The importance of eucalypt nectar in the diet of large honeyeaters

Anthony S. J. Saunders, Shelley Burgin, Hugh Jones

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    Abstract

    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.
    Original languageEnglish
    Number of pages12
    JournalCorella : journal of the Australian Bird Study Association
    Publication statusPublished - 2003

    Keywords

    • Honeyeaters
    • Ecology
    • New South Wales
    • Eucalyptus

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