Deakin University
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Spatial and temporal variation in the breeding of Masked Lapwings (Vanellus miles) in Australia

journal contribution
posted on 2008-05-01, 00:00 authored by L Chambers, Heather Gibbs, Mike WestonMike Weston, G Ehmke
Spatial and temporal variation in the breeding of Masked Lapwings (Vanellus miles) in Australia were examined using data from Birds Australia’s Nest Record Scheme (NRS; 1957–2002), the Atlas of Australian Birds (1998–2006), and climatic data (1952–2006). Breeding in north-western Australia was concentrated in summer, while in other regions the peak of breeding occurred during spring. Breeding success varied between regions and years but was generally highest in Tasmania. Clutch-size (mean 3.57 eggs ± 0.033 s.e., n = 549 clutches) did not vary regionally or temporally. In the north-east, breeding became earlier over time (~1.9 days per year, NRS), while in the south-east, breeding became later (~0.9 days per year); in other regions temporal trends were not evident. Only Tasmania showed a significant temporal change in breeding success (decrease of ~1.5% per year). All regions experienced warming climates, and annual rainfall increased in north-western regions and decreased in eastern regions. There were weak or no relationships between the amount or success of breeding, clutch-size and the climatic variables considered (with the possible exception of Tasmania), suggesting either that data limitations precluded us from detecting subtle effects or that Masked Lapwings have been little influenced or are resilient to changes in climate over most of their range.

History

Journal

Emu

Volume

108

Issue

2

Pagination

115 - 124

Publisher

CSIRO

Location

Collingwood, Vic.

ISSN

0158-4197

eISSN

1448-5540

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2008, Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union