Some Notes on the Breeding Ecology and Distribution of Raptors in the Millewa, Victoria

Abstract

Ten species of diurnal and two nocturnal raptors were recorded in the Millewa area during a period of 16 months in 1983-85. Most of these observations were made in the western Millewa and are compared with the results of Baker-Gabb's (1984) study of the raptors on a site in the eastern Millewa. Significant differences in occurrence were found in two species: Black Kite Milvus migrans and Spotted Harrier Circus assimilis. Two species recorded by Baker-Gabb (1984) were not observed in the west: Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus and Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus; and two raptors not recorded by Baker-Gabb (1984) were seen in other areas of the Millewa: Australian Hobby Falco longipennis and Grey Falcon Falco hypoleucos. Some notes on the breeding ecology of seven of the raptor species recorded are also given.