Seasonal Variation in the Distribution of the Noisy Friarbird Philemon comiculatus and the Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata in Eastern New South Wales

Abstract

Seasonal variations in the distribution of the Noisy Friarbird and the Red Wattlebird are compared with respect to habitat, altitude and latitude in eastern New South Wales, from data collected from March 1982 to November 1991.

The habitats most frequently used by both species were open forest and woodland, with Noisy Friarbirds recorded more frequently in open forest and Red Wattlebirds recorded more frequently in woodland. There is some segregation by altitude and latitude. Noisy Friarbirds are generally absent on the Divide and low in numbers on the southern New South Wales coast during winter, when Red Wattlebirds can be found. This pattern for Noisy Friarbirds suggests that in these two areas they are summer breeding migrants. The pattern for Red Wattlebirds is not clear and it is likely that this species is more nomadic.

The occurrence of Red Wattlebirds in lower numbers and their arrival just after the departure of Noisy Friarbirds from many localities suggest that the Noisy Friarbird is the more dominant species in most localities. In some localities where both are resident, they are segregated by altitude, with Red Wattlebirds being restricted to the higher altitudes.

These two honeyeaters were not observed together very often. Aggression between them has been observed, and they have also have been observed foraging together without aggression at abundant nectar sources.