The type of birds has also changed from predominately insectivores to honeyeaters and exotics that are mostly omnivores or nectivores. These changes have been brought about by factors such as:

• habitat fragmentation through removal of tree canopy for urban development and 10/50 tree removal
• decline in trees as they age with lack of replacement, particularly street trees deemed to be dangerous
• weakened tree preservation policies
• lack of political will to support new reserves and provide funding for the conservation of nature
• inappropriate fire regimes with too much fire (hazard reduction) or too little fire (over-mature bushland losing biodiversity)
• weed competition
• pest and disease
• chemicals such as outside insect bombs

Small birds play an important role in controlling insect pests that affect the health of trees. Bushland with a strong tree canopy in turn supports small birds. The continuing decline in bushland from development, exacerbated by climate change, creates a viscous circle of decline.

Ross provided many insights into bird characteristics and behaviour from his wealth of information of birdlife.

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