Current view: Text account
Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
This IBA consists of the mudflats of the north-east of Spencer Gulf, from Ward Spit to Tickera. The IBA starts at the extensive mudflats of Ward Point, opposite Whyalla, extending south to also include the coastal saltmarshes and mangroves from north of Port Pirie to Wood Point, and ending where the mudflats narrow at the south of Tickera Bay. The IBA includes an estimated 190 km2 of intertidal mud and sand. Moderate numbers of shorebirds have been recorded further north to Port Augusta and further south to Port Victoria but the stretch identified as an IBA is generally believed to be the most important length of coast.
Aerial flights in 2000 counted 7206 shorebirds whereas 17,835 were counted in 1983; the authors suggest multiplying by 1.6 to account for under-counting. The 2000 surveys estimated a total of 12,000 shorebirds including 5056 Red Knot, 998 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, 776 Banded Stilt and 69 Pied Oystercatcher. The 1993 counts included 1905 Banded Stilt at Tickera Bay (Wilson 2000). A single record of the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot was made in 1992 (Orange-bellied Parrot Winter Count and Re-sights Database). One high count of 3292 Australian Shoveler at Point Paterson Swamp in 1984 (Kingsford and Porter 2006). Fairy Terns were recorded in four of 309 (1%) Atlas of Australian Birds surveys from 1998 to 2008 (Atlas of Australian Birds database) but have not been recorded breeding. There have been a few records of the restricted-range Chirruping Wedgebill and Rock Parrot (Atlas of Australian Birds database).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
More research is needed on to determine numbers and trends of shorebirds, and any threats.
IBA contains Heritage Agreement # 1096 (758 ha).
Mostly state government.
David Harper, Sarah Pearson and Lynn Pedler assisted with the nomination.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Spencer Gulf (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/spencer-gulf-iba-australia on 27/12/2024.
