Breeding behaviour of the restless flycatcher near Armidale, New South Wales

Abstract

A pair of Restless Flycatchers 'Myiagra inquieta' was observed in eucalypt woodland near Armidale, New South Wales, for 10.2 hours over 5 days during the nest-building (6 h) and early incubation phases (4.2 h) in spring 2000. Male and female had similar rates of nest-building visits (7 and 4.5 visits/h respectively) and contributions to incubation (60% and 46% of incubation time respectively), covering the eggs for 52% of observation time. Male and female also called from the nest during both phases, including while incubating, at similar rates; the 'whistle' and 'grate' call types were given at similar rates by both sexes. Incidental observations of two pairs over 2 years, on nesting chronology, nest-sites, fledgling behaviour and nest success (14%, n = 7), are given.