The ecology of the critically endangered Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea macgregori on Curtis Island

Surveys undertaken on Curtis Island from 2000 to 2002 have increased understanding of the ecology and management needs of the recently re-discovered subspecies of the Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea macgregori. A population of approximately 30 - 40 adult birds was found living in Schoenoplectus litoralis rush-beds and nearby vegetation that appeared to provide them with shelter and food. The birds bred during the spring and summer. Two nests were found in October and fledglings were seen being fed by adults in S. litoralis rush-beds. Adult birds mostly fed on invertebrates on the ground, low vegetation or in shallow water. Their preferred habitat at Curtis Island is dense tall rush-beds combined with bare or, sparsely vegetated, moist substrate in a saline-influenced wetland that varies spatially and temporally. Yellow Chats persisted on the marine plain despite a recent drought and the hyper-salinity of their habitat. They used different parts of the wetland mosaic for different purposes. Dense rush-beds (mostly > 1.2 m high) provided shelter. Most foraging occurred in the more open vegetation such as patchy tussocks of rush, areas where grasslands were less dense (either Sporobolus virginicus, Paspalum distichum or a mixture of both) or chenopod salt flats. Parents feeding fledglings foraged in patchy rush-beds where dense tall rushes juxtaposed open areas with mixtures of mud, shallow water or sparse grass. Feral pigs are present and responsible for damaging some rush-beds. Despite a long recent drought the population has survived under present cattle stocking densities and grazing practices. Fencing trials to protect the rush-bed habitat are recommended. The marine plain has been declared a Conservation Park and monitoring of the vegetation is recommended.