Non-migratory red wattlebirds

[Denis Wilson <>]

Re migrating Red Wattlebirds, I can say that I live in an area (Robertson, NSW) where RWBs appear and disappear in seasonal variations, mostly related to flowering of Mistletoes on local Acacia melanoxylon (one of the few large-flowered nectar sources in this area). They also come readily to other garden plants which produce copious nectar. Garden hybrids of Waratah, a South African Honey Bush (Melianthus major) and to my surprise, Camellia plants. The seasonality of these cultivated flowering plants is not simple to describe, but winter/spring covers most of them.

There is another factor, however. RWBs are NOT resident here. 
To the best of my knowledge, they do not breed here, as they seem to have a preference for Eucalypt trees for nesting, and there are few Eucalypts in the cool temperate rainforest patches in Robertson. They appear and disappear on a weekly or monthly basis. Further confirmation of the non-breeding of RWBs in Robertson is the nearly total absence of Koels in this district. (Both species are commonly recorded in Bowral where Eucalypts are abundant).

In previous years, I have reported groups of up to 50 RWBs flying, fast, in a tight group, and not calling. It is very eerie seeing 50 RWB co-operating, and not calling.
These groups travel south in spring, and north in autumn.
I have also seen such flocks in the Shoalhaven area in autumn.

These groups appear to me to be definitely migrating birds.
From comments in previous years, I am not alone in having observed this phenomenon.

Denis Wilson

On Thu, Sep 1, 2011 at 4:03 PM, Philip Veerman <> wrote:

Well yes a fair point. The GBS Report discusses this and has a bit both ways, especially the bits in bold from this extract:

 

Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata

Our most conspicuous honeyeater, it is noisy, bold, active and aggressive. This species being a resident and the largest and most rambunctious honeyeater, may take over a site that provides a rich food supply and exclude other species. It is among the most recorded species in the count and the breeding list. It is common all year. Over the years the monthly pattern has changed, with a reduced seasonal variation. The same happened with the Noisy Miner. For the first seven years seasonal variation was marked, with a strong autumn to winter peak and a summer minimum, then the next about eight years the extent of this seasonal pattern was reduced. ........ During migration, groups of up to 50 may be observed.

 

The COG Atlas reports results as similar. Clearly the species is present all year but some migrate in or out of the suburban area certainly or even within or maybe to or from places outside the COG area of interest.

 

Philip

-----Original Message-----
From: Margaret Leggoe [
Sent: Thursday, 1 September 2011 1:11 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Non-migratory red wattlebirds

There is a banksia tree in Wanniassa that commences flowering in autumn, and flowers through winter.  A couple of red wattlebirds have lived permanently near that tree since I moved in in 1998.  Other RWBs are to be found nearby all the year round also.  I am surprised to hear they are migratory.

 

Margaret Leggoe

Canberra

Australia

 

-- 
Denis Wilson
"The Nature of Robertson"
www.peonyden.blogspot.com