Long-term changes over 40 years in the avifauna of an urban reserve: Birrarung Park, Melbourne, Australia

Context Long-term studies are extraordinarily valuable yet are scarce. They provide important insights into changes in the status of species and communities, and responses to land use and environmental change. Aims (1) To document long-term observations on the birds of Birrarung Park, Melbourne, Australia, from 1985 to 2024; (2) to describe changes in the bird community over 40 years; and (3) to identify factors associated with changes through time. Methods Bird surveys (n = 805) were carried out opportunistically to record species and numbers observed. We collated records for species over time and examined long-term changes in species richness and community composition. Key results In total, 153 species were recorded, many of which (35%) were detected in