Observations on the Biology of the Western Bristlebird Dasyornis longirostris

Abstract

Since its discovery in 1839, the range of the Western Bristlebird Dasyornis longirostris has declined and the species is only found in the Two Peoples Bay-Waychinicup River area and the Fitzgerald River National Park region. The preferred habitat is closed heath and it is likely that the increased burning of this habitat by Europeans was the main cause of the species' decline. The habitat in both areas is described. The two song types and three alarm notes are described and details of home range size, breeding season and food are given. Changes in the population at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve are explained in terms of the changing fire frequency.