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Varied Sittella (Daphoenositta chrysoptera)

The Varied Sittella is a small, social bark-foraging bird of eucalypt and acacia woodlands, mallee, coastal scrub and other treed habitats across much of mainland Australia. It is Vulnerable in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, and may be affected by clearing, loss of mature and dead trees, fragmentation and disturbance on development sites.

Conservation status

New South Wales, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Vulnerable.

Australian Capital Territory, Nature Conservation Act 2014: Vulnerable.

Breeding season

The pattern below reflects the ACT breeding information and the documented difference between generally sedentary coastal groups and more nomadic inland groups. Breeding and dependent young create the highest risk from clearing and canopy disturbance.

Month values are ordered January to December. A value of 0 means not typical or not documented, 1 means occurs, and 2 means peak or highest risk.

  • Breeding: Breeding in the ACT can extend from September to February. Two broods are sometimes attempted.
  • Young: Dependent young are expected during and immediately after the September to February breeding period; the supplied documents do not give a fledging or dependency duration.
  • Movement and flocking: The species is generally sedentary near the coast. Inland groups may be nomadic, and larger winter flocks may form. Exact movement months are not specified, so July and August are marked as indicative winter flocking months only.
  • Highest clearing risk: September to February is the highest risk period because breeding, active nests and dependent young may be present. High canopy nests may be difficult to detect and can resemble branch knots.

Identification

The Varied Sittella is a small, stout, highly active woodland bird. It is usually detected by movement and calls as a flock works through the outer branches and trunks of trees.

Adults have a sooty grey head, pale grey back with fine dark streaking, dark wings with a cinnamon or orange wing bar, a whitish rump, and a black tail with a white tip. The bill is short and slightly upturned, and the eyes and feet are yellow.

Plumage varies across Australia. In New South Wales, most birds have a grey head and dark brown streaking. Birds in the north-east may have a white head, while those in the south-west may have a black cap.

Body length: About 10 cm in the NSW species profile; 13.5 to 17 cm in the ACT conservation advice.

Sexes: Females are slightly smaller than males. Both sexes have short wings and a short tail.

Flight features: The orange or cinnamon wing bar and white rump are prominent in flight.

Identification: Behaviour and similar species

Varied Sittellas move with constant, jerky activity among branches. They commonly fly into the tree crown, then work down branches and trunks, often head down, probing bark crevices and levering away loose bark.

They are more active and acrobatic among branches than larger treecreepers. Their flocking behaviour, small size, slightly upturned bill, yellow eyes and feet, and conspicuous wing bar help separate them from treecreepers and other woodland bark-foragers.

Identification: Field signs

Flocks are often noisy during the breeding season but can be quieter outside that period. Detection is mainly by calls and movement in the canopy, so observers should check mobile foraging parties carefully.

The nest is a deep, well-camouflaged cup of bark, lichen, plant fibres and cobwebs. It may resemble a knot on an upright, thin, usually dead fork 5 to 20 m above the ground. The same fork or tree may be reused in successive years.

No species-specific tracks, scats, sloughs or eyeshine characteristics are provided in the supplied documents.

Recommended broadcast period: September to March, before 11 am or after 4.30 pm.

Broadcast method: Broadcast at sites at least 500 m apart, for 5 minutes, move the player 5 to 10 m and broadcast in another direction for 5 minutes, then listen for at least 2 minutes.

Survey effort guide: Broadcast surveys: 4 hours over 3 days. Area searches or line transects: 8 hours over 4 days in areas less than 50 ha.

Distribution: National range

The Varied Sittella occurs across most of mainland Australia, except treeless deserts and open grasslands. It is sedentary in many coastal areas, while inland groups may be nomadic.

The supplied NSW distribution records and predictions cover New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria. The species profile describes a broader range across most mainland Australia, excluding treeless deserts and open grasslands.

Named IBRA bioregions and subregions with known or predicted records include the Australian Alps, Brigalow Belt South, Broken Hill Complex, Cobar Peneplain, Darling Riverine Plains, Mulga Lands, Murray Darling Depression, Nandewar, New England Tablelands, NSW North Coast, NSW South Western Slopes, Riverina, South East Corner, South Eastern Highlands, South Eastern Queensland and Sydney Basin.

States and territories represented in the supplied records: NSW, ACT, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria.

Broad national distribution: Most mainland Australia, except treeless deserts and open grasslands.

Distribution: Strongholds and subpopulations

The documents do not identify a single national stronghold or provide separate population estimates for named subpopulations. Records occur across a wide range of woodland regions, including the Upper Hunter, Sydney Basin, New England Tablelands, South Eastern Highlands, Riverina and inland NSW regions.

In the ACT, records include Aranda bushland, O'Connor and Bruce Ridges, Black Mountain, Pinnacle Stringybark forest, Mount Ainslie and Campbell Park, Mulligans Flat, Bluett's Eucalypt forest, Naas and Orroral valleys, Shepherd's Lookout and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor.

Distribution: Population and trend

The NSW population size is uncertain. The NSW profile states that the population is believed to have undergone a moderate reduction over several decades.

In the ACT, reporting rates declined by 46 percent over 20 years between two atlas periods. In 2016 to 2017, high observer effort recorded 998 birds, compared with 1,043 in the previous year, a ten-year average of 379 and a 30-year average of 254. These counts are records of birds observed, not a population estimate.

NSW population size: Uncertain.

Indicative NSW trend: Believed to have undergone a moderate reduction over several decades.

ACT atlas reporting rate: Declined by 46 percent over 20 years.

ACT birds recorded in 2016 to 2017: 998 birds, with a maximum group size of 25.

Habitat: Habitat types

Varied Sittellas need relatively well-treed habitat with mature living and dead trees. They are uncommon in open areas and may be unable to cross cleared ground readily.

Habitat includes eucalypt forest and woodland, mallee, inland Acacia woodland, coastal scrub, farm trees, shelterbelts, roadside trees, orchards, golf courses and parks where sufficient trees remain.

The species occurs in a wide range of woodland and forest communities, but is absent from rainforest. In the ACT it is absent from the highest alpine woodlands and wettest forests.

Preferred tree types: Rough-barked eucalypts and mature smooth-barked gums with dead branches.

ACT preference: Lowland woodland, including areas with Red Stringybark.

Elevation limit: No numerical elevation limits are provided. The species is absent from the highest alpine woodlands in the ACT.

Habitat: Habitat structure

Large living and dead trees, rough bark, dead branches, standing dead trees and a relatively high density of trees provide foraging, roosting and nesting resources.

Small or sparsely treed patches, or patches lacking large trees, may not support family groups. Retain mature trees, standing dead timber, dead branches and connective trees between remnants during site planning and clearing.

Minimum tree density: No numerical threshold is provided, but the species is rarely found in open or sparsely treed areas.

Important structural features: Large living and dead trees, rough bark, dead branches, standing dead trees and tree connectivity.

Foraging habitat: Diet and feeding method

Varied Sittellas are specialist bark-foragers. Flocks move through the canopy and down trunks, searching rough and loose bark and dead timber for invertebrates.

The diet consists of arthropods, including spiders, beetles, bugs and larvae. Birds glean prey from crevices in rough or decorticating bark, dead branches, standing dead trees, small branches, twigs and the tree canopy.

A flock may move between treetops with bouncing flight, settle on high branches, and spiral down branches while gripping the bark with strong feet. Birds probe crevices and lever away loose bark to reach prey.

Time on dead branches: Up to one third of foraging time in the cited ACT advice.

Key prey sites: Rough or decorticating bark, dead branches, standing dead trees, small branches, twigs and canopy crevices.

Foraging habitat: Foraging area

Groups weakly defend territories of approximately 13 to 20 ha. Inland groups may be nomadic, while groups nearer the coast are generally sedentary.

Foraging habitat should be assessed beyond the immediate tree to include connected crowns, mature rough-barked trees, standing dead timber and dead branches used by the group.

Territory size: Approximately 13 to 20 ha.

Movement pattern: Generally sedentary near the coast; inland groups may be nomadic.

Breeding habitat: Breeding biology

Breeding occurs cooperatively in woodland groups. Nesting depends on mature trees with suitable upright forks, including thin dead forks high in the living canopy.

Breeding groups usually contain 5 to 7 birds, and flock members cooperate in raising young. One female usually does most of the nest building and incubation. Two broods may sometimes be attempted.

The cup-shaped nest is made from bark, lichen or other plant fibres bound with cobwebs. It is well camouflaged and is usually placed in an upright, thin, often dead fork 5 to 20 m above the ground. The same fork or tree may be reused in successive years.

Breeding season: September to February in the ACT.

Breeding group: Usually 5 to 7 birds.

Broods: Two broods are sometimes attempted.

Nest height: Usually 5 to 20 m above ground.

Clutch size: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Incubation period: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Age at maturity: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Lifespan: Not stated in the supplied documents.

Breeding habitat: Breeding habitat features

Retain large living trees, mature smooth-barked and rough-barked eucalypts, thin upright forks, dead branches and standing dead trees. Avoid removing or pruning potential nest trees during the September to February breeding period.

Because nests can resemble branch knots and may be high in the canopy, pre-clearing inspections should include canopy checks by an experienced fauna ecologist where safe and practicable. Any active nest or dependent young should be managed under the project approval and fauna handling procedure.

Sheltering habitat: Roosting and refuge features

The species shelters and roosts in well-treed woodland, using large living and dead trees and high branches. The supplied documents do not describe underground refuges, dens or species-specific hollow dimensions.

Critical habitat features include large living and dead trees, particularly rough-barked eucalypts. Mature trees with hollows or dead branches may provide shelter, roosting and nesting resources.

Small flocks may settle head-downwards on high branches. Retain connected crowns and standing dead timber because the species is rarely found in open areas and cleared land may act as a movement barrier.

Known refuge features: Large living and dead trees, rough bark, high branches, dead branches and mature trees with hollows.

Specific refuge dimensions: No hollow, roost or cavity dimensions are provided.

Sheltering habitat: Site protection measures

Avoid removing dead trees, dead branches and large paddock trees. Protect roadside and farm remnants, maintain tree links between patches, and limit firewood collection in woodland habitat.

Where clearing is unavoidable, inspect retained and felled trees for active nests and flock activity, and keep disturbance away from occupied habitat in accordance with project controls.

Threats: Clearing and fragmentation

The main risk to Varied Sittellas on development sites is the loss and fragmentation of mature woodland structure. Small areas of clearing can remove feeding trees, nest forks and movement links.

Threats include broadscale and small-scale tree clearing for fence lines, road verges and infrastructure, removal of paddock trees, rural tree decline, firewood collection and farm 'tidying up'. These actions reduce tree density, mature trees, dead timber and connectivity.

The species is sedentary in many areas, so cleared ground can form a movement barrier. Small or isolated patches may not support family groups or recolonisation.

Threats: Fire, grazing and weeds

Inappropriate fire regimes can reduce woodland structure and affect mature and dead trees. Conservation advice recommends minimising adverse fire effects on woodland habitat.

Overgrazing can reduce the leaf litter and shrub layer and impede habitat regeneration. Invasive weeds degrade remnants and may reduce habitat quality.

Threats: Competition and other pressures

Dominance by Noisy Miners can adversely affect Varied Sittellas in woodland patches and is associated with habitat loss and fragmentation.

The supplied documents do not identify a species-specific disease, predator or road mortality threat. Roads are relevant through verge clearing, loss of roadside trees and the creation of gaps between remnants. Changes to groundwater or hydrology are identified as threats to some woodland communities, but no direct hydrological effect on Varied Sittellas is specified.

Threats: Practical controls on projects

Retain existing woodland, large living trees, dead trees, dead branches and roadside or paddock remnants.

Avoid clearing during the September to February breeding period where practicable, and undertake targeted searches for calls, flocks and canopy nests before works.

Fence retained habitat, control weeds, manage grazing intensity and duration, maintain tree links, and limit firewood collection and unnecessary removal of dead timber.

Use broadcast surveys, area searches or transects in suitable habitat when presence or absence needs to be established. Broadcast surveys should be conducted from September to March.

Survey methodology: 1. Area searches and transects

Survey the Varied Sittella in treed habitat containing mature rough-barked trees, dead branches and standing dead trees. It is often inconspicuous, but groups can be detected by calls and by watching mobile parties foraging through the canopy.

Search suitable eucalypt, mallee and Acacia woodland, including roadside trees, paddock trees and retained woodland patches.

Watch the outer branches, dead branches and trunks for small flocks moving head-down while extracting arthropods from bark and crevices.

Listen for calls and check mobile foraging parties, which can include Varied Sittellas.

For sites smaller than 50 hectares, use 8 hours of area searches or line transects over 4 days, where the survey guideline method is applied.

Preferred survey periods: Before 11 am or after 4.30 pm for the guideline woodland bird search method.

Guideline effort: 8 hours over 4 days for area searches or line transects at sites less than 50 hectares.

  • Record the search area, transect length, start and finish times, weather, observers and the number of birds or groups detected.
  • Give particular attention to large living and dead trees, rough-barked eucalypts, mature smooth-barked gums and trees with dead branches.

Survey methodology: 2. Call broadcast surveys

Use call broadcast at a series of survey points at least 500 metres apart where access and habitat allow.

At each point, broadcast the call for 5 minutes, move the player 5 to 10 metres, and broadcast in another direction for a further 5 minutes.

Listen during the broadcast and for at least 2 minutes afterwards, and use binoculars to check birds active in nearby trees.

Conduct broadcast surveys from September to March, which overlaps the breeding period and the period when the species may be more vocal.

Point spacing: At least 500 metres.

Broadcast at each point: 5 minutes in one direction, then 5 minutes in another direction after moving 5 to 10 metres.

Listening period: During the broadcast and at least 2 minutes afterwards.

Recommended season: September to March.

  • Use the guideline effort of 4 hours over 3 days when applying this broadcast method.
  • Do not treat a non-response as evidence that the species is absent, because the species can be inconspicuous and quieter outside the breeding period.

Survey methodology: 3. Habitat and nest inspection

Inspect mature trees, rough-barked trees, dead branches and standing dead trees for foraging activity, roosting birds and nests.

Search the upper canopy for the species' cup-shaped nest, which is built in an upright, usually dead, thin fork 5 to 20 metres above ground.

Survey both retained habitat and trees proposed for removal, including isolated farm trees, roadside trees and woodland edges.

Where dense vegetation limits observation, consider mist-netting only when it is conducted by appropriately authorised and experienced personnel, and only where it is safe and permitted.

Typical nest height: 5 to 20 metres above ground.

Breeding period in the ACT: September to February.

Generation length: Estimated at 5 years.

  • Record the location and condition of large living and dead trees, active nests, likely nest forks and connected treed habitat.
  • Avoid disturbing a nest or breeding group during inspection.

Survey methodology: Minimum effort and reporting

  • Use both visual searches or transects and call broadcast where the project may remove or fragment suitable habitat.
  • Repeat or extend surveys when weather, access, noise or visibility reduces detection, and document the limitation rather than reporting the species as absent.
  • Map all records, groups, nests, calls, probable habitat and trees proposed for removal in the project GIS.
  • Record the date, time, coordinates, observer, method, effort, weather, flock size, behaviour, photographs and confidence of identification for every detection.
  • Submit confirmed records and suitable negative survey information to the relevant state or territory wildlife database, such as the NSW BioNet Atlas or the ACT wildlife records system.
  • Check current state and territory survey guidance and obtain any required scientific, animal ethics or wildlife handling approvals before using playback, mist nets or other capture methods.

Before habitat disturbance: Avoid and minimise habitat loss

Plan the works around retention of mature and dead trees, connected treed habitat and safe fauna management. The species is vulnerable to loss of woodland structure and cleared areas can restrict movement.

Retain large living and dead trees, especially rough-barked eucalypts, mature trees with dead branches and trees used for foraging, roosting or nesting.

Retain groups of trees and well-treed patches rather than leaving isolated trees where practicable, because sparse or small patches may not support family groups.

Retain paddock trees, roadside trees, shelterbelts, farm trees and woodland links that connect occupied or suitable habitat.

Keep dead timber standing where safe, and retain fallen timber where it does not create a safety or fire hazard.

Design the work footprint to avoid known nests, breeding groups, high-use trees and the edges of retained woodland patches.

  • Use the smallest practicable clearing footprint and keep machinery, access tracks, spoil and laydown areas outside retained habitat.
  • Avoid removing trees or dead branches during the September to February breeding period where this can be achieved without delaying urgent safety works.
  • Control noisy miners and invasive weeds through an approved project or land management programme where they are affecting retained habitat.

Before habitat disturbance: Approvals and planning

The Varied Sittella is not listed under the EPBC Act in the supplied records, but the project must still be checked for impacts on other nationally listed species or ecological communities.

Obtain any state or territory approvals, threatened species licences, scientific permits and fauna handling authorisations that apply to the work area and proposed methods.

Prepare a fauna management plan that identifies suitable habitat, survey results, clearing limits, fauna handling roles, stop-work triggers, release sites, injury response and reporting requirements.

Stage clearing so retained habitat and movement routes remain available until the active work area has been checked and cleared.

Commonwealth status: Not listed under the EPBC Act.

State status in the supplied records: Vulnerable in NSW and the ACT.

  • Have the environmental officer confirm whether an EPBC referral is required for other matters before work starts.
  • Include the NSW and ACT Vulnerable status in the project risk assessment where the species may occur.
  • Nominate an appropriately authorised fauna spotter catcher and a wildlife carer or veterinary contact before mobilisation.

Before habitat disturbance: Site preparation

Complete the pre-clearance survey within the approved period before clearing, with a repeat check if conditions or the work footprint change.

Mark all retained trees, dead trees, nest trees, habitat links, exclusion areas and fauna release areas before machinery enters the site.

Install exclusion fencing around retained habitat, nest trees and release areas where fencing will prevent accidental entry without blocking required fauna movement.

Brief operators on the species' appearance, flock behaviour, nest height, likely canopy activity and the requirement to stop when directed by the spotter catcher.

Check for nests and birds immediately before each clearing shift, because the species can move between trees and may not be detected during one earlier survey.

  • Keep plant, vehicles, workers and materials outside marked exclusion areas.
  • Use a spotter catcher who can see the active clearing face and communicate directly with the machine operator.
  • Do not rely on habitat marking alone where wind, rain, darkness or poor visibility prevents a reliable check.

During habitat disturbance: Daily controls and supervision

Clear only within the approved footprint and under direct fauna supervision. The spotter catcher should control the sequence of work and stop machinery whenever a bird, nest or habitat feature requires inspection.

The environmental officer should check that the approved footprint, exclusion fencing, fauna equipment, release sites and wildlife contacts are in place before each shift.

The fauna spotter catcher should inspect the active work area at the start of the day and after breaks, machinery changes or any movement of the clearing boundary.

Use staged clearing towards retained habitat so mobile fauna can move away from machinery where safe and appropriate.

Keep machinery speed low enough for the spotter catcher to inspect trees, branches and the ground before removal or disturbance.

Suspend clearing during conditions that prevent reliable observation, including poor light, smoke, heavy rain, strong wind or excessive dust.

  • Maintain direct communication between the spotter catcher, machine operator and supervisor.
  • Do not allow operators to remove a marked habitat tree, dead tree or nest tree without a specific release from the spotter catcher and environmental officer.
  • Keep workers clear of release sites and retained habitat during active clearing.

During habitat disturbance: Habitat feature handling

Inspect trees proposed for removal for birds, nests, dead branches and other fauna before felling.

Where a tree contains an active nest or a flock that cannot safely move away, stop work and obtain advice from the fauna spotter catcher and environmental officer before proceeding.

Retain standing dead trees and dead branches where safe, because the species forages on dead branches and uses mature or dead trees for shelter and nesting.

Move logs, branches and other ground habitat only after inspection, and place retained material in nearby habitat where the approved plan allows.

Do not disturb retained habitat, nest trees or exclusion zones for storage, vehicle access or spoil placement.

Nest location: Usually in an upright, thin, often dead fork 5 to 20 metres above ground.

Foraging features: Rough or decorticating bark, dead branches, standing dead trees and small canopy branches and twigs.

  • Treat overhead canopy work as a fauna risk and use appropriate exclusion zones below branches and nest forks.
  • Do not remove a nest or handle eggs or young unless this is authorised under the relevant permit and directed by an appropriately qualified person.
  • Record any habitat feature that cannot be retained and the approved replacement or mitigation measure.

During habitat disturbance: Fauna response and stop-work triggers

Stop work immediately if a Varied Sittella is found within the active clearing area, a nest is found, a bird is injured, or the spotter catcher cannot confirm that the work area is clear.

Allow an uninjured bird to move to nearby retained habitat where it can do so without being chased, trapped or exposed to machinery.

Only an appropriately authorised and trained person may capture or handle the bird, and handling should be limited to what is needed for immediate safety, assessment and lawful relocation.

Relocate an uninjured bird only to nearby retained habitat identified in the fauna management plan, and only under the conditions of the relevant approval.

Place an injured bird in a suitable ventilated container, minimise handling and disturbance, and transfer it promptly to a veterinarian or authorised wildlife carer.

Escalate any repeated detection, breeding activity, injury, mortality or unexpected habitat impact to the environmental officer before work resumes.

  • Never pursue a bird through the canopy or attempt to catch it with unauthorised equipment.
  • Do not release a bird into an isolated or unsuitable patch when nearby connected retained habitat is available.
  • Record the reason for the stop, the response, the person who handled the animal, the release or treatment location and the outcome.

During habitat disturbance: Records and compliance

Keep a daily fauna register covering pre-start checks, search effort, detections, nests, injuries, mortalities, stop-work events, handling and releases.

Photograph and map any nest, habitat tree, dead tree, exclusion area or unexpected clearing impact where this can be done without disturbing the bird.

Update the clearing map when the work area, retained habitat or release site changes.

Report incidents to the approving authority, wildlife agency or permit holder within the timeframe set by the approval or fauna management plan.

  • Retain the register, photographs, maps, permits and wildlife care records in the project environmental file.
  • Submit final confirmed records to the relevant state or territory wildlife database.

After habitat disturbance: Post-clearance checks

Check the cleared area, confirm that retained habitat controls remain effective and assess whether the work has affected birds or breeding habitat. Continue monitoring where the project has removed trees, reduced connectivity or created a long-term edge.

Inspect the completed clearing area for injured, trapped or displaced birds, overlooked nests and unsafe debris before demobilising the fauna team.

Check retained trees, dead timber, exclusion fencing and habitat links for damage caused by machinery, windthrow or unauthorised access.

Confirm that no spoil, access track, lighting or temporary compound has extended into retained habitat.

Remove temporary controls only after the environmental officer confirms that the area is safe and the approved work is complete.

  • Keep fauna contact details and response equipment available until the post-clearance inspection is complete.
  • Treat any overlooked nest, injured bird or damaged retained tree as an environmental incident and apply the project stop-work and reporting procedure.

After habitat disturbance: Monitoring and reporting

Monitor retained woodland patches and connected habitat for Varied Sittella groups, calls, breeding activity and use of mature or dead trees where required by the approval or fauna management plan.

Use repeat area searches, transects or call broadcast when monitoring objectives require a comparable survey method.

Compare monitoring results with the pre-clearance records, while recognising that the species can be inconspicuous and that reporting rates can vary with observer effort.

Report clearing extent, habitat retained, trees removed, nests, fauna incidents, release outcomes, monitoring results and any corrective actions to the project regulator or approval holder.

ACT reporting evidence: The ACT conservation advice records a 46 percent decline in reporting rate over 20 years between two atlas periods, but also notes that observer effort affects interpretation.

  • Continue weed, grazing, fire and access controls that were included as project mitigation measures.
  • Maintain exclusion fencing and signs while rehabilitation or follow-up works could damage retained habitat.
  • Submit new confirmed records to the relevant state or territory wildlife database.

After habitat disturbance: Offsets and corrective action

Apply any offset, rehabilitation or compensatory habitat requirement specified by the approval or state regulatory decision.

If monitoring shows loss of breeding groups, repeated bird injuries, weed expansion, loss of connectivity or damage to retained trees, revise the management measures with the environmental officer and regulator.

Protect replacement habitat for the time required by the approval, including any required maintenance and monitoring period.

  • Do not describe retained habitat as an offset unless the relevant approval or regulator recognises it as one.
  • Document why each mitigation or corrective action was selected and when its effectiveness will be checked.

Rehabilitation actions: Rebuild suitable structure

Rehabilitation should rebuild well-treed habitat with mature and dead-tree features over time. Prioritise connected woodland structure, rough bark, dead branches, ground timber and low weed and grazing pressure.

Plant locally appropriate eucalypts and Acacia species that match the pre-clearing woodland community and the approved rehabilitation design.

Create connected tree groups and stepping stones between retained patches rather than planting only isolated trees.

Protect planted and naturally regenerating trees from grazing, browsing, fire and machinery until they are established.

Retain naturally occurring dead branches and standing dead trees where safe, because the species uses these features for foraging and nesting.

Retain fallen logs and woody debris where they do not create a safety or fire hazard.

  • Use local provenance seed or tubestock where required by the rehabilitation specification.
  • Do not remove mature or dead habitat trees as part of site tidying after construction.
  • Design planting to produce relatively well-treed habitat, because sparse patches may not support family groups.

Rehabilitation actions: Replace lost nesting features

Retain existing trees with hollows, dead branches and rough bark wherever practicable because replacement trees will take many years to develop equivalent structure.

Install nest boxes only where an ecologist identifies a need, the design is suitable for the site and the approval or fauna management plan requires them.

Place any nest boxes in retained or rehabilitated treed habitat and inspect them under an approved monitoring plan.

Do not assume that nest boxes replace the full value of mature living and dead trees.

Natural nest position: An upright, usually dead, thin fork 5 to 20 metres above ground.

  • Record the location, design, installation date and inspection results for every nest box.
  • Remove or repair failed nest boxes where they create a hazard or are no longer suitable.

Rehabilitation actions: Manage weeds, grazing, fire and predators

Control invasive weeds that compete with regeneration or reduce the structure of retained and rehabilitated woodland.

Fence rehabilitation areas where grazing could remove leaf litter or shrub cover, damage seedlings or prevent regeneration.

Use a fire regime that protects mature trees, dead branches, nests and regenerating habitat, with fire planning agreed with the responsible land manager and fire authority.

Monitor for Noisy Miner dominance in small or fragmented woodland patches and apply only approved habitat or species management measures.

Keep rehabilitation areas free of unnecessary firewood collection and retain suitable dead timber.

  • Inspect rehabilitation areas after weed control, grazing events and fires for damage to trees, nests and ground habitat.
  • Do not use predator control or noisy miner control without the required approvals and a documented ecological basis.

Rehabilitation actions: Monitor success

Monitor seedling survival, natural regeneration, tree cover, connectivity, weed cover, grazing impacts and retention of dead timber against the approved rehabilitation targets.

Survey for Varied Sittellas using repeatable area searches, transects and, where suitable, call broadcast during September to March.

Record flock size, locations, foraging behaviour, nesting activity and use of rehabilitated versus retained habitat.

Continue monitoring until the project meets its approved success measures or the regulator accepts an alternative endpoint.

Breeding period used for monitoring: September to February in the ACT, with survey guideline call broadcast recommended from September to March.

  • Replace failed plantings and repair fencing when monitoring shows that rehabilitation targets are not being met.
  • Use the same search areas, timing and effort in repeat surveys where trend detection is required.
  • Report monitoring results, maintenance actions and new records to the project environmental officer and relevant regulator.

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