether habitats supported a higher or lower species March and April. Present in 2 of the 5 years and on 2 of the richness than expected by fitting a linear regression to 12 fieldtrips. Scarce in JK18 and JK44. the data and observing which habitats lay furthest from that line. We obtained rainfall data for each fieldtrip from Turkey Hill North, 80 km south-south-west, as data were Family Cuculidae not available from the two nearest weather stations for the Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx survey periods. We use the IOC World Bird List Version basalis 9.2 (Gill & Donsker 2019) as the basis for our taxonomy but use the common names that are most widely used in Scarce visitor in wet years. A single adult was seen in Australia when there are minor variations (e.g. fairy-wren JK37 in September 1992 and birds were heard calling rather than fairywren). throughout that month.

Black-eared Cuckoo Chrysococcyx osculans Results Late autumn to early summer visitor. Uncommon in wet A total of 94 species has been recorded in the Bungalbin years and rare at other times. Recorded in April, August, area. The Meliphagidae, Acanthizidae, and Artamidae September and December. Present in 2 of the 5 years were both the most abundant and speciose families and on 4 of the 12 fieldtrips. Uncommon in JK10; rare in (13, 10 and 8 species, respectively). Other well-represented JK35, JK37 and JK46. On current evidence, this species families include Accipitridae, Psittaculidae and Petroicidae is absent from the study area only between January and (5 species each) and Cuculidae, Falconidae, Cacatuidae March. and Pachycephalidae (4 species each). Below we detail the frequency of occurrence in the study area, and Pallid Cuckoo Cacomantis pallidus abundance in each habitat, of all 94 species recorded in the study area. Common visitor in wet years. Recorded only in August and September 1992. Common in JK8a, JK41, JK44 and JK46; uncommon in JK37. Family Casuariidae Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis Scarce nomad. Could occur at any time although recorded The only sighting was of a juvenile in JK46 in September only in September, November and December. Present in 4 1992 and likely the same individual was occasionally heard of the 5 years and on 4 of the 12 fieldtrips. Rare in JK35; calling throughout that month. Probably a vagrant, as this scarce in JK44. represents a significant range extension. The nearest Birds of Bungalbin, Western Australia 5

records come from Yellowdine and Boorabbin (31°12′S, Family Alcedinidae 120°18′E) ~115 km to the south (Storr 1986). Red-backed Kingfisher Todiramphus pyrrhopygius Family Columbidae Scarce visitor in wet years. The only records are two Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera sightings of single birds in JK44 in September and October 1992. Usually scarce resident, but common in wet years. Common in JK8a, JK44 and JK46 in September 1992 and February 1993; very common in JK10 and JK15 in March Family Meropidae 1993. The only other records are single birds in JK35 in Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus March 1989 and November 1993 and two single birds in JK8a and JK46 in November 1993. Frequent late spring to early autumn visitor. Recorded in January, February, March, November and December. Family Turnicidae Present in 4 of the 5 years and on 5 of the 12 fieldtrips. Common in JK46; frequent in JK10 and JK18; uncommon Little Button-quail Turnix velox in JK35, JK41 and JK44. Generally scarce nomad, but common at times. Common in JK35 and JK39 in February and March 1993. The only Family Falconidae other records are single birds in JK35 in April 1992 and November 1993 and a single bird in JK10 in September Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides 1992. Scarce resident. Recorded in February, August, September, October, November and December. Present in all 5 years Family Accipitridae and on 7 of the 12 fieldtrips. Uncommon in JK35 and JK39; scarce in JK44. Square-tailed Kite Lophoictinia isura Scarce, probably a spring visitor. Recorded only in Australian Hobby Falco longipennis September, although it may occur year-round. Present in 2 of the 5 years and on 2 of the 12 fieldtrips. Seen only Rare, presumably resident. The only records are adults over JK35, where scarce. seen in JK44 in May 1988 and November 1993.

Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides Brown Falcon Falco berigora Uncommon resident. Recorded in February, March, April, Uncommon resident. Recorded in January, February, April, September, November and December. Present in all May, September, November and December. Present in 5 years and on 7 of the 12 fieldtrips. Found in JK35, JK41 4 of the 5 years and on 8 of the 12 fieldtrips. Uncommon and JK44; uncommon in all three. in JK10, JK18 and JK44; scarce in JK35, JK39 and JK41. The most common bird of prey. Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Scarce resident. Recorded in March, April, May, August, September and December. Present in all 5 years and on 7 Scarce, presumably resident. Recorded in February, of the 12 fieldtrips. Scarce in JK35 and JK44. September and December. Present in 3 of the 5 years and on 3 of the 12 fieldtrips. Scarce in JK18; rare over JK35, Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus where seen only once. Rare, presumably resident. The only records are a subadult Family Cacatuidae female in JK46 in September 1992 and a single individual in JK46 in November 1993. Cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus Rare visitor in wet years. The only record is a group of Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrocephalus three seen over JK35 in September 1992. Scarce, presumably resident. Recorded in April and September. Present in 2 of the 5 years and on 3 of the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus 12 fieldtrips. Uncommon in JK41; scarce in JK44. banksii Not recorded by us. The WAM recorded a flock of six over Family Strigidae JK44 in November/December 1981 and a flock of six in Australian Boobook Ninox boobook JK15 during the same trip. Presumably a scarce summer wanderer. Uncommon resident. Recorded in August, September, November and December. Present in all 5 years and Galah Eolophus roseicapilla on 6 of the 12 fieldtrips. Uncommon in JK41, JK44 and JK46; rare in JK35. Because of its nocturnal nature, this Frequent nomad but rare to absent at times. Recorded in species is probably more common in the study area than March, April, August, September, October and November. the scattered sightings suggest. Recorded in 3 of the 5 years and on 6 of the 12 fieldtrips. 6 Australian Field Ornithology M.D. Craig & G.I. Moore

Common in JK10 and JK15; frequent in JK8a, JK44 and Family Maluridae JK46; rare in JK35. Presence of this species in the area Blue-breasted Fairy-wren Malurus pulcherrimus is unpredictable and possibly related to the availability of surface water, which is concentrated around the granite Scarce, presumably resident. Recorded in February, outcrops. September and November. Present in 2 of the 5 years and on 3 of the 12 fieldtrips. Uncommon in JK37; scarce Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo Lophochroa in JK35. leadbeateri Splendid Fairy-wren Malurus splendens Scarce visitor in wet years. The only records are three sightings of a total of five birds in JK44 in September and Locally common resident. Recorded in March, May, October 1992 and November 1993. September and December. Present in 4 of the 5 years and on 5 of the 12 fieldtrips. Recorded only in JK10.

Family Psittaculidae White-winged Fairy-wren Malurus leucopterus Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus Scarce, presumably resident. Recorded in January, March Scarce autumn to spring wanderer probably remaining to and September. Present in 3 of the 5 years and on 3 of the breed in wet years. Recorded in April, May, September and 12 fieldtrips. Uncommon in JK39; scarce in JK35. November. Present in 3 of the 5 years and on 4 of the 12 fieldtrips. Frequent in JK44 and JK46 in November 1993; uncommon in JK44 and JK46 in September 1992; Family Meliphagidae no direct evidence of breeding. Otherwise, the only records Black Honeyeater Sugomel niger are a pair in JK10 in May 1989 and a flock of 12 over JK35 Scarce visitor in wet years. The only observations were a in April 1992. pair and a single male in JK39 in September 1992.

Mulga Parrot Psephotellus varius Tawny-crowned Honeyeater Gliciphila melanops Scarce visitor in wet years. The only records of this species The only record is an adult seen in JK39 in September are a male in JK10 at Kurrajong Rock in September 1992 1991. This probably represents a vagrant individual as and a pair in the same habitat at Pittosporum Rock in the nearest records are from Southern Cross (31°13′S, March 1993. 119°20′E) and Boorabbin (31°12′S, 120°18′E) ~115 km to the south (Storr 1986). Australian Ringneck Barnadius zonarius

Very common resident. Recorded in January, February, Pied Honeyeater Certhionyx variegatus March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December. Present in all 5 years and on all 12 fieldtrips. Locally common visitor in wet years. Common in JK10 at Very common in JK8a, JK35, JK44 and JK46; common in Kurrajong Rock in September 1992, although absent from JK10, JK15, JK18, JK37 and JK41; uncommon in JK39. similar habitat at Pittosporum Rock. The only other record is a male seen in JK35, also in September 1992. Purple-crowned Lorikeet Parvipsitta porphyrocephala Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta Common nomad, but rare to absent for long periods. Locally common nomad, although generally scarce. Recorded in January, March, April, May, August, Recorded in February, May, September and December. September, October, November and December. Present Present in all 5 years and on 6 of the 12 fieldtrips. Common in 4 of the 5 years and on 7 of the 12 fieldtrips. When in JK18 and JK21; scarce in JK41, JK44 and JK46. present, common in JK8a, JK44 and JK46; rare in JK35. Presence in the area is erratic and presumably linked to Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus the availability of blossoms. brevirostris Uncommon resident. Recorded in January, February, Budgerigar Melopsittacus undulatus March, May, August, September, November and Rare visitor in wet years. The only record is a small group December. Present in 4 of the 5 years and on 8 of the seen over JK35 in September 1992. 12 fieldtrips. Frequent in JK18; uncommon in JK8a and JK46; scarce in JK41 and JK44. Family Climacteridae White-eared Honeyeater Nesoptilotis leucotis Rufous Treecreeper Climacteris rufus Common resident. Recorded in January, February, March, Locally very common resident. Recorded in January, April, May, August, September, October, November and February, March, April, May, September, November December. Present in all 5 years and on all 12 fieldtrips. and December. Present in all 5 years and on 11 of the Very common in JK8a and JK46; common in JK18 and 12 fieldtrips. Very common in JK44; uncommon in JK46. JK37; frequent in JK21; uncommon in JK35 and JK44. Birds of Bungalbin, Western Australia 7

White-fronted Chat Epthianura albifrons Family Pardalotidae Rare autumn wanderer. Seen on only two occasions, in Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus JK35 in April 1992. Common resident. Recorded in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, November and December. Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Acanthagenys Present in all 5 years and on 11 of the 12 fieldtrips. Very rufogularis common in JK44; common in JK8a and JK46; scarce in JK41; rare in JK35. Nomadic and highly variable in abundance. Often absent, but usually frequent to common yet sometimes abundant. For example, it was recorded on only 7 of the 12 fieldtrips Family Acanthizidae yet in 1993 it was one of the most common species in the Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris study area. Recorded in February, March, May, August, September, November and December. Present in 4 of the Very common resident. Recorded in January, February, 5 years. When present, very common in JK10; common in March, April, May, August, September, October, November JK8a, JK41 and JK46; frequent in JK37; usually frequent in and December. Present in all 5 years and on all 12 fieldtrips. JK35 but occasionally abundant; uncommon in JK18 and Abundant in JK8a, JK44 and JK46; very common in JK18; JK21. common in JK37; frequent in JK35; scarce in JK10.

Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata Western Fieldwren Calamanthus montanellus Common but nomadic and often absent. Recorded in Local and uncommon resident. Recorded in January, April, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, May, September, November and December. Present in all November and December. Present in 4 of the 5 years and 5 years and on 6 of the 12 fieldtrips. Frequent in JK39; on 7 of the 12 fieldtrips. When present, common in JK8a, scarce in JK35. JK41, JK44 and JK46; frequent in JK35; uncommon in JK10 and JK37. Shy Heathwren Hylacola cauta

Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula Scarce, presumably resident. The only records are single birds seen in JK46 in December 1989 and November 1993 Locally common resident in preferred habitat but and a group of four in JK8a in November 1993. uncommon to frequent in most habitats. Recorded in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, Redthroat Pyrrholaemus brunneus October, November and December. Present in 4 of the 5 years and on 11 of the 12 fieldtrips. Common in JK44; Common resident. Recorded in January, February, March, frequent in JK35; uncommon in JK8a, JK39 and JK46; April, May, August, September, November and December. scarce in JK37. Present in all 5 years and on all 12 fieldtrips. Very common in JK8a, JK37 and JK46; common in JK10; frequent in White-fronted Honeyeater Purnella albifrons JK35; uncommon in JK44; scarce in JK18. Nomadic and highly variable in abundance. Often absent, but when present usually common to very common. Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca Recorded in February, March, April, May, August, Common visitor in wet years. Recorded only in September September, October, November and December. Present in 1992. Common in JK8a, JK44 and JK46; uncommon in 4 of the 5 years and on 7 of the 12 fieldtrips. When present, JK18. very common in JK8a, JK10, JK18, JK21, JK35 and JK46; common in JK37 and JK41; scarce in JK44. Inland Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis

Singing Honeyeater Gavicalis virescens Very common resident. Recorded in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, November and Uncommon resident. Recorded in February, March, April, December. Present in all 5 years and on all 12 fieldtrips. May, September, November and December. Present in 4 of Very common in JK8a, JK10, JK18, JK35, JK37, JK41 and the 5 years and on 8 of the 12 fieldtrips. Frequent in JK18, JK46; common in JK44; frequent in JK21 and JK39. The JK21 and JK35; uncommon in JK10, JK37 and JK39. most widespread bird in the study area.

Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Ptilotula ornata Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza uropygialis Locally very common resident in preferred habitat, although uncommon in most habitats. Recorded in Very common resident. Recorded in January, February, January, February, March, April, May, August, September, March, April, May, August, September, October, November November and December. Present in all 5 years and on and December. Present in all 5 years and on all 12 fieldtrips. all 12 fieldtrips. Very common in JK44; common in JK41; Very common in JK8a, JK18 and JK46; common in JK10, uncommon in JK8a and JK46; scarce in JK18; rare in JK35. JK37, JK41 and JK44; uncommon in JK35. 8 Australian Field Ornithology M.D. Craig & G.I. Moore

Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 12 fieldtrips. Frequent in JK41 and JK44; uncommon in JK18 and JK46. Frequent resident. Recorded in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December. Present in all 5 years and on 10 of 12 fieldtrips. Little Woodswallow Artamus minor Frequent in JK8a and JK46; scarce in JK10 and JK44. Rare, probably nomadic. Several individuals were seen in JK18 in December 1989. Slaty-backed Thornbill Acanthiza robustirostris Rare, possibly resident. The only record is a pair of birds Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen seen in JK10 at Pittosporum Rock in March 1993. This Uncommon resident. Recorded in February, March, April, represents a significant range extension. The previous May, September, October, November and December. nearest records were from Retreat Rock (29°04′S, Present in all 5 years and on 9 of the 12 fieldtrips. Recorded 119°15′E) and Jeedamya (29°24′S, 121°16′E) ~140 km to only in JK44, where uncommon. the north-west and north-east, respectively (Storr 1986). Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis Very common resident. Recorded in January, February, Locally very common resident. Recorded in March, May, March, April, May, August, September, October, September, November and December. Present in 4 of the November and December. Present in all 5 years and on all 5 years and on 6 of the 12 fieldtrips. Very common in JK10; 12 fieldtrips. Very common in JK44 and JK46; common common in JK15 and JK41. in JK8a; frequent in JK37; uncommon in JK10, JK35 and JK39. Family Pomatostomidae Pied Butcherbird Cracticus nigrogularis White-browed Babbler Pomatostomus superciliosus Common resident. Recorded in January, February, March, April, May, August, September, October, November Locally common resident but generally scarce. Recorded and December. Present in all 5 years and on 11 of the in March, May, September and December. Present in 4 of 12 fieldtrips. Common in JK8a, JK41, JK44 and JK46; the 5 years and on 5 of the 12 fieldtrips. Common in JK10; frequent in JK10; uncommon in JK18; scarce in JK37. uncommon in JK35. Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor Family Cinclosomatidae Very common resident. Recorded in January, February, Copperback Quail-thrush Cinclosoma clarum March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December. Present in all 5 years and on 11 of the Uncommon resident. Recorded in February, March, May, 12 fieldtrips. Very common in JK44 and JK46; common in September and December. Present in all 5 years and on JK8a, JK10 and JK37; uncommon in JK18; scarce in JK35. 7 of the 12 fieldtrips. Frequent in JK18; uncommon in JK37 and JK46; scarce in JK10. Because of its elusive behaviour, it is undoubtedly more common than the few Family Campephagidae sightings would suggest. This species has been recently Ground Cuckoo-shrike Coracina maxima split from the Chestnut Quail-thrush C. castonotum. Rare nomad. The only record is a group of five birds in JK44 in December 1988. Family Artamidae Masked Woodswallow Artamus personatus Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae Common visitor in wet years. Large flocks of many hundreds were seen on four occasions in September Frequent resident. Recorded in January, February, March, 1992: twice over JK35 and once over each of JK37 and April, May, August, September, November and December. JK46. Unlike other visitors in wet years, it was still present Present in all 5 years and on 11 of the 12 fieldtrips. in February 1993, when it was frequent in JK35. Common in JK8a and JK46; frequent in JK10, JK18 and JK44; uncommon in JK35, JK37 and JK41. Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus White-winged Triller Lalage tricolor Scarce and irregular visitor. It was frequent in JK35 and JK39 in December 1988 and November 1993. The only Locally common visitor in wet years. It was common in other records are of four birds in JK35 in April 1992 and JK10 at Kurrajong Rock in September 1992 but was absent five birds in the same habitat in September 1992. from similar habitat at Pittosporum Rock.

Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus Family Neosittidae Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera Locally frequent resident, although generally scarce. Recorded in January, February, March, September Scarce, presumably resident. Recorded in January, April and December. Present in all 5 years and on 7 of the and September. Present in 1 of the 5 years and on 3 of Birds of Bungalbin, Western Australia 9

the 12 fieldtrips. Uncommon in JK44; scarce in JK18 and 12 fieldtrips. Common in JK10, JK41, JK44 and JK46; JK46. frequent in JK8a and JK37; uncommon in JK35.

Family Oreoicidae Little Crow Corvus bennetti Crested Bellbird Oreoica gutturalis Scarce, presumably nomadic. Recorded in February, Common resident. Recorded in January, February, March, August and December. Present in 3 of the 5 years and on April, May, August, September, November and December. 3 of the 12 fieldtrips. Scarce in JK35 and JK44. Present in all 5 years and on all 12 fieldtrips. Common in JK8a, JK18, JK44 and JK46; frequent in JK10, JK35, JK37 Family Petroicidae and JK41; scarce in JK39. Western Yellow Robin Eopsaltria griseogularis

Family Pachycephalidae Rare, presumably resident. The only record is an adult seen in JK41 in May 1989. Gilbert’s Whistler Pachycephala inornata Rare, presumably resident. A female seen in JK46 in May Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata 1989 is the only record. Locally frequent resident. Recorded in March, May and December. Present in 1 of the 5 years and on 3 of the Western Whistler Pachycephala occidentalis 12 fieldtrips. Recorded only in JK18, where it was frequent. Rare, presumably resident. There are only two records: a male seen in JK41 in May 1989 and a female in JK10 at Southern Scrub-robin Drymodes brunneopygia Pittosporum Rock in September 1992. Rare, presumably resident. The only record is several birds seen in a small area of JK8a south-west of Pittosporum Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Rock in November 1993.

Frequent, presumably resident. Recorded in January, Jacky Winter Microeca fascinans February, May, August, September, November and December. Present in all 5 years and on 9 of the 12 Locally common resident, although generally uncommon. fieldtrips. Common in JK10 and JK41; frequent in JK37; Recorded in January, February, March, April, May, uncommon in JK8a and JK46; scarce in JK35 and JK44. September and December. Present in all 5 years and on 9 of the 12 fieldtrips. Common in JK44; frequent in JK18; Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica scarce in JK46. Common resident. Recorded in January, February, March, Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii April, May, August, September, November and December. Present in all 5 years and on 11 of the 12 fieldtrips. Locally common resident although generally uncommon. Common in JK8a, JK10, JK37, JK41 and JK46; frequent in Recorded in January, February, March, May, September, JK18, JK35 and JK44. November and December. Present in all 5 years and on 9 of the 12 fieldtrips. Very common in JK10; frequent in JK8a and JK46; uncommon in JK18, JK37 and JK41; Family Rhipiduridae scarce in JK35 and JK44. Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Family Hirundinidae Uncommon resident. Recorded in February, March, September and December. Present in all 5 years and on 5 Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena of the 12 fieldtrips. Frequent in JK46; uncommon in JK8a, The only record was a single individual seen over JK35 JK10, JK37 and JK44; scarce in JK35. in December 2002, 9 years after our surveys, likely representing a vagrant individual. Grey Fantail Rhipidura albiscapa Uncommon spring visitor. Recorded in August and Tree Martin Petrochelidon nigricans September. Present in 2 of the 5 years and on 3 of the Uncommon nomad. Recorded in February, March, April, 12 fieldtrips. Two subspecies were recorded: August, September, November and December. Present in R. a. preissii was uncommon in JK37 and scarce in JK46, and R. a. albicauda was recorded only in JK10 in 4 of the 5 years and on 7 of the 12 fieldtrips. Frequent over September 1992 (a pair at Kurrajong Rock and a single JK10 and JK35; uncommon over JK37 and JK46; scarce bird at Pittosporum Rock). over JK44. Its occurence was very unpredictable.

Family Corvidae Family Locustellidae Torresian Crow Corvus orru Rufous Songlark Cincloramphus mathewsi Common resident. Recorded in January, February, March, Locally common visitor in wet years. It was common in April, May, August, September, October, November JK10 at Kurrajong Rock in September 1992 but absent and December. Present in all 5 years and on 11 of the from the same habitat at Pittosporum Rock. 10 Australian Field Ornithology M.D. Craig & G.I. Moore

Family Dicaeidae 30 species were considered either scarce or rare. As Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum is typical of bird communities in arid areas (e.g. Smith 2015; Jordan et al. 2017), five species were variable in Rare, presumably nomadic. The only record is a male seen abundance with four (Black-eared Cuckoo, Common in JK18 in December 1989. Bronzewing, Little Button-quail and Zebra Finch) being generally rare, but common in wet years. The fifth Family Estrildidae (Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater) was generally common, but sometimes abundant and sometimes absent, presumably Zebra Finch Taeniopygia guttata depending on rainfall and consequent resource availability Generally rare nomad although common at times. It was (Rawsthorne 2016). common in JK35 in February and March 1993. The only The avifauna of the Bungalbin area contained only one other record is a group of four birds in the same habitat in species that is currently considered globally threatened, March 1989. the Malleefowl, which is listed as Vulnerable (IUCN 2018). This species is principally a mallee specialist (Marchant Family Motacillidae & Higgins 1993), and abundant suitable habitat exists in Australian Pipit Anthus australis the area. Aside from land clearing, the major causes of declines in this species are grazing pressure from livestock Not recorded by us. The WAM recorded a pair of this and rabbits, predation by foxes and inappropriate fire species in JK15 in November/December 1981. Presumably regimes (Frith 1962; Benshemesh 2007). Hence, given the a rare resident. absence of significant grazing pressure, Bungalbin could potentially be an important refuge for Malleefowl, provided that a suitable fire regime can be maintained (Parsons & Discussion Gosper 2011) and feral predators remain in low abundance A total of 94 bird species has been recorded in the Bungalbin (Dell et al. 1985; Wheeler & Priddel 2009; but see Walsh et area. Considering that the list contains no waterbirds, it al. 2012). In addition to the threatened Malleefowl, the area is a remarkably rich avifauna for the Australian arid zone contains many species considered generally uncommon probably because of two main factors. Firstly, Bungalbin throughout their range, such as Black-eared Cuckoo, is positioned in a transition between two disparate Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Redthroat, Gilbert’s Whistler biogeographical provinces—Eremaean and Bassian (Nix and Grey Fantail (subspecies albicauda). This highlights 1982; Blakers et al. 1984)—such that the area supports the generally high quality of the habitat present in the area, species from both regions (e.g. Duncan et al. 2006). The which suggests that there has been relatively little habitat area has 19 typical Bassian species, such as Fan-tailed degradation in this area since European settlement, and Cuckoo, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Rufous Treecreeper, further emphasises the regional importance of its avifauna. Blue-breasted Fairy-wren, White-eared Honeyeater, Records of three species in the study area represented Red Wattlebird, Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, Dusky significant range extensions. The Tawny-crowned Woodswallow, Western Whistler and Western Yellow Honeyeater had previously been recorded only as far north Robin, as well as 24 typical Eremaean species, such as Black-eared Cuckoo, Little Button-quail, Red-backed as Southern Cross and Boorabbin, >100 km to the south Kingfisher, Cockatiel, Mulga Parrot, Budgerigar, Black (Storr 1986). This species is considered sedentary in some Honeyeater, Pied Honeyeater, Slaty-backed Thornbill and areas and nomadic in other parts of its Western Australian Masked Woodswallow. In most years, there were more range (Webster 1947; Wooller 1981). Considering that this Bassian than Eremaean species present at Bungalbin record occurred at a relatively dry time when few plants but during wet periods, such as September 1992, the were flowering, it was most likely a vagrant individual. The number of species from each biogeographic province was Fan-tailed Cuckoo had previously been recorded only as broadly similar. Secondly, there is a remarkable variety of far north as Yellowdine and Boorabbin (Storr 1986). It is vegetation types present in such a small area (Dell et al. considered migratory in its Western Australian range, 1985; Gibson et al. 1997). In addition to the rich habitat with birds moving south in the summer (Blakers et al. mosaic that this provided, each vegetation type (except the 1984). Although it was frequently heard calling throughout extremely small patches of JK21) contained bird species September 1992, only a single individual was heard calling that were not found in other habitats, which further added at any one time, suggesting that only one (juvenile) bird to the species richness of the area. was present. Considering the young age of the bird and the Measured by the proportion of days that they were fact that the species generally migrates south in spring– recorded, the three most commonly recorded species summer, this bird was almost certainly a vagrant. The were all acanthizids, with the Weebill being the most Slaty-backed Thornbill is a mulga specialist that does not common, followed by Inland Thornbill and Chestnut- normally occur south of the mulga–eucalypt line, with the rumped Thornbill. Following these in terms of frequency of nearest records from Retreat Rock and Jeedamya nearly occurrence were Grey Butcherbird, Australian Ringneck, 150 km to the north (Storr 1986). Like most thornbills, the Grey Currawong, Grey Shrike-thrush, Pied Butcherbird Slaty-backed Thornbill is sedentary (Higgins & Peter 2002; and Crested Bellbird, although the relative abundance of Pascoe et al. 2019), so this record of a pair of birds, and these six species could be overestimated because of their the availability of suitable habitat between Pittosporum distinctive, far-carrying, and frequent calls. As is typical of Rock and the mulga areas further north, suggests that a ecological communities (e.g. Thiollay 2002; Thompson et previously unknown population of Slaty-backed Thornbills al. 2003), most species were relatively uncommon, and may be supported in the area. Birds of Bungalbin, Western Australia 11

Table 2. The vertical foliage height diversity (VFHD) of each of the high rainfall recorded in the 6 months preceding the main habitats in the study area (calculated with data from Dell et April (191.1 mm), August (350.1 mm) and October al. 1985) along with the number of bird species recorded in each (260.7 mm) 1992 fieldtrips, which was much higher than habitat (All species; more a reflection of the amount of time spent for the WAM surveys in September 1979 (120.0 mm), in each habitat), the number of frequent to abundant species (Common species; indicative of the relative number of species April 1980 (55.4 mm) and December 1981 (124.7 mm), in each habitat) and the number of species recorded only in that indicating that rainfall was the likely driver of occurrence habitat (Unique species). (Recher & Davis 2014; Smith 2015; Recher 2018). Interestingly, three of these species (Little Button-quail, Habitat VFHD All species Common Unique Mulga Parrot and Masked Woodswallow) remained in the species species area during much drier conditions in March 1993 (rainfall JK8a 0.497 29 24 1 27.4 mm), presumably because the resources utilised JK10 0.294 39 23 6 by them were still available. Of the remaining additional 13 species added by us, 10 are either resident or migratory JK15 0.001 6 4 1 and likely occur regularly in the study area, but had either JK18 0.535 31 16 3 increased in abundance since the WAM surveys (Black- JK21 0.521 5 5 0 eared Cuckoo, Regent Parrot and White-winged Fairy- JK35 0.308 52 14 5 wren) or are rare and hence easily missed by the briefer WAM surveys (Brown Goshawk, Collared Sparrowhawk, JK37 0.486 29 14 1 Australian Hobby, Slaty-backed Thornbill, Ground Cuckoo- JK39 0.321 14 4 2 shrike, Gilbert’s Whistler and Southern Scrub-robin). JK41 0.552 26 15 1 The remaining three added species are likely vagrants JK44 0.557 50 24 5 to the study area (Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater and Welcome Swallow). The consequence of JK46 0.577 46 26 4 this influx of arid-zone nomads was that the biogeographical origin of the bird community in 1992 was almost equally Changes since 1979–1981 derived from the Eremaean (24 species) and Bassian (19 species) provinces, whereas the WAM found that the There were very few changes in the avifauna in the bird community was primarily derived from the Bassian decade since the surveys by the WAM. The Weebill (13 species) rather than the Eremaean (1 species) province. was still the most common bird, followed by Inland and This demonstrates how bird communities in arid zones Chestnut-rumped Thornbills. The Australian Ringneck was fluctuate over time because of varying resource availability still the only common non-passerine, and acanthizids, (e.g. Smith 2015; Jordan et al. 2017; Recher 2018) and meliphagids and artamids still dominated the avifauna in subsequent surveys of the study area to compare changes terms of number of species and abundance of individuals. in the bird community over time should aim to include both Although direct comparisons of abundance were not wet and dry conditions. possible between the two studies because of differing methodologies, there is some evidence that the Redthroat Aside from the large influx of resource nomads in 1992, had increased in abundance, being recorded only the avifauna changed very little between the surveys 10 times by the WAM, but regarded as common during conducted by the WAM and our surveys. This likely reflects our study. The Black-eared Cuckoo, whose major host is the minimal human impact in the study area between the the Redthroat, probably also increased in abundance as two surveys, with no mining or major fires having occurred we recorded it on four of the 12 fieldtrips but it was not in the intervening period (Recher & Davis 2013; Fox et al. recorded by the WAM. Both the Regent Parrot and the 2016). White-winged Fairy-wren also appeared to have increased in abundance, being unrecorded by the WAM whereas Bird species richness by habitat we recorded them on four and three of the 12 fieldtrips, respectively. Two species (Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo The diversity of habitats at Bungalbin is important given and Australian Pipit) were recorded by the WAM, but not that all habitats except JK21 supported unique bird during the present study. However, as both were scarce species unrecorded in other habitats (Table 2). The Yilgarn or rare, the lack of records during the present study is Banksia Shrubland (JK21) occurred in small patches rarely unlikely to represent a real change in abundance. No other >0.003 ha in area and primarily supported honeyeaters, species recorded in both surveys had obviously changed presumably attracted by the nectar produced by Yilgarn in abundance between surveys. Banksia. Overall, the most speciose habitats were JK35, This study added 28 species not recorded by the WAM. Of JK44 and JK46 (Table 2), but this partly reflects the amount these additional species, 15 are arid-zone nomads (Keast of time that we spent in these habitats. To provide a more 1968; Schodde 1982; Marchant & Higgins 1993; Higgins meaningful estimate of the variation in bird species richness 1999; Higgins et al. 2001, 2006) whose movements are between habitats, we recalculated richness using only linked to rainfall and/or resource availability [Horsfield’s species that were frequent to abundant in each habitat and Bronze-Cuckoo, Pallid Cuckoo, Little Button-quail, Red- excluding all rarer species. Based on this smaller dataset, backed Kingfisher, Cockatiel, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, the most speciose habitats were JK46, JK44, JK8a and Mulga Parrot, Budgerigar, Black Honeyeater, Pied JK10 (Table 2). The habitats that supported the greatest Honeyeater, White-fronted Chat, Masked Woodswallow, number of unique species were JK10, JK35 and JK44 White-winged Triller, Grey Fantail (subspecies albicauda) (Table 2). The correlation between vertical foliage height and Rufous Songlark]. Their occurrence in the study diversity and the number of species was non-significant area was almost certainly because of the relatively (r7 = 0.51, P = 0.158), driven primarily by three habitats 12 Australian Field Ornithology M.D. Craig & G.I. Moore

Acacia aff.aneura Tall Shrubland

Swordfish Banksia Tall Shrubland

Number of common bird species bird Number of common Yilgarn Banksia Tall Shrubland

Vertical foliage height diversity

Figure 2. Relationship between the number of common bird species (see text) and vertical foliage height diversity, with the dashed line representing the line of best fit. The number of common bird species was significantly higher than expected inAcacia aff. aneura Tall Shrubland and significantly lower than expected in Yilgarn Banksia Tall Shrubland and Swordfish Banksia Tall Shrubland, as these three habitats lie furthest from the line of best fit.

(Figure 2); both JK21 and JK39 had fewer species than surveys conducted as part of a biological assessment of expected and JK10 had more species than expected. the Helena and Aurora Ranges (Lyons & Chapman 1997) Taken holistically, our results suggest that the most and as part of the Great Western Woodlands Project important habitats for birds in the study area were JK10, (Fox et al. 2016; Gosper et al. 2019a,b) indicate that our JK44 and JK35, with the caveat that all habitats were surveys likely recorded all of the species that regularly important. The significance of Acacia aff. aneura Tall occur in the study area. Lyons & Chapman (1997) sampled Shrubland (JK10) emphasises the importance of mulga 10 sites in the Helena and Aurora Ranges, including seven shrublands (and other Acacia shrublands: see Burbidge within our study area, located in JK18 and JK21, for et al. 2000) for bird communities in the Australian arid 8 days in 1995 and 6 days in 1996. Although they recorded zone (Cody 1994), likely because of abundant invertebrate 52 species, none were species that we failed to record resources on mulga foliage and in mulga leaf-litter (Cody in our surveys, although they did record several species 1994; Recher & Davis 1997, 2018; Bell et al. 2014) and their (e.g. Common Bronzewing and Budgerigar) in habitats ability to act as refugia for resident birds during droughts where we did not detect them. Surveys as part of the Great and dry periods (Craig & Chapman 2003). Salmon Gum Western Woodlands Project (which maps the occurrence Woodlands (JK44) are also important for birds because of individual species across the Great Western Woodlands they have the tallest canopy in the study area and abundant large tree-hollows and coarse woody debris that provide and assesses population trends) included four sites located unique resources for a wide range of species (Recher & within the study area (in JK10, JK18, JK35 and JK41) that Davis 2002; Fox et al. 2016), including some restricted to were surveyed seven times between 2012 and 2014 (Fox that habitat in the study area. Mallee with Tammin Mallee et al. 2016). Surveys by Fox et al. (2016) recorded (JK35) provides a different resource for birds by having 39 species with only one, Australian Raven Corvus a low canopy and a well-developed understorey with coronoides, not recorded by us (however, this genus is multiple vegetation strata (Dell et al. 1985) and is likely extremely hard to identify correctly and the identification to be important in the study area because mallee habitats was unsupported). In addition, several species were support an avifauna distinctly different from that found recorded in habitats where we did not detect them (e.g. in other Eucalyptus or Acacia woodlands (Menkhorst & Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo in JK10 and Southern Scrub- Bennett 1990; Fox et al. 2016). The fact that JK35 in our robin in JK35). Overall, the results of these two subsequent study area supports some species that are rare or absent surveys indicate that our surveys were relatively complete in other habitats supports the idea that mallee habitats are in recording all regularly occurring species in the study area inhabited by a distinct avifauna. and our list provides an important baseline against which to assess any future changes. However, they also highlight Completeness of the annotated list that our knowledge of habitat preferences of species within the study area remains incomplete and that much work Although there are undoubtedly additional species that remains to understand the fine-scale distributions and occur within our study area, comparisons with subsequent movements of species. Birds of Bungalbin, Western Australia 13

Conclusions Craig, M.D. & Chapman, A. (2003). The effects of short-term drought on the vertebrate fauna of Wanjarri Nature Reserve. In conclusion, we present a list of birds with the occurrence Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 86, 133–137 and abundance of species in a relatively pristine area of Davies, K.F., Melbourne, B.A., James, C.D. & Cunningham, R.B. (2010). Using traits of species to understand responses to land the arid zone of Western Australia. The high number of use change: Birds and livestock grazing in the Australian arid species recorded reflects the high diversity of habitats zone. Biological Conservation 143, 78–85. in the study area and the relatively low human impacts Dell, J., How, R.A., Newbey, K.R. & Hnatiuk, R.J. (1985). A before 1993, primarily the absence of mining and fire, Biological Survey of the Eastern Goldfields, Part 3: Jackson- and low numbers of feral animals, as well the high rainfall Kalgoorlie Study Area. Western Australian Museum, Perth. that occurred in 1992. However, the future of the study Duncan, S., Traill, B.J. & Watson, C. (2006). Vertebrate Fauna area is far from secure, with the establishment of a gold of the Honman Ridge-Bremer Range District, Great Western mine at Mount Dimer, 10 km to the east of the study area, Woodlands, Western Australia. The Wilderness Society, Perth. since these surveys were completed in 1993 (Mindat.org Eldridge, D.J., Poore, A.G.B., Ruiz-Colmenero, M., Letnic, M. 2018). Another gold mine was approved nearby in 2018 & Soliveres, S. (2016). Ecosystem structure, function, and composition in rangelands are negatively affected by livestock and the area is subject to seven mining tenements and an grazing. Ecological Applications 26, 1273–1283. application to mine the Helena and Aurora Ranges for iron Fitzsimons, J., Heiner, M., McKenney, B., Sochi, K. & ore has only recently been rejected (Helena and Aurora Kiesecker, J. (2014). Development by design in Western Range Advocates et al. 2017). In addition, Bungalbin Australia: Overcoming offset obstacles. Land 3, 167–187. is increasingly recognised for its wilderness values and Fox, E., McNee, S. & Douglas, T. (2016). Birds of the Great in recent years has seen increased human visitation by Western Woodlands. Report for The Nature Conservancy. campers and four-wheel drivers (HEMA 2003; Helena and BirdLife Australia, Melbourne. Aurora Range Advocates et al. 2017), which has greatly Frith, H.J. (1962). Conservation of the Mallee Fowl, Leipoa increased the risk of anthropogenic fires. There are now ocellata Gould (Megapodiidae). CSIRO Wildlife Research 7, moves to establish an A-class Conservation Park in the 33–49. study area that, if successful, should preclude future Garnett, S.T., Szabo, J. & Dutson, G. (2011). The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010. CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne. mining and retain the relatively pristine state of the study Gibson, N., Lyons, M.N. & Lepschi, B.J. (1997). Flora and area (Helena and Aurora Range Advocates et al. 2017). vegetation of the eastern Goldfields ranges, Part I: Helena and The list presented here provides evidence in support of Aurora Range. CALMScience 2, 231–246. the value of protecting Bungalbin and, given that changes Gill, F. & Donsker, D. (Eds) (2019). IOC World Bird List (v 9.2). in use by humans have occurred since this survey was Available online: https://www.worldbirdnames.org (retrieved undertaken, it provides an important baseline to compare 25 October 2019). with other surveys in the Great Western Woodlands, such Gosper, C.R., Fox, E., Burbidge, A.H., Craig, M.D., as those currently being conducted as part of the Great Douglas, T.K., Fitzsimons, J.A., McNee, S., Nicholls, A.O., Western Woodlands Project, to inform future management O’Connor, J., Prober, S.M., Watson, D.M., Watson, S.J. & of what is an increasingly rare, relatively pristine part of the Yates, C.J. (2019a). Multi-century periods since fire in an intact woodland landscape favour bird species declining in arid zone of Australia. an adjacent agricultural region. Biological Conservation 230, 82–90. 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