The distribution of Beach Stone-curlews and their response to disturbance on far north Queensland's Wet Tropical Coast

Abstract

Records of Beach Stone-curlews, Esacus neglectus, from the mainland Wet Tropical Coast of far north Queensland were obtained from a survey, a Birds Australia regional group database and the Birds Australia Atlas of Australian Birds. In all, 211 records of Beach Stone-curlews, from 48 locations, were reported between July 1994 and February 2002 for the region. During this time, Beach Stone-curlews were reported from suitable habitat throughout the region that is accessible to observers.

Analysis of sighting locations and predicted disturbance levels suggests that, at present, the overall distribution of the Beach Stone-curlew is not influenced by the level of disturbance in the coastal zone. However, very few breeding attempts or sightings of juvenile birds have been reported, and high levels of disturbance may be detrimental to breeding success.

The survey and database records reported here form a baseline against which Beach Stone-curlew distribution along the Wet Tropical Coast can be monitored.