SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGIST

Volume 35, Part 7, December 2009

Distribution and habitats of the Thick-billed Grasswren, Amytornis textilis, subspecies myall Andrew Black, Graham Carpenter and Lynn Pedler. pp. 161-177.
Abstract. The Thick-billed Grasswren Amytornis textilis, subspecies myall, occurs in semi-arid South Australia, between Whyalla and the Gawler Ranges. Its distribution is largely unchanged since its discovery in August 1902. Its present status in the Yellabinna region, where it was recorded once in 1909, is unknown. Searches in 2006 were successful at 76% of 62 located sites of previous records. The main habitats of A. t. myall are Blackbush low shrubland (40% of sites), Australian Boxthorn low shrubland (21%) and Western Myall low woodland (19%) along drainage lines, with a mean shrub cover of 30.6%. Other semi-arid low woodlands and shrublands are also frequented, even low rocky hills if shrub cover is sufficient. The total cover of Blackbush, Australian Boxthorn, other spiny shrubs, Ruby Saltbush and taller shrubs (>75 cm high) differed between sites with A. t. myall and unoccupied control sites: occupied sites had greater dense shrub cover with a mean density score of 10.8 compared with 4.3 at controls.
Most of the habitat of A. t. myall is unconserved and within pastoral lands, particularly in areas where stock congregate. Careful management is therefore required to ensure that areas of dense shrub cover persist.

Bird Report 2006 Colin Rogers. pp. 178-191.


Obituary: Brian Glover Richard Schodde. pp. 192-195.

Bird Notes.
Coastal birds of the far west of South Australia.Graham Carpenter. pp. 196-198
Further notes on mallee birds of the far south-west of South Australia.Graham Carpenter. pp. 199-202

Book Reviews
Albatrosses Their World Their Ways. TUI DE ROY, MARK JONES AND JULIAN FITTER 2009 John Hatch. pp. 203-204.
Mound-Builders. DARRYL JONES & ANN GÖTH Sharon Gillam. pp. 204-206.
BOOM & BUST Bird Stories for a Dry Country. LIBBY ROBIN, ROBERT HEINSOHN, LEO JOSEPH (EDITORS) 2009 Rod Attwood pp. 206-208.

Volume 35, Parts 5 & 6, December 2008

Malleefowl, Leipoa ocellata, mound productivity in three regions of South Australia following a low rainfall year. Sharon D. Gillam. pp. 110-113.
Abstract. This study examines the mound productivity of Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata at eight sites within three regions of South Australia towards the end of the breeding season, in February-April 2007. Thirty-four mounds were excavated to determine the number and fate of eggs laid. In total, 144 eggs were estimated to have been laid, with mean clutch size 4.7 (range 1-15), 57% of eggs hatched and 82 hatchlings fledged. Baseline data is provided for these South Australian sites and is compared with sites in the eastern States. The well-below average rainfall in 2006 was probably reflected in the number of eggs laid in the 2006/07 breeding season and reasons for this are discussed in light of previous studies. It is suggested that recurring drought presents a very real threat to Malleefowl mound productivity.

Waterbirds in the heart of the Murray Mallee John Eckert. pp. 124-131.
Abstract. A series of brief surveys was conducted over the period December 2001 to December 2007 to gain information on the number and status of waterbirds likely to reach the parts of the Murray Mallee only accessible by a lengthy flight over dry country. Comments are also made on the Red-backed Kingfisher, Todiramphus pyrrhopygius, the Sacred Kingfisher, T. sanctus, the Australian Reed-Warbler, Acrocephalus australis, and the Little Grassbird, Megalurus gramineus. Including the above, 45 species are shown to visit the study area and 13 to have bred there. This indicates a greater presence of waterbirds in the heart of the Mallee than was previously reported.

Bird Report 2005 Colin Rogers. pp. 132-144.

Obituary: John Eckert. 11 February 1932 to 21 June 2008. Farmer, Naturalist, Ornithologist, Conservationist, Community Leader Andrew Black and Philippa Horton. pp. 145-149.

Bird Notes
A recent record of the Plains-wanderer, Pedionomus torquatus, from near Swan Reach, South Australia. Carl R. Gosper and Tanya M. Llorens. pp. 150-152.
Rose Robin at Wirrabara Forest. Graham A. Carpenter. pp. 152-153.
Nesting of the Scarlet Robin on Yorke Peninsula. Graham A. Carpenter. pp. 153-154.

Book Reviews
Feathered Dinosaurs: The Origin of Birds. JOHN LONG & PETER SCHOUTEN 2008 Jeremy Robertson. pp. 155-156.
Albatrosses. TERENCE LINDSEY 2008 Neil Cheshire. pp. 156-157.
Bowerbirds. PETER ROWLAND 2008 John Hatch. pp. 158-159.
Shorebirds of Australia. ANDREW GEERING, LINDSAY AGNEW AND SANDRA HARDING 2007. Colin Rogers. pp. 159-160.

Volume 35, Parts 3 & 4, April 2008

SPECIES RICHNESS AND ABUNDANCE OF BIRDS IN MT LOFTY RANGES GUM WOODLAND HABITAT: YEAR 2000 SURVEY Maxwell L. Possingham and Hugh P. Possingham. pp. 69-85.
Abstract: As a part of the on-going bird survey of the Mt Lofty Ranges of South Australia we visited 61 sites in 46 patches of gum woodland in the spring and summer of year 2000. Each patch contained one or more 2-hectare sites that were visited for three 1-hour periods on different days. Each 1-hour visit was divided into three consecutive 20-minute sampling periods providing a total of nine samples for each site and 549 20-minute samples overall. This paper provides the data for the public record with some basic analysis and discussion. Three lists summarise the data and categorise the records by species, site and sample. Overall, 98 species were recorded; this is 26 more than for the concurrent survey of the stringybark habitat (Possingham, Field and Possingham 2006). We calculate two measures of abundance for each species, probability of recording and density. Comparing the relative abundance of species from the two concurrent surveys, 22 show a preference for gum woodland and seven for stringybark. Basic statistical analysis of the records predicts that there is a 90% probability that the average number of species with 90% probability that the average number of species recorded during a single 20-minute sample of a 2-ha site is 10.3-11.5. This is an estimate of species richness of the gum woodland habitat in the Mt Lofty Ranges. These figures contrast with 9.11-9.9 for the stringybark woodland. Aggregating the records from all nine 20-minute samples to form a 3-hour sample of 2-ha sites results in a species richness of 24.4-26.4 with 90% probability. The equivalent figures for stringybark are 20.3-22.5. These differences between gum and stringybark woodland are highly significant statistically and show that the gum woodland is more diverse. We used the accumulation model presented in Possingham, Field and Possingham (2004) to obtain better estimates of total species richness in the habitat for the region. Supporting the previous paragraph, an analysis of the 20-minute visits gave an estimated 90% confidence interval for species richness in gum woodland of 79.6-83.3, being significantly greater than the equivalent results of 58.7-71.3 for stringybark woodland from Possingham et al. (2006). More samples may be needed, however, to explain the species richness of 122 obtained by analysing the 1-hour samples of gum woodland.The accuracy of the relationship between probability of recording a species and its density has been improved by the inclusion of a flocking factor. This factor seprates the species recorded during a 20-minute sample of a 2-ha site into three groups. These groups are defined by the number of birds recorded per visit being greater than four, between two and four, and less than two. The improvement is illustrated by the root-mean-square error reducing to 0.0072 compared with 0.934 when a flocking factor is not used. Statistical analysis is used to show that observer, wind and site all had a significant effect on the number of species recorded. The changes are from 16.5 to 6.0 over the nine observers, from 11.6 to 7.3 caused by strong wind and, by between seven and eight over the 61 sites. The basic data and this report are available from and the authors.

BIRD REPORT, 2004. Colin Rogers. pp. 86-95.
ADDITIONS TO THE KANGAROO ISLAND AVIFAUNA. Chris Baxter and Philippa Horton. pp. 96-103.
Bird Notes. VARIED LORIKEETS IN THE FAR NORTH EAST: A NEW SPECIES FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Julian Reid. pp. 104-106.
BREEDING AND OBSERVED HABITAT PREFERENCE OF THE SCARLET-CHESTED PARROT Neophema splendida IN THE YUMBARRA CONSERVATION PARK.Colin Rogers and David Close.
CORRIGENDA. p. 106.

Volume 35, Parts 1 & 2, December 2006

DISTRIBUTION OF THE BLACK-CHINNED HONEYEATER Melithreptus gularis AND CHESTNUT-RUMPED HEATHWREN Hylacola pyrrhopygius IN THE SOUTH EAST OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. B. Haywood. pp. 1-14.
Abstract: From June 2003 to January 2005, 34 locations in the South East of South Australia were surveyed for Black-chinned Honeyeater Melithreptus gularis and Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Hylacola pyrrhopygius. The Black-chinned Honeyeater was recorded at 17 locations and was particularly widespread but not abundant in its preferred habitats. It was observed further south and west than previously documented in the South East. The Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, although difficult to observe, was recorded at eight locations in the central, eastern and southern parts of the region both in large areas of suitable habitat and fragmented smaller remnants. A total of 130 bird species was observed during the survey.

BIRD REPORT, 2003. C. Rogers. pp. 15-26.
Abstract: This report highlights records from the calendar year 2003 for species listed with a rare or vagrant status in A field list of the birds of South Australia (hereafter referred to as the Field List; SAOA 1985a). No attempt is made to cover all species represented in the Field List and species for which there are no records in 2003 are not discussed.Highlights for the year were: the first SA record of Varied Lorikeet Psitteuteles versicolor; the second SA record of Noisy Friarbird Philemon corniculatus; Pied Currawong Strepera graculina in the SE proposed as a new addition to the Field List; Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava near Port MacDonnell, SE; the discovery of Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis temporalis on a heritage block in the SE of SA. White-chinned Procellaria aequinoctialis, Soft-plumaged Pterodroma mollis and White-headed P. lessonii Petrels as well as Sooty Albatross Phoebetria fusca were recorded on pelagic trips in the SE. Notable reports were the return of the Hudsonian Godwit Limosa haemastica, a single Little Curlew Numenius minutus at Tolderol GR, MM, and a flock of 400 Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa on KI.

THE BIRDS OF BULGUNNIA AND MULYUNGARIE STATIONS IN THE PASTORAL ZONE OF ARID SOUTH AUSTRALIA. S.J.S. Debus, G. Lollback, D.L. Oliver and S.C. Cairns. pp. 27-37.
Abstract: A list of birds observed on Bulgunnia Station (Lake Torrens/Lake Gairdner Basin) and Mulyungarie Station (lower North East), in spring 1997 and each spring and autumn from November 2002 to May 2005, is provided. Brief notes are given on selected species, including the Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos, Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus and Chestnut-breasted Whiteface Aphelocephala pectoralis, and an undescribed call of the Chirruping Wedgebill Psophodes cristatus.

STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE ON THE FLEURIEU PENINSULA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, IN 2005. T.E. Dennis. pp. 38-46.
Abstract: From June to December 2005 the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia was systematically surveyed for Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax breeding activity, an area of approximately 1,540 km2. Eagle territories were found distributed throughout the region with breeding sites typically placed in remnant eucalypt woodland on the main river valley escarpments, or on steep gully slopes in tributaries. Twenty-nine occupied territories were identified within the study area, of which 28 were confirmed as active. Another six localities were identified as possible territories where eagle pairs were present but a nest site was not found. Active nest sites were found to average 6.6 km apart (range 2.4–13.4 km) and, using ‘nearest neighbour’ proximity distances between active nest sites, the average home range of pairs was calculated to be c. 34 km2 (range 18.1–75.5 km2). From an estimation of hatching dates among active pairs in this study, most pairs had commenced egg-laying/incubation by mid-July (range c. 6 July–16 August), and most young had fledged by mid-December. Productivity outcomes were determined for 23 active territories, with 0.91 young fledged/active nest and 1.11 young fledged/successful nest. Two young were fledged in each of two territories. Between September 2003 and the conclusion of this study in December 2005, a small number of Wedge-tailed Eagle mortalities (n = 4) were reported at the one established windfarm in the region. In each case injuries sustained were attributed to collision with turbine blades or associated infrastructure and this equates to 1.71 deaths/year (or 0.07 deaths/turbine/year) at the site. Elsewhere in 2005, two other mortalities were attributed to electrocution at power distribution poles. Persecution of eagles in the region was found to be largely non-existent, with the greater majority of landowners valuing the presence of resident pairs. Because of the proximity and frequency of various human activities, 10 of the territories, or 35%, were considered to be in highly disturbed habitat settings. However, it would appear that the Wedge-tailed Eagle has largely adapted to environmental and landscape change coincident with agricultural development on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

THE STATUS OF THE WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE AND OSPREY ON KANGAROO ISLAND IN 2005. T.E. Dennis and C.I. Baxter. pp. 47-51.
Abstract: During the spring breeding season of 2005 the coastline of Kangaroo Island was systematically surveyed by ground and sea search to locate occupied White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster and Osprey Pandion haliaetus territories and determine breeding activity where possible. Precise nest-site location data and potential habitat disturbance factors were recorded. However, nest locations are not reported here and remain confidential to the South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage and Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board. Seventeen occupied White-bellied Sea-Eagle territories were located, of which seven were confirmed as active (breeding) and three, from observed behaviours, were considered likely to be active. Nine territories (53%) were assessed as subject to disturbance by human activities during the breeding season, with four of these potentially highly disturbed. Although some territories/nest-sites known to be active in the mid-1985s were found to be vacant, overall the number of occupied sea-eagle territories (or pairs) was similar to earlier surveys, when an average of 17.5 territories was found each year from 1985 to 1995. Significantly, the number of occupied Osprey territories was greater than recorded previously, most likely reflecting the completeness of the survey effort in 2005. Twelve occupied Osprey territories were identified, eight of which were recorded as active, while egg-laying was possible at others. Earlier surveys (from 1985 to 2004) recorded an average of 9.5 occupied territories per year. Four territories were assessed as being potentially highly disturbed and one as recently abandoned due to disturbance.

Bird Notes.
EXPANSION OF RANGE BY THE PIED BUTCHERBIRD IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. J. Eckert. pp. 52-56.
STATUS OF THE PIED BUTCHERBIRD IN THE LOWER NORTH EAST (OLARY PLAINS) OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. A.B. Black. pp. 57-58.
PIED BUTCHERBIRDS IN THE NEAR NORTH WEST OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. J. Reid. pp. 59-63.
IBIS ON WESTERN EYRE PENINSULA. J. Eckert and R. Sim. pp. 63-64.
NOTES ON NEOPHEMAS ON YORKE PENINSULA. J. Eckert. pp. 65-67.
ATTEMPTED KLEPTOPARASITISM BY WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLES ON FUR SEAL. T.E. Dennis and R. Brittain. p. 68.

Volume 34, Parts 7 & 8, March 2006

THE LITTLE LORIKEET IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA, WITH NOTES ON THE HISTORICAL STATUS OF OTHER LORIKEETS Philippa Horton and Andrew B. Black. pp. 229-243.
Abstract: The Little Lorikeet Glossopsitta pusilla is generally regarded as a declining species in South Australia, breeding in the South East, and a rare, non-breeding autumn/winter visitor to the Adelaide-Mount Lofty Ranges region. We examined historical records and museum specimens of the Little Lorikeet and found breeding records for the Mount Lofty and southern Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island. The authenticity of these records is considered. We conclude that in the early days of European settlement the Little Lorikeet was a common, breeding species in the Adelaide-Mount Lofty-southern Flinders Ranges region. It has declined critically in this region, and is now encountered with any degree of regularity only in the South East.

SPECIES RICHNESS AND ABUNDANCE OF BIRDS IN MT LOFTY RANGES STRINGYBARK HABITAT: YEAR 2000 SURVEY Maxwell L. Possingham, Scott A. Field and Hugh P. Possingham. pp. 244-257.
Abstract: Following the bird survey of stringybark woodland in the Mt Lofty Ranges in 1999-2000 (Possingham, Field and Possingham 2004), 31 patches of the same habitat were surveyed during the spring-summer of 2000. Each patch contained one or more 2 ha sites that were visited for three 1 h periods on different days. Each visit was divided into three consecutive 20 minute sampling periods providing a total of nine samples for each site. Overall, we visited 48 sites, 33 of which are common to both surveys. This report places the data in the public forum by publishing bird species lists and some simple analysis and discussion. Two lists summarise the data; one categorises the records by species and the other by site. We calculate two measures of abundance for each species, i.e. probability of recording and density. The main differences in species counts between the two surveys are an increase in total species from 69 to 72 and on-site species from 55 to 62. The common species decreased from six to five, uncommon species remained at 17 and rare species increased from 27 to 32. We combine the records from the 1999-2000 and Year 2000 surveys to define 25 core species for this habitat, as determined by a probability of recording greater than 0.13. Comparing the probability of recording these core species, 18 showed no significant change, five a significant decrease (Brown Thornbill Acanthiza pusilla, New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae, Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor and Common Blackbird Turdus merula), and two a significant increase (Galah Cacatua roseicapilla and Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans). Changes in the abundance of these core species are discussed. We discuss various estimates of species richness for this habitat; the final one based on accumulation plots as described in the previous report. Applying this method to the records from three independent 20 minute, 2 ha samples of 48 sites, the estimated species richness is 65, as it was in the previous survey. Using three 1 h samples from this survey increases this figure to 83 that is more consistent with other data on birds in the Mt Lofty Ranges.
Observer, wind and site all had statistically significant effects on the number of species recorded. Apart from these simple comparisons, there has been no attempt to determine trends in bird abundance; this will be done using addidonal data from subsequent surveys. The basic data and this report are available from the downloads section of <www.ecology.uq.edu.au> and the authors.

LONG-TERM TRENDS IN THE HOODED PLOVER Thinornis rubricollis POPULATION ON KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA T.E. Dennis and P. Masters. pp. 258-266.
Abstract: This study examines trends in Hooded Plover (eastern form) Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis numbers, particularly breeding pairs, over a twenty-year period (1985-2004) on Kangaroo Island, a significant national refuge for the species. We found significant and continuing declines in the number of breeding pairs since 1985 (62) with an overall decUne of c. 25% (47), or -1.65 pairs per year, equating to around 50 years before n = 0. The greatest decline (45%) was found on the eastern and northern coastline where nearly all beaches were rated as highly disturbed Hooded Plover habitat. Since the early 1985s Kangaroo Island has experienced VUlp unprecedented and ongoing growth in tourism and coastal urbanisation resulting in increased levels of recreation on many of the island's aesthetically attractive sandy beaches. Unless mitigating management strategies are developed and implemented in the near fature, the Hooded Plover population on Kangaroo Island will likely decline further and be limited to remote, low-use beaches.

RESIDENT AND MIGRATORY BIRDS OF COASTAL MARSHLAND HABITATS IN THE BAY OF SHOALS AND WESTERN COVE AREA OF KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA T.E. Dennis and C.I. Baxter. pp. 267-275.
Abstract: Wetland habitats of State and National significance have been identified in or adjacent to the Bay of Shoals and Western Cove on the north coast of Kangaroo Island. These coastal marshland habitats provide significant refuge and foraging resources for a range of migratory bird species as well as breeding habitat for sedentary species. At least 65 species of birds are known to frequent these habitats, 12 of which are of conservation significance under South Australian wildlife protection legislation as Rare (7) or Vulnerable (5). A further 19 species have special recognition under international migratory bird protection agreements.

CHESTNUT-BREASTED QUAIL-THRUSH AND ATYPICAL QUAIL-THRUSHES OBSERVED WEST OF COOBER PEDY Andrew B. Black and Stephen Walker. pp. 275-279.
Abstract: We report the observations of two pairs of quail-thrush in mulga Acacia aneura habitats west of Coober Pedy between Mabel Cieek and Emu. One male was identified as a Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma castaneothorax marginatum. The female paired with this bird and the other male resembled Cinnamon Quail-thrush C. cinnamomeum but the latter had an atypical breast pattern. These observations and other reports of quail-thrush identified as Cinnamon are from a region otherwise better documented for the presence of Chestnut Quail-thrush C. castanotus clarum. Further study is necessary to determine the extent of occurrence of the Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush in the north-west of South Australia and whether hybridisation occurs between its western subspecies C.c. marginatum and the Cinnamon Quail-thrush.

A SPINIFEXBIRD IN THE FLINDERS RANGES G. Carpenter, L. Pedler and N. de Preu. pp. 280-283.
Abstract: Sightings of a Spinifexbird Eremiornis carteri in the central Flinders Ranges in 2002 and 2003 are documented. The locality is 750 km south-east of the nearest report and follows several recent extra-limital records in South Australia and Queensland.
BREEDING LITTLE PIED CORMORANTS Phalacrocorax melanoleucos IN THE ADELAIDE AREA. Penny Paton. pp. 283-284.
BRUSH CUCKOO Cacomantis variolosus: THIRD RECORD FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA AGE AND HABITAT. Colin Rogers. pp. 285-287.
AUTHORSHIP AND TYPIFICATION OF Strepera fusca. Brian J. Blaylock and Phillipa Horton. pp. 288-285.
INTERACTIONS BETWEEN 'BARBARY DOVES' AND SPOTTED TURTLE-DOVES IN A SUBURBAN HABITAT. David and Elaine Cooke. p. 291.
A FURTHER RECORD OF BAILLON'S CRAKE ON KANGAROO ISLAND. Terry E. Dennis. p.292.

Volume 34, Part 6, November 2004

THE BIRD COLLECTION OF R.C. CHANDLER: TARCOOLA TO OOLDEA (YELLABINNA REGION) 1858-9. Andrew B. Black and N. Wayne Longmore. pp. 185-198.
Abstract: From November 1858 to February 1859, the Victorian naturalist R.C. Chandler collected 124 specimens of 39 bird species between Tarcoola and Ooldea on the surveyed route of the future Trans-Australia Railway. The existence of this collection, presented to the National Museum of Victoria (now Museum Victoria, MV) in March 1859, has gone largely unnoticed by South Australia ornithologists, e.g. S.A. White, A.S. Le Součf, J.B. Cleland, and J.N. McGilp, who visited the region during 1917–1949. It has also been overlooked in recent reviews of birds of the Yellabinna region, e.g. Cohen, Reid and Casperson (1992) referred to 22 species represented in the South Australian Museum, whereas Chandler’s collection contained an additional 26 species. Further specimens in the MV and Australian Museum, Sydney bring the total collected from the region to 63 species. Two species, the Thick-billed Grasswren Amytornis textilis and Southern Scrub-robin Drymodes brunneopygia, have not been recorded in the central Yellabinna region since collected them there. The presumed contraction in range of these two species may be due to the influence of introduced predators but might also reflect natural longer-term environmental and ecological change.

THE 'IMMARNA' GRASSWRENS OF R.C. CHANDLER:LOCALITY, HABITAT, IDENTITY AND TAXONOMIC IMPLICATIONS. Andrew B. Black. pp. 199-211.
Abstract: Two specimens of Thick-billed (or Western) Grasswren Amytornis textilis taken by R.C. Chandler on 16 January 1859 in the Yellabinna region, Great Victoria Desert, have been the subject of much ambiguity in the literature of grasswrens and overlooked in reviews of birds of the region. As far as can be determined, they were taken about 132 miles (c. 210 km) west of Tarcoola near the locality of Bates Railway Siding (and rather nearer to Barton than Immarna) in the elevated dunes, known colloquially as the Barton Sandhills, a part of the Yellabinna region. Evidence suggests that the birds were taken in a plant community prevalent in the region, namely an open woodland/tall shrubland of black oak Casuarina pauper, sugarwood Myoporum platycarpum, mallee Eucalyptus spp. and mulga Acacia spp., with a diverse tall and medium shrub mid-storey and a low shrub layer including chenopods. While the habitat and the sand dune landform might seem atypical for the species, they are not so unexpected given the extensive range and variety of habitats formerly occupied by A. textilis in Western Australia. The specimens are typical of the subspecies A. t. myall.Though all three subspecies (textilis, myall and modestus) are included in the List of Vertebrates of South Australia (Robinson, Hutchinson and Casperson 2000), the nominate subspecies textilis has not been recorded in South Australia. In view of demonstrated morphological and genetic differences and in consideration of contrasting biogeography and differences in habitat requirements,the separation of A. textilis into two species is advocated, viz. Western
Grasswren A. textilis with two subspecies textilis and myall, and Thick-billed Grasswren A. modestus.

BIRD REPORT, 2002. Colin Rogers. pp. 211-221.

CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE WHITE-BELLIED SEA-EAGLE, OSPREY AND PEREGRINE FALCON ON WESTERN EYRE PENINSULA AND ADJACENT OFFSHORE ISLANDS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Terry E. Dennis. pp. 222-228.
Abstract: The White-bellied Sea-Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster, Osprey Pandion haliaetus and Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus, use coastal cliffs, including those on offshore islands, as breeding sites. During November and December 2003 around 200 km of coastline between Drummond Point and Point Brown on western Eyre Peninsula, were surveyed to determine the distribution and status of these raptor species. The status of breeding sites for these species was also determined on offshore islands in the region. An assessment of the vulnerability of nest sites to disturbance was also undertaken. Nine occupied White-bellied Sea-Eagle territories were identified, six of which were located on offshore islands. No recently active nests or fledged young from the 2003 breeding season were found. Twelve occupied Osprey territories were identified, five of which were found to be active with seven pre-fledged young of varying ages. Three of the Osprey nests were on islands. Three occupied Peregrine Falcon territories were also identified. Four Osprey nest sites, three of which were in Searcy Bay, averaged <7 km apart, representing a greater breeding population density than has been found elsewhere in South Australia. This concentration most likely reflects prey abundance and extensive all-weather foraging opportunity in the sheltered waters of nearby Baird Bay and low disturbance levels of nesting habitat.

Volume 34, Part 5, May 2004

SPECIES RICHNESS AND ABUNDANCE OF BIRDS IN MT LOFTY RANGES STRINGYBARK HABITAT: 1999–2000 SURVEY. Max L. Possingham, Scott A. Field and Hugh P. Possingham. pp. 153-169.
Abstract: We surveyed the birds of stringybark woodland in the Mt Lofty Ranges of South Australia in 38 patches of relatively intact habitat; it is the first of a series of yearly surveys in the ranges. Each patch contained one 2 ha site that was sampled nine times from November 1999 to February 2000. Three 20 minute samples were taken on separate days and six consecutive 20 minute samples on a single day. This report places the data in the public forum by publishing species lists and some initial analysis and discussion of the basic data. These data are summarised in two lists, which categorise the records by species and site. For each species, two measures of abundance are calculated: probability of recording—called ‘Reporting Rate’ in the new atlas of Australian birds (Barrett et al. 2003)—and density. This information provides baseline data for comparison with the results of future surveys. Given that the new atlas of Australian birds is mainly based on presence-absence data, we assessed the potential for translating presence data into density data by plotting density as a function of the probability of recording. Our statistical analysis gives a preliminary indication of the effect of survey parameters on the bird records. The analysis shows that observer, wind and site all had significant effects on the number of species recorded. We present a new model of how species count accumulates as a function of number of sites and number of visits to each site, thus providing an estimate of species richness. We also provide some recommendations for survey design and monitoring. The basic data are available from the authors and at www.ecology.uq.edu/downloads/birds.

THE OCCURRENCE OF THE SLENDER-BILLED THORNBILL Acanthiza iredalei IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY. Chris R. Pavey and Leo Joseph. pp. 170-175.
Abstract: The known occurrence of the nominate subspecies of the Slender-billed Thornbill Acanthiza iredalei iredalei in the southern Northern Territory (NT) and northern South Australia (north of approximately 30°S) is based on almost exclusively on the three specimens collected by S.A. White in 1913 and 1914. The only NT record is a specimen collected on the lower Finke River (now part of Idracowra Station) on 21 August 1913, although the specimen's original label data indicate that the species was 'plentiful' at that time. Here we present the results of both a re-examination of White's Idracowra specimen and of bird surveys carried out in 2001 within Maireana (bluebush, cotton-bush) dominated vegetation in the Finke bioregion, including Idracowra Station. Our examination of White's specimen from Idracowra and the two northern South Australian specimens confirm that all are A. iredalei. No records of A. iredalei were obtained during the surveys in the Finke bioregion. The existence of only a single NT specimen and the absence of other nearby locality records of the species make the pattern of decline of A. iredalei in the southern NT very difficult to understand. The species is now classified as 'regionally extinct' in the NT.

Bird Notes. SPOTTED HARRIER TAKING SOUTHERN BOOBOOK. Maureen Christie. pp. 176-177.
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS OF WHITE-BELLIED CUCKOO-SHRIKES AT TELFORD SCRUB CONSERVATION PARK. Robert Green. pp. 177-178.
A YELLOW WAGTAIL Motacilla flava NEAR PORT MACDONNELL IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. John Berggy. pp 178-179.
PIED CURRAWONGS Strepera graculina NEAR MOUNT GAMBIER: CONFIRMATION OF A NEW SPECIES FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA. John Berggy. p. 180.
OBSERVATION AND BREEDING RECORDS OF THE PAINTED FINCH Emblema pictum ASSOCIATED WITH ARTESIAN SPRINGS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Kelli-Jo Kovac and Darren P. Niejalke. pp. 181-182.
NORTHERN TERRITORY RECORDS OF THE THICK-BILLED GRASSWREN Amytornis textilis AND RUFOUS FIELDWREN Calamanthus campestris. Steve Eldridge and Bruce Pascoe. pp. 183-184.

Volume 34, Part 4, November 2003

BIRD REPORT, 1982-1999. Graham Carpenter, Andrew Black,David Harper and Philippa Horton. pp. 93-151.

Bird note. LITTLE PIED CORMORANTS Phalacrocorax melanoleucos BREEDING ON THE RIVER TORRENS, ST PETERS. Penny Paton. pp. 151-152.

Volume 34, Parts 2 & 3, May 2003

BANDED STILT Cladorhynchus leucocephalus BREEDING AT LAKE EYRE NORTH IN YEAR 2000. Chris I. Baxter. pp. 33-56.
Abstract: In year 2000 thousands of Banded Stilts Cladorhynchus leucocephalus arrived at an inundated Lake Eyre North (LEN) from coastal summering habitats and nested on four occasions. During March–May they nested twice on Hughes Island, LEN but breeding failed primarily due to Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae predation of Banded Stilt eggs and young. In July, c. 18,000 Banded Stilt pairs nested on Ibis Island and recruited about 50,000 young. An alpha-chloralose baiting programme on the island successfully targeted breeding Silver Gulls resulting in 3,000 being culled and 1,000 deserting the island, thus freeing the stilt colony from gull predation. In late July to early August, Banded Stilts nested again on Ibis Island but abandoned their colony as warmer weather evaporated LEN’s shallow waters, leaving the island surrounded by many kilometres of mudflats. During late August and early September Banded Stilt adults and young dispersed from LEN and tens of thousands arrived at their usual coastal haunts at the Dry Creek Saltfields and Coorong in South Australia, and Natimuk–Douglas wetlands in the Wimmera region of Victoria. Their spectacular and widespread dispersal also resulted in vagrant birds at rare localities, namely Tasmania, central coastal New South Wales and southern Northern Territory. It is recommended that the Banded Stilt be listed as nationally vulnerable and further research, particularly into its conservation status and the interaction between east and west populations, occurs. Banded Stilt management and action plans are required to ensure breeding success. Silver Gull management and action plans are recommended due to the over-population of gulls as a result of the increased availability of food scraps associated with a range of human activities. Finally, there are recommendations on overcoming excessive Silver Gull predation on Banded Stilt breeding colonies.

BIRD REPORT, 2001. Colin Rogers. pp. 57-69.
Abstract: This report highlights records from the year 2001 for species listed with a rare, vagrant or irruptive status in A Field List of the Birds of South Australia, Third Edition. Records are provided by SAOA members in the monthly record books, from field trips, or by direct report to the record secretary, as well as by visitors to the state who post reports on the Birding-Aus Mail List www.cse.unsw.edu.au/birding-aus/). Comments, with suitable references, are made about identification, breeding, migration, and other issues of interest. Highlights for the year were seabirds (Light-mantled Sooty Albatross Phoebetria palpebrata, Rockhopper Penguin Eudyptes chrysocome, Red-tailed Tropicbird Phaeton rubricauda), terns (a possible Antarctic Tern Sterna vittata, and a Bridled Tern S. anaethetus), and waterfowl (an irruption of Black-tailed Native-hen Gallinula ventralis, and numbers of Freckled Duck Stictonetta naevosa, Plumed Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna eytoni, Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis and Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus in southern regions).

OBSERVATIONS OF THICK-BILLED GRASSWRENS ON THE NORTH OLARY PLAINS. Andrew B. Black and Chris I. Baxter. pp. 70-74.
Abstract: The current core distribution of the Thick-billed Grasswren Amytornis textilis modestus is in the chenopod shrublands of the lower basins of Lakes Eyre and Torrens and of the smaller Lakes Gregory, Blanche and Callabonna in South Australia. Continuous distribution between the plains bordering Lake Torrens, where it remains common, and northern NSW has been questionable; moreover the NSW population is now presumed extinct. The observations reported here confirm the presence of Thick-billed Grasswrens on the north Olary Plains. If future study of the north Olary Plains population proves it to be distinct, its morphological affinities with or differences from the three other populations of chenopod-dependent grasswrens (A .t. textilis, A. t. myall and A. t. modestus) may help determine whether there are one or two species.

OBSERVATIONS OF BREEDING WHITE-BELLIED CUCKOO-SHRIKES (DARK- AND NORMAL-MORPH) IN THE LOWER SOUTH EAST OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Robert Green and Bryan T. Haywood. pp. 74-78. Abstract: From 18 November 2001 to 15 January 2002, we monitored a White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike Coracina papuensis robusta nest at Telford Scrub Conservation Park in the Lower South East of South Australia. We observed the later stages of the breeding cycle, beginning with two chicks in the nest through to fledging and abandonment of the nest by the adults. The parents were different morphs (dark and normal), and enabled assessment of the effort each parent put into brooding and feeding the chicks. We provide a description of nestlings, and aspects of breeding ecology we believe are previously unpublished for this species, i.e. response to raptors, food items fed to chicks, nest refurbishment and adult-adult feeding. We also offer suggestions for future research on breeding of this species, particularly where different morphs are involved.

Bird notes.
BRIDLED TERN IN THE SOUTH EAST OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Maureen Christie. pp. 79-80.
BRIEF STAY BY A YELLOW-TUFTED HONEYEATER Lichenostomus melanops NEAR MT GAMBIER, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Bryan Haywood. pp. 81-82.
YELLOW CHAT Epthianura crocea AT TOLDEROL GAME RESERVE. John Eckert and Michelle Ludewigs. pp. 83-84.
BROWN FALCON SUBDUED BY PREY. John Eckert. pp. 85-86.
COMMENTS ON SOME BIRDS OF THE BIRDSVILLE TRACK. John Eckert. pp. 86-87.
OBSERVATIONS OF MALE COMMON KOEL AT MAGILL AND WATTLE PARK. Jim Allen. pp. 88-89.
Book reviews.
THE FLIGHT OF THE EMU: A HUNDRED YEARS OF AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGY 1851-2001 by Libby Robin. Val Mobley. pp.85-91.
MAGPIE ALERT: LEARNING TO LIVE WITH A WILD NEIGHBOUR by Daryl Jones. Bob Whatmough. p. 92.

Volume 34, Part 1, August 2002

BIRD REPORT 2000. C. Rogers. pp. 1-14.
NOTES ON THE ECOLOGY OF THE SLENDER-BILLED THORNBILL Acanthiza iredalei rosinae. J.S. Mathews. pp. 15-22.
Abstract: This study summarises observations of a population of Slender-billed Thornbills Acanthiza iredalei rosinae at Clinton Conservation Park, South Australia, 1991-1994. Movements and population dynamics were elucidated by regular bird counts and re-sightings of a total of 37 colour-banded birds. The study suggests: (1) the birds are largely sedentary; (2) the population consists of foraging groups over most of the year and pairs are observed during the breeding season only; and (3) the population density is higher compared with other thornbills. Other aspects of the biology of this subspecies were investigated based on general observations at the study site and information obtained from museum collections.

Bird notes.
PAINTED HONEYEATERS OVER-WINTERING AT GLUEPOT RESERVE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. C. Rogers and R. Clarke. pp. 23-24.
NOTES ON THE AUSTRALIAN PRATINCOLE. J. Eckert. pp. 25-26.
SPINIFEXBIRD AT CLAUDE HILLS: A SECOND SIGHTING FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA. M. Gole. pp. 26-27.
RANGE EXTENSION OF THE SLATY-BACKED THORNBILL. G.A. Carpenter and J.S. Matthew. pp. 28-29.
OBITUARY: JOHN MAXWELL TRURAN 1940-2001. P. Horton. pp. 29-30.
OBITUARY: GORDON BEAUMONT RAGLESS 1859-2002. J. Eckert. pp. 31-32.

Volume 33, Part 8, November 2001

BIRDS AT THE 'WASHPOOL', SELLICKS BEACH, AN EPHEMERAL DEGRADED SWAMP, PRIOR TO PLANNED RESTORATION. C.B. Ashton. pp. 145-155.
Abstract: One hundred and three species of bird, including 92 native species, were recorded from 1978 to 2000 at the ephemeral, degraded wetland known as the 'Washpool' at Sellicks Beach in the southern Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu Peninsula region, 47 kilometres south of Adelaide. The Washpool's area of inundation is approximately six hectares. Fifty-nine species were either waterbirds (45) or birds with a preference for a habitat near water (14). Thirteen species were recorded breeding at the Washpool. A number of the species are listed as vulnerable or rare in the schedules of the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Three are now rarely seen so close to, namely Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus, Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis and Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii. This ephemeral wetland is the remnant of a once permanent series of lagoons and marshland extending over approximately three kilometres. Restoration of the southern-most area, the Washpool of historical aboriginal significance, is proposed by the City of Onkaparinga. Such development should retain and enhance vegetation and other features that have proved their worth for refuge, feeding and breeding of species recorded in this survey.

THE PRE-DAWN CALL OF THE WHITE-PLUMED HONEYEATER Lichenostomus penicillatus. H.W. Crouch. pp. 155-163.
Abstract: White-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus penicillatus made pre-dawn calls from spring to late summer. They began at approximately civil twilight (25-30 minutes before sunrise) and lasted for an average of 12 minutes, after which time the birds used different diurnal calls. At Belair the pre-dawn calls consisted of 'chew' calls - a descending whistle running from about 3 KHz to 2 KHz in about 0.2 seconds - repeated four times interposed with a 'zip' call. Pre-dawn calls with a somewhat similar structure were recorded in Alice Springs and Geraldton, but in other areas such as Bendigo the pre-dawn calls were quite different. Playback of a variety of pre-dawn calls from White-plumed Honeyeaters always induced a response from birds of this species. The repeated 'chew' call was given also at the apex of the song flight and, since these and pre-dawn calls were made mainly during the breeding season, the pre-dawn call probably plays a role in mate selection and maintenance of pair bonds, and is associated with breeding.

FIRST SOUTH AUSTRALIAN RECORDS OF THE BLACK-NECKED STORK Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus AND OCCURENCE OF VAGRANTS IN SOUTH-WESTERN QUEENSLAND. C.I.Baxter, J.R.W. Reid and R.P. Jaensch. pp. 164-169.

Abstract: We document five discrete observations of the Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, two from the far north east of South Australia and three from the adjacent channel country in south-western Queensland. These are the first records for South Australia and we ponder the origins of the birds and whether their appearance so far from their customary range may have been in response to climate change or 'once-off' flooding in the Lake Eyre Drainage Basin. The reappearance of Magpie-Goose Anseranas semipalmata in these regions is also noted. Although the floods in the Basin during 2000 and 2001 were large, they were not exceptionally so in the context of the recent past.

Corrigenda. P. 169.
Bird notes.
A BREEDING RECORD OF BOURKE'S PARROT SOUTH OF LAKE FROME, WITH A REVIEW OF ITS DISTRIBUTION IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. A.B. Black. pp. 170-172.
RECENT RECORDS OF THE LITTLE BITTERN Ixobrychus minutus NORTH OF THE RIVER MURRAY. G. Carpenter and M. de Jong. pp. 173-174.
A FAR INLAND SIGHTING OF A FRIGATEBIRD NEAR BROKEN HILL, NEW SOUTH WALES. A.B. Black. pp. 175-176.
Book Reviews.
FEATHERS AND BRUSH: THREE CENTURIES OF AUSTRALIAN BIRD ART by Penny Olsen. D. Vincent. pp. 177-178.
BIRDS OF THE BARHAM DISTRICT, NEW SOUTH WALES AND VICTORIA: AN HISTORICAL SUMMARY 1930-1999. by Peter Disher. J. Eckert. pp. 178-179.
THE ACTION PLAN FOR AUSTRALIAN BIRDS 2000 by S.T. Garnett and G.M. Crowley. V.-J. Russell. pp. 179-180.

Volume 33, Part 7, May 2001

MONITORING OF CAPE BARREN GOOSE POPULATIONS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA IV. THE 1996 BREEDING SEASON AND THE SUMMERING POPULATION. A.C. Robinson, T. Gerschwitz and C. Halstead. pp. 117-126.
Abstract: Egg counts and chick production by Cape Barren Geese Cereopsis novaehollandiae on the islands of the Sir Joseph Banks Group revealed that 1996, unlike 1985, 1987 and 1985, was a good breeding year with production comparable with that in 1974 and 1979. This was considered to be due to above average rainfall in April, May and June, the critical months for producing food for breeding birds. Helicopter counts of the summering population around the Murray mouth revealed a 30% decline in 1996 compared with the highest count in 1985. One possible explanation for this is a decline in breeding habitat on the small islands of the Sir Joseph Banks Group and some evidence of this is discussed. However this potential loss seems to be more than compensated by the now well-established breeding on the large areas of grassland on Reevesby Island. It may be that a greater proportion of geese produced on the islands of the Sir Joseph Banks Group are now summering on southern Eyre Peninsula rather than around the Murray Mouth.

THE BIRDS OF MUNYAROO CONSERVATION PARK AND ADJOINING COAST. T. Cox. pp. 127-131.

Abstract: One hundred and nine bird species were recorded at Munyaroo Conservation Park, 32km south of Whyalla, on eleven 2-3 day visits from 1985-1999. Here, several birds are near the extremity of their ranges, including the Rufous Treecreeper Climacteris rufa, Splendid Fairy-wren M. splendens, Blue-breasted Fairy-wren Malurus pulcherrimus, Redthroat Pyrrholaemus brunneus, Western Yellow Robin Eopsaltria griseogularis and Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica rufiventris. Two species appear to have declined during the survey period, namely Southern Whiteface Aphelocephala leucopsis and Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii.

OBSERVATION OF BIRDS AT TUMBY BAY SEWAGE PONDS. T. Cox. pp. 132-134.

Abstract: Tumby Bay sewage ponds on Eyre Peninsula were visited at least 36 times from December 1998 to November 1999 and 40 native bird species were recorded. In late-August to September 1999 there was an influx of more than 15 Baillon's Crakes Porzana pusilla and more than 20 Australian Spotted Crakes P. fluminea, the former being recorded rarely on the Eyre Peninsula.

FIRST CONFIRMED BREEDING RECORD OF GREY GOSHAWKS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. R. Green. pp. 134-136.
NOTES ON THE DIET OF THE BARN OWL Tyto alba FROM MULYUNGARIE STATION IN NORTH-EASTERN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. R.A. Palmer. pp. 137-138.
FIRST RECORD OF THE BLACK-FACED MONARCH IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. J. Eckert. p. 139.
A SECOND RECORD OF THE BLACK-FACED MONARCH Monarcha melanopsis FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIA. C. Rogers. p. 140.
Book reviews.
FIELD GUIDE TO AUSTRALIAN BIRDS by Michael Morcombe. D. Edey pp. 141-142.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA WADER SURVEYS. JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2000 by J.R. Wilson. D. Edey p. 143.

Volume 33, Part 6, November 2000

A LITERATURE SUMMARY OF THE PRINCESS PARROT Polytelis alexandrae AND A SUSPECTED RECENT BREEDING EVENT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA. C. Baxter and R. Henderson. pp. 93-108.
Abstract: Historical records of the distribution, breeding and diet of the Princess Parrot Polytelis alexandrae in Australia, from its first discovery in 1862 to the year 2000 are summarised. We hope to stimulate a greater interest in Princess Parrots, an increase in reported observations and further expand knowledge of it and its conservation requirements. We recently sighted the Princess Parrot in the Unnamed Conservation Park of the Great Victoria Desert, South Australia during October 1998. This significant observation involves what was possibly a breeding pair attending a hollow in a marble gum Eucalyptus gongylocarpa. This observation of the Princess Parrot is discussed in relation to other observations of this species, particularly those from South Australia. This comparison helps to identify trends in the Princess Parrot's ecology including distribution, seasonal occurrence, breeding, habitat requirements, favoured areas and feeding behaviour. Finally the conservation requirements of this species are discussed. Descriptions of its conservation status range from endangered, vulnerable to rare, to declining, in apparent decline or indeterminate, due to insufficient knowledge. A possible link between the Princess Parrot and marble gum woodland in the Great Victoria Desert of South Australia is identified. It is recommended that this habitat is searched more thoroughly and frequently for evidence of Princess Parrot presence and breeding.

Bird notes.
CONSPECIFIC KILLING BY A WILLIE WAGTAIL. C.B. and E.M. Ashton. p. 109.
FIRST RECORD OF A SOUTH GEORGIAN DIVING-PETREL FROM SOUTH AUSTRALIA. P. Horton, M. Penck, K. Bartram and P. Coulls. pp. 109-111.
MYIAGRA FLYCATCHER NEAR INNAMINCKA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA. D. Larkins. pp. 112-113.