Little Friarbird (Philemon citreogularis)

Conservation status

South Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972: Rare. This listing covers only Philemon citreogularis citreogularis.

Migration and breeding season

In south-eastern Australia, Little Friarbirds are summer breeding visitors, generally present from August or September to March or April. In northern Australia, they may be present year round, with breeding recorded in the Top End from September to May.

Breeding mode: Monogamous pairs. Both adults build the nest and feed the young. The female incubates the eggs.

Nest site: A large, deep, open cup suspended from a forked branch, usually near or overhanging water.

Clutch size: 3 eggs.

Broods: Two broods may be raised in one season.

Incubation: Not recorded.

Fledging and dependence: Not recorded. Both parents feed the young.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Timing varies between years and regions, particularly because birds in south-eastern Australia are seasonal visitors while northern populations can remain present and breed across a broader period.

• Southward arrival to south-eastern Australia: Arrival occurs around August or September, before the summer breeding period.
• Breeding and nesting, south-eastern Australia: Breeding visitors are generally present from August or September to March or April.
• Dependent young, south-eastern Australia: Nestlings and dependent young may be present during the documented breeding period, with timing varying between pairs and years.
• Breeding and nesting, Top End: Breeding has been recorded in the Top End from September to May.
• Northward departure from south-eastern Australia: Many south-eastern birds depart on northern movement in March or April.
• Northern Australia presence and feeding activity: Further north, Little Friarbirds are recorded throughout the year and commonly feed in flowering trees near rivers, wetlands and other water sources.
• Highest clearing risk: Plan clearing and construction outside the local breeding window where practicable, and inspect trees near or overhanging water for active nests; use targeted breeding season surveys and conservative nest protection measures for the South Australian Rare population and other EVNT sites.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Little Friarbird is the smallest of the friarbirds. It is a conspicuous, noisy honeyeater that is usually seen in the upper parts of trees, often near water or flowering vegetation.

Adults have grey-brown upperparts, paler grey underparts and a bare blue-grey patch around the face and cheeks. The bill is moderately long and curved, and there is no casque or horn on the bill.

Females are slightly smaller but otherwise similar. Young birds are browner above and have more yellow on the chin and throat. Adults are 25 to 29 cm long.

• Smallest Australian friarbird.
• Squared-off tail when spread.
• Fine white streaking on the breast.
• Pale grey collar and neck.

Identification: Calls and similar species

Calls are harsh, noisy and often jumbled when birds are feeding. Breeding-season calls include a musical "che-weep", "chewip, chewip" or "che-will".

Compare carefully with other friarbirds and larger honeyeaters. The Little Friarbird is distinguished by its smaller size, blue-grey facial skin and lack of a bill casque or horn.

Identification: Field signs

The most useful site sign is the nest. It is a large, deep, open cup that can look flimsy or partly see-through. It is made from fine grasses, twigs, bark and other soft material, including spider webs.

Droppings, whitewash, stains and odour are not distinctive field signs for this species. Confirm records through direct sightings, calls, nest location and the bird's lack of a bill casque.

• Look high in trees, particularly where branches extend over water.
• Watch for noisy defence of a nest by one or both adults.
• Avoid prolonged observation close to an active nest.

Distribution: Australian range

The Little Friarbird occurs across northern and eastern Australia. Its movements vary by region, with seasonal breeding visitors in parts of the south-east and birds present throughout the year in many northern areas.

The species is mapped in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. It is recorded mainly in northern and eastern Australia, including the Top End and southern Queensland.

In the arid zone, records are concentrated along waterways and other areas with suitable trees and flowering resources.

• Check riparian corridors even where the surrounding landscape is dry or sparsely treed.
• Expect records in both natural vegetation and modified areas such as gardens and orchards.

Distribution: Seasonal occurrence

In parts of south-eastern Australia, Little Friarbirds are summer breeding visitors. They are generally present from August or September until March or April, then move north.

Further north, including the Top End, they may be recorded throughout the year. Breeding has been recorded in the Top End from September to May.

Distribution: South Australian status

The South Australian population is listed as Rare under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. This is treated as the near threatened equivalent for this profile.

The listing applies to the species in South Australia. Plan surveys and impact controls at the listing level where works may affect suitable habitat or breeding places.

Mapped jurisdictions: New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia

South Australian listing: Rare

Habitat: Vegetation and landforms

Look for the Little Friarbird wherever flowering trees and reliable water occur. It uses a broad range of habitats, including natural vegetation and well-treed modified areas.

Typical habitat includes open eucalypt forest and woodland, well-timbered watercourses, wetlands, swamps, monsoon forest, mangroves and coastal heathland.

The species also uses gardens and orchards, particularly where mature trees provide flowers, fruit or cover.

• Open forest and woodland dominated by eucalypts.
• Riparian trees along rivers, creeks and drainage lines.
• Wetlands, swamps, mangrove margins and coastal vegetation.
• Gardens, orchards and other treed developed areas.

Habitat: Site features to inspect

Prioritise flowering trees, tall canopy, tree-lined watercourses and vegetation overhanging water. Inspect both banks of waterways and isolated mature trees within cleared areas.

Habitat can remain suitable in a narrow corridor through otherwise cleared or semi-arid country. Retain connected tree cover where practicable.

• Mature flowering eucalypts and other nectar-producing trees.
• Trees beside permanent or seasonal water.
• Canopy retained across drainage lines and wetland edges.
• Orchards and gardens with large flowering trees.

Habitat: Construction planning

Before clearing, map trees and vegetation connected to waterways, wetlands and flowering resources. Treat apparently isolated trees as potential feeding or nesting habitat until checked.

Schedule vegetation inspections shortly before works, as birds can move into flowering trees and breeding habitat seasonally.

Foraging habitat: Food resources

Little Friarbirds feed mainly in trees and are rarely seen on the ground. They may forage alone, in pairs or in small flocks, and can join mixed honeyeater groups.

The diet is mainly nectar and invertebrates. Fruit, flowers and seeds are also taken, and the species may hawk insects in flight.

Flowering trees are particularly important during periods of high nectar demand and may attract several honeyeater species.

• Nectar from flowering trees and shrubs.
• Insects and other invertebrates in the canopy.
• Fruit, flowers and seeds when available.

Foraging habitat: Foraging behaviour

Birds commonly feed high in the canopy and may be conspicuous and noisy. They can chase other honeyeaters from feeding trees and sometimes feed in mixed groups.

Inspect the upper canopy rather than relying on ground searches. Listening surveys can be useful where foliage limits visibility.

• Search flowering canopy along watercourses and woodland edges.
• Scan treetops, especially during morning feeding activity.
• Record aggressive interactions and mixed honeyeater flocks.

Foraging habitat: Managing feeding habitat

Avoid removing flowering trees beside waterways or within otherwise cleared areas. Where removal cannot be avoided, retain nearby mature trees and protect flowering vegetation outside the work footprint.

Prevent unnecessary damage to roots, trunks and canopy during machinery access, trenching and stockpiling.

Breeding habitat: Nest placement and structure

Breeding pairs build a deep, open cup nest in a tree near or over water. Both adults build the nest and feed the young, while the female incubates the eggs.

Nests are usually suspended from a forked branch and often overhang water. They are made from fine grasses, twigs, bark, spider webs and other soft materials, and may appear flimsy or see-through.

Search branches overhanging rivers, creeks, wetlands, swamps and other water bodies. Check both living trees and suitable branches along the edge of cleared areas.

• Deep, open cup nest.
• Suspended from a forked branch.
• Near or directly over water.
• Often high in the tree canopy.

Breeding habitat: Breeding period

In south-eastern Australia, breeding visitors are present from August or September to March or April. In the Top End, breeding has been recorded from September to May.

Two broods may be raised in a season. Common Koels often parasitise Little Friarbird nests.

• Clutches of 3 eggs are recorded.
• Both parents feed nestlings.
• Adults may aggressively defend the nest from birds and people.

Breeding habitat: Pre-clearing checks and protection

A qualified fauna observer should inspect trees and branches over water before clearing, pruning or access works. Listen for repeated alarm calls and watch for adults carrying nesting material or food.

If an active nest is found, stop work near the nest and obtain advice on the applicable approval, buffer and timing requirements. Do not relocate a nest or handle eggs or young without appropriate authorisation.

• Mark the tree and the associated water edge clearly.
• Keep machinery, personnel and sudden noise away while the nest is active.
• Reinspect if works are delayed or if vegetation conditions change.

Sheltering habitat: Likely shelter features

Specific roost sites are not well documented for the Little Friarbird. As a canopy-feeding honeyeater, it is most likely to rely on mature trees and sheltered vegetation near food and water.

Retain mature eucalypts, dense canopy, riparian trees and vegetation around wetlands and watercourses. These features can provide cover between feeding bouts and during poor weather.

The species is mostly seen high in trees, so shelter habitat may be overlooked during ground-based inspections.

• Mature trees with continuous canopy.
• Riparian woodland and wetland-edge trees.
• Sheltered groups of trees near flowering resources.
• Vegetation linking feeding areas with water.

Sheltering habitat: Site inspection

Inspect the upper canopy and tree lines, not only the ground layer. Look for regular movement between flowering trees, water and nearby woodland.

No distinctive roost droppings, whitewash or odour should be relied on for detection. Use visual observations and calls, particularly where canopy cover is dense.

Sheltering habitat: Avoiding habitat loss

Retain tree groups and canopy links around drainage lines, wetlands and flowering trees. Limit night lighting, unnecessary noise and repeated vehicle movement through retained vegetation where birds are using the area.

Protect retained trees from root disturbance, canopy damage, dust and changes to surface water flow.

Threats: Clearing and habitat fragmentation

The Little Friarbird is widespread, but clearing and construction can remove feeding trees, breeding places and movement corridors. Risk is greatest around waterways and mature flowering vegetation, particularly in South Australia where the species is listed as Rare.

Removal of mature eucalypts, riparian woodland, wetlands, mangroves and other flowering vegetation reduces feeding and nesting opportunities. Narrow corridors can be important in semi-arid areas and should not be treated as low-value habitat.

Retain mature trees and connected vegetation wherever possible. Avoid widening cleared gaps through watercourse and wetland margins.

Threats: Loss or disturbance of nests

Tree removal, pruning, access tracks and noisy works can destroy nests or cause adults to abandon breeding. Nests may be difficult to see because they are suspended high in the canopy and can be partly see-through.

Complete a pre-clearing inspection and protect any active nest and its surrounding habitat under the relevant approval conditions.

Threats: Waterway and wetland impacts

Changes to water flow, drainage, bank stability and wetland vegetation can reduce the habitat associated with nest placement and feeding. Sediment, dust and stockpiling can also damage retained riparian vegetation.

Keep machinery, spoil and laydown areas away from waterways and wetland edges where practicable, and maintain canopy overhanging suitable breeding areas.

Threats: Seasonal and listed-species considerations

South-eastern birds may arrive to breed from August or September, when a site that was empty earlier in the year can become occupied. Northern sites may support birds and breeding activity for much of the year.

For works in South Australia, apply the Rare listing when assessing impacts. In Queensland, the species is covered by the protected wildlife framework for near threatened animals, and tampering with a breeding place may require a species management program.

• Recheck habitat before each clearing stage.
• Escalate active nest findings to the project ecologist and relevant regulator.
• Use stronger avoidance and protection measures where listed populations or breeding places may be affected.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Survey for Little Friarbirds should focus on flowering trees, well-timbered watercourses, wetlands and other habitats near water. The species is noisy and conspicuous, but breeding nests can be difficult to see in tree crowns.

Map eucalypt woodland, open forest, wetlands, mangroves, orchards, gardens and vegetated watercourses within and near the work area.

Review recent records, habitat mapping, seasonal movements and any state threatened-species databases relevant to the project.

Identify areas where clearing could affect trees overhanging water, potential feeding trees, movement corridors and likely nesting habitat.

• Check whether the project is in a region where Little Friarbirds are seasonal visitors or present throughout the year.
• In south-eastern Australia, plan for breeding visitors from August and September to March and April.
• In northern Australia, include the longer breeding period recorded from September to May and allow for birds that may be present year round.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection

Walk and scan the canopy of suitable trees, especially trees near water and flowering trees. Listen for harsh, noisy calls and the breeding-season calls described as che-weep, chewip, chewip and chee-will.

Use quiet observation from the ground and record birds feeding, defending an area, carrying nesting material, entering a nest or feeding young.

Search forked branches for a large, deep, open cup nest. Nests may be partly see-through and are often suspended near or overhanging water.

• Survey in daylight during periods when birds are active, with early morning being useful for detecting calls and territorial behaviour.
• Avoid strong wind, heavy rain, poor visibility and other conditions that reduce detection.
• Do not use call playback unless it is approved by the relevant authority and justified for the survey.

Survey methodology: 3. Survey effort and coverage

Scale the number and timing of visits to the amount of habitat, proposed clearing and risk to breeding places. Repeat surveys where dense foliage, height or access limits visibility.

Include the full clearing footprint, access tracks, construction compounds, laydown areas and nearby habitat that may be affected by noise, lighting or loss of watercourse vegetation.

Give extra attention to trees beside or over water and to areas with active flowering or fruiting.

• Use more than one survey period where works may overlap the regional breeding season or where the first visit is inconclusive.
• Combine walking transects, stationary listening and canopy scans so that quiet and mobile birds are detected.
• Record the date, start and finish time, weather, surveyors, route, effort, habitat, species, number of birds, behaviour, nest locations and photographs or mapped coordinates.

Survey methodology: 4. Interpretation and reporting

Treat repeated territorial behaviour, nest building, incubation, adults carrying food, or adults defending a nest as evidence requiring a breeding-place response.

Record feeding flocks and regular movements between trees and water, even when no nest is found. These observations can identify habitat that should be retained.

State clearly where visibility was limited and whether the survey covered the relevant seasonal period.

• Map all records and potential breeding places against the construction footprint.
• Distinguish Little Friarbirds from other friarbirds using the smaller size, blue-grey facial skin and lack of a bill casque or horn.
• Provide a site risk rating and identify any further survey or specialist advice needed before clearing.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Avoidance is the preferred approach, particularly where trees near water support nesting or regular feeding. Confirm the legal pathway before any tree trimming, clearing or work that could affect a breeding place.

Check the current Commonwealth and state listings before finalising the work method. Little Friarbird is not listed under the EPBC Act, so a species-specific EPBC referral is not normally triggered, but a referral may still be needed for another listed matter or a listed ecological community.

In Queensland, treat the species as protected wildlife and obtain or confirm the required approval where work may tamper with its breeding place. Use a Queensland species management program where required by the approval pathway.

In South Australia, treat the Little Friarbird as Rare under the relevant state legislation and obtain any required wildlife, clearance or threatened-species authorisation. Check permit requirements in every other state or territory affected by the project.

• Have the ecologist or environmental manager confirm approvals in writing before works begin.
• Keep approval conditions, survey findings, maps and the fauna management plan available on site.
• Do not rely on the species being globally listed as Least Concern to replace state approval checks.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and work timing

Retain trees with active nests, nest-building activity or repeated breeding defence. Retain adjoining vegetation that provides access to water, feeding trees and cover.

Where practical, schedule high-disturbance work outside the local breeding period. In south-eastern Australia, consider the period from August and September to March and April. In the Top End, consider September to May.

Treat timing as a risk reduction measure, not as permission to remove an active breeding place.

• Redesign access, crane pads, compounds and exclusion zones to avoid nesting trees and well-timbered watercourses.
• Avoid unnecessary removal of flowering trees and vegetation along drainage lines.
• Control dust, noise, vibration and night lighting near retained habitat.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey and exclusion

Complete a final pre-clearance inspection close to the start of works. Inspect the canopy, branch forks, water edges and nearby trees for nests, adults carrying food and defensive behaviour.

Use a suitably qualified ecologist or fauna spotter catcher familiar with birds and local approval conditions. Inspect areas again if clearing is delayed or the work footprint changes.

Set a site-specific exclusion zone around any active nest or suspected breeding place. The distance must reflect tree height, visibility, noise, vibration, access and the approval conditions.

• Mark exclusion zones on the ground and on the clearing plan.
• Use fencing, flagging and signs that are visible to plant operators.
• Keep exclusion zones in place until the authorised ecologist confirms that the breeding activity has finished or the approval provides another lawful action.
• Do not place exclusion fencing where it blocks birds from water or creates a hazard.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induction and readiness

Brief all workers, machine operators and subcontractors before entering the work area. Show photographs or field descriptions of the Little Friarbird and its open cup nest.

Explain that nests are commonly suspended from forked branches and may overhang water. Explain that adults may mob people or other birds when defending a nest.

Nominate the spotter catcher or fauna supervisor who can stop work and identify the environmental manager and wildlife contacts.

• Include stop-work triggers in the induction and daily pre-start.
• Tell workers not to approach, touch, feed or photograph an animal at close range unless directed by an authorised person.
• Confirm that first aid materials, a ventilated animal carrier and the approved wildlife contact pathway are available where required.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Clear in a controlled sequence and keep a competent fauna spotter catcher in a position to see the work face and retained trees. Stop work whenever a Little Friarbird, nest or other breeding place may be at risk.

Clear habitat in stages, starting with low-risk areas and retaining high-value trees and watercourse vegetation until the surrounding work area is stable.

Use the spotter catcher to inspect trees, branches, understorey and the ground immediately before each area is disturbed.

Keep machinery outside marked exclusion zones unless the approval and fauna supervisor authorise entry.

• Lower branches and trees in a controlled direction where this is authorised and safe.
• Pause between stages to allow birds to move away from the active work face.
• Do not fell a tree containing a nest, an adult bird or an occupied breeding place.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Stop-work and breeding-place response

The fauna spotter catcher must have authority to stop work without waiting for further approval if a nest, breeding activity, injured bird or animal at risk is found.

Treat nest building, incubation, adults feeding young and active nest defence as breeding-place indicators. Little Friarbirds can aggressively defend nests against birds and people.

Keep people and machinery back, maintain the exclusion zone and contact the project ecologist or relevant regulator for direction.

• Do not remove, relocate or destroy an active nest unless specifically authorised under the applicable approval.
• Do not disturb a colony, roost or group of birds if its status or significance is uncertain. Record it and seek advice before proceeding.
• If a breeding place is found in Queensland, follow the approved species management program or other lawful direction.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Handling and injured animals

Only authorised and suitably trained fauna personnel may capture or handle a Little Friarbird. Most birds should be left to move away naturally if they are uninjured and outside the work face.

If an injured bird is found, stop nearby work, reduce noise and keep people and dogs away. Do not offer food or water unless directed by a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian.

Place a bird in a secure, ventilated container only when authorised and trained to do so. Keep it dark, quiet and at a stable temperature, and transfer it promptly to the nominated wildlife carer or veterinarian.

• Record the location, condition, visible injury, time, action taken and receiving carer or veterinarian.
• If a bird dies, do not dispose of it until the project ecologist has checked whether reporting or specimen handling is required.
• Report any suspected permit breach, nest damage or unauthorised handling to the environmental manager immediately.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Daily records and communication

Maintain a daily fauna register for all sightings, nests, stop-work events, captures, injuries and releases.

Record the date, time, location, habitat, number of birds, behaviour, nest status, work activity, decision maker and outcome.

Update the site map after each event and communicate changed exclusion zones at the next pre-start.

• Photograph nests and habitat from a safe distance where this will not disturb the birds.
• Keep records of approvals, directions, inductions, spotter catcher names and monitoring visits.
• Escalate repeated breeding activity, unexpected mortality or damage to retained habitat for an incident review.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Post-clearance checks confirm that no birds, nests or injured animals remain in the work area and that exclusion controls have worked. Follow approval conditions for reporting, rehabilitation and monitoring.

Inspect the cleared area, retained trees, water edges and adjoining vegetation after each clearing stage. Look for birds, nests, fallen branches, nest material and signs of injury.

Check that exclusion fencing remains intact and that machinery has not entered retained breeding or feeding habitat.

Have the fauna spotter catcher or ecologist sign off each completed area before the next stage proceeds.

• Repeat checks after high winds, storms, tree trimming or other events that could damage nests or retained trees.
• Search nearby trees if birds continue to call, mob workers or carry food after clearing.
• Record negative findings as well as animals and nests detected.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Reporting

Prepare a completion report that compares the work completed with the approved clearing limits and fauna management measures.

Include survey effort, all records, breeding-place findings, exclusion zones, stop-work events, injuries, deaths, releases, incidents and corrective actions.

Submit reports to the relevant regulators or approval holders within the required timeframe.

• Report a suspected breach promptly rather than waiting for the routine project report.
• Retain maps, photographs, field sheets and wildlife transfer records with the project environmental records.
• Notify the land manager of retained habitat that needs ongoing protection.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated and treated animals

Confirm the outcome for every handled bird with the wildlife carer or veterinarian. Record whether it was released, transferred for treatment or died.

Release a recovered bird only under authorised direction and at a suitable location with access to trees, food resources and water. Avoid releasing it into active work areas.

Do not assume that a bird seen after release has established safely. Record follow-up observations where required by the approval or rehabilitation plan.

• Use the release location and method specified by the authorised wildlife professional.
• Keep release records separate from casual site observations.
• Investigate any repeated returns to the construction area and adjust exclusion or habitat controls.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Monitoring and incident review

Monitor retained watercourse vegetation, flowering trees and known nesting areas during the construction period and after major work stages.

Review incidents with the project manager, fauna spotter catcher, ecologist and contractor. Identify whether timing, visibility, induction, plant movement or exclusion controls contributed.

Update the method statement and induction when monitoring shows that controls are not working.

• Use repeat observations during the relevant breeding period where active nests or important habitat were retained.
• Check for ongoing use by Little Friarbirds through calls, sightings, feeding activity and nesting behaviour.
• Scale long-term monitoring to the state listing, approval conditions, habitat loss and the significance of the retained site.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore feeding and movement habitat

Rehabilitation should restore connected, flowering vegetation near water and protect the structure of retained trees. Little Friarbird breeding ecology is not fully documented, so use locally appropriate habitat restoration rather than relying on untested artificial nest structures.

Replant locally occurring eucalypts and other native species that provide nectar, fruit, seeds and invertebrate habitat. Use a mix of species so food is available across seasons.

Restore native vegetation along watercourses, wetlands and drainage lines, with linked canopy and shrub cover where space allows.

Protect retained mature trees and allow replacement trees to develop into future canopy habitat.

• Use local provenance plants where appropriate for the site and approval conditions.
• Keep rehabilitation areas free from vehicle access, stock damage and soil compaction.
• Replace lost canopy progressively and maintain safe access to water for birds.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Nesting and artificial structures

Little Friarbird nests are open cups suspended from forked branches, often near or overhanging water. Standard enclosed nest boxes are therefore unlikely to match the species' usual nest structure.

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes or enclosed roost structures as a substitute for retaining suitable trees. These structures are designed for other animals and may not benefit Little Friarbirds.

Artificial nest sites or supported forked branches should only be considered as a site-specific trial designed and monitored by a qualified bird ecologist, with regulator approval where required.

• Prioritise retention and replacement of mature trees with suitable forks and stable branches.
• Keep artificial structures away from machinery, public access and locations where falling material could create a hazard.
• Remove or modify an artificial structure if monitoring shows harm, disease risk, predator access or no suitable use.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Water, weeds and site condition

Maintain natural water flow and protect the edge vegetation used for nesting, feeding and movement. Prevent sediment, pollutants and construction waste from entering waterways or wetlands.

Control weeds before they dominate the restored canopy and understorey. Use methods that avoid harming birds and other fauna.

Keep rehabilitation moist enough for establishment without creating erosion, pooling or unsafe access.

• Inspect newly planted areas after rain, flooding, drought and construction vehicle movements.
• Replace failed plants and repair erosion promptly.
• Use low-spill, downward-directed lighting near retained habitat and water, and avoid lighting trees or nests at night.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Long-term monitoring

Monitor plant survival, canopy development, flowering, watercourse condition and Little Friarbird use. Record sightings, feeding activity, calls, nest building and breeding behaviour.

Set monitoring duration and frequency according to approval conditions, the amount of habitat removed, the South Australian Rare listing where relevant, or the Queensland near threatened management pathway.

Use monitoring results to adjust weed control, planting, lighting and access controls.

• Map restored areas and retained breeding or feeding trees so they remain protected through later project stages.
• Compare observations with pre-clearing records where those records are available.
• Keep the land manager informed about maintenance responsibilities and any new breeding places found during monitoring.

Sources

• Little Friarbird, BirdLife Australia: https://birdlife.org.au/bird-profiles/little-friarbird/
• Philemon citreogularis, Little Friarbird, Museums Victoria: https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/species/15120
• Potential Host Species Fatally Attack Female Eastern Koel Eudynamys ..., BirdLife Australia: https://afo.birdlife.org.au/afo/index.php/afo/article/viewFile/486/470
• Little Friarbird - eBird, eBird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology: https://ebird.org/species/litfri1
• Occurrence records for the distribution map, Atlas of Living Australia: https://biocache.ala.org.au/