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Restless Flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta)

The Restless Flycatcher is a small to medium woodland bird found across much of mainland Australia, including New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. It may use remnant trees, farmland and roadside vegetation within clearing areas, so sightings, calls and nests should be reported during works. It is listed as Rare in South Australia and is treated as an EVNT species for project planning, with additional regional concern in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Conservation status

South Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972: Rare.

Breeding season

The Restless Flycatcher breeds in Australia from July to January. Southern and south-eastern birds may move north during winter, while timing and activity can vary between regions and years.

Breeding mode: Both adults build the nest, incubate the eggs and feed the young.

Nest site: A small cup-shaped nest is placed on an exposed, well-foliaged tree branch, often near or over water.

Clutch size: Three to four eggs.

Incubation: 14 days.

Nestling period: Chicks remain in the nest for about 14 days.

Breeding frequency: Up to three broods may be raised in one season.

Age at maturity: Not recorded.

Breeding timing may shift between regions and years, and winter movement is more relevant to southern and south-eastern populations than to all Australian birds.

  • Breeding and nesting: Adults may be nesting from July to January, with nests potentially present in trees near or over water.
  • Eggs and nestlings: Eggs and nestlings may be present during the breeding season, and repeated broods can extend the period of risk.
  • Winter movement and dispersal: Some southern and south-eastern birds move north and disperse more widely during winter, including through roadside vegetation.
  • Foraging and general activity: The Restless Flycatcher is active year round, usually feeding alone or in pairs from mid-level canopy perches.
  • Highest clearing risk: Clearing can remove habitat and perching trees at any time, with the highest direct risk to eggs, nestlings and dependent young from July to January.

Identification: Appearance and size

The Restless Flycatcher is active and conspicuous when it is feeding, but can be overlooked when perched. Look for its hovering flight, swept tail and distinctive buzzing call around woodland edges and open tree cover.

Adults have a glossy blue-black head, a small crest and a white underside from the chin to the undertail. The back, wings and tail are darker grey, and the breast can have a slight orange-brown tint.

The bill is blue-black and surrounded by bristles. The bird is about 20 cm long, with a fairly long tail and a substantial bill.

Colour: Blue-black, grey and white, with a possible orange-brown breast tint.

Size: About 20 cm.

  • When perched, it may sit on a stump, fence post or branch with its crest raised.
  • While feeding, it can hover almost vertically with its head and spread tail pointing downwards.

Identification: Calls and similar species

The main call is a continuous whirring or rasping sound, often described as a scissors-grinder or razor-grinder call. A clear whistled call may also be heard.

The Willie Wagtail can occur in the same habitats and has a similar black and white pattern. The Restless Flycatcher has a crest, a slimmer shape and no black throat. The Paperbark Flycatcher is smaller, with a smaller bill and more blue-black colour extending down the back.

  • Use both the bird's appearance and call when confirming an observation.
  • Take a recording where safe and practical, and submit the location to the relevant biodiversity database.

Identification: Field signs

The most useful field signs are the distinctive call, hovering feeding flight and repeated use of exposed perches. The small cup nest can be difficult to see because it is camouflaged with lichen and bark.

Nests may be placed in a fork or on an exposed branch of a well-foliaged tree, often near or over water.

  • Check trees and larger shrubs before clearing, especially near watercourses and woodland edges.
  • Record the location, tree species or feature, height if it can be estimated safely, and whether the nest is active.
  • Do not rely on droppings, whitewash, stains or odour for detection. These are not described as reliable field signs for this species.

Distribution: Australian range

The Restless Flycatcher is widespread but unevenly distributed. Local declines and local extinctions have occurred in parts of South Australia, including the Hills and Fleurieu region, so a broad range does not mean that every suitable site is occupied.

The species occurs across northern and eastern mainland Australia and in south-western Australia. It is mapped in New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia.

In eastern Australia it extends from the Cairns region through Queensland and most of New South Wales, with records continuing into Victoria and southern South Australia. It also occurs in south-western Western Australia.

  • Expect a patchy distribution in cleared agricultural districts.
  • Winter records may occur more widely in roadside vegetation as southern birds disperse or move north.

Distribution: Regional pattern and taxonomic context

In the Mount Lofty Ranges, remaining records are scattered, including Monarto, Black Swamp on the Fleurieu Peninsula and Rowland Flat in the Barossa. Small populations remain predominantly in the eastern part of the Hills and Fleurieu region, where larger habitat areas persist.

Two former northern and New Guinea populations are now treated as the separate Paperbark Flycatcher, Myiagra nana. Confirm the identification carefully where the two species could overlap.

South Australian status: Rare under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Mount Lofty Ranges trend: Area of occupancy has decreased by 80 percent relative to pre-2012 records, and extent of occurrence has decreased by 56 percent.

  • South Australian records can occur across open woodland, mallee, farmland and remnant roadside vegetation.
  • Regional records are useful for identifying habitat that may need protection during a project.

Distribution: Overseas range

The species has been reported from Papua New Guinea in older distribution accounts. Northern Australian and New Guinea birds formerly grouped with it are now generally recognised as the Paperbark Flycatcher, so overseas records should be checked against current taxonomy.

Habitat: Preferred vegetation

Look for the Restless Flycatcher wherever open woodland or forest remains, including modified landscapes. Retained trees, woodland edges and connected vegetation can be useful even where the surrounding land is farmland or semi-urban.

In the Mount Lofty Ranges, the species is associated with river red gum and South Australian blue gum woodlands, box woodlands, grassy woodland and heathy woodland.

It also occurs in open mallee involving Eucalyptus oleosa and Eucalyptus gracilis, including low woodland and low open forest at regional margins.

  • Open forests and woodlands.
  • Grassy Woodland and Heathy Woodland.
  • Open mallee and woodland edges.
  • Farmland containing retained trees or connected native vegetation.

Habitat: Site features to inspect

Prioritise mature and retained trees, woodland remnants, drainage lines and vegetation beside dams or other water features. River red gums near water are recognised habitat, and nests may be placed on branches near or over water.

Roadside vegetation can be used during winter, particularly where it links larger habitat patches.

  • Tree lines and patches linking larger remnants.
  • Woodland edges beside paddocks and access tracks.
  • Riparian trees, dam margins and drainage lines.
  • Stumps, fence posts and other exposed perches.

Habitat: Habitat condition

The species has declined where habitat has been extensively cleared. Removing loose timber, standing trees and other perching structures can reduce the value of otherwise suitable habitat.

Retain native vegetation and avoid unnecessary removal of trees, branches and loose timber. Mark habitat boundaries clearly before machinery enters the site.

  • Avoid clearing outside the approved footprint.
  • Retain large native trees and overhanging branches where practicable.
  • Avoid firewood collection and unnecessary removal of loose timber.
  • Maintain links between woodland patches where the design allows.

Foraging habitat: Foraging behaviour

Restless Flycatchers usually feed from the middle levels of the canopy and outer foliage. They often hunt alone or in pairs, so a single bird may indicate a wider foraging area rather than a small, isolated use area.

The species hawks insects from a perch and may hover while taking prey from leaves. It rarely comes to the ground.

Food includes insects and other invertebrates, including spiders and centipedes.

Typical group: Usually alone or in pairs.

Main feeding level: Mid-level canopy and outer foliage.

  • Watch the outer foliage of trees and shrubs.
  • Check mid-canopy perches, fence posts, stumps and dead branches.
  • Listen for the buzzing call when the bird is difficult to see.

Foraging habitat: Foraging habitat on works sites

Suitable foraging habitat may include open woodland, farmland with retained trees, mallee edges, riparian vegetation and roadside tree lines. A narrow clearing corridor can still be used if it contains perches and foliage.

Survey both the proposed footprint and nearby retained vegetation. Birds may move between trees, shrubs, fence lines and woodland patches while feeding.

  • Retain canopy connections where possible.
  • Keep machinery and stockpiles away from retained trees and foliage.
  • Limit dust, weed spread and accidental damage to vegetation beside the work area.

Foraging habitat: Survey approach

Targeted bird searches should combine visual observation with listening for the scissors-grinder call. Survey during suitable daylight conditions when birds are active, and repeat searches where habitat is present but detection is uncertain.

Record the number of birds, behaviour, perch locations, flight direction, habitat and whether the bird is alone or in a pair.

  • Search woodland edges, riparian trees, open mallee and farmland with retained trees.
  • Use call identification carefully and distinguish the species from Willie Wagtail and Paperbark Flycatcher.
  • Enter sightings into the Biological Databases of South Australia where relevant.

Breeding habitat: Nest and placement

Breeding habitat can occur in retained woodland trees, including trees near water. Nests are small and exposed, so a pre-clearing inspection by a suitably qualified person is needed wherever suitable trees or branches will be disturbed.

The nest is a small cup made from bark and grass, bound with spider web. It may be camouflaged with lichen and pieces of bark.

Nests are placed on an exposed branch or in a fork of a well-foliaged tree. They are often near or over water and can be high in the canopy, including 20 m or more above the ground.

Nest type: Small, cup-shaped nest made from bark, grass and spider web.

Typical position: Exposed branch or fork, often near or over water.

  • Inspect retained and proposed-to-be-cleared trees, especially beside water.
  • Check branch forks and exposed, well-foliaged limbs rather than only tree hollows.
  • Use binoculars where the nest is high or difficult to approach.

Breeding habitat: Breeding period

Breeding has been recorded from July to January. Both adults help build the nest, incubate the eggs and feed the young.

Usually 3 to 4 eggs are laid. Incubation is about 14 days and young remain in the nest for about 14 days. Up to three broods may be raised in one season.

Breeding season: July to January.

Eggs: Usually 3 to 4.

Incubation: About 14 days.

Nestling period: About 14 days.

  • Treat July to January as the higher likelihood period for active nests.
  • Young birds can disperse quickly after fledging, so absence of a nest does not confirm that breeding is not occurring.

Breeding habitat: Pre-clearing and active works

Before clearing, inspect trees and branches that may contain a nest. If an active nest is found, stop work around it and obtain advice from the project ecologist or relevant wildlife authority before proceeding.

Avoid removing or trimming a nest tree during the breeding period where practicable. Retain nearby vegetation and prevent machinery, dust and personnel from damaging the nest or access route.

  • Clearly mark the nest tree and the area needed to protect it.
  • Use a qualified wildlife handler for fauna checks and any approved intervention.
  • Document the nest status, photographs, location and actions taken.
  • Do not disturb or relocate a nest without the required approvals and specialist advice.

Sheltering habitat: Cover and perches

Dedicated roost sites have not been characterised, so management should focus on retaining the vegetation structure used for perching, feeding and cover. The species is mostly sedentary, although some southern birds move north and disperse in winter.

Restless Flycatchers use open and wooded forests, river red gums near water, inland and coastal scrubs, farmland and some semi-urban areas. They perch on stumps, fence posts and branches, and forage from the mid-level canopy.

Retain a mix of live foliage, standing trees, low woodland and suitable exposed perches.

  • Protect riparian trees and woodland edges.
  • Retain stumps, fence posts and dead branches where they are safe to keep.
  • Avoid unnecessary removal of loose timber, which reduces perching opportunities.

Sheltering habitat: Movement through the site

Southern and south-eastern birds may move north during winter and disperse widely. Roadside vegetation can be used during this period.

Maintain safe movement routes between retained trees and habitat patches where practicable. Avoid creating isolated clearance islands around remnant trees.

  • Keep corridors and tree lines connected where possible.
  • Use fauna spotter catchers during clearing of dense vegetation and tree limbs.
  • Record flight paths and repeated use of particular trees or edges.

Sheltering habitat: Roost detection

Specific night roost structures and roost group sizes are not well characterised. Avoid assuming that a quiet woodland patch is unused, particularly where birds are regularly seen at dusk or early morning.

Use repeated observations, calls and local staff reports to identify areas of regular use before major disturbance.

  • Check retained vegetation before night works or intense lighting is introduced.
  • Minimise unnecessary lighting directed at woodland edges and riparian vegetation.
  • Keep access tracks and laydown areas away from regularly used trees where practicable.

Threats: Clearing and habitat loss

The main concern for this species on works sites is loss or degradation of woodland and the perches needed for feeding. South Australian populations have declined in extensively cleared districts, and the Mount Lofty Ranges population has experienced a marked contraction.

Clearing open forest, woodland, mallee and riparian vegetation removes feeding and breeding habitat. Small remnants can still be used, particularly where they retain mature trees and links to larger habitat areas.

Keep clearing within the approved footprint and reduce the footprint at environmentally sensitive locations.

  • Avoid clearing native vegetation where possible.
  • Retain large native trees, woodland edges and riparian vegetation.
  • Protect habitat links and roadside vegetation that connect remnants.
  • Survey before finalising access tracks, compounds and stockpile areas.

Threats: Loss of perches and loose timber

Removing loose timber, stumps, dead branches and fence-line perches can reduce foraging opportunities. Fire and firewood collection are identified as causes of perch loss in some areas.

Retain suitable perching structures where they do not create a safety hazard. Do not remove timber simply to tidy a site.

  • Keep retained timber outside the clearing footprint.
  • Avoid unnecessary firewood collection from project land.
  • Manage fire risk without removing all standing or fallen timber.
  • Replace lost structural habitat only where recommended by the project ecologist.

Threats: Construction impacts

Construction can damage retained vegetation through vehicle movement, dust, spills, weed spread and accidental fauna strikes. These impacts can affect habitat even when the final clearing footprint is small.

Demarcate the approved work area, brief all personnel and keep machinery on designated tracks.

  • Fence or peg clearing boundaries before works begin.
  • Avoid vehicle movement under retained tree canopies where soil and roots may be damaged.
  • Control weeds, dust, erosion and spills.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher during clearing and stop work if a nest or injured bird is found.

Threats: Breeding disturbance and approvals

Active nests may be present from July to January, including in trees near water and in high branches. The South Australian listing is Rare, and Queensland near threatened animals are protected wildlife under the arrangements described for EVNT species.

Check the applicable state requirements before clearing or interfering with a breeding place. Escalate any active nest, injured bird or unexpected concentration of birds to the project ecologist and relevant authority.

South Australia: Rare under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Regional concern: The Mount Lofty Ranges regional plan gives the species an unofficial regional Endangered rating.

  • Complete a pre-clearing inspection by a suitably qualified person.
  • Avoid active nests and retain the nest tree where practicable.
  • Apply any project approval conditions, species management program requirements or fauna handling protocols.
  • Record sightings and outcomes for future planning and monitoring.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Survey for the Restless Flycatcher should combine call detection with visual searches of open woodland, forest edges, farmland, river red gums and wetland margins. The species is mobile and can be overlooked, so use repeat visits where habitat is suitable, particularly in the breeding period from July to January.

Check recent biodiversity records, vegetation mapping, aerial imagery and local habitat connectivity before planning works.

Map open forests, woodlands, grassy and heathy woodland, mallee margins, farmland shelterbelts, mature trees, watercourses and roadside vegetation.

Give particular attention to retained trees with exposed branches, canopy connections and habitat near or over water. Include winter roadside vegetation because southern and south eastern birds may move north and disperse widely during winter.

Breeding period: July to January

Typical group size: Usually alone or in pairs

  • Search relevant state databases and local council records.
  • Review records within and near the project area, not only within the construction footprint.
  • Treat an absence of records as inconclusive where suitable habitat remains.

Survey methodology: 2. Field detection

Search from the ground and listen for the distinctive churring or scissors grinder call, continuous whirring or rasping hiss, and other clear calls. Confirm records visually where possible because the species can be confused with the Willie Wagtail and the Paperbark Flycatcher.

Watch mid-level canopy, outer foliage, fence posts, stumps and open branches. A hovering bird with its head and spread tail pointing downwards is characteristic.

Use quiet, systematic searches through all accessible habitat. Avoid relying on call playback unless it is approved by the relevant authority and used by an experienced observer.

  • Survey in calm conditions with good visibility and low background noise.
  • Include early morning periods when birds are calling and active, while also recording useful observations made later in the day.
  • Repeat searches where a project could remove habitat, disturb a nest or affect a local population.
  • Do not approach a suspected nest closely enough to cause repeated flushing.

Survey methodology: 3. Nest and breeding-place searches

Search retained trees, riparian vegetation and trees near dams, creeks or other water. Nests are small, cup-shaped structures made from bark and grass bound with spider web, and may be camouflaged with lichen or bark.

Look for an exposed nest on a well-foliaged branch or in a fork. Nests may be high in the canopy, including more than 20 m above ground, so inspect from suitable viewpoints and use an experienced observer where safe access is available.

Record adults carrying nesting material, incubating, feeding young, alarm calling or repeatedly visiting one location. Do not assume every stick nest belongs to this species.

Nest: Small cup made from bark and grass bound with spider web

Known breeding information: Three eggs, about 14 days incubation and about 14 days in the nest

  • Use binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens where possible.
  • Inspect canopy features from several viewpoints rather than standing directly below a suspected nest.
  • Stop and obtain ecological or regulatory advice if an active nest or breeding place may be affected.

Survey methodology: 4. Survey records

Record enough information to support a clearance decision and later monitoring. Separate confirmed sightings from call-only records and probable habitat use.

Map each observation and any nest or suspected breeding place accurately. Record whether the bird was foraging, nesting, alarm calling, moving through, or using a retained perch.

  • Record date, start and finish time, weather, visibility, wind, noise and surveyors.
  • Record GPS location, detection method, number of birds, age or sex where known, behaviour and habitat.
  • Photograph habitat and nests where this can be done without disturbance.
  • Submit records to the relevant biodiversity database, including BDBSA in South Australia, and retain project records.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals, listings and permits

Plan works to retain habitat and avoid active breeding places wherever practicable. The Restless Flycatcher is listed as Rare in South Australia and is treated as an EVNT species in the project context, so scale survey, avoidance and documentation to the local listing and the likely impact.

Check the current Commonwealth and state listing before finalising the method of construction. The Restless Flycatcher is not identified as EPBC listed in the South Australian assessment material, but an EPBC referral may still be required if another protected matter or a potentially significant impact is present.

In Queensland, confirm whether the species is treated as near threatened protected wildlife at the site and whether work could tamper with a breeding place. Obtain and comply with a species management program where required.

Check state fauna, vegetation clearance and wildlife handling requirements before work. Confirm whether a permit, approval, notification or fauna management plan is needed in South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland or any other project jurisdiction.

South Australia: Listed as Rare under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972

Western Australia: Priority 4 is a non statutory category for rare and near threatened species that need monitoring

  • Nominate one person to track approvals and conditions.
  • Include the species, mapped habitat, survey results, avoidance measures and stop work procedure in the environmental management plan.
  • Do not rely on a project report that predates the current listing or approval conditions.
  • Keep copies of permits and approval conditions on site.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and timing

Retain open woodland, mature native trees, canopy links, loose timber and useful perches wherever practicable. Avoid clearing near water where trees may contain nests or provide breeding habitat.

Schedule vegetation removal outside July to January where practicable. This reduces the chance of affecting eggs or dependent young, but does not remove the need for a pre-clearance check because breeding timing can vary and birds may move seasonally.

Allow for winter movement by checking roadside vegetation, shelterbelts and other temporary habitat before removal. Do not treat a bird as absent merely because it was not recorded during one visit.

  • Redesign the footprint to retain large native trees and hollow bearing trees where possible, even though hollows are not a known breeding requirement for this species.
  • Avoid deliberate removal of loose timber and avoid unnecessary firewood collection or burning in retained habitat.
  • Retain riparian vegetation and trees with broad, well-foliaged branches.
  • Use a site-specific exclusion area around any active nest or breeding place. Set the area with the project ecologist and regulator because no universal Restless Flycatcher buffer is established here.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance inspection

Complete a targeted inspection shortly before clearing, with the timing set by the approval and the risk of habitat change. Search for birds, active nests, dependent young, repeated adult movements and suitable canopy branches.

A qualified ecologist should assess any suspected breeding place and determine whether it is active. Consider a follow-up observation period where activity is uncertain, particularly during July to January.

  • Inspect the entire clearance footprint and a practical adjoining area for birds and breeding activity.
  • Mark retained trees, watercourses, nests, exclusion areas and no-go habitat clearly on plans and on the ground.
  • Use a suitably qualified wildlife handler and fauna spotter catcher where handling or rescue may be needed.
  • Update the clearing map after the inspection and brief the supervisor before machinery arrives.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Induction and site controls

Brief all workers on identification, calls, habitat features, exclusion markings and the stop work process. Explain that a bird flying away does not prove that a breeding place is inactive.

Make the fauna spotter catcher’s authority to stop or alter work clear to supervisors, machine operators and subcontractors.

  • Install visible exclusion fencing or flagging around retained habitat and active breeding places.
  • Use designated access tracks and keep vehicles out of retained vegetation.
  • Set out a clean procedure for reporting a bird, nest, injured animal or unexpected habitat feature.
  • Include emergency contacts, the wildlife carer pathway and regulator contacts in the induction.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Staged clearing

Clear in a controlled sequence from low risk areas towards retained habitat, with a fauna spotter catcher present wherever approval conditions or site risk require it. Stop work early when a breeding place, injured animal or unexpected habitat feature is found.

Start with the approved outer edge and work progressively towards retained habitat. Use staged vegetation removal to give mobile birds an opportunity to leave and to expose fauna hazards in a controlled way.

Keep machinery within the approved footprint. Retain trees, canopy connections, riparian vegetation, loose timber and perches identified for conservation.

Do not fell or push a tree containing a suspected nest until the ecologist has assessed it and the required approval or direction has been obtained.

  • Clear groundcover and low vegetation first where this is safe and approved.
  • Pause between stages so the fauna spotter catcher can inspect the next area.
  • Maintain exclusion areas until the supervising ecologist confirms that work can proceed.
  • Stop work if clearing conditions change, visibility is poor, or fauna cannot be safely monitored.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Fauna spotter catcher response

The fauna spotter catcher must have clear authority to stop work, exclude personnel and request an ecological assessment. Only authorised and appropriately trained people may handle, capture or release wildlife.

Avoid chasing flying birds. Allow an uninjured Restless Flycatcher to leave naturally where there is a safe route and no active breeding place is being affected.

  • Stop work for any suspected active nest, eggs, dependent young, injured bird or bird trapped in vegetation or infrastructure.
  • Keep people, vehicles and machinery away from the animal and reduce noise.
  • Do not touch eggs, nests or young unless the approved procedure and a suitably authorised person allow it.
  • Record the location before any animal is moved.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Active breeding places, colonies and roosts

If an active nest or breeding place is found, stop work and protect it from people, machinery, vibration, dust and unnecessary noise. Obtain advice from the project ecologist and the relevant regulator before modifying the exclusion area or resuming work.

The Restless Flycatcher is generally encountered alone or in pairs, and no colony or communal roost requirement is established. Treat any repeated group use, roost or concentration as a significant site feature until assessed.

  • Mark the breeding place without approaching it repeatedly.
  • Do not relocate a nest or young animal unless specifically authorised and directed by the relevant wildlife authority.
  • Maintain the exclusion area through the breeding attempt or until the supervising ecologist and regulator confirm that it is no longer active.
  • Record adults, eggs, young, nest condition, behaviour, disturbance and the decision made.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Injured or displaced animals

Treat an injured or grounded bird as a wildlife incident. Keep it quiet, shaded and away from people while waiting for an authorised wildlife handler or veterinarian.

Do not feed, water or release an injured bird without direction. Release a healthy bird only at a safe nearby location approved by the wildlife handler and consistent with the permit or management plan.

  • Contact the nominated wildlife carer, veterinarian or wildlife authority immediately.
  • Use a ventilated container only if capture is necessary and can be done safely by an authorised person.
  • Record the cause if known, condition, photographs, time, location, handler and destination.
  • Report deaths, collisions and repeat incidents to the site manager and approval authority.

During habitat disturbance: 5. Daily records and stop work events

Maintain a daily fauna register. Link each event to the clearing stage, work area and approval condition so that decisions can be audited.

Review records at the daily pre-start and adjust the next clearing stage when observations show that habitat is being used.

  • Record date, time, location, species, number, detection method, behaviour and habitat.
  • Record nest or breeding-place status, exclusion controls, handling, release, injury, mortality and notifications.
  • Photograph nests, habitat and exclusion controls from a safe distance.
  • Have the fauna spotter catcher and supervisor sign off each completed clearing stage.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Complete a structured post-clearance check before releasing the work area. Use the results to confirm that breeding places, retained habitat and relocated or released animals have been dealt with under the approval and site procedure.

Inspect the cleared footprint, retained edges, access tracks, stockpiles and nearby water after each clearing stage. Look for injured, trapped or displaced fauna, damaged nests, fallen branches and unmarked habitat features.

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

  • Complete checks before the next construction activity begins.
  • Search around fallen trees, vegetation piles, trenches, pipes, pits and other fauna traps.
  • Cover or barricade trenches and similar hazards when unattended.
  • Escalate any animal, nest or habitat feature that was not covered by the original assessment.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitoring and reporting

Report the clearing outcome to the project manager, ecologist and approval authority in the format required by the conditions. Include both detections and non detections, because the species can be mobile and difficult to detect.

Where habitat loss is substantial or the local population is of conservation concern, establish follow-up monitoring at retained and rehabilitated sites.

  • Map retained habitat, cleared habitat, active or inactive nests and any incidents.
  • Submit verified sightings to the relevant biodiversity database.
  • Compare post-work observations with pre-clearance records and identify any change in use.
  • Continue monitoring at a frequency and duration set by the ecologist, approval and risk assessment.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated or released animals

Confirm the condition and outcome of every animal handled under the project procedure. A release record should show where, when and by whom the animal was released, and whether follow-up observation was needed.

Do not assume that a released bird has survived or resumed normal behaviour. Arrange observation or veterinary follow-up where the handler recommends it.

  • Record release location, habitat, weather, condition and behaviour.
  • Keep handling and rehabilitation records with the project fauna register.
  • Notify the relevant authority of mortality, failed release or repeat injury where required.
  • Review whether the project caused avoidable stress, collision risk or habitat loss.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Incident review

Review every unplanned nest discovery, injury, mortality, machinery strike, exclusion breach or unauthorised clearing event before the next similar work stage.

Use the review to change the clearing sequence, induction, supervision, exclusion controls or survey approach.

  • Identify the immediate and underlying cause.
  • Record corrective actions, responsible persons and completion dates.
  • Rebrief crews before work resumes.
  • Update the environmental management plan when the risk or control has changed.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Habitat restoration

Rehabilitation should restore connected woodland structure and the features used for foraging, nesting and movement. Focus first on protecting surviving native vegetation, retaining mature trees and rebuilding habitat around water and other remaining habitat patches.

Re-establish locally appropriate open woodland or mallee structure using native species from the local vegetation community. Restore canopy, mid-storey and ground layers where they have been removed.

Retain standing trees, fallen timber and useful perches where safe. The species hawks insects from mid-level canopy and uses exposed perches, so avoid creating a uniformly dense or treeless site.

Reconnect isolated remnants with native plantings and protect riparian vegetation, river red gums and other trees near water.

  • Use local provenance plants where practicable and consistent with the restoration plan.
  • Protect new plantings from grazing, vehicle damage and firewood collection.
  • Keep rehabilitation areas free from unnecessary clearing and repeated disturbance.
  • Manage fire so that retained loose timber and mature trees are not routinely removed.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Nesting features and artificial structures

Natural branches and well-foliaged trees are the preferred first option because the Restless Flycatcher builds an exposed cup nest on a branch, often near or over water. Nest boxes and bat boxes are not interchangeable with this nest type.

Use an artificial nest platform or other replacement structure only where a suitably qualified ornithologist designs it for the local site and the relevant authority approves it. Placement, stability, camouflage, access and protection from predators need to match the species and site.

  • Retain suitable branching trees during design and construction.
  • Do not install bat boxes, hollow nest boxes or generic artificial roost structures as a substitute for this species unless they have a separate approved purpose.
  • Inspect any artificial nest structure without repeated disturbance during July to January.
  • Record occupancy, nest attempts, breeding outcome and maintenance needs.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Weeds, water and site condition

Control weeds that suppress native regeneration, reduce insect habitat or obstruct movement between remnants. Use methods that avoid damaging retained trees, nests, waterways and native groundcover.

Protect water quality and natural drainage near habitat. Nesting sites may be near or over water, and wetland edges and river red gum woodland can be used for foraging and movement.

  • Keep sediment, fuels, concrete washout and contaminated water out of creeks, dams and wetland margins.
  • Retain natural water regimes where practicable.
  • Stage weed control so that birds retain cover and foraging habitat.
  • Inspect rehabilitation after storms, fire, grazing and construction maintenance.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Lighting, noise and access

Keep lighting directed away from retained woodland, water edges and canopy. Avoid unnecessary night lighting because it can alter wildlife movement and insect activity.

Manage construction noise and access so that retained habitat and any active breeding place are not repeatedly disturbed.

  • Use the lowest practical light level and shield fittings.
  • Avoid lighting tree canopies and riparian edges.
  • Restrict vehicles and maintenance crews to designated tracks.
  • Retain quiet refuges within larger rehabilitation areas.

Rehabilitation actions: 5. Long-term monitoring

Monitor whether Restless Flycatchers return to retained and rehabilitated habitat, using the same call and visual methods used before construction. Track habitat condition as well as bird records because a lack of detections can reflect mobility or low detectability.

Use results to guide weed control, planting, fire management, tree retention and future works.

  • Survey during July to January as well as during relevant winter movement periods where the project affects southern or south eastern populations.
  • Record birds, calls, breeding behaviour, nests, habitat structure and threats.
  • Compare results with baseline records and nearby reference sites where available.
  • Continue monitoring for the period required by approval conditions, the rehabilitation plan or the local conservation risk assessment.

Sources