Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 3.10:
White-plumed Honeyeater feeding a Pallid Cuckoo chick. Cuckoos lay their eggs in the nests of
other birds, a phenomenon known as brood parasitism. (Photo by Julian Robinson)
Although large plantings tend to be better for biodiversity than small ones, it is
not always possible to establish large plantings on a farm. In these cases, establishing
small plantings is still better than having no areas of revegetation on a farm.
What shape should a planting be?
There are two broad shapes of plantings - narrow strips or linear-shaped plantings,
and block plantings. The former are typically 20-40 metres wide and have often
been established between paddocks. Block plantings are wider plantings that are
typically square or rectangular in shape. In our experience these are often
established on hilltops or in the corners of large paddocks.
Several field studies have indicated that block plantings support more species
and higher populations of individual species of birds than narrow linear plantings
or strip plantings.
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For example, the Rufous Songlark is more likely to occur in
wider block plantings than narrow plantings that are less than 30 metres wide.
Other species more likely to occur in block-shaped plantings include the Red-
capped Robin and the Apostlebird.
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A likely reason for planting shape effects is
that some birds breed more successfully in wide plantings than in narrow ones.
This may be because rates of predation on nests are lower in wide strips.
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