Habitat and resource selection of the Painted Honeyeater (Grantiella picta) on the northern floodplains region of New South Wales

Abstract

This study provides quantitative details of the use of habitat and resources by the threatened Painted Honeyeater (Grantiellapicta). In October and December 2001, an irruption of Painted Honeyeaters on the northern floodplains region of New South Wales was found in woodland dominated by Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla), Gidgee (A. oswaldii), Rosewood (Alectryon oleofolium) and White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) that comprised significantly more mature trees, greater tree canopy cover and more mistletoes per tree and per unit area than woodland sites not selected. Painted Honeyeaters, on average, spent 43% of total time foraging, 31% resting, 10% flying, 8% preening, 5% calling and 3% involved in aggression. In October 2001, birds mainly ate nectar from Pale-leaf Mistletoes (Amyema maidenii), which represented 80% of foraging time. In December 2001, birds ate fruit from the same mistletoe species (about 50% of foraging time), and sallied, gleaned and snatched for insects (2–40% of foraging time). We suggest that further surveys are required to quantify the relative importance of Brigalow and other woodlands on the northern floodplains of New South Wales to the survival of the Painted Honeyeater.