From: Martin on 20/07/2001 12:39 PM
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Subject: Song Thrush distribution (Vic.)
Robbie Brown asks about the expansion of the Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) in
Victoria.
Long's 'Introduced birds of the World' (1981) has the following information (in
part) about the species:
'...there were several imports to Melbourne in 1857, 1858 and in 1860...'. and
'In the time of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria some were liberated on
Phillip Island, in the Botanical Gardens, at Royal Park and at Gembrook.'
And on potential damage caused by the species:
'They have a restricted range in Australia and are probably not yet numerous
enough to cause much damage. They do, hwever, appear to be slowly spreading and
may become a more important pest of fruit crops in time to come.'
A quick look at the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife data on this species reveals
that it appears to be slowly moving eastwards, with the farthest observation at
the moment being from around Heyfield in Gippsland.
There are no recent observations from west of Geelong, but there are some old
reports from west of Ballarat, near Anglesea and near Bendigo. Recent
observations, however, continue to be from east of Melbourne. No doubt the
Birds Australia Atlas II will show further movements.
Martin O'Brien
Executive Scientific Officer & Secretary - Scientific Advisory Committee
Parks Flora and Fauna Division
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
4/250 Victoria Pde.,
East Melbourne 3002
AUSTRALIA
Tel: 9412 4567
Fax: 9412 4586
(prefixes: Interstate 03 International 613)
email:
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