The History and Status of Apostlebirds (<i>Struthidea cinerea</i>) in the Sydney Region

Abstract

The avifauna of the Sydney region has undergone substantial change since 1900. The apostlebird (Struthidea cinerea) is a passerine predominately of inland areas of eastern Australia that does not naturally occur east of the Great Dividing Range in New South Wales. Database records showed that apostlebird sightings have been sporadically reported in the Sydney region as early as 1895. In at least four cases, individuals persisted for periods of seven months to 12 years. Since 1998, three populations have established in Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside, the Pinegrove Lawn Cemetery, Minchinbury and Plumpton. Breeding has been recorded in these three populations, as well as in Lane Cove and the Megalong Valley in the 1960’s.