Indicative distribution
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.
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The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Epthianura albifrons - endangered population
Gazetted date:
23 Apr 2010
Profile last updated:
13 Nov 2024
Description
The White-fronted Chat is an endemic Australian passerine bird, 12 cm in length and weighing approximately 13 g. It has a short slender bill, long spindly legs, a short square-tipped tail and rounded wings. Classified as a honeyeater it is most similar in form to its close relatives, the Orange Chat, Yellow Chat and Crimson Chat from which it is easily distinguished by its black and white colouration. The male's plumage is more striking than the females; juvenile plumage is most similar to the female. A distinctive ‘tang, tang’ is used as a contact call.
Distribution
The White-fronted Chat is found across the southern half of Australia, from southernmost Queensland to southern Tasmania, and across to Western Australia as far north as Carnarvon. Found mostly in temperate to arid climates and very rarely sub-tropical areas, it occupies foothills and lowlands up to 1000 m above sea level. In NSW, it occurs mostly in the southern half of the state, in damp open habitats along the coast, and near waterways in the western part of the state. Along the coastline, it is found predominantly in saltmarsh vegetation but also in open grasslands and sometimes in low shrubs bordering wetland areas. Two isolated sub-populations of White-fronted Chats are currently known from the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (CMA) area; one at Newington Nature Reserve on the Parramatta River and one at Towra Point Nature Reserve in Botany Bay. These sub-populations are separated from each other by 25 km of urbanised land, across which the Chats are unlikely to fly. The nearest extant populations outside Sydney Metropolitan CMA are at Ash Island north of Newcastle and Lake Illawarra, south of Wollongong. White-fronted Chats were previously recorded at Penrith Lakes (2001), Hawkesbury Swamps (2002), Tuggerah Lake (1997) and Lake Macquarie (1998).
Habitat and ecology
- Regularly observed in the saltmarsh of Newington Nature Reserve (with occasional sightings from other parts of Sydney Olympic Park and in grassland on the northern bank of the Parramatta River). Current estimates suggest this population consists of 8 individuals.
- Regularly observed in the saltmarsh and on the sandy shoreline of a small island of Towra Point Nature Reserve. This population is estimated to comprise 19-50 individuals.
- The Newington and Towra Point populations are thought to be disjunct from each other (and from the nearest populations outside Sydney Metropolitan CMA).
- Gregarious species, usually found foraging on bare or grassy ground in wetland areas, singly or in pairs. They are insectivorous, feedin mainly on flies and beetles caught from or close to the ground.
- Have been observed breeding from late July through to early March, with 'open-cup' nests built in low vegetation. Nests in the Sydney region have also been seen in low isolated mangroves. Nests are usually built about 23 cm above the ground (but have been found up to 2.5 m above the ground).
- Two to three eggs are laid in each clutch, and the complete nesting cycle from nest-building to independent young is approximately 50 days.
- Birds can breed at one year of age and are estimated to live for five years.
Regional distribution and habitat
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Threats
- Reduction in habitat size and quality.
- Human disturbance.
- Elevated nest-predation levels.
- Mangrove encroachment and sea-level rise associated with global warming present additional threats to their saltmarsh habitat.
- Isolation of populations through urbanisation, leaving populations vulnerable to stochastic threats associated with small population size.
- Predation from snakes and mammals, particularly feral cats, foxes and rodents, as well as birds, particularly ravens.
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Predator control (especially foxes, rats, cats and 'problem' ravens).
- Habitat management to address mangrove encroachment.
- Minimise human disturbance, including restricted site access.
- Population monitoring (e.g. annual survey of population numbers).
Information sources
- Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunningham, R. and Poulter, R. (2003) The new atlas of Australian birds. Royal Australian Ornithologists Union, Melbourne.
- Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Steele, W.K. (eds) (2001) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic birds. Volume 5: Tyrant-flycatchers to Chats. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
- Major, R.E. (1991) Breeding biology of the white-fronted chat Epthianura albifrons in a saltmarsh near Melbourne. Emu 91: 236-249.
- Major, R.E. (1991) Flocking and feeding in the white-fronted chat Epthianura albifrons: the relationship between diet, food availability and patch selection. Australian Journal of Ecology 16: 395-407.
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