Observations of ground-foraging by Rufous-Banded Honeyeaters Conopophila albogularis

Observations of Rufous-banded Honeyeaters Conopophila albogularis ground-foraging amongst tall grass near Darwin are described. Previous published studies indicate that ground-foraging is rare for this species. These observations suggest that ground-foraging may constitute an established foraging behaviour at certain times.

Geographic variation in vocalisations of Satin Bowerbirds, Ptilonorynchus violaceus, in south-eastern Queensland

Geographic variation in the advertisement call of the male Satin Bowerbird, Ptilonorhynchus violaceus, was investigated in three populations in south-eastern Queensland. The call was found to differ significantly among the three geographically distinct populations. A discriminant function analysis using five measurements of call frequency and duration provided 100% classification success of the 25 individuals. The observed geographic variation in this call may result from adaptation to the local acoustic environment in these populations, or from genetic or cultural divergence among populations. Further research involving the acoustic properties of the habitats, population genetics and a larger number of populations is required to fully understand this pattern of call variation.