Breeding patterns in an Australian arid-zone landbird community

In 1990–1994, over nine survey periods, we recorded a total of 684 breeding attempts deriving from 51 species in landbird community arid north-western New South Wales. We investigated whether effort was related to regular seasonal patterns (spring vs winter) or irregular fluctuations rainfall (pre-drought drought isolated thunderstorm above-average post-drought). The and number the study area were not correlated with numbers individuals present at given time. overall influenced primarily by season but modified rainfall. Spring predominated timing magnitude efforts different movement groups (residents, nomads migrants) dietary varied. Within these groups, there inconsistencies between individual species. Residents bred mainly spring only low during drought. Some resident relatively stable food supplies also bred, though lesser extent, winter. did respond breaking prolonged aseasonal breeding. appeared follow more closely. greatest nesting occurred after broke, possibly because peak availability foods suitable for this uncertainty extremes arid-zone environment are now being exacerbated ongoing anthropogenic climate change, which is likely severely impact birds.