Results of 40 hours continuous watch at waterpoints in an Australian desert

Abstract

Continuous observations made over 40 hours at five watering points in an arid area of western Australia showed that 24 species drank, even though the weather was cool. Thirteen of these species visited the water on more than ten occasions.

Maximum numbers of Emus, Zebra Finches and Spotted Bowerbirds were seen in the middle of the day. Maximum numbers of Galahs and Common Bronzewings drank in the evening, whereas maximum numbers of Crested Pigeons, Port Lincoln Parrots, Mulga Parrots and Bourke's Parrots drank in the early morning. All these species also drank throughout the day in smaller numbers, but Yellow-throated Miners only came to the water during the morning.

The abundance of each of these thirteen species was assessed from the maximum number seen at each bore, and the number obtained agreed well with the general observations in the area. The Emu and Bourke's Parrot were rare at that bore where human activity was greatest, whereas the Crested Pigeon and Zebra Finch were most abundant at it. Observations on the drinking pattern of the Red Kangaroo are included for comparison.