The great Aussie Bird Count results revealed very positive news for some birds roaming the skies.
The vibrant Rainbow Lorikeet led the charge, maintaining its throne as the most frequently sighted species. However, the count also sheds light on challenges faced by some of our smaller native birds.
One concerning trend is the declining reporting rates of silvereyes and fairy-wrens, signalling potential threats to their habitats and overall habitat quality.
The biggest threat to small bush birds
Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager at BirdLife Australia, addressed these concerns, telling Better Homes and Gardens: “The primary threat to small bush birds lies in habitat loss and degradation.”
“Expanding suburbs encroach upon bush and grassland habitats, while urban development reduces green spaces, exacerbating the decline of these avian species.”
Furthermore, habitat fragmentation isolates bird populations, hindering their ability to connect and disperse effectively. This isolation, coupled with the presence of predatory animals like feral and domestic cats, poses additional challenges to the survival of native birds.
So, how can you help small bush birds?
Sean highlights some proactive steps people can take to support native bird populations.
“While creating a bird-friendly garden with diverse layers of native plants and nest boxes for hollow-loving species are great long-term improvements for birds, the best possible thing that people can do for native birds in the immediate term is to provide water. Particularly in the hot summer but even throughout the year, birds use the water to bathe as much as they drink.
“As long as the water source is regularly cleaned to prevent the spread of disease (birds are not particularly tidy house guests) and is not too deep or has a rock, log, stick or another exit point to allow birds that fall into clamber out, then the birds will love it!”
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
