Bird Orchid - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Chiloglottis anaticeps

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Gazetted date: 03 Nov 2000

Profile last updated: 25 Feb 2024

Description

Bird Orchid has a single reddish-brown or green flower about 3 cm wide. The main large petal of the flower is spoon-shaped with a number of small hard protrusions and a small point at the end. The flowering stem is up to 7 cm long, with two leaves at the base. Bird Orchid flowers from December to March, usually during wet periods.

Distribution

Confined to the New England Tablelands of NSW where it is found only in Werrikimbe National Park and near Ebor.

Habitat and ecology

Bird Orchid often grows near streams or on the edges of low, flat rock outcrops.
It grows in eucalypt forest in areas with very little ground cover, in gravely loam soils.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Grazing by domestic stock.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds.
Eating of orchid tubers and degradation of habitat by feral pigs.
Illegal collection by orchid enthusiasts.
Disturbance from recreational users
Poor knowledge of the species' area of occupancy and abundance across its range.
Potential for disturbance to populations on road/track edges during maintenance activity.

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist this species

Support local Landcare groups.
Enjoy observing and photographing native orchids but leave them in the wild.
Assist with the control of feral pigs.
Protect known populations and habitat areas from grazing stock.
Assist with the control of weeds in habitat areas.
Report any new records of Bird Orchid to the OEH.

Information sources

Bishop, T. (2000) Field Guide to the Orchids of New South Wales and Victoria. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.
Jones, D.L. (1993) Chiloglottis. Pp 190-4 in Harden, G.J. (ed.) Flora of New South Wales. Volume 4. (New South Wales University Press, Sydney)
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Chiloglottis anaticeps (an orchid) - Endangered species determination - final.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Ebor Basalts	Predicted	None
New England Tablelands	Round Mountain	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Walcha Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Comboyne Plateau	Predicted	None
NSW North Coast	Upper Manning	Known	None

Images

Flower, Bird Orchid Image 1 of 4.
View slideshow.

Related information

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Nature conservation

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