BREEDING BIOLOGY OF A MIGRATORY POPULATION OF THE RUFOUS WHISTLER PACHYCEPHALA-RUFIVENTRIS

A colour-banded population of Rufous Whistlers was studied from 1986-90 in eucalypt woodland near Armidale, north-eastern New South Wales. The whistlers were migratory, arriving at the study site in early September, and remaining until the following April. All-purpose territories were defended by both males and females, and the whistlers nested as socially monogamous pairs. Eggs were laid from mid-October to January, and clutch size was small (2.63 eggs). Both sexes shared all nesting duties except nest building (female only). Reproductive success was low (13.4%) and predation was the major cause of nesting failure (85.2%). After successful nests only two females re-nested. Re-nesting after unsuccessful nests continued throughout the breeding season.