Seasonal Movements in the Australian Honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) and Their Ecological Significance

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Abstract
Summary(1) The Meliphagidae (honeyealers), the largest Australian bird family (69 species), have diverse and complicated patterns of seasonal movements. These are defined and their evolutionary, ecological and competitive significance discussed.(2) A study of regional faunas.shows that there is a broad correlation between the amount, and reliability, of rainfall and the proportion of species undertaking seasonal movements. Where the rainfall exceeds 50 inches per year and is well distributed, 70–85% of species may be resident (Cairns- Atherton area of north Queensland). At 40 inches (Sydney area) 65% of the species are resident. In the north and north-west of the continent (rainfall 15–36 inches but all falling in the hot summer, the winters being dry) only 37–66% are resident, depending on locality. In the central desert (rainfall 8–11 inches, erratic in distribution) similar percentages apply, the resident species commonly being less than 50%.(3) Where, within a regional area, there is a steep transitio...

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