Breeding ecology of Richard's Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae) in the Snowy Mountains

摘要: We studied the breeding biology of Richard’s Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae) in Snowy Mountains during 1979–2003; intensive field work occurred 2000–01. In this region is an altitudinal migrant, and its nesting cycle was affected by patterns snowmelt arthropod abundance. Date first observation above winter snowline positively related to date last snowcover. Adults arrived main study area October, began early November, when ground ~50% snow-free. Many pipits apparently were double-brooded; young second broods fledged abundance near maximum levels. Post-breeding flocking mid-February. Most nests placed below shrubs ≤30 cm height; orientation non-random, with nest entrances 100–200° from prevailing cold fronts. Clutch size for 2.91 ± 0.34 (s.d.), significantly greater than clutch data Birds Australia Nest Record Scheme. 2000–01, 54.1% (n = 41) at least one young; survival probability 0.636. The major cause mortality predation (70.6% losses). success increased increasing vegetation cover within 1 m nest. Differences Pipit, compared alpine-breeding American rubescens), include smaller size, mass as a percentage female mass, high frequency double-brooding. These differences may be due shorter duration snowcover longer growing season alpine zone North alpine, which allows multiple attempts single season. Given possible decreases snow predicted warming Australian mountain areas, represents ‘model organism’ that could used long-term on effects climate change high-altitude ecosystems region.