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Case Summary for:
Submission No 257: Eurasian Curlew Numenius torquata; Lower Daintree River, North Qld. 23rd October 1998. Verdict: Not Accepted An interesting submission that involves the sighting of a bird considered to be a Eurasian Curlew Numenius torquata close to the mouth of the Lower Daintree River in North Queensland on 23 October 1998. The sighting involves several observations over a 2˝ minute period from a distance of about 60 metres while the bird was in flight over the river and sandbar fringed by mangroves. Two observers were present and both were certain (100%) of the identification. The submission consists of an ‘Unusual Record Report Form’, several pages of text, a sketch and a supportive letter from the second observer. The notes describe the size and shape of the bird as "smaller than the familiar Eastern Curlew with the wings and body appearing more stream-lined". As the bird was in flight throughout the observation, the white on the back, rump & uppertail were very noticeable and the underwing was especially white and conspicuous. The bill is described as being "much less cumbersome and much more in correct proportion to the bird than in the Eastern Curlew". The observers were very confident of these features, which are supported by the accompanying sketch. Following two rounds of voting six of the eight committee members voted in favour of acceptance basing their views primarily on the sketch and the observers experience, principally with the more familiar Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus and Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis. Particularly convincing is the white underwing, back, rump and uppertail. This is perfect for Eurasian Curlew and combined with the estimated size rules out any chance of our more familiar Eastern Curlew. However, eliminating the many races of Whimbrel presents more of a problem and this was of particular concern to the two members voting against acceptance. Although it was stated that Whimbrel is often seen at this location and one was present earlier that day, no direct comparison was available at the time and little material in the submission ruled out the possibility of western palearctic alboaxillaris or nominate phaeopus races of Whimbrel. Although, it was agreed that these races are unlikely to occur in Australia, the two dissenting members felt that it was imperative to have them satisfactorily eliminated. In short the two members voting against determined that a record of this nature (a potential first for Australia) required a little more conclusive evidence, ideally in the form of a photograph prior to acceptance, rather than a brief sighting of a bird seen only in flight. Interestingly, it was pointed out in the submission that there are three other reports of this species from Northern Australia that remain unconfirmed. There can be little doubt that this record is highly suggestive and it is only a matter of time before circumstances allow this species to be officially accepted on the Australian list.
References and Bibliography:
Tony Palliser |