Hi Martin,
Malleefowl more often run rather than take flight when disturbed though
I would have seen perhaps a dozen take flight both in response to
vehicles and people on foot. In mallee habitats (short stunted,
multi-stemmed eucalypts) if flushed they typically fly up on a very
steep angle to just above canopy height (4-8 m) then move off pretty
directly at this height. Flight is very laboured though, no doubt owing
to their weight.
In some areas they seem more prone to taking flight than others. I
suspect this is because humans and vehicles are perceived as a bigger
threat by individuals that encounter these less frequently. In one such
area I once saw a malleefowl fly by at canopy height as if it was just
passing by. Given that it flew towards me I can't imagine that my
presence was the reason for it taking flight...but perhaps it took
fright at something else?
Cheers
Rohan
___________________________________
Dr Rohan Clarke
Zoologist
mobile: 0429 792 906
Biosis Research Pty. Ltd.
Natural and Cultural Heritage Consultants
38 Bertie Street (PO Box 489)
Port Melbourne, Vic 3207
ph: (03) 9646 9499
fax: (03) 9646 9242
___________________________________
-----Original Message-----
From:
On Behalf Of martin
fowlie
Sent: Monday, 28 November 2005 11:26 PM
To:
Subject: RFI
Having just had a great holiday in Australia I wa wondering if someone
could help with an ID question. While birding in Dryandra State Forest
(WA) I disturbed what appeared to be a Malleefowl. It took off and flew
from the path. I was happy with the ID although I only saw it for a
couple of seconds. It's alarm call was mid pitch and comprised of two
short notes. My field guide says that the alarm call should be a low
grunt. Does anyone know what the alarm call is?
Also of interest while in Margaret River I saw a Long-billed Black
Cockatoo carrying a dead Ringneck Parrot!! Has anyone seen anything like
this before
Cheers
Martin Fowlie
British Trust for Ornithology
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