Hi Darryl,
my ongoing, 18 year survey of the birds of the Willoughby (ca 10 km
n. of Sydney) suggests that Figbirds are locally nomadic. With one
exception (3rd March 1989) all sightings have been in the cooler
months, during a 4.5 month period from the second half of April to
the end of August.
On one occasion the birds were seen feeding on cotoneaster fruit
while another time they fed on the berries of Broad-leaved Privet,
both introduced species.
They also appear to flock, with groups of 10-20 not being uncommon.
My feeling is that the local figtrees do not provide enough (any?)
food at this time of year so the birds travel locally, in small
groups, in search of alternative sustenance.
This info. is based on the small number of 16 sightings. For those
outside Sydney who do not know, Figbirds are locally but patchily
common where figtrees are present. Away from figtrees they are
apparently rare and probably locally nomadic.
Andy
Last week Figbirds appeared in Bankstown after an absence of several
months. Edwin, I wonder if there is some connection. You record this
species in your area at roughly the same time as I do in Bankstown.
Are Figbirds nomadic or part migratory? I thought they were rather
sedentary.
Darryl McKay
Bankstown
--
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Cammeray,
NSW 2062
Australia
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