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Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds Sightings Review

To: <>
Subject: Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds Sightings Review
From: "Lisa & Dominic" <>
Date: Thu, 7 Jul 2011 07:41:13 +1000
BANQ are again asking anyone to let us know about any sightings of 
Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds this year.



 In Australia it is found only on the Cape York Peninsula. It's habitat is 
mainly eucalypt and paperbark woodlands and adjacent mangroves; occasionally in 
or at the edge of rainforest. It is often in dense thickets of shrubs within 
woodland and also dense coastal and riparian shrubland.

 

 Last year BANQ started a study into recent sightings of this bird following 
anecdotal information that it was getting harder to find in traditional areas.

 

We are trying to determine if the population is decreasing, steady or even 
increasing. There are so few actual sightings of the bird that we have been 
unable to determine any clear trend other than to say it is certainly scarce.

 

In the draft revised Action Plan for Australian Birds there is consideration to 
change its status from Least Concern to Near Threatened (Population may be 
<10,000 individuals, in a single sub-population and may be declining based on 
recent anecdotal reports)

 

A study of Atlas Reports, Eremea Reports and a request for details of any other 
sightings has indicated less than 30 records since the start of 2009

 

Iron Range National Park         6 Records

Iron Range Ranger Station        5 Records

Lockhardt River                       4 Records

Portland Roads                         3 Records

Heathlands                               4 Records

Bamaga                                    1 Record

Weipa                                      1 Record

Napranum                                1 Record

 

Birders have searched Seisa, Umagico, Jardine River, The Tip, New Mapoon and 
Somerset without success. Thanks to all those who sent in records last year.

 

On the bright side we have received the first ever records on the Western side 
of the Cape at Weipa and Napranum. We have discovered a possible new stronghold 
for them at Heathlands. Also rangers at Iron Range have reported  that some 
Bowerbirds have returned to previously disused Bowers. Hopefully a good wet 
season has helped them to bounce back.

 

Please let us know his year if you find any Fawn-breasted Bowerbirds.

 

Email:   



Dominic Chaplin
BANQ
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