| Birds | 
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How many types of birds are in the MDB?
The Murray-Darling Basin offers birds manay different habitats as shown by the estimated 367 birds which inhabit it. A number of these birds are of conservation significance. some examples include:
- Black-eared Miner, regarded as endangered. –Once found throughout the Murray Mallee are now found only in the mallee areas north of the River Murray in SA and in north-western Victoria and south-western NSW. It is a shy bird that lives in dense mallee vegetation. Inter-breeding with the related and more common Yellow-throated Miner has created hybrid populations that threaten the genetic integrity of the species.
- Orange-bellied Parrot is one of Australia's most endangered species, it probably numbers less than 200 individuals. It breeds in south-western Tasmania and migrate north to spend the winter along the Victorian and South Australian coasts, between Port Phillip Bay and Lake Alexandrina. The Coorong is one of its preffered overwintering areas. <...Back to Top...> Why do some bids move and some bird stay? Migration is the regular annual movement of a whole population - or a large part of it - between two places, often some distance apart.
This movements may be triggered by change in environmental conditions.
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Can we feed the birds?
Feeding of birds is not encouraged as people can feed them with food that is not part of their normal diet. It can cause the birds to become dependent on humans for support and can cause subsequent behavioural problems and cause the birds to aggressively seek out food from humans.
<...Back to Top...> What birds inhabit the Limestone cliffs of the Lower Murray?
Towering limestone cliffs are a featureof the Lower Murray in South Australia, extending from Overland Corner to Mannum. They are a haven for birdlife. Continuous weathering and water erosion during periods of submersion have etched many ledges and holes into the cliff face. They offer excellent protection from the elementand predators, and are used by many birds as nesting and roosting platform. examples of such birds are:
- Peregrine Falcon
- Nankeen Kestrel
- Sulphar-crested cockatoo
- Fariy Martins
- Swallows <...Back to Top...> Do birds reuse their nests?
Many birds build a new nest each breeding season. Nests often become infested with parasites rendering them unsuitable for rearing young. However, some birds do re-use their nest each year. The tiny fariy Matrin's first task on returning south to breed is to remove any parasites from its nest. S urvival of the young will depend upon how diligently this " spring cleaning" is carred out.
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Information
Information sheets
Murray Darling Association
- Birds, Murray Mysteries Information Sheet, 1998
- Birds of the Lower Murray and Coorong, Murray Mysteries information sheet,
1998
Strategies
South Australian Biodiversity Plan 2001
Websites
Murray-Darling Basin Commission
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