Fauna
Birds
The Park has a representative and moderately diverse arid zone avifauna that is rich by Central-Western Desert standards; 178 species of bird have been recorded. Surveys have recorded several rare species such as the scarlet-chested parrot, the striated grasswren and the grey honeyeater.
Water dictates the survival of arid region birds. Many are either nomadic or migratory, and after periods of good rain will move into the Park in great numbers, however after long droughts few will survive.
The need to drink usually keeps birds within flying distance of water. Insect eaters, the largest group, and carnivorous species supplement their water intake with moisture from their food. To reduce water loss birds pass crystals in their faeces.
In high temperatures small birds loose water rapidly by evaporation. Most of it is lost by panting, not sweating, as birds have no sweat glands. Those active by day find it difficult to escape the midday heat. Their only relief is available shade.
Anangu identify the birds by their calls and these calls are often the Anangu names. Often Anangu call similar sounding species by the same general name. For example, all hawks are called kirkinpa and all woodswallows tjalpu-tjalpu.
A Park Note and complete bird list is available from the information desk at the Cultural Centre. More information is available in field guides to Australian Birds.
Rocky Habitats
The hawks soar above the rocky habitats or puli of Uluru and Kata Tjuta or live amongst the plants growing at their bases. Australian kestrels hover or perch as they search for prey on the ground. Falcons soar higher. They prey on birds, small mammals, reptiles and insects, killing by severing the neck of their prey with one powerful bite.
Patupiri (fairy martins) build bottle-shaped mud-nests in caves. You are more likely to see them in flight displaying their white rumps.
Little woodswallows glide for insects high on the cliff faces.
Hard Spinifex Habitat
This hard spinifex or tjanpi on the rocky slopes around Kata Tjuta forms a very prickly, fine needled hummock.
Two uncommon species occur. They are the painted fire tail and mirilyirilyi (dusky grasswren).
Dusky grasswrens are one of the larger wrens that bounce over boulders with their tails cocked. When disturbed the dusky grasswren will dash away, running with their tails lowered, and hide.
Woodlands and shrublands
Areas that are accessible occur along park roads and are also called puti. Grevilleas, hakeas and desert oaks offer food and shelter for these species. Patilpa (Port Lincoln ringnecks) are often seen in desert oaks where they feed on seeds from cones.
Pairs and flocks of black faced woodswallows, search on the wing for insects or perch waiting for insects to pass. They also feed on pollen and nectar. They have divided tongues which enable them to reach the centre of flowers.
Mulga
Wanari (mulga) is a common tree in the Park and grows in stands mostly the same age. Although both the mirilyirilyi (splendid and variegated fairy-wrens) are often seen here, the variegated fairy-wren is also found in other habitats. Tjitirara (spiny-cheeked honey eater) can also be found in these areas.
Creek beds and gullies
This Karu habitat is limited in the Park. There are examples at the Valley of the Winds circuit walk and Walpa (Olga) Gorge. Birds occurring there include kiilykiilykari (budgerigar), nyii-nyii (zebra finch) and aralapalala (crested pigeon) which is also seen extensively elsewhere in the park including the Cultural Centre.
Most of the birds are seed eaters and must drink at least once a day. The presence and numbers of these birds depends on seed availability which in turn depends on rainfall. If water is readily available finches drink as often as hourly. This habit was exploited by Anangu and early European explorers who followed the birds to the drinking places.
Open grasslands and dunes
The tali and pila are the most widespread habitats in the Park. They are also the first areas to show the effects of drought, at which time there will be very few birds visible. The dunes are very fragile and must not be disturbed.
You may see the kakalyalya (pink cockatoo) or pirunkura (singing honey eater). The luunpa (red backed kingfisher) is a dry country kingfisher, and searches for grasshoppers and small reptiles. The brilliant red rumps of miititi (crimson chats) are hard to miss. These insect eaters have virtually eliminated the need to drink and are amongst the most nomadic Australian birds which are known to cross deserts.
Victoria wattle country
This spiky aliti (wattle) is found mainly around the bases of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Tjitutinpa (chiming wedgebill) live there. Their songs are a descending chime of four to six notes, repeated over and over and clearly heard throughout the bird's range, however they are very difficult to see.
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