Sunday, October 28, 2018

Song of the rufous – but for how much longer?


Rufous Whistlers are a summer migrant to West Gippsland, unlike our resident, if slightly nomadic at times, Golden Whistler.

Rufous Whistlers are beginning to arrive from inland and northern Australia to breed in our eucalypt woodlands before departing again in March – April. A couple of pairs are currently establishing their territories within Thornell’s Reserve at present and the song is spectacular and powerful (external link - speakers on /graemechapman.com.au).

The male rufous is very like the male golden except the breast and belly are a deep rufous colour rather than golden yellow.

Male Rufous Whistler
The charming female has much more subdued plumage and appears very similar to the female golden apart from the dark streaks on the breast and some darker feathers in the wing coverts.

Female Rufous Whistler
Other recent arrivals to Thornells include the master of aerial flight, the Dusky Woodswallow … 

Dusky Woodswallow
… and the brood parasite, the Shining Bronze Cuckoo …

Shining Bronze Cuckoo
Although non-migratory, the Crested Shrike-tit is a relatively uncommon species that is being driven into decline by the clearing of its eucalypt habitat. Thornell’s Reserve is a refuge for this bird but for how long? The eucs in the reserve are under pressure from dieback and mistletoe attack and many large mature trees appear stressed.

Crested Shrike-tit
Mistletoe at Thornell's Reserve
Save the trees and we might save the birds, or even the planet!