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Key plants used by Australian birds:
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Aboriginal names: "ngawil" [yuwaalaraay], "ortherrenge" [eastern aranda], "tulypur" [yankunytjatjara]
There is a whole family of plants called Eremophila, comprising shrubs and trees of various sizes, with flowers of various colours, all of which are called "Emu-bushes". A number of honeyeater species have a preference for nectar from Eremophila flowers and various parrots and cockatoos like their seeds. Emu-bushes are found in scrub.
We present here, as an example, Eremophila longifolia (Native Plum, Dogwood), which we have found to be a major bird attraction when flowering south of Bourke, NSW, in September 2012. Another species found in inland NSW is Eremophila debilis, a prostrate shrub with inconspicuous white to off-white flowers and pink fruit.
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Bird species found in this type of habitat or plant |
This is not necessarily a complete list. We display here some examples of bird species found by us in this kind of habitat or plant. Hover your cursor on thumbnails to see names of species; click on thumbnail to go to the page describing the species.
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Photos |
Emu-bush (Eremophila longifolia) found near Bourke, NSW; often
found as shrubs of up to 3 m high, these plants can grow into
trees with a height of up to 8 m
Red bell-shaped flowers of Eremophila longifolia
Close look at a single red bell-shaped flower of an Eremophila longifolia
planted on our property
Mature seed pod of Eremophila longifolia
Frontal view of a Major
Mitchell's Cockatoo feeding in an Emu-bush (Eremophila longifolia)
[Near Bourke, NSW, September 2012]
Cluster of Eremophila maculata flowers
Eremophila maculata with flowers just about to open
Overview of an Eremophila debilis shrub on our property
Closer look at the fruit of Eremophila debilis
Spotted Bowerbird
collecting fruits of Eremophila debilis
[Eulah Creek, NSW, June 2020]
Usage |
This is not necessarily a complete list. We collate here various ways in which birds can use various types of plant.
Perch | Roost | Shade | Food | Nectar | Fruit | Seed | Prey | Nest space |
Nest mat. |
Shelter | Vantage point |
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