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BREEDING SUCCESS OF THE GANG-GANG COCKATOO IN PERIURBAN CANBERRA FOR THREE BREEDING SEASONS: 2021 TO 2023.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: BREEDING SUCCESS OF THE GANG-GANG COCKATOO IN PERIURBAN CANBERRA FOR THREE BREEDING SEASONS: 2021 TO 2023.
Authors: DAVEY, CHRISTOPHER C. daveychris12@gmail.com, MULVANEY, MICHAEL, TYRRELL, TOM, RAYNER, LAURA1
Source: Canberra Bird Notes. Jul2025, Vol. 50 Issue 1, p31-44. 14p.
Subject Terms: *PREDATION, *URBAN animals, *NEST building, *BIOLOGICAL fitness
Geographic Terms: CANBERRA (A.C.T.)
Abstract: The nesting ecology and behaviour of wild Gang-gang Cockatoos (Callocephalon fimbriatum) is poorly known. This paper summarises observations made at 135 breeding attempts over three seasons within urban and peri-urban Canberra and continues our observations since 2017. Through visual observations and observations using endoscopic and remote sensing cameras, we report on breeding success, and hollow competition over the 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 breeding seasons. Of 391 hollows checked with an endoscope, where Gang-gang Cockatoos had displayed prospecting behaviour, 40% were empty and 12% contained Brushtail Possums. Eight bird species regarded as nest competitors were also recorded. Camera images from eleven known breeding sites operated for 311 nights. Possums and Gliders were recorded on 15% of nights or 24% if Gang-gang behaviour at the nest site is taken into account. Avian hollow competitors visited on 70% of the days. The Sulphurcrested Cockatoo was the most frequent visitor. From 135 breeding sites there were 71 clutches laid with a nesting success of 53% and a fledging success of 59%. The relaying of clutches at sites where clutches had been laid in the previous year was low at 32%. The high failure rate between nesting attempts and the laying of clutches suggesting that breeding success was limited by hollow competition from birds or mammals rather than predation. Reasons for nest failures, if known, are detailed. Brushtail Possum predation is the major reason amongst known nest failures. It is likely that possum management would lead to increased Gang-gang nest productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Database: Academic Search Index
Description
Abstract:The nesting ecology and behaviour of wild Gang-gang Cockatoos (Callocephalon fimbriatum) is poorly known. This paper summarises observations made at 135 breeding attempts over three seasons within urban and peri-urban Canberra and continues our observations since 2017. Through visual observations and observations using endoscopic and remote sensing cameras, we report on breeding success, and hollow competition over the 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24 breeding seasons. Of 391 hollows checked with an endoscope, where Gang-gang Cockatoos had displayed prospecting behaviour, 40% were empty and 12% contained Brushtail Possums. Eight bird species regarded as nest competitors were also recorded. Camera images from eleven known breeding sites operated for 311 nights. Possums and Gliders were recorded on 15% of nights or 24% if Gang-gang behaviour at the nest site is taken into account. Avian hollow competitors visited on 70% of the days. The Sulphurcrested Cockatoo was the most frequent visitor. From 135 breeding sites there were 71 clutches laid with a nesting success of 53% and a fledging success of 59%. The relaying of clutches at sites where clutches had been laid in the previous year was low at 32%. The high failure rate between nesting attempts and the laying of clutches suggesting that breeding success was limited by hollow competition from birds or mammals rather than predation. Reasons for nest failures, if known, are detailed. Brushtail Possum predation is the major reason amongst known nest failures. It is likely that possum management would lead to increased Gang-gang nest productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:03148211