Birds of French Island forest, woodland, heath and grassland

French Island, Western Port, Victoria, has a vital role in maintaining the population levels of several bird species in the region. The Island supports areas of native vegetation in good, intact condition. This study of the terrestrial birds (including both native and introduced species) draws on the field records of the late ornithologist Des Quinn and more recent records of many observers. One hundred and thirty-six species are listed, and historical data are provided for many of the rarer species. A few species have become locally extinct, in some cases as part of a more widespread contraction of these species. Some species have declined in numbers, others have been recorded over periods of just a few years, a few species have increased slightly in numbers, and some have appeared recently for the first time.