Probably seasonal, altitudinal migrants (Holmes 1990; NSW NPWS 2002). However, movements may be a result of habitat decline and may vary with local food availability. Where food resources are capable of supporting a part or whole population throughout the year, altitudinal migrations may be reduced or absent (NSW NPWS 2002). In some highland areas, from August to February, birds may move to progressively higher altitudes following the wave of ripening fruit through the rainforests (Holmes 1995). Ripening fig and other fruit in the lowlands from March to about October may encourage the fig parrots to follow this food resource. Lowland figs have a winter fruiting peak and at this time, fig parrots may travel in search of food in small flocks (Holmes 1990). Breeding season Nest construction is thought to begin in August and breeding from October to December or January. Habitat Lowland subtropical rainforest, dry rainforest, littoral and developing littoral rainforest. Sub-littoral mixed scrub, riparian corridors in woodland, open woodland and otherwise cleared land, and urban and agricultural areas with fig trees (Holmes 1990; Garnett & Crowley 2000; NSW NPWS 2002). Dispersion Usually seen in pairs, especially in summer, or in small parties of up to seven, more common in winter (Holmes 1990). Detectability Quiet and unobtrusive when feeding. Sometimes noticed by quiet chattering calls and falling debris. May be noisy and conspicuous in flight. Recommended methods Search area for potential nesting trees or fruiting fig trees. Conduct watches of food trees, especially during early morning and late afternoon at dawn and dusk. These often involve observers lying on their back looking at the focal tree with binoculars. The birds are more likely to be heard than seen, and listening may also be an effective survey strategy as their calls are diagnostic. Falling fruit particles and fruit strips under trees may also indicate their presence. Surveys are organised regularly by the NSW NPWS in accordance with an established protocol (NSW NPWS 2002). These are done intermittently during the non-breeding season (January–July) to identify areas with evidence of recent nesting activity. These searches focus on preferred habitats within localities of recent, credible incidental sightings, or at localities judged to be potentially important based on knowledge of the bird’s past
Probably seasonal, altitudinal migrants (Holmes 1990; NSW NPWS 2002). However, movements may be a result of habitat decline and may vary with local food availability. Where food resources are capable of supporting a part or whole population throughout the year, altitudinal migrations may be reduced or absent (NSW NPWS 2002). In some highland areas, from August to February, birds may move to progressively higher altitudes following the wave of ripening fruit through the rainforests (Holmes 1995). Ripening fig and other fruit in the lowlands from March to about October may encourage the fig parrots to follow this food resource. Lowland figs have a winter fruiting peak and at this time, fig parrots may travel in search of food in small flocks (Holmes 1990). Breeding season Nest construction is thought to begin in August and breeding from October to December or January. Habitat Lowland subtropical rainforest, dry rainforest, littoral and developing littoral rainforest. Sub-littoral mixed scrub, riparian corridors in woodland, open woodland and otherwise cleared land, and urban and agricultural areas with fig trees (Holmes 1990; Garnett & Crowley 2000; NSW NPWS 2002). Dispersion Usually seen in pairs, especially in summer, or in small parties of up to seven, more common in winter (Holmes 1990). Detectability Quiet and unobtrusive when feeding. Sometimes noticed by quiet chattering calls and falling debris. May be noisy and conspicuous in flight. Recommended methods Search area for potential nesting trees or fruiting fig trees. Conduct watches of food trees, especially during early morning and late afternoon at dawn and dusk. These often involve observers lying on their back looking at the focal tree with binoculars. The birds are more likely to be heard than seen, and listening may also be an effective survey strategy as their calls are diagnostic. Falling fruit particles and fruit strips under trees may also indicate their presence. Surveys are organised regularly by the NSW NPWS in accordance with an established protocol (NSW NPWS 2002). These are done intermittently during the non-breeding season (January–July) to identify areas with evidence of recent nesting activity. These searches focus on preferred habitats within localities of recent, credible incidental sightings, or at localities judged to be potentially important based on knowledge of the bird’s past
survey-guidelines-birds-april-2017.docx