Not really a
Dumb question of the week but the item of relevance here is that typically these birds feed on different things and/or in
different parts of the environment (niche). As for What do birds with very different food requirements gain from the MFF?
it is generally believed that the benefit occurs in greater awareness of predators (more eyes to watch). And they are aware of alarm strategies of other species. It is not
just birds that do this, well known among monkeys, gazelles, etc……..
Philip
From: John Harris [
Sent: Saturday, 16 February, 2019 1:59 PM
To: chatline
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Mixed feeding flocks are back
Interesting combination. I have been waiting for the MFF here around Percival Hil but not seen it yet this season. Usually contains finches here due to the Ginninderra Creek flood plain and the
native grasses.
Dumb question of the week: What do birds with very different food requirements gain from the MFF?
From: Jack & Andrea Holland <>
Date: Saturday, 16 February 2019 at 1:22 pm
To: Steve Read <>, chatline <>
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Mixed feeding flocks are back
Thanks Steve, in my experience mixed feeding flocks (MFFs) often start mid February and sometimes even earlier.
I encountered a rapidly moving one during my survey at Narrabundah Hill yesterday. This included your first five species plus Silvereyes and a male Leaden Flycatcher, the last-named a surprise
as very few of this species have been observed in my local patch in recent years.
With things drying out following the storms up to the end of the first week of February, I suspect more will be forming, so MFFs are something for subscribers to look out for from now.
Sent: Saturday, February 16, 2019 12:31
PM
Subject: [canberrabirds] Mixed feeding
flocks are back
Summer may not have quite ended, but breeding season is over for most birds, territories are less important, and mixed feeding flocks are back!
My first of the season at Campbell Park this morning contained ten species: Yellow-rumped and Buff-rumped Thornbill, Weebill, Grey Fantail, Speckled Warbler, Superb Fairy-wren, Varied Sitella, Brown-headed Honey-eater,
Rufous Whistler and a Mistletoebird. Some mistletoe was flowering, and that may also have encouraged the congregation.
Not that all breeding is completely over. A Leaden Flycatcher was carrying food repeatedly to a very young fledgling, and two of the Rufous Whistlers seen nearby also looked very young.
Steve
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