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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 105(1)

The diet of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) on the north coast of New South Wales

Greg. P. Clancy
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Zoology and Ecosystem Management, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia.

B Present address: PO Box 63, Coutts Crossing, NSW 2460 and National Marine Science Centre, Bay Drive, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia. Email: gclancy@tpg.com.au

Emu 105(1) 87-91 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU04056
Submitted: 19 June 2001  Accepted: 7 December 2004   Published: 31 March 2005

Abstract

Food taken by Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) was assessed at nine nests in the Clarence Valley, in north-eastern New South Wales, from 1991 to 1996 by observing food taken to nests and collecting remains below nests. Opportunistic observations and collections were also made at other nests and feeding sites on the north coast of New South Wales. The diet consisted primarily of mullet species, particularly the Sea Mullet (Mugil cephalus), and Yellowfin Bream (Acanthopagrus australis). The diet differed from that of Ospreys in the Great Barrier Reef, but was similar to that in other subtropical and tropical areas of the world.


Acknowledgments

I thank Hugh Ford and Harry Recher who supervised my Master of Science project, which forms the basis of this paper. Warren Thompson, Russell Jago and others accompanied me on the many trips ‘down river’ and their company and assistance was much appreciated. Assistance with identifying fish remains was given by Dr John Paxton, Mark McGrouther, Brooke Ewarte and other staff members of the Ichthyology Section of the Australian Museum, Sydney; Jeff Johnson, Fish Department, Queensland Museum; Javad Ghasemzadeh, School of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University and Dr Barry Hutchins, Western Australian Museum of Natural Science. The Clarence River Fisherman’s Co-operative kindly provided access to mullet specimens for analysis. My wife Val provided moral support and graciously accepted the time constraints imposed by the study. Two anonymous referees greatly improved this paper. All of the above, and those inadvertently overlooked, are thanked.


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