Most mistletoes are pollinated and spread by birds, which in turn depend on the plants' highly nutritious nectar and fruit for food. Many native birds, including honeyeaters, lorikeets, bowerbids, emus and cockatoos, are known to feed on the plants. Possums, koalas, sheep, cattle and many insects also graze on the leaves. The dense leafy clumps also make ideal nesting sites for many birds, as they are protected from bad weather and predators. Many bird species, including the endangered Regent Honeyeater, prefer nesting in mistletoe clumps.
Australian mistletoes are sensitive to fire, so bushfires prevent their spread.
Dr Watson is an ecology researcher with the University's Johnstone Centre and based on the Bathurst Campus. The initial research is part of a long-term project investigating the importance of mistletoes to woodland birds, insects and mammals.