Saunders A.J., Burgin S and Jones H. (2003) The Importance of Eucalypt Nectar in the Diet of Large Honeyeaters. Corella 27: 1-12. (Centre for Landscape and Ecosystem Management, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, South Penrith Distribution Centre, NSW 1797, Australia.)

In a study comparing the densities of Noisy Friarbirds Philemon corniculatus, Red Wattlebirds Anthocaera carunculata and flowering eucalypts, between 1992 and 1996 in central eastern New South Wales, the flowering of trees was found to be a very highly significant explanatory variable accounting for changes in honeyeater numbers at both regional and local scales. Correlations between counts of honeyeaters and flowering trees and the propoprtion of time spent in aggression and foraging at flowering trees were significant. At sites on the western slopes, flowering trees are more significant in determining the density of these two honeyeaters than sites on the coast and tablelends. While eucalypt nectar is important at some sites and for some seasons, it is suggested that other factors, such as patch size and other foods, may determine the whereabouts of these two honeyeaters. The correlations suggest that both honeyeaters seek higher yeilding flowering patches, and that defence of nectar sources is more worthwhile when resources are more concentrated and localised. This study indicates that remnant forests on the western slopes provide important foraging habitat in winter and spring, particularly for P.corniculatus.

 

Dyer P.K. (2003) A Decline in the Number of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters Breeding on Raine Island. Corella 27:13-17. (University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Queensland 4556, Australia.)

Between December 1995 and December 2000 there was an apparent decline of greater than 40 per cent in the number of occupied Wedge-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus pacificus burrows on Raine Island. The estimated census of approximately 3,550 burrows or crevice nests in December 1995 declined to estimates of approximately 2,360 and 1,570 Shearwater burrows or crevice nests in December 1998 and 2000 respectively. Burrow occupancy was approximately 56 per cent in 1998 and 66 per cent in 2000, with eggs or chicks found in 43 per cent of burrows in 1998 and 49 per cent in 2000. Yet the number of occupied ledge crevice nests found in 1998 (130) and 2000 ( 131) was approximately double that found in 1995 (60). The overall decline may be due to turtle nesting activities on the Northern ridge, however further investigation is needed to verify this.

 

Debus S.J.S. and Rose A.B. (2003) Diet of Barking Owl Ninox connivens in the Channel Country of South-western Queensland. Corella 27:18-19. Division of Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales 2351, Australia.)

Wiltshire A. (2003) First Record of Common Diving Petrels Pelicanoides urinatrix Breeding on Albatross Island. Corella 27:20-21. (183 Waterworks Road, Dynnyrne, tasmania 7005, Australia.)

Wiltshire A. and Hamilton S. (2003). An Albino Light-mantled Sooty Albatross Phoebetria palpebrata Chick at Antipodes Island, New Zealand. Corella 27:22. (183 Waterworks Road, Dynnyrne, tasmania 7005, Australia.)

Nicholls J. (2003). Co-operative Breeding in the Mountain Thornbill. Corella 27:23. (Department od Zoology and Entomology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.)

Pywell S. and Lill A. (2003) Breeding Biology of the Dusky Moorhen in a Suburban Park. Corella 27:24-30. (Wildlife Ecology Group, School of Biological Sciences, PO Box 18, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.)

The breeding biology of a dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa in Jells Park, Melbourne was studied from 1991 to 1996. Data were supplemented by records from the Birds Australia Nest Record Scheme for the period 1963-1995. The breeding season at Jells Park lasted from August to March. Mean individual clutch size was 6 eggs at Jells Park and 7 eggs in Nest Record Scheme. For breeding groups at Jells Park with only one laying female, clutch size was negatively correlated with laying date. The eggs comprising a clutch were usually laid daily, egg mass was about 7 per cent of adult mass and the mean incubation period was 23 days. Egg mass and incubation period conformed to allometric prediction based on adult mass, but clutch mass exceeded prediction simply because of the significant incidence of communal clutches. Clutch success was 61 per cent at Jells Park and 72 per cent in the Nest Record Scheme. Predation was the main nesting mortality agent. Survival of chicks from fledging to independence was 40-50 per cent at Jells Park. Females in the park contributed about one more egg to communal than to single-female clutches. All communal group memebers participated in nest building and feeding chicks. Both members of pairs incubated substantially, but relative involvement in incubation in communal groups for which we had quantitative records ranged from 9 to 44 per cent among males and 15 to 67 per cent among females. Results are compared with data for other Australian Dusky Moorhen populations and for the cosmopolitan Common Moorhen G. chloropus. Their contribution to the debate about divergence in life history strategies of Australian and Northern Hemisphere birds is evaluated.

 

Kennedy, S.J. (2003). A four year study of a bird community in a woodland remnant near Moyston, Western Victoria. Corella 27: 33--44. (c/- Moyston P.O., Moyston, Vic. 3377, Australia).

Bird species richness and abundance were estimated monthly between September 1989 and February 1994 at a woodland remnant near Moyston in western Victoria. The migratory status of each species was assessed. Changes in abundance seasonally and over a longer period are reported. The results indicate that this remnant is used by about thirty species of resident birds as well as supporting various migrants and partial migrants. The study site was occasionally visited by large numbers of several nectarivorous species.

Two resident species (Hooded Robin Melanodryas cucullata and Buff-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza reguloides) disappeared during the survey, and another (Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittatus) has since disappeared from the remnant. These species are all ground nesters and/or ground feeders. Such species are of conservation concern across the temperate woodlands of south-eastern Australia, as they also have declined elsewhere in these habitats in recent decades. The White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis was a resident by the survey's completion, having been recorded only sporadically earlier in the study.

The results give insight into the movements of birds at this site and presumably other woodland remnants in the area. The loss of resident species witnessed here is a tangible example of a loss of species occurring at a larger scale in temperate woodlands in Australia.

 

Legge S, Heinsohn R, Blackman C. & Murphy S. (2003). Predation by Rufous Owls on Eclectus Parrots and Other Animals at Iron Range National Park, Cape York. Corella 27: 45-46. (Botany & Zoology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia; Email <Sarah.Legge@anu.edu.au>).

Ninox rufa prey items included female Eclectus roratus, Ptiloris magnificus, Cyclopsitta diophthalma marshalli, Merops ornatus, Aplonis metallica, Spotted Cuscus and Megachiropteran Bat.

 

Munro U, McCloskey K, & Cooke B. (2003). Seasonal Trends in Food Consumption and Body Mass of Captive Regent Honeyeaters Xanthomyza phrygia (Meliphagidae). Corella 27: 47-51. (Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia).

In this study, the seasonal changes in food use and body mass in captive Regent Honeyeaters Xanthomyza phrygia between April and September were examined. Regent Honeyeaters had a higher body mass in autumn and early winter (April-June) than in late winter and spring (July-September). Nectar consumption varied significantly over the study period and reached an overall peak in July. Fruit consumption was considerably higher between April and July than between August and September, Hawking for insects was very low in autumn and early winter (April to June), but was pronounced in late winter and spring (August and September), These results suggest a seasonal change in dietary preferences from a carbohydrate-based diet to a more protein-based diet.

 

Rollinson D.J, O'Leary R. & Jones D.N. (2003). The Practice of Wildlife Feeding in Suburban Brisbane. Corella 27: 52-58. (Suburban Wildlife Research Group, Australian School of Environmental Studies, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld. 4111, Australia).

Wildlife feeding is a frequently debated topic that generates polarised views but literature relating to the practice is rare. This study provides the extent of wildlife feeding in Brisbane, highlighting common practices associated with feeding in a suburban setting. A questionnaire, delivered to 400 Brisbane residents, asked questions about the species being fed, the food being provided and frequency of feeding. A second section of the survey aimed to gain some insight into the respondent's perception of the practice of wildlife feeding.

Of the 34 per cent of respondents who replied to the survey, 37 per cent indicated they fed wildlife, with the majority doing so between daily or weekly intervals and throughout the whole year. A significant proportion (58%) of feeders were found to use inappropriate foods such as bread. The species most commonly fed were large carnivorous/omnivorous birds such as Australian Magpies and butcherbirds. There were strongly divided opinions on the practice of wildlife feeding. Most non-feeding survey respondents stated that they did not approve of the practice and stated that wildlife did not benefit from feeding, while, not unexpectedly, the majority of feeding respondents gave the opposite opinion. Both feeding and a small percentage of non-feeding respondents agreed that if feeding was to take place appropriate guidelines should be followed. As it appears inevitable that feeding wildlife will persist, readily available information on the correct procedures should be made available to the parties involved.

 

Fitri, L. & Ford H.A. (2003). Foraging behaviour of Hooded Robins Melanodryas cucullata in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales. Corella 27: 61--67 (H.A. Ford, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia).

Hooded Robins foraged mainly by pouncing or gleaning on the ground for invertebrates, with an increase in gleaning in winter. Less frequently they hawked for flying insects and gleaned or snatched prey from bark, both of which were more common in summer and autumn. Although branches were the most frequent perches from which foraging was initiated, Robins also foraged from trunks, stumps and logs and an array of artificial structures. Perches were typically close to the ground, though hawking, gleaning and snatching were usually carried out 3-8 metres above the ground. Foraging rates were more rapid in winter, partly due to the increase in ground-feeding, which employs more rapid foraging techniques, but also because the absolute foraging rates while ground gleaning and pouncing increased. The sexes did not differ in their foraging behaviour and there were only minor differences among study sites. Comparisons with other studies revealed that Hooded Robins forage in a similar way to the Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis, though the latter occupies open forest rather than woodland. The smaller Scarlet Petroica multicolor, Flame P. phoenicea and Red-capped P. goodenovii Robins also forage in a similar way to Hooded Robins, especially in winter, when they forage more on the ground.

Fitri, L. & Ford H.A. (2003). Breeding biology of Hooded Robins Melanodryas cucullata in the New England, New South Wales. Corella 27: 68-74 (H.A. Ford, Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia).

Hooded Robins were studied near Armidale in the 1991 and 1992 breeding seasons, when 26 nests were found. Nests were built from late August to late December and took from 4 to 10 days to build. They were placed in eucalypts from 0.2 metres to 9 metres above the ground. All clutches were of two eggs and were incubated for 15.2 days (6 nests), almost entirely by the female, who spent 55 per cent of her time on the nest. Males occasionally sat briefly on the nest when eggs were present, and fed the female before she laid the eggs and while she incubated. Both parents, and sometimes helpers, fed each nestling on average 5 times per hour. After fledging at about 12 to !3 days of age, the young were unable to fly, but hid in dense cover. Parents performed distraction displays if predators came near their young. Overall, only 22 percent of nests were successful, with most failures probably being due to predation. Hooded Robins often re-nested after failure, but not after rearing young. Well-studied pairs made 2.75 nesting attempts during the 1991 season, and produced on average 0.7 fledglings. This level of annual productivity, if it is typical, seems inadequate to replace annual mortality. Therefore, high nest failure, which is mostly due to predation, could contribute to the ongoing decline of Hooded Robins in the region.

Bellis, G.S. & Profke A.M. (2003). Roosting behaviour of the Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus in suburban Darwin. Corella 27: 75-80. (Northern Australia Quarantine Strategy, Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service, GPO Box 3000, Darwin, NT 0801, Australia).

The Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus is a dry season migrant to Darwin. A study of their roosting habits in suburban Darwin during the dry season over three successive years yielded a total of 13 communal roosts, most of which were located by following birds just prior to dusk. The approximate number of birds in each roost and the area over which these birds travelled to forage was estimated and from this an estimate of a density of 0.22 birds ha-l in the northern suburbs of Darwin was extrapolated. The location of roosts was generally geographically stable both within and between seasons. Rainbow Bee-eaters were observed sharing a roost tree with six other species of bird. The gradual decline of one roost from 320 to no birds, as they migrated south at the end of the season, provided some evidence of group cohesion of foraging and migrating birds.

Skira, I. (2003). Large mortality of Short-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tenuirostris in Australian and New Zealand seas in October 2000. Corella 27: 81--84. (Nature Conservation Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, PO Box 44, Hobart, Tas 7001, Australia).

A major mortality of Short-tailed Shearwaters Puffinus tenuirostris occurred in October and November 2000 as the birds returned to their breeding colonies in southern Australia. Beachwashed birds were found along the east coast of Australia, from 400 kilometres north of Brisbane to southern Tasmania, and west to New Zealand. Autopsies showed that the most likely cause of death was starvation. This lack of food was probably due to large-scale variation in water currents as the major mortality coincided with unusually warm east coast Australian sea surface temperatures. Such large mortalities are natural irregular occurrences among Short-tailed Shearwaters, but their impact on the population is difficult to gauge.

McKilligan, N. (2003). Spatial and temporal aspects of nesting and success of Darter and three cormorant species in south-eastern Queensland. Corella 27: 85--89. (Faculty of Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Qld. 4350, Australia).

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris, Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos and Darter Anhinga melanogaster nested at Lake Clarendon, south-eastern Queensland for four years after the lake filled until it fell below 12 per cent capacity. In contrast to some other parts of Australia there was a distinct seasonality in their nesting here, with the Great and Little Black Cormorant nesting in the cooler months of the year and the Little Pied Cormorant in spring and summer. Darter nested throughout the year but mostly in spring and summer. Nest site heights and spacings differed among species. Great Cormorant mostly had high, exposed, well separated nests, whereas the smaller cormorant species nested close together in low, bushy trees. The Darter also nested low but used both bushy and open trees and could be close to or distant from nearest neighbours. The Darter and to a lesser extent the Great Cormorant had high nesting success and these nests fledged 2.4 and 1.8 young on average, respectively. Nesting failures among the cormorants were associated with early or late nesting or, eventually, low water level, but these do not explain the massive losses suffered by the Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants, Although there is no direct evidence, the circumstances surrounding their disappearance point to losses to aerial predators and not starvation, falling from the nest or disease.

Fitzsimons, J.A. (2003). Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio killing a Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala nestling. Corella 27: 90. (School of Ecology and Environment, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia).

Waterman, W., *Murray, M.D & Connell, D. (2003). Dispersal of Crested Terns Sterna bergii from colonies in South Australia. Corella 27: 93- 101. (* 17 Ashmore Avenue, Pymble, NSW 2073, Australia).

The general dispersal of Crested Terns Sterna bergii, banded as chicks at breeding colonies in South Australia between 1955 and 1995 is described.

There was a considerable movement of breeding birds between nearby colonies, and even movement between more distant colonies. Most recoveries (78%) were immature one-year and two-year birds, and both immature and mature birds dispersed similarly. There were two patterns of dispersal. Recoveries from birds which were banded at colonies in the Spencer Gulf and the Gulf St. Vincent, were mostly local within these gulfs of South Australia. Those from the other colonies were eastwards along the Victorian coast and then northwards along the eastern coast of south-eastern Australia to southern Queensland. Such long-distance movements, over 2 000 kilometres, were accomplished within three to four months of banding.

The numbers recovered in various zones along the coast indicated that they were not solely a consequence of searching effort by people, but the result of a variety of ecological factors affecting mortality along a 3 500 kilometre coastline.

Dyer, P.K. (2003). Booby nesting on Raine Island, Great Barrier Reef. Corella 27: 102-105. (University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs, Qld. 4556, Australia).

Collecting reliable field data on breeding populations of booby species on Raine Island for temporal comparison is challenging. This trial's aim was to establish baseline data on nest census estimates in December 1998 to serve as the foundation for continued monitoring. Based on censuses, estimates of numbers of 3 700 Brown, [Sula leucogaster] 700 Masked [Sula dactylatra], and 330 Red-footed Booby [Sula sula] nests were established. Egg predation by seagulls in December 2000, however, prevented the first replication of the study thus exposing the limitations of the method.

Clarke, R.H., Schipper C., Boulton R.L., Ewen J.G., & Clarke, M.F.. (2003). Biometrics and sexing criteria of the Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops. Corella 27: 106-108. (Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia).

Morphometric data on 99 adult and 13 juvenile Yellow-faced Honeyeaters Lichenostomus chrysops that were independently sexed using molecular techniques were analysed to investigate size dimorphism between the sexes. Our results support previous studies that have demonstrated Yellow-faced Honeyeaters are sexually dimorphic in size, with males being the larger sex. Discriminant analyses of morphometric data were used to develop a simple method for sexing adult Yellow-faced Honeyeaters in the hand. As five observers collected the measurements our sexing criteria are conservative and should have wide application for field ornithologists working on the species.

McNabb, E., McNabb, J. & Barker K.. (2003). Post-nesting home range, habitat use and diet of a female Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae in western Victoria. Corella 27: 109-117. (Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Sustainability and Environment, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia).

A female mainland Masked Owl Tyto novaehollandiae novaehollandiae nested in a dead tree which was standing in pasture and was supporting two recently fledged young when radio-tagged on 17 December 1999. She was tracked until the tag became detached four weeks later. Her home range was estimated to be 1 125-1310 hectares. Foraging activity was focused in dense/medium tree cover with a high proportion of fixes within 100 m of the forest/pasture edge. The European Rabbit comprised 89 per cent of the prey biomass from 277 individual prey items. The owl displayed an apparent aversion to light by remaining inside her roost hollow until well after sunset on moonlit nights as well as flying away when spotlit.

Noske, R.A. (2003). Does the Crested Shrike-tit exhibit extended parental care. Corella 27: 118-119. (Key Centre for Tropical Wildlife Management and School of Science, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia).

Allofeeding by male Falcunculus frontatus three and six months after last expected months for fledglings is consistent with extended parental care.

Debus, S.J.S. (2203). Sexing of Tawny Frogmouths: a comment on Smith (2002). Corella 27: 120. (Division of Zoology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia).

Sex determinations of Podargus strigoides are reversed in Corella 26: 79-84 (2003).

Fulton, G.R. & Smith M.. (2003). Black Swan and Western Tiger Snake; a conflict avoidance encounter. Corella 27: 121-122. (School of Natural Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 100 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia).

On 1 April 2002, we observed a close encounter between a Western Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus and a Black Swan Cygnus atratus in the water at Herdsman Lake, Perth, Western Australia. Both species responded aggressively during the brief encounter. First, we surmise that the aggression displayed by both species was deliberate posturing rather than actual physical attacks. Second, we suggest that their mutual intention was to avoid combat because neither could be confident of winning.