Birds and vegetation between Perth and Adelaide (Results of the Harold Hall Australian Expedition, No.12)

Abstract

A general account is given of the country and bird-life between Perth and Adelaide as seen on the Preliminary Survey of the first British Museum Harold Hall Australian Expedition in December, 1962.

The country is divided into three broad Ecological Sections while, for ease of comparison, the route is divided into eight arbitrary and smaller sections.

A broad account of the vegetation for each section is given revealing some problems of habitat terminology and emphasizing (a) the complex variety of vegetation, (b) its general continuity in various forms suitable to a number of bird species despite the aridity of the central region.

The native (112) and introduced (6) bird species recorded are listed with sectional distribution and habitat notes for each, and the lists of three other observation parties are included for information.

Analyses in limited form (a) lists of species recorded in each route section and each Ecological Section, and (b) table of species noted in each of nine selected broad habitats] are given.

The number and variety of species of the central regions, and the habitat tolerance of many species, are shown as rather greater than might he expected. Despite the shortcomings of the data the semi-continuity of vegetation is seen a, a factor of probable importance in this.

The presence of an ecological gap west of Fowlers Bay is discussed and this and other topics are suggested as being of significance for future study.