Versuch einer ökologischen Verbreitungsanalyse beim australischen Zebrafinken,Taeniopygia guttata castanotis (Gould)

Abstract

Geographical distribution and annual periodicity of the Australian Zebra Finch(Taeniopygia guttata castanotis) are determined mainly by temperature and precipitation. Low temperatures are the limiting factors in the eastern and southern, rich and long-lasting rainfalls in the northern parts of the continent. A special situation exists in southwestern Australia as well as in the western parts of South Australia: here, the temporal relation between rainfall and low temperatures seems to be essential in limiting breeding success and thus limiting geographical distribution, too. In all regions with summer rains the Zebra Finch is able to exist at lower mean temperatures than it does in regions with winter rains only. A minor limiting factor is the existence of dense woodland which is strictly avoided by the species.