Niche Separation in Three Species of Waterbirds
| Posted: |
26/10/2021 |
| Author(s): |
Bruce G. Thomson, Peter R. Martin, Sandra J. Witts |
This study examines niche separation in three species of water birds, Dusky Moorhen
Gallinula tenebrosa, Purple Swamphen
Porphyrio porphyrio and Eurasian Coot
Fulica atra
and was carried out on Sullivan's Creek in the Australian National University, Canberra,
Australian Capital Territory.
Behavioural observations were carried out over two days; twelve hours from 06:00
to 18:00 hours on both days. Subsequent measurements of water depth, vegetation and
other environmental and behavioural aspects in regard to feeding and breeding were
noted and are presented in this report.
All three species under study had different living requirements within the study
area. Moorhens fed in shallow water; coot, primarily a diving species, feed in deeper
water whilst swamphens are a grazing species.
Breeding requirements for both swamphens and moorhens are discussed and future
development and changes in species composition in the creek are considered.
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