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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 108(1)

The effects of climate on breeding in the Helmeted Honeyeater

Lynda E. Chambers A F , Bruce R. Quin B , Peter Menkhorst C , Donald C. Franklin D and Ian Smales E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre, GPO Box 1289, Melbourne, Vic. 3001, Australia.

B Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria, PO Box 264, Woori Yallock, Vic. 3139, Australia.

C Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Vic. 3002, Australia.

D School for Environmental Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia.

E Biosis Research Pty Ltd, 38 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne, Vic. 3207, Australia.

F Corresponding author. Email: L.Chambers@bom.gov.au

Emu 108(1) 15-22 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU07001
Submitted: 9 January 2007  Accepted: 15 November 2007   Published: 25 February 2008

Abstract

Climate is known to influence the timing and success of breeding in many bird species. In the northern hemisphere, significant breeding changes have been associated with climate change, with warming temperatures, often, but not always, corresponding to earlier laying. For the critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater (Lichenostomus melanops cassidix) of central southern Victoria, Australia, climate also plays a role in the timing and success of breeding. During the period 1989 to 2006, the timing of laying became earlier and there was a possible reduction in the mean number of eggs laid per breeding season. These changes correspond to a reduction in rainfall and mild warming. If these trends continue under projected climate-change regimes, there will be increased risk of further population decline.


Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge Janet Pyke, Jessica Feder, Marian Weaving, Vicky Yuan and Jessica Lloyd for their work on the Helmeted Honeyeater databases. Frank Woodcock and Milos Setek of the Bureau of Meteorology, and the anonymous reviewers, provided helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper.


References

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| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | Wykes B. J. (1985). The Helmeted Honeyeater and related honeyeaters in Victorian woodlands. In ‘Birds of Eucalypt Forests and Woodlands: Ecology, Conservation, Management’. (Eds A. Keast, H. F. Recher, H. Ford and D. Saunders.) pp. 205–217. (Surrey Beatty: Sydney.)