Avifauna of Deliverance Island (Warul Kawa) and Kerr Islet (Awaiyal Kawa), North-Western Torres Strait

Abstract

Warul Kawa (Deliverance Island), a small, densely forested sand cay, is the most north-westerly island in Torres Strait, far north Queensland. Awaiyal Kawa (Kerr Islet), a smaller cay, is located 9.5 km to the south of Warul Kawa and supports low dune wood/shrubland and patchy grassland. Two bird surveys in December 2011 and November 2012 recorded 55 and 49 species, respectively. To date, a total of 70 species are collectively known from these islands. All 34 species recorded on Awaiyal Kawa are also reported for Warul Kawa. This paper presents a comprehensive species list and discusses unusual bird records. Potential threats to island fauna and management issues are identified.