Pardalotus striatus

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Family

Pardalotidae

Genus

Pardalotus

Species

striatus

Common Names

Striated Pardalote, Pickwick, Wittachew, Allied Diamondbird, Allied Pardalote, Chestnut-rumped Pardalote, Chuck-a-chuck, Stripe-crowned Pardalote

Distinguishing Features

This is a small, stubby, brightly coloured bird of 9.5-11.5cm in size. It has a bright yellow face and throat, an olive-grey back and a distinctive bright red spot on the side of the wing feathers. It has a white eyebrow and a white-streaked head with a white stripe on the wings. The female's colours are slightly less bright and young birds are similar to the adults, except they are paler, particularly in the face and throat.

Survey Techniques

Call and visual identification.

Species Call

Clear, sharp and musical 'witta-witta' or a contact call of short trills.

Similar Species

The Striate Pardalote is found across most of Australia with the exception of the driest, most arid areas.

Distribution

The Striated Pardalote is found across most of Australia with the exception of the driest, most arid areas.

Country of Origin

Australia.

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Overall, the population numbers seem fairly stable, with a slight decline (COG).

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Secure, not listed under the EPBC Act 1999.

LSCCES Population

This species was found in highest numbers at BMt and the ANBG. Medium abundances were recorded at ANU, NMA, Turner and Civic West.

Associated vegetation community

The Striated Pardalote will survive in diverse habitats, from wet eucalypt forest to semi-desert river corridors. In this region of Australia, it prefers eucalypt forest and woodland.

Limiting Resources

This species prefers thick, large areas of vegetation and will not be found in very immature tree stands, preferring older eucalypts with a large canopy.

Breeding

Striated Pardalotes form breeding pairs or small groups of up to six birds. A pair or group will share the responsibilities of raising 3-5 young each season. They build a cup or dome shaped nest of grass and bark -shreds in either hollow trees or in burrows. In the Canberra region, they can have an early breeding season, but most activity takes place from early September, peaking in October and November and ending by February.

Behaviour

These Pardalotes feed in large groups, maintaining communication with one another with a trill-like contact call. They guard their nests rigorously, dancing protectively to ward off any other Pardalotes.

Functional Group

Insectivore

Food Species

This species eats a variety of insects and their larvae, particularly lerp and scale insects, picking them off the leaves of eucalypts tree canopies.

Predators

As tree hollows are not usually readily available, the species builds its nest on the ground. This leaves them susceptible to attacks by Cats (Felis catus) and Dogs (Canis familiaris).

Interesting Fact

Pardalotes are easiest to spot in the breeding season, as they fly to and from their ground burrow without worrying about being seen by humans or other animals.