Birds of the Franklin Islands and Eyre Island, South Australia

Abstract

Birds observed on the Franklin Islands, off Smoky Bay, SA, from 16 to 23 February 1969 are described. The islands harbour a relict population of stick-nest rats Leporillus conditor jonesi, sole remnant of a genus formerly widespread, but now vanished from the mainland. Tyto alba is shown to be the main predator of this mammal. Vast numbers of Puffinus tenulorstris breed on the islands. Birds seen on Eyre Island during a short visit are listed. Pelecanus conspicillatus is recorded breeding there and Limosa lapponica is recorded from Eyre Peninsula for the first time.