Posts

One of the more spectacular birds in Paluma rainforests, the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher (Tanysiptera sylvia) is most commonly seen as a small bundle of blue and white with trailing streamers flying across the range road during the wet season between culverts 165-175.

There is something about extravagant elongate plumes that is attractive to humans. In New Guinea bird plumes are highly prized for personal adornment on headdresses. In Europe the passion for plumes nearly led to the decimation of several bird species. Here in Australia, it drives birdwatchers to make pilgrimages, cameras and obscenely long lenses in hand, to observe and photograph them. Our sole representative of this group of memorable birds does not disappoint those lucky enough to get a good view. According to ebird, the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher (PKF) has been seen 6 times around Paluma Village, although it is not clear if these records extend down the range or refer only to the village.

The Buff-breasted PKF like most other species in the genus builds its nest in termite mounds on the ground. They spend the dry season in New Guinea and migrate to NE Queensland at the onset of summer rains. Once they have arrived they spend some time establishing a territory and jointly excavating a fresh hole in an active termite mound of the species Microcerotermes serratus. A long-term study in the Iron Range National Park, indicated that birds return to the same area (and often the same mound) each year with the same mate. They lay 2-4 eggs and both partners share in feeding of the young. Occasionally another young male may help in feeding the young. This behaviour has been reported in Kookaburras, which are also Kingfishers. With the Buff-breasted PKF it is not known if these helpers are genetically related to the mating pair (older offspring) or if unrelated young males who have not managed to attract a mate and choose to help out in the hopes of bonding with one of the female hatchlings and mating in the subsequent year – avian cradle-snatching!

The genus Tanysiptera comes from the greek word tanusipteros meaning long-feathered. Wikipedia indicates the species name is from the latin word for forest (sylvia) although I prefer a more poetic derivation from the same word in ancient greek that refers to a nymph of the forest that served the goddess Artemis.

Paradise kingfishers are found almost exclusively in Papua New Guinea and offshore islands with the exception of two species one from the Moluccas and the other from NE Queensland. All of the nine species are primarily forest dwellers and have long tail streamers. Most are brightly coloured, and all are very territorial. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates on the forest floor.

Last week I stopped near culvert 175 to talk to a couple of birdwatchers who had come up from Townville after one of their mates reported seeing one. They were not successful but they pointed out a quite large and conspicuous termite mount on the uphill site that was excavated, so there is still a good chance to see these wonderful birds if you keep a close lookout on the range road above culvert 165.

Text by Jamie Oliver, Photos as indicated

Pittas are a group of some 40 species distributed around SE Asia (with one species in Africa). They rank amongst the most gorgeous yet elusive inhabitants of tropical rainforest and are deservedly referred to as ‘jewels of the forest’. The banner for this post gives you a sample of the range and richness of their plumage. Their brilliant colours, and secretive nature has made them targets of interest, and occasionally obsession amongst birdwatchers. A prime example of the latter is documented by Chris Goodie, who has published an entire book (The Jewel Hunter) on his efforts and adventures tracking down every species of Pitta in one year. It’s a delightful and informative read.

Our local species of Pitta is the Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor). It is one of 3 species that are resident in Australia. While its plumage is more subdued that some of the species found elsewhere and overseas, its rich colours, with flashes of bright blue when flying make it one of my favourites.

Luckily here in Paluma the Noisy Pitta has become quite accustomed to human activity, and while it does not come to bird feeders I have had Pittas following me around my garden picking up earth worms and other invertebrates exposed by my digging. Glimpses of Pittas flying across the upper rainforested sections of the range road are quite common. A casual day visitor to Paluma is not guaranteed a glimpse of this bird, but its call is usually heard around the village and once learned it is easy to recognize. It’s distinct and regular song is part of its strongly territorial behaviour.

Like most other Pittas, the Noisy Pitta is monogamous and males share the jobs of nest-building and feeding of chicks. Breeding occurs from October to April. The nest is usually a dome-shaped mound of twigs on or near the ground with an opening on the side accessed by a ramp of twigs often paved with mud or debris. While fairly substantial in size they are almost indistinguishable from the pile of twigs that can often be found in the forest leaning up against a tree or sapling.

Pittas spend most of their time foraging on the forest floor for earthworms, snails and other invertebrates. Their feeding behaviour includes two traits that are, in turn fascinating and endearing. Pittas are among the few groups of birds to use tools (in a rather generic sense). Their fondness for snails, and the difficulty in accessing the animal once it has retracted into its shell has led to Pittas taking shells to a specific rock or hard tree root and then repeatedly smashing the shell against this “anvil” until all of the flesh has been exposed.

Persistent small piles of shells have been reported next to rock anvils by keen observers in other areas, but I am not sure how common this is around Paluma – I have never seen this, suitable snails may not be that common here, while earthworms are abundant.

Speaking of annelids (the group of invertebrates that includes most worms), one endearing trait of The Noisy Pitta – at least to those of us that spend time tramping along wet forest tracks- is that they are partial to eating a close relative of the earthworm – leeches. Forget about the jewelled plumage, any animal that contributes to the control of leach populations has my undying affection! This dietary interest was discovered here in Paluma and published by one of our famous ex-residents, Cliff Frith who observed a parent with six leeches in its beak returning to feed its nestlings.

While some Pitta species in SE Asia are considered endangered or threatened the status of the Noisy Pitta is of least concern, with a widespread distribution in Qld and occasionally New Guinea. Nevertheless, rainforest clearing and feral cats are key threatening processes which could change its status.

Text and photos (unless specified) by Jamie Oliver