Ecological association of habitats and bird species during the breeding season in southeastern New South Wales

Bird communities in southeastern New South Wales, as determined by classification and ordination techniques, were seldom discrete. The most cohesive assemblage was associated with wet sclerophyll and rainforest habitats. These moist forests also supported the richest avifaunas and had high population densities. Although most birds occurred throughout the region, most species were uncommon. Of the 116 species recorded, 51 (44%) were found on fewer than 10% of the 143 plots censused. Only 19 species occurred on more than half the plots, with six of these recorded on more than 90% of the plots. Other than a small group of birds primarily restricted to moist forest, only the most common and widely distributed species regularly occurred together. Species were grouped with habitats on an elevational gradient from coastal forests to the tablelands. Within this elevational range, species were associated with major structural features of the vegetation. In terms of bird assemblages, open habitats were distinguished from those with dense vegetation. Plots which had been recently logged were separated from mature forest. The results indicate that plans for wildlife management should consider both the assemblages of species which are associated with major forest habitats and the requirements of individual species.