Factors determining the number and species of birds in road verges in the wheatbelt of Western Australia

Abstract

Census of the avifauna in road verges in the Kelerberrin district of the central wheatbelt of Western Australia was conducted in sections 1 km long. Twelve censuses were made over a year. The assemblages of birgs differed in the three main vegetation types (woodland, mallee/heath and heath), and the relative abundances of many of the species varied seasonally. The abundances of 20 of the 21 commonest species were related significantly to road verge characteristics. Apart from the influences of structural characteristics on numbers, width of road verge had a significant effect on numbers of several species as did the area of remnant native vegetation in the 6 km 2 surrounding the verge. The number of species increased significantly with verge width. Of the 64 recorded landbird species of the area, 52 were recorded in the verges of which four were uncommon or rare. The verges represent about 10% of the area of native vegetation in the district and their role in conservation of avifauna in the area is discussed.