The Bird Community of Mt Mugga, A.C.T.: June 1982 to January 1986

Abstract

A monthly bird survey was made at Mt Mugga, A.C.T., from June 1982 to January 1986 (42 months). A diverse community of 77 species, totalling 5686 birds, was counted. The bird community is probably not greatly affected by grazing or other disturbance. The study covered years of drought, as well as average and wet years. Various species responded differently to the changing conditions. Some species used the suburbs adjoining the mountains as a refuge during the non-breeding season and drought but returned to the study area to breed. When the number of species was high, the number of individuals was low, and the reverse.