Black Tree-ticker (species complex)
Birrima varians (Germar, 1834)
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Male
Species number (TNS):
521–523.
Fore wing length:
24–32 mm.
Distribution and seasonality:
Subtropical and adjacent warm
temperate areas from the
Atherton Tableland in north-
eastern Queensland south to
Armidale in northern New South
Wales. Adults occur from
August to March, or
occasionally as late as May in
some seasons.
Notable localities:
Carnarvon National Park,
Atherton, Toowoomba, Greater
Brisbane.
Habitat:
Open forest. Often occurs in
association with Forest Red
Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis).
This species complex
contains:
Southern Tree-ticker (TNS:
521). Occurs from Bunya
Mountains south to Armidale.
Northern Tree-ticker (TNS:
522). Atherton Tableland,
Eungella Plateau and
Blackdown Tableland south to
Nambour, Woodford and
Somerset Dam.
Central Tree-ticker (TNS:523).
From Clermont south to
Carnarvon National Park.
Calling song and behaviour:
Slow, repeated “zeeeeeet”
phrases emitted whilst in flight. .
Males are very active and fly
continuously, but will come to
rest on trees, shrubs and
occasionally on posts and other
man-made structures. Females
usually sit quietly on trees and
shrubs.
Similar species:
Red Tree-ticker; also check
genus Yoyetta.
Habitat
Female
Southern Tree-ticker
Northern Tree-ticker
Male
Female
Currently known extent
dr-pop.net database record:
Southern Tree-ticker
Northern Tree-ticker
Central Tree-ticker
