A comparison of the passerine avifaunas of a rehabilitated minesite and a nearby reserve in south-western Australia

Abstract

The passerine birds at two sites on a former minesite rehabilitated about 20 years earlier were compared with those at two sites in a nearby banksia woodland reserve near Capel in south-western Australia from July 1996 to February 1997. The same assemblages of common gleaning insectivores were present in both areas and in similar numbers. However, although the same species of honeyeaters occurred at both areas, the former minesite had many more larger honeyeaters, but fewer small spinebills. It is suggested that these differences were not only the result of differences in floristics, but also the result of clumping of replanted species on the minesite, which allowed large aggressive honeyeaters to defend these rich nectar sources, but largely excluded small nectarivores. Those wishing to encourage small honeyeaters to recolonise rehabilitated areas may need to include areas where planting density ensures dispersed nectar sources.