NOTORNIS
Journal of the Ornithological Society
of New Zealand
Volume 29
Part 1
March 1982
OFFICERS 1981 - 82
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ISSN 0029- 4470
CONTENTS
.
BECKON. W. N Breeding Record of the Whistling Dove of
Kadavu. Fiji .............................. ............
ONLEY. D
.
.
Spotless Crake on Aorangi. Poor Knights Islands
.
..
WARHAM. J WILSON. G J Size of Sooty Shearwater Population at Snares Islands. New Zealand ..................
CHILD. P. Additions to the Avifauna of Kiribati and Tuvalu
.
NUGENT. G Sexing Black-backed Gulls from External Measurements
..........................................
. .
VEITCH. C R Seabirds found dead in New Zealand in 1980
Classified Summarised Notes
........................
......
Short Notes
BROWN. B Terek Sandpiper feeding like Avocet
......
......
JENKINS. P . Wood Duck in Marlborough
............
......
HAWKINS. J M. Gannets feeding behind trawler
...... ......
CHILD. P . Far inland sighting of Welcome Swallow .....
......
SIBSON. R . B Arctic Tern in Manukau Harbour
......
......
HAWKINS. J M Reef Heron on Nelson Haven
......
......
HOWELL. P. A . G . HARRISON. K C. A Turnstone-Banded
......
Dotterel relationship
.................. ......
ONLEY. D Nomenclature of Spotless Crake ......
......
......
BROWN. B Unusual feeding of Red-billed Gulls
............
BLACKBURN, A 1927 Record of Laughing Owl
............
.
.
.
. .
.
.
.
.
.
Obituary .
BOURNE. W . R P Averil Margaret Lysaght (1905-1981)
. .
R i n t d by TE RAU PRESS LTD., F n l Stmt. Girbonw
......
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{
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NOTORNIS
is the journal of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand (Inc.)
Editor: B. D. Heather,
10 Jocelyn Crescent,
SILVERSTREAM
VOLUME 29
PART 1
MARCH, 1982
A BREEDING RECORD OF THE
WHISTLING DOVE OF KADAVU, FIJI
By WILLIAM
N. BECKON
ABSTRACT
The first known record of the nesting of the Whistling
Dove (Ptilinopus layardi) is presented, along with notes on its
diet and very un-dove-like whistled calls. The fact that only
the female was seen brooding the young may be of some significance to an understanding of the evolution of extreme sexual
dichromatism in the Golden Dove Group to which the Whistling
Dove belongs.
INTRODUCTION
The Whistling Dove*, Ptilinopus layardi, is confined to the island
of Kadavu and the nearby smaller island of Ono, in the south of the
Fiji Group. It is one cf the distinctive " Golden Dove Group" of
three geographically representative fruit doves, all of which are endemic
to Fiji. The other two members of the group are the Golden Dove
(P. luteovirens) and the Orange Dove (P. vicfor). The group was
originally classified in a genus of its own, Chrysoenas Hartlaub (1854),
but in recent years it has generally been considered to be a subgroup
of the genus Ptilinopus (Amadon 1943: 5, 6; Cain 1954: 273, 278;
Goodwin 1970: 332). The Whistling Dove is the most " primitive "
I have chosen to call this species the Whistling Dove because that name
appears to be the most distinctive and most authentic of the English
names which have been applied to this bird (Martin 1940: 5). As far as
I know, the name Velvet Dove originated with Mayr (1945: 1301, who
implied that he had some doubt that the dove gives a whistled call.
Goodwin (1970: 378) followed Wood (1926: 116) i n using the name
Yellow-headed Dove.
2
BECKON
NOTORNIS 29
of the group. While sexual dichromatism is very pronounced in the
other two species, in the Whistling Dove, adult male plumage is more
like that of females and juveniles and that of other doves of the genus
Pfilinopus. See Sibson (1972) for Belcher's painting of both male
and female.
Little has been published about the Whistling Dove since it
was originally described in 1875 by E. L. Layard, the British administrator of the newly ceded colony of Fiji. Layard noted that his
male specimens, collected in August, had "enormously developed "
testes. He concluded that they were breeding at that time.
NESTING
About noon on 28 September, 1977, I was watching a male
Whistling Dove giving his peculiar whistle call in the top of a nearby
tree when I stepped back and inadvertently flushed another Whistling
Dove off a nest just behind me. The nest was about 3 metres above
the ground in forest on a low rounded ridge near the edge of a longabandoned Fijian teitei, or garden, in the interior of the south-western
part of Kadavu, about 3 km south of Richmond Bay (Fig. 1 ) . The
nest was a loose thin platform, about 10 to 12 cm in diameter,
constructed mainly of twig-like pieces of the vine that grew on nearby
tree trunks (Fig. 2). The nest was so sparsely built that one could
see right through it from below. It contained a single nestling and a
fragment of white shell. A larger piece of pure white shell lay on
the ground directly below the nest.
FIGURE 1 .- Location of the Whistling Dove nest in the hterior of the
mountainous island of Kadavu
FIGURE 2 - Whistling Dove nest, photographed from directly below, after death of hatchling.
A 1-foot (30.5 c m ) ruler across the nest provides a scale.
4
BECKON
NOTORNIS 29
Apparently the nestling had just hatched. The membrane inside
the eggshell was still moist, although it had not rained that day. The
hatchling lay prostrate; its down was damp and matted. The next
morning the nestling held its head erect and its light-coloured scanty
down was dry despite the misty rain that was then falling.
The nest was situated where two thin branches came close
together. It was supported mainly by the long petioles of the large
leaves of the tree, which a Fijian schoolboy identified as vecea (Fig. 3 ) .
When I first flushed the bird from the nest, it flew off with a
loud clapping of wings, like the sound of a Feral Rock Pigeon taking
off, but I did not see it well enough to determine its sex. However,
during my subsequent visits to the nest throughout the week, I never
definitely identified a male either on the nest or within 10 metres
of it.
When I returned to the site at 2.45 p.m., a female was sitting
on the nest. She sat quietly for the next 39 minutes while I watched
from about 10 metres away. When I then began approaching the
nest, she sat tight until I was directly under the nest. She then flew
off without such loud clapping of wings as I had heard the first time.
The hatchling gave one soft peep as the female left.
On my next eight visits to the nest site over the following two
FIGURE 3 - Whistling Dove nest seen from below and to one side
of the nest
1982
WHISTLING DOVE OF KADAVU
5
days, I found the female sitting on the nest four times, the nest was
unattended on three occasions, and once, at 6.45 p.m., I was unable
to determine definitely the sex of the brooding bird, since darkness
had fallen.
29 Sept. 2.45 p.m. Nest unattended, dove whistling nearby
4.05 p.m. Female brooding
5.00 p.m. Female brooding
6.45 p.m. Dove brooding, sex undetermined
30 Sept. 9.00 a.m. Nest unattended, dove whistling nearby
10.15 a.m. Female brooding
1.45 p.m. Female brooding
3.00 p.m. Nest unattended, dove whistling nearby
Over this period the female became progressively more wary and
quiet in leaving the nest, until by 1 October she was apparently
slipping off the nest while I approached, without my seeing her.
leaving only the swaying nest as evidence that she had just been
there. Thereafter I did not again see a brooding bird on the nest,
although I continued to pass near the nest several times each day.
O n 3 October I found the nestling cn the ground beneath the nest, still
alive. After unsuccessfully attempting to feed it slightly diluted
sweetened condensed milk, I returned it to the nest. The next day
I found it still alive in the nest. On 5 October the nestling was dead
in the nest. The small piece of eggshell still remained in the nest
where I had first seen it. When I matched this to the other larger
piece, a nearly complete eggshell was formed measuring 23.5 mm
by 33 mm.
CAL,LS
Throughout this period, whether or not the female bird was
sitting on the nest, I generally heard the male call in the canopy about
10 to 20 metres away. The call was a loud clear rising whistle
immediately followed by a softer sound which I can only (inadequately)
describe 2:s a falling tinkle (Fig. 4 ) . The whistle was easy to imitate
closely, but the tinkle was not humanly reproduceable. The call could
be heard at almost any time of the day, from all over the forest. It is
probably the same call described by Wood (126: 116) as a " double
whistle, the second sound being much less distinct or loud." More
recent authors have described the call simply as a double whistle"
(Blackburn 1971: 157; Sibson l972), a description which poorly fits
the calls I heard.
The male sometimes gave another distinctive call. It sounded
somewhat similar to a small, high-speed electric motor starting up,
immediately followed by a very high squeaky whistle, falling in pitch,
reminiscent of the calls of the Polynesian Starling (Aplonis tabuensis).
"
DIET
Layard (1875: 151) reported that the Whistling Dove "fed on
the berries of a species of banian." Wood (1926: 116) described its
6
BECKON
NOTORNIS 29
food as berries, or small pea-like fruit." Finsch (1877: 736) found
a " fruit about the size of a cherry, with a large hard stone " in the
stomach of one specimen.
I saw Whistling Doves in the top of a tree (identified by Fijian
boys as fugiri) feeding on the fruit, which grew in clusters. The fruit
were 2.5 to 3 cm in diameter. Each one apparently opened in situ,
exposing three carpels, each filled by two large brown seeds with a
small amount of attached reddish-orange pulp. The Whistling Dove
did not swallow the whole fruit, but plucked out and swallowed the
contents of each carpel. Peale's Pigeons (Ducula latrans) fed on the
fruit in the same manner.
"
DISCUSSION
The fact that I saw only the female at the nest may be only a
coincidence, but on the other hand it may possibly be part of the
answer to a baffling puzzle regarding the evolution of the Golden Dove
Group. This group includes the most extreme cases in the Columbiformes of sexual dichromatism, with the development of brilliant plumage in the male. Yet, as far as 1 have been able to determine, these
doves do not very well fit any proposed explanation of the evolution
of such dichromatism unless they are quite exceptional among the
Columbiformes in breeding behaviour, the males having little o r no role
at the nest (Beckon: in manuscript). If further observations prove
that males do participate in incubating eggs and feeding young, like
other better-known pigeons and doves, then the puzzle remains unsolved.
FIGURE 4 - Approximate diagrammatic sonogram of the most common
call of male Whistling Doves in south-western Kadavu in SeptemberOctober
1982
WHISTLING DOVE OF KADAVU
7
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks are due to my wife, Ruth Beckon, for her help
in the field and for editing this paper. I am indebted to the teachers
of Richmond High School, Kadavu, for their hospitality; and especially
to Paul Howland and to Glenda, Ellen and Jenny for their generous
logistic support. Thanks are also due to Sivisivi of Nasegai Village,
Kadavu, who helped me find the Whistling Dove nest and who provided
Fijian names for the plants I have mentioned.
LITERATURE CITED
AMADON, D. 1943. Birds collected during the Whitney South Sea Expedition. 52: Notes
on some non-passer~negenera 3. Am. Mus. Nov. 1237: 1-22.
BECKON, W. N. I n manuscript. p prediction of polygyny or promiscuity i n the Golden Dove
Group of Fiji.
BELCHER, W. J. 1929. Fragmentary notes on bird life i n the Fijis. Condor 31: 19-20.
BLACKBURN, A. 1971. Some notes on Fijian birds. Notornis 18 (3): 147-174.
CAIN, A. J. 1954. Subdivisions of the genus Ftilinopus (Aves, Columbae). Bull. Br. Mus.
(Nat. Hist.) Zoology 2 (8): 267-284.
FINSCH, 0. 1877. Reports on the collection of birds made during the voyage of the H.M.S.
On the birds of Tongatabu, the F i j i Islands, Api (New
Challenger," no. IV.
Hebrides), and Tahiti. Proc. ZcoI. Soc. London. 1877: 726-742.
GOODWIN D. 1970. Pigeons and doves of the world. London: British Museum [Nat. Hist.).
LAYARD, E. L. 1875. Descriptions of some supposed new species of birds from the F i j i Islands.
Proc. Zcol. Soc. London 1875: 149-151.
MARTIN, A. H. 1940. The b ~ r d sof F i j i . Trans. F i j i Soc. Sci. Ind. 1: 4-7.
MAYR E. 1945. Birds of the southwest Pacific. New York: Macmillan.
SIBSON, R. B. 1972. Birds of Fiji in colour. Paintings by W. J. Belcher. Auckland: Collins.
WOOD, C. 1926. Field observations. In WOOD, C.; WETMORE, A. A collection of birds
from the F i j i Islands, Pt. 3. Ibis (12th ser.) 1: 91-136.
WILLIAM N. BECKON, 44503 21st Street West, Lancaster, California
93534, USA
SHORT NOTE
TEREK SANDPIPER FEEDING LIKE AN AVOCET
At Karaka shellbanks, Manukau Harbour. on 22 April 1978,
J. A. Brown and I sat quietly on the outer bank watching waders.
Before us was an area of firm wet mud with many little pools and
patches of shells where birds were feeding on a falling tide. Among
them was a Terek Sandpiper (Tringa cimrea) working busily towards
us. We were able to watch it for about 30 minutes at distances as
short as 20-30 m. These are wary birds in New Zealand, and so we
were fortunate to have such an opportunity. The weather was fine and
calm with clear visibility and 1 was able to note the following feeding
methods:
Stood still, then ran to pick flies from surface of water with
sometimes an extra run as prey escaped.
Picked randomly from surface of mud.
Jumped to take flying insects.
Probed in water about 3 cm deep for ? crabs, which were
shaken and turned before being eaten. Bird was distant at
this time.
8
SHORT NOTE
NOTORNIS 29
5 . Used bill in continuous side-to-side sweeps in a small shelly
pool. No indication as to what prey was taken. Water half-way
up bird's legs.
Since 1978 I have looked in vain for a repetition of the last
method until at Access Bay, Firth of Thames, on 17 November 1981
a Terek Sandpiper, which had been picking at random over thick
wet mud and runnels, carried out side-to-side sweeping in muddy water
for 20 to 30 seconds. It then resumed picking as before. At the time
I was watching through a x30 telescope with the bird about 50 m
distant. The side-to-side passes of the bill presented a continuous
almost stirring motion, the right and left movements being rhythmic
and deliberate. The bird then dropped into a deep runnel and was
gone from my view.
Bill sweeping seems to be used infrequently. Whenever possible
I have watched this species, which visits New Zealand in very small
numbers annually, since 1964. The bill seems to be admirably adapted
for such use. This feeding method is similar to that of the Australian
Avocet (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae) , which I have watched at
sewage treatment ponds in Australia at Alice Springs in April 1979
and at Werribee, Victoria, in October 1980.
I have found no record in the literature of T. cinerea feeding
by side-to-side bill sweeping. Ali & Ripley (1969, Handbook o f the
birds of India and Pakistan, vol. 2 ) say " When feeding probes with its
bill deep into the squelchy ooze almost to the eyes so that the base of
the lower mandible and chin usually become bare of feathers due to
the constant attrition. Often a morsel is shaken in water and carefully
washed before being swallowed . . . . Whether the peculiar upturned
shape of the bill has any special adaptive significance remains to be
studied." O n the Avocet ( A . avocetfa), they describe feeding thus:
" The birds run about and feed on squelchy mudflats or by wading
in shallow water. The curious upturned bill is directed obliquely
against the ground - like a hockey stick held in play - the curved
part skimming the surface. It is then moved back and forth in a
rotatory skimming motion churning up the bottom mud along with
minute organisms which are collected in the mandibles."
The bill of a Terek Sandpiper seems less abruptly upcurved
than that of an Avocet and may not be as effective in food gathering
in the side sweeping method. This may explain the Terek Sandpiper's
infrequent use of a method of feeding for which it appears well suited.
BETH BROWN, 39 Red Hill Road, Papakura
THE SPOTLESS CRAKE (Porzana tabuensis)
O N AORANGI, POOR KNIGHTS ISLANDS
By DEREK ONLEY
ABSTRACT
Fewer than 50 adult Spotless Crakes plus 24 chicks and
four juveniles were found on Aorangi in February and March
1980. They were confined to the valley and preferred a low
mixed forest which is being replaced by a less favoured habitat.
Habitat preference is discussed and related to changes in numbers
in the past. Clutch size is lower than on the mainland and
chick production probably lower. The breeding cycle is long.
Some observations on the adult-chick relationship are presented.
INTRODUCTION
I was on Aorangi, Poor Knights Islands, from 19 February to
9 March 1980. The Poor Knights are a group of about 23 islands
and stacks lying in subtropical water 20 km off the east coast of
Northland, near the edge of the continental shelf. The rock is rhyolitic
breccia of Miocene age. The region has a high annual mean temperature
of over 13 "C, with a summer mean cf 20 "C, varying by only a few
degrees. Rainfall is probably similar to that of the Mokohinau Islands
which have a mean rainfall of 1000 mm (Whitaker 1968).
The two main islands, Aorangi and Tawhiti Rahi, were intensively
cultivated by Maoris until 1823, when intertribal war resulted in
depopulation. The only introduced mammals were pigs, present on
Aorangi until their extermination in 1936.
Aorangi consists cf a broad north-south running valley in the
northern part, bounded by steep cliffs to the west and a sharp peak
to the east. The southern part of the island rises to the highest point,
Oneho Hill, in broad complex ridges. Figure 1 shows the main peaks
and ridges.
Most of Aorangi is now covered in forest and the approximate
distribution of the main types is shown in Figure I . The following
description of the main forest types is* based on work done by G. N.
Park and is supplemented by my own notes.
Mixed low forest
A low, 3-4 m high canopy is dominated by tawapou, Coprosma
macrccurpu and Myrsine divaricuta, forming together 60-80% of the
canopy cover. Curmiclmelia forms up to 10% of the canopy with
mahoe occasionally as important. Kohekohe forms 15-20% of the
canopy in places. Macropiper excelsum is an important understorey
10
ONLEY
NOTORNIS 29
element. The slopes are gentle and the ground is sparsely vegetated
and has thick litter and occasional boulders. The canopy is often
broken and the probability of whau gap development is high. A whau
gap forms when a windfall opens the canopy; whau grows rapidly
to fill the gap temporarily. These open places have a thick ground
cover of bush grasses and frequent whau to 3 metres and kohekohe,
flax, Carmichaelia, Macropiper excelsum and Myrsine divaricata
occurring in varying amounts to 1 metre high.
Karo-dominated mixed low forest
The canopy is low, 4-5 m, with karo forming about 50% and
tawapou, C~prosmamacrocarpa and mahoe forming another 20% of
the canopy cover. Overall the ground surface is steep but flat terraced
areas are frequent at the old pa site near Urupa Point. Litter accumulation is thick on flat terraces only, with scree on steeper slopes.
Macropiper excelsum is frequent in the understorey and some supplejack thickets occur.
Tall tawapou-kohekohe forest
Tawapou forms 20-60°6 of the canopy and kohekohe 15-30%.
Large pohutukawa trees form up to 20% of the canopy in some places,
especially just west of Tatua Peak. Canopy height is 6-14 m. Kohekohe. tawapou, karaka, Coprosma macrocarpa, Myrsine divaricata,
mahoe and pigeonwood are the main subcanopy species. Lower levels
are generally open, although Macropiper excelsum and supplejack form
thickets. The ground is open, the litter cover is thick, and slopes
are moderate or gentle. The probability of whau gap development is
medium. The ground in these gaps is strewn with dead wood, covered
with bush grass, a Polygonum species, thistles and nightshade. Whau
up to 7 metres high is przsent with, frequently, a thick growth of
Myrsine divaricata, Coprosma macrocarpa and mahoe up to 1.5 metres.
There is often a fringe of thick Macropiper excelsum and supplejack.
Pohutukawa (Broadleaf) forest
The canopy is almost exclusively pohutukawa (over 90%) at
heights up to 12 m. Mahoe and Coprosma macrocarpa are important
elements in the subcanopy (up to 20% each), while the understorey
and ground layers are rather sparse. Slopes are steep. Litter accumulation varies considerably. The probability of whau gap development
is very low.
Kanuka-pohutukawa forest
Kanuka forms over 50% of the canopy and pohutukawa about
40%. Canopy height decreases towards the summit of Oneho Hill.
Pohutukawa is important ir. the subcanopy (c. 15%) along with
Myrsine divaricata and Coprasmu macrocarpa (c. 20% each) away
from the summit. The shrub layer is 0.5-1.5 metres high and thick.
The ground, in contrast to other forest types, is thickly covered with
1982
SPOTLESS CRAKE
11
nArid
-
0
100
ZOO 300
Karo dominated
mixed low fomst
Mixed tow
Fbhutuknwa fomt
-- - -
Main ridges
o
Chick
A
Ldependent juvenile
FIGURE 1 - Distribution and territories of the Spotless Crake on Aorangi,
Poor Knights, February-March 1980.
12
NOTORNIS 29
ONLEY
Blechnum capense, dead kanuka, Metrosideros perforata and mosses
near the summit and on southern slopes. Litter accumulation is
noticeably less than in other forest types. The probability of whau gap
development is medium to high only on the lower slopes where the
kanuka is large and old.
CENSUS METHODS
I covered the island several times during our visit and plotted,
as accurately as possible in the thick bush, the position of all crakes
that were seen or heard. I could soon recognise family groups by the
size and number of young and other birds by leg colour (which varied
from dull brownish orange to bright orange-red) and behaviour. Adults,
chicks and immatures could be distinguished in the field. The
positions of the birds are shown in Figure 1.
Approximate territory boundaries are shown in Figure 1. The
solid lines show well-defined territories where the birds could be
individually recognised, occurred regularly, and showed territorial defence where territories adjoined. Dotted lines show territory boundaries
that were not completely mapped because the birds were difficult to
recognise as individuals or were only infrequently seen.
RESULTS
I recorded a total of 44 adults, 4 independent juveniles and 24
dependent young. Figure 1 shows 22 definite and 5 possible territories.
Territories were occupied by several combinations of birds
(Table 1).
TABLE 1 - Composition of Spotless Crake groups occupying territories
on Aorangi (excluding territories that were possible only)
Number of
territories
2 adults with young
1 adult with young
3 adults with young
2 adults
1 adult
6
1
II sI
1
I cannot claim a complete precise census, mainly because of
the difficulty of finding my position in the thick bush and the lack
of a good large-scale map, but I would be surprised if there were
more than 50 or less than 40 adult birds on the island. Young were
more easily counted as they usually all appeared after 5 or 10 minutes'
quiet waiting and the behaviour of adults with young was distinctive.
Independent juveniles did not call and often remained well hidden
until the last moment (before the boot descended), and so the number
of juveniles may well be an underestimate.
13
SPOTLESS CRAKE
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT PREFERENCES
During our visit Spotless Crakes were found in Puweto Valley,
apart from three territories near Urupa Point and a single record of a
bird seen west of Oneho Hill (Fig. 1 ) .
Within the valley crakes were most numerous in mixed low
forest and less so in tawapou-kohekohe forest. Those at Urupa Point
occurred in karo-dominant mixed low forest, but none occurred in
a similar forest west of the valley cliffs. Apart from one record, no
crakes were seen in pohutukawa (broadleaf) forest or kanukapohutukawa forest. Table 2 shows the numbers of adults and definite
territories recorded in each vegetation type.
Territories were closer together in mixed low forest than in
tawapou-kohekohe forest and closely pac,ked in the small part of the
karo forest occupied. Territorial disputes were observed in 15 of
17 territories in mixed low forest, in all three in karo-dominated forest,
and in none of the six in tawapou-kohekohe forest.
TABLE 2 - Number of adults and definite territories in each vegetation
type on Aorangi
No.
adults
$ total
Mixed low f o r e s t
28
64
Tawapou-kohekohe f o r e s t
10
23
Karo, mixed low f o r e s t
5
11
Pohu tukawa ( b r o a d l e a f ) f o r e s t
1
2
Kanuka-pohutukawa
0
0
forest
Totals
adults
44
DISCUSSION
Habitat preferences
Buddle (1941 and 1951) observed that Spotless Crakes ate
worms, spiders, beetles and insect larvae " from the litter on the
forest floor. All my feeding observations were of birds turning over
litter in search of such prey. The preference for the valley floor
forests may be due to the quality and quantity of litter under these
forests and the food therein. Litter derived from a canopy of 90%
pohutukawa and 50% kanuka-pohutukawa will certainly be different
from that of the valley forests and may have a different or scarcer
invertebrate fauna. The kanuka-pohutukawa forest of the Oneho Hill
area has a thick ground cover of Blechnum capense, poor litter
"
14
ONLEY
NOTORNIS 29
accumulation and extensive areas of mosses, all of which suggest that
ground litter foraging would be less successful than in the valley floor.
Within the valley crakes favoured flatter areas, especially those
near the stream, along Maori terrace edges and on the wide shoulders
of small ridges. Those territories in karo-dominated forest near Urupa
Point, although on an overall steep slope, included areas of flatter
Maori terracing. Litter accumulation is generally higher on flatter
sites and the mobility of litter on steep slopes prevents the build-up
of high invertebrate numbers.
A11 but four of the territories included some thick low cover,
even if only a few metres square, consisting of bush grasses, a Polygonum
species and introduced plants over dead fallen trees. This low cover
was invariably associated with whau gaps. Crakes were most numerous
in areas where whau gap development was most extensive (mixed
low forest), less numerous where whau gap development was medium
(tawapou-kohekohe forest) and absent where gap development was
low (pohutukawa forest). The only place where whau gap development was medium to high and crakes were absent was tall kanukapohutukawa forest on the lower slopes of Oneho Hill.
Buddle (1941 and 1951) mentioned the association of nesting
crakes with bush grass. During my visit adults with small young
were found near or in thick ground cover. So although they forage
in the open, some thick cover in the territory is usually required for
nesting. Possible predators of eggs and young on Aorangi are tuataras,
harriers and kingfishers. ( I have seen both harriers and kingfishers
taking small Pukeko chicks on the mainland.) Roy Bell (unpubl. ms.
Diary 1908-1911) noted that Spotless Crakes on Raoul Island preferred
to nest in swampy areas, emerging to drier open habitats after the
young had hatched. He suggested this may be a response to predation
by rats. O n mainland New Zealand, where there are yet more
predators, crakes are always associated with thick marshy cover. With
increasing predator pressure there seems to be an increasing trend for
crakes to live in areas of thick cover.
Changes in cruke numbers on Aorangi
The first mention of Spotless Crakes on Aorangi was by Hamilton
(1925), who in 1924 saw one bird, which suggests that numbers were
low. Not until December 1938 was any estimate of numbers attempted,
when Fleming (1941) estimated 12 pairs on Aorangi. He and his
party, which included Buddle, camped on the southern part of the
island and visited Puweto Valley and the northern coast only once,
and so actual numbers could well have been higher (Fleming, pers.
comm.). Two years later, in November 1940, Buddle (1941) found
crakes well distributed over the greater part of the island (he mentions
nests in sedges at high altitude) with the highest concentrations being
near the saddle and throughout the valley. He estimated 100 pairs
and said that the evident increase in the numbers of the Crake was
"
1982
SPOTLESS CRAKE
15
hardly believable." Although it is apparent that crakes were increasing
rapidly at this time and had an extensive range on the island, the
evidence for an increase from 12 to 100 pairs cannot be taken literally.
Although Chambers (1955) mentioned six pairs and Kinsky & Sibson
(1959) " quickly located " six pairs in January 1956, both these visits
were short and not designed to count crakes, and so actual numbers
were certainly higher. Bartle (pers. comm.) estimated that numbers
were constant between December 1963 and January 1978 at about
16 pairs. My estimate of 22 territories would seem to be in line
with Bartle's estimates for the 1960s and 1970s, suggesting that little
change has taken place in recent years.
Briefly; numbers appeared to be low in the 1920s, with a rapid
increase in the late 1930s to very high numbers in 1940. By the
mid-1950s, numbers had probably fallen to a level that remained
throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Rapid and extensive habitat changes have taken place on Aorangi
since Maori occupation ceased. In 1823 most of the island was clear
and all forest trees are post-Maori except for scattered large pohutukawas and a group of puriris and associated trees under the valley
cliffs (G. N. Park, pers. comm.). When the Maoris left, pigs remained,
ranging freely over the island and restricting regeneration, although
low mixed forest, pohutukawa forest and kanuka forest probably grew
slowly. Hamilton visited the island during this stage, noting only
one crake. Pigs not only restricted regeneration of low mixed forest
but prevented, by constantly digging and turning over the ground, the
accumulation of litter and build-up of invertebrates, destroyed low
nesting cover and probably directly interfered with nesting crakes.
After the pigs were removed in 1936, a low mixed forest developed
throughout the valley, favouring the rapid increase in crake numbers
suggested by Buddle 4 years after the extermination. Buddle's reason
for the large increase in crake numbers was that the birds favoured
the extensive bush grass that grew after the pigs were exterminated.
The ill effects of pigs on the crakes had been more on their favoured
habitat and litter feeding than on their nesting habitat.
The low mixed forest is gradually being replaced by tawapoukohekohe forest, and the decline in crake numbers by the 1950s might
be attributed to the reduction in their favoured habitat. This replacement is expected to continue and crake numbers can be expected to
decline in the future. A further increase in Buller's Shearwaters, which
have doubled since 1964 (Bartle, pers. comm.), may also affect the
crakes as their digging disperses much of the leaf litter.
BREEDING
This section brings together notes from my visit to Aorangi on
breeding and behaviour of crakes and such scattered references as I
could find in the National Museum, Wellington.
16
ONLEY
NOTORNIS 29
Territory
During our visit the breeding season was well advanced, with
newly hatched to independent young present.
Birds with and without young were strongly territorial. Boundary
disputes consisted of one bird calling a short sharp trill preceded by
a low quiet ooh ooh ooh. The non-calling bird left, often rapidly, and
there was no pursuit. Occasionally the ooh ooh noise was enough to
deter another bird, and several times a crake that had moved into a
territory occupied by a bird with young would rapidly depart when
the territory holder approached without any aggressive behaviour. It
seems likely that boundaries between territories were well known
and well defined because boundary disputes of any intensity were
unusual during our visit, bzing most frequent in the densely populated
areas near the stream. Territorial calls are apparently more common
earlier in the season, and chasing is frequent (Bartle, pers. comm.).
Territory size could be estimated only in the area near the
stream, where boundaries between pairs abutted and the smallest
territory was 45 x 50 metres, but birds ranged more widely in the
tawapou-kohekohe forest. Birds with small young were closely associated with small areas of low, thick cover, often not moving more than
10 metres. Bryant & Amos (1949) estimated that territory size near
Melbourne, Australia, was as small as 50 sq. ft. (c. 5 m2). Hadden
(1970) at Waingaro, New Zealand, estimated the cover in the nesting
territory to be no more than 12 yards square (c. 120 m2), although
some open land might also be used. These areas of cover are comparable
to areas of thick ground cover within the territories on Aorangi.
TABLE 3 - Frequency of different clutch sizes in New Zealand and
Australia
Reference
1982
SPOTLESS CRAKE
17
Breeding season
On Aorangi, Buddle (1941) suggested that egg laying began
in October and continued at least until early December. In February
1980 1 found newly hatched chicks in four crake territories, and so
laying continues until late January.
On mainland New Zealand, Hadden (1970) found that egg
laying started at the end of August and continued until mid-November,
whereas Fraser (1972) found nests with eggs in mid-January and
suggested that laying took place from August to January.
Roy Bell on Raoul Island (1908-1911) said that nests were
built from the first week in September but that laying did not start
until mid-October and continued until 10 December. Most birds
laid between 10 and 20 November. He suggested that later nesting
took place in high water years.
In Australia, dates from Bryant & Amos (1949) and Fletcher
(1914) suggest that the breeding season is similar, ranging from late
September to late January. Fletcher also suggested that laying may
continue into February. depending on seasonal rains.
Clutch size
The commonest clutch size is three, with two frequent on Aorangi
and the Kermadec Islands, and four frequent in Australia (Table 3 ) .
Although the sample is small there is a suggestion that clutches are
larger on mainland New Zealand than on the islands and larger in
Australia than in New Zealand. Australian handbooks also support
the idea of a larger clutch size for Australia and Tasmania than for
New Zealand - 4-6 (Macdonald 1973), 4-7 (Frith 1969), 4-6 (Readers
Digest 1976). Smaller clutches on islands have been demonstrated
for many species (Bull & Whitaker 1975).
Buddle also suggested a reduction in clutch size from three to
two later in the season on Aorangi.
Incubation
Two birds. presumably both parents, incubate (Hadden, in
OSNZ nest records). From the date of the last egg to hatching
inclusive is 21 days (Hadden, in OSNZ nest reccrds) . Fraser (1972)
gave c. 19 days for incubation (not defined) and Fletcher (1914)
gave 18 days.
Young
The young stay in the nest for up to 2 days (Hadden, in OSNZ
nest records, Buddle, 1941). Roy Bell said that on Raoul Island the
young
- leave the nest on hatching for other nests on dry land.
Information on the rate of growth of young after leaving the
nest is sparse. Roy Bell says that the young grow very slowly; those
hatching at the end of December were only half-grown by April.
18
ONLEY
NOTORNIS 29
During my 18 days on Aorangi, it was difficult to see any growth
changes in the chicks. Ruddle estimated the earliest nesting on Aorangi
would be in October, and newly independent young were present
during our visit in February. Obviously, the adults attend the chicks
for a long period, probably 4-5 months. Newly hatched chicks on
Aorangi during our visit at the end of February would therefore not
reach independence until June or 1uly.
Spotless Crakes take a long time to raise young. Nest building,
preceded by an unknown time when territories are established, starts
several weeks before laying. Incubation takes 3 weeks and the young
may be accompanied for 4-5 months before becoming independent a total of 5-6 months. Egg laying from August to late January suggests
that some part of the population is involved in raising chicks for
most of the year.
The immature plumage was overall browner than that of the
adult, lacking the blue sheen on the head and breast of the adult and
the golden brown on the back of the adult. The chin was white with
whitish striations on the breast, and legs were a light pinkish brown
but rather variable, occasionally still dark as in the downy chicks.
Immatures were noticeably smaller. An immature female in the National
Museum weighed 28 g in contrast to adult female weights of 43.0 g
and 43.2 g.
Breeding success
Apart from newly hatched chicks, the young seen during our
visit to Aorangi were impossible to age, but they were divided into
four categories on the following basis:
1 . Small - weak twittering call, not very mobile, staying close
to the adult, occasionally being brooded.
2. Medium - single thin r i s i ~ gcall, constantly repeated. Downy.
Mobile, following adult often at a distance of 20-30 metres.
3. Old - fully feathered but still accompanying adult. No call.
4. Independent - immature plumage, not associated with an
adult.
Table 4 shows the numbers of young seen on Aorangi in
February and March 1980. The large number of " medium " young
seen is to be expected as this category probably includes chicks of
the greatest age range.
A very rough measure of breeding success can be derived from
these figures. It is unlikely that all the young seen would reach
independence, and two " medium" young from a group of three were
lost and two newly hatched young disappeared during our visit. Also
the small number of " old " young seen were singles. If 20 of the
young reached independence and if all 44 adults counted had bred,
less than one half a young per adult would reach independence in a year.
1982
SPOTLESS CRAKE
19
TABLE 4 - Frequency of different-sized groups of young seen on Aorangi,
February-March 1 9 8 0
Bartle's records for the 1960s and this study suggest that the
population of crakes is stable at about 40 individuals. A production
of 20 young a year suggests that mortality or movement accounts for
about one-third of the over-winter population of adults and juveniles
if numbers are to remain stable.
Attendance of the young by the adults
During our visit to Aorangi the number of adults attending
young varied according to the age of the juvenile birds. Small newly
hatched young were always accompanied by two adults. During the
medium " stage one adult stops accompanying the young, and so
by the time the young are fully feathered, only one adult is in attendance.
There was one record of three adults accompanying young. The
assistance of I-year-old birds in feeding downy young has been noted
for the Tasmanian Native Hrn (Ridpath 1968).
The behaviour of young and adults throws some light on this
seeming lack of parental attention. Small young were not very mobile
and stayed close to one parent and were occasionally brooded. The
other adult sounded the alarm, at which the young stopped calling,
and investigated intruders. As the young became older they foraged
widely in the open forest floor, called constantly, and often moved
"
20
ONLEY
NOTORNIS 29
20-30 metres away from the adult. The adults did not call to the
young and did not respond to intense calling by the young by returning
to them. It seemed, in fact, as though the young followed the adult
round the territory. At an alarm call from the adult the young would
run rapidly for several metres, sometimes managing to hide and at
other times quickly giving up the attempt. Often they continued to
call loudly while the adult was calling the alarm. Fully feathered
young accompanied the adult at distances of up to 40 metres and were
silent. They seldom heeded the adults' alarm calls and continued
feeding unconcerned. So, after the initial stage, when there is some
division in the adults' roles attending the young, the adults' role is
minimal and there seems little need for two adults to look after the
young.
In two cases the adult not accompanying the young was still
in the breeding territory, and one of them was actively defending the
territory against a neighbouring crake. In six other cases of a single
adult attending young no other adult could be found in the territory.
One territory was definitely occupied by a single adult and three
other less well defined territories had a single adult only. Whether
these birds were the missing parents is not known.
CONCLUSION
Although Spotless Crakes are being found in many places on
mainland New Zealand with the help of taped calls, the reduction in
their marshland habitat is a cause for concern. Aspects of this study
illustrate the danger in New Zealand of assuming that our island
sanctuaries and reserves are a substitute for adequate mainland reserves.
Island systems, especially those of smaller islands, are very specialised,
and processes on islands may be very different. This study suggests
that for Spotless Crakes, and possibly other species, islands such as
Aorangi are not ideal refuges because
1. The population is small - between 40 and 50 individuals.
2. The crake reproductive rate may be slow - clutches are
smaller than cn the mainland and less than one chick per
pair is raised to independence for each breeding attempt.
3 . Their favoured habitat is gradually changing as the forest
matures.
A small population and a low reproductive rate mean that the
birds are susceptible to catastrophes such as bad weather or habitat
destruction and cannot easily recover their numbers. With the changing
habitat, the occupation of Aorangi by Spotless Crakes may well be
temporary.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks to Sandy Bartle for organising the trip to Aorangi and
to those who also shared the motor camp, cave, tent and island; Shane
Cotter, Paul Sagar and Toy Sagar. The Department of Lands and
1982
SPOTLESS CRAKE
21
Survey gave me financial support. Paul Sagar and Sandy Bartle read
previous manuscripts.
LITERATURE
CITED
BELL,
R. Unpubl. MS Diary 1908-1911. Alexander Turnbull Library. Extracted i n Files of
W. R. 6 . Oliver. National Museum of New Zealand.
BRYANT, C. E.; AMOS, B. 1949. Notes on the crakes of the genus Porzana around Melbourne.
Victoria. Emu 48: 249-275.
BUDDLE G. A. 1941. The birds of the Poor K ~ i g h t s . Emu 41: 56-68.
BUDDLE: G. A. 1951. B i r d secrets of New Zealind. A. H. & A. W. Reed.
BULL, P. C.; WHITAKER, A. H. 1975. The Amphibians
reptiles birds and mammals.
pp. 231-276 i n Kuschel, G. (ed) Biogeography a n d ' ~ o l o g y 'in New Zealand.
The
Hague: W. Junk.
CHAMBERS, B. S. 1955. Birds of the Poor Knights Islands. Tane 17: 66-67.
READERS DIGEST BOOK OF AUSTRALIAN BIROS. 1976. Sydney: Readers Digest Services.
FLEMING, C. A. 1941. Annual rsport of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand. NO. 1 .
FLETCHER, J. A. 1914. Field notes on the Spotless Crake (Porzana immaculata). Emu 13:
197.22
FRASER E. 1972. Some notes on Spotless Crake. Notornis 19: 87-88.
FRITH, 'H. J. (Ed.) 1969. Birds i n the Auqtralian high country. Sydney: A. H. & A. W. Reed.
HADDEN, D. 1970. Notes on the Spotless Crake i n the Waingaro District. Notornis 17: 200-213.
HAMILTON, H. 1925. Birds of the Poor Knights and Hen Islands. NZ J. Sci. Tech. 8: 15-18.
KINSKY, F. C.; SIBSON, R. 6 . 1959. Notes on the birds of the Poor Knights Islands.
Notornis 13: 132-133.
MacDONALD, J. D. 1973. Birds of Australia. Sydney: A. H: & A. W. R*.
RIDPATH, M. G. 1964. The Tasmanian Native Hen. AustralIan Natural H ~ s t o r y 14: 346-350.
WHITAKER, A. H
The lizards of the Poor Knights Islands. NZ J. Sci. 11: 623-651.
GLOSSARY OF ANIMAL AND PLANT NAMES
Tuatara
Buller's Shearwater
Harrier
Pukeko
Tasmanian Native Hen
Kingfisher
Flax
Supplejack
Pigeonwood
Kawakawa
Mahoe
Karo
Kanuka
Pohutukawa
Whau
Karaka
Kohekohe
Tawapou
Puriri
Bush grass - 2 species
Sphenodon punctatus
Puffinus bulleri
Circus approximans
Porphyrio porphyrio
Gallinula mortierii
Halcyon sancta
Blechnum capense
Phormium tenax
Rhipogonum scandens
Hedycarya arborea
Macropiper excelsum
Melicytus ramiflorus
Pittosporum crassifoliurn
Leptospermum ericoides
Metrosideros excelsa
Metrosideros perforata
Elttelea srborescens
Corynocarpus laevigatus
Dysoxylum spectabile
Planchonella novo-zeurlandica
Myrsine divaricata
Coprosma macrocarpa
Vitex lucens
Oplisuenus undulatifolius
Microlsena stipoida
D. J . O N L E Y , Madman's Farm, Little Totara River, Private Bag.
Westport
SHORT NOTE
SHORT NOTES
WOOD DUCK IN MARLBOROUGH
During the second weekend of the duck-shooting season in
April 1980, Wayne Johnston of Blenheim was shooting with his father,
Max, at the edge of the Wairau River near the mouth of the Waikakaho.
There, some Catchment Board stop banks between the Tua Marina
Track and the main river form ponds surrounded by willows. Decoys
had been set out on the pond about 9 to 10 a.m. on this sunny morning,
when a duck came in against the light towards Wayne. Max was
better sighted across the prevailing light and was impressed by the
speed of the wing beat, but Wayne's quick shot was fatal. The duck
was so unusual that they handed it to the local Acclimatisation Society
Ranger. Since then the Ranger has heard reports of a strange lightcoloured duck seen in the Spring Creek area before the shooting season.
The two areas are only about 4 miles apart. The duck has been
identified by Brian Bell as a male Australian Wood Duck or Maned
Goose (Chenont-tta jubata), a small goose-like duck. The Annotated
Checklist mentions only two records of stragglers from Glendhu,
Wanaka (1910) and Orawia, Southland (1944), while the New guide
to the birds of New Zealand gives a further two records, both in 1944,
from Linwood and Wairaki in Southland.
PAULINE JENKINS, 234 Howick Road, Blenheim
GANNETS FEEDING BEHIND TRAWLER
During the 1981 w i ~ t e r ,while we were trawling in Tasman
Bay, there were up to 100 Australasian Gannets (Sula bassana serrafor)
within sight of the boat at any one time. As usual they were taking
no notice of the boat but sitting on the water or feeding.
As we were picking up a morning trawl on 6 June, two adult
Gannets joined the Shy Mollymawks (Diomedea caufa), Cape Pigeons
(Daption capense) and Black-backed Gulls (Larus dominicanus) that
were feeding on the offal and small moribund fish which fall out of
the cod end as it comes on board.
The Gannets were diving for both the offal and small fish,
spitting out the offal and swallowing the fish.
We noticed this behaviour several times during the trip and
each time there were only one or two Gannets.
This is the only time in several years that we have seen or
heard of Gannets feeding in this manner. Usually they cast an eye
at the boat and the accompanying birds and then continue on their way.
J. M. HAWKINS, 772 Atawhai Drive, Nelson
THE SIZE OF THE SOOTY SHEARWATER
POPULATION AT THE SNARES ISLANDS,
NEW ZEALAND*
By JOHN WARHAM and GRAHAM J. WILSON
ABSTRACT
The size of the Sooty Shearwater (Pufinus griseus) population at the Snares Islands was estimated by counting burrows
in the main vegetation types. Some 3 287 000 burrows were
calculated for Main Island, the highest densities being 1.9/m2
in Poa meadows, with 1.2/m2 under the trees of the Oleuria forest.
Most burrows were occupied but data on rates of occupation by
breeding birds were not satisfactory. Assuming a 75% occupancy
rate. we get a total population of about 2 750 000 burrow-holding
peirs on the 328 ha of the two largest islands.
INTRODUCTION
In recent years there has been a marked increase in attempts to
estimate seabird populations. Much of this effort has been to establish
base-line information in the face of threats or potential threats posed
by new developments in the exploitation of marine resources. Such
threats exist in the southern hemisphere as in the northern one, and
with the prospect of further explcration oil drilling in the ' Great South
Basin,' phosphate mining on the Chatham Rise and similar projects in
New Zealand seas, there is a clear need for information on the sizes of
New Zealand seabird populations. Such information is also needed to
evaluate the mortality occurring in the northern hemisphere, to which
many southern species migrate after breeding. For example, King et ul.
(1979) ~stimatedthat the shearwaters Pufinus griseus and P. tenuirostris
comprised 27% of the annual mortality of 214 000 - 715 000 seabirds
killed by the Pixific cffshore salmon gill-net fishery. More recent data
(Ainley et cl., in press) suggest that these mortality estimates should be
doubled. Contamination by chlorinated hydrocarbons and PCBs while
in northern waters may also be important - summary in Bourne (1976).
Probably the most important of New Zealand seabirds in terms
of cumbers and biomass is the Sooty Shearwater, or New Zealand
Muttonbird (Pujrfinus griseus). This breeds in small numbers as far
north as Three Kings Islands (34"S), more commonly in Cook Strait
(41°S), but its centre of abundance is south of the South Island - in
Foveaux Strait and on islands around Stewart Island. The Snares
Islands at 4 8 3 166"E have big populations. Further south at Antipodes,
" University of Canterbury Snares Islands Expeditions Paper No. 45
24
WARHAM & WILSON
NOTORNIS 29
Campbell, the Auckland Group and Macquarie Islands only quite
small colonies occur.
The Sooty Shearwater population at The Snares appears to be
in a very healthy state with no evidence of the derelict burrows that
are seen at petrel colonies in decline. Many eggs are laid on the surface
and abandoned. We found that these averaged narrower than those
laid underground and were presumably produced by young birds (Serventy 1967): such surface eggs appear to be typical of shearwater
colonies in good fettle.
On the two largest islands in the group, Main Island (280 ha)
and Broughton Island (48 h a ) , the whole of the peaty soil is burrowed,
except where the soil is too thin, areas where the bare peat has been
eroded by wind and rain, where the ground is occupied by colonies
of Snares Crested Penguins (Eudyptes robustus) or where the soil
becomes waterloggzd and burrows flooded after heavy rain.
For the purpose of our census only four vegetation types needed
consideration - minor types were poorly burrowed and 38 ha of the
Main Island and 13 ha of Broughton Island were bare of soil.
The deep peat supports a central forest of Olearia lyallii forming
an almost closed canopy at about 6 m. This is surrounded by meadows
of Poa tussocks which extend outwards to the coastal cliffs. There are
small patches of forest dominated by the tree Senecio stewartiae and
thickets of the coastal bush Hebe ellipfica. These vegetation types are
rather clearly defined and with the help of a series of stereo-aerial
photographs and a ground survey, a detailed vegetation map of the Main
Island was prepared by C. H. Hay in 1970. This shows the planar
areas for each vegetation type. In 1974 a similar map of Broughton
Island was made by H. A. Best.
Conditions for burrowing vary with vegetation type. Beneath
Olearia the ground is clear of understorey and leaf litter as the shearwaters remove all loose vegetation for their nest linings but the soil is
interlaced with stout roots which hinder burrowing. Similar conditions
apply to the Senecio areas, but these trees tend to occur on rather
waterlogged soils. The Poa tussocks are of two types. Poa tennantiana
plants are about 0.6 m across and 0.6 m high and form meadows
surrounding the central forest. These meadows are themselves surrounded by a zone of Pca astonii whose plants tend to form large stools
1-1.5 m high and 0.5 m diameter and extend down steep coastal slopes
wherever there is enough soil. This grass does well on quite shallow
soils but on steep slopes offers fewer opportunities for burrowing shearwaters, although it is suitable for smaller species of petrels.
METHODS
To lessen damage through breakthrough in the extensively
burrowed ground, while permitting ready movement around the island,
an access track was cleared and marked at the start of the study (see
map in Warham, 1967).
1982
SOOTY SHEARWATER
25
An estimate of the number of burrows was attempted by sampling
burrow densities in the four vegetation types and computing the total
number of burrows. On level or near-level ground burrow densities
in the two Poa zones were found to be similar and the figures for these
have been aggregated.
In the summers of 1969/70 and 1970/71 a series of 10 m x 10 m
quadrats was pegged out and the number of used burrow entrances
counted. Quadrats were located at random within the various zones
and burrow entrances counted inside the tape and marked with a short
stick as counted. Those on the boundaries were included if the nest
chambers were clearly within the quadrat. Used burrows were those
whose entrances were free from obstructions, cobwebs and the like,
but the only instances of disuse were some burrows in dense Hebe which
were blocked with sticks and whose birds had clearly been excluded
by the rapid growth of the bushes since the previous season. The
planar areas for each vegetation type were measured from the vegetation
map by planimeter.
Most parts of the Main Island were sampled, and in the Olearia
zone some quadrats were close to forest margins and others towards the
centre of the island. In the small area of Senecio the few quadrats
examined were not chosen randomly but selected to include a highdensity area, a poorly drained one, one near the Olearia-Senecio boundary
and one at random, to show all the extremes in this vegetation type.
No allowance was made for slope in computing burrow densities
because, although the ground slopes gently to the east and is dissected
by shallow gullies (see Fleming et al. 1953), checks on gully sides
showed that in planar projection burrow densities were not greater
than on more level ground: such slopes tended to be wet and burrow
densities low. On gently sloping ground burrow densities were higher
than on flat ground - an effect of better drainage perhaps - but
variations between quadrats were far greater than could be accounted
for by slope alone.
Attempts were made to get information on burrow occupancy
from three kinds of data: (a) from the contents of nest chambers
accidentally broken into between 3 December 1970 and 24 February
1971, (b) from the disturbance of fences of fine wires set across burrow
entrances and checked each morning from 4 to 22 January 1971 while
hatching was in progress and (c) from the state of 100 burrows chosen
at random under the Olearia forest and examined daily during April
1972 by C. 1. and D. S. Horning. Examination was by feeling an
occupant by hand or with a long wire, by noting fresh digging, by
finding nestling down in the tunnel and by seeing birds entering burrows.
RESULTS
The total number of burrows on Main Island was estimated at
3 287 000. See Table I . The highest burrow densities of nearly 2/m2
occurred among tusscck grass. This is probably because burrowing is
TABLE 1 - Sooty Shearwater burrow densities on M a i n Island, Snares Islands
Vegetation
tYPf
Burrows/100
n
m2
+ 1 S.E.
Olearia forest
22
116.1+.7.10
Poa t u s s o c k
-
15
194.8+
Senecio f o r e s t
4
Hebe elliptica
-
10
5.83
45.8
68.3
+ 11.48
Area covered
vegetation (ha)
E s t i m a t e d no.
of
burrows*
Range
by
40
-
155
146.80
1 704 000
1 496,000
159
-
240
76.51
1 490 000
1 4 0 1 000
76
3.32
15 000
11.45
78 000
5 1 900
238.08
3 287 000
2 963 900
20
10
-
129
TOTAL
F i g u r e s rounded t o t h e n e a r e s t 1 , 0 0 0
95% c o n f i d e n c e
i n t e r v a l s *t
'i' +
2 standard e r r o r s
-
-
s
1 913 000
$
1 580 000
Lp
9 1 300
0
3 599 300
z
in
z
1982
SOOTY SHEARWATER
27
easier there with less obstruction from roots. Variability between
quadrats was also least in the tussock, probably because the plants
themselves are very evenly distributed and of rather constant size.
Densities fcir the Senecio forest were low, partly owing to the damp
ground conditions. The great variability in the counts in the Hebe
quadrats directly reflected their cpenness, with dense, nearly impenetrable
thickets being almost unused.
Figures for Broughton Island are less reliable as no ground
sampling was done there, but the shearwater flocks over this island
appeared as dense as those over the Main Island. If we assume similar
burrow densities in similar vegetation, the 13.5 ha of Olearia/Senecio
forest would have 131 900 burrows, the 14.3 ha of Poa 235 600 burrows
and the 2.6 ha of Hcbe 14 800 burrows, some 382 000 burrows in all
for that island.
Some previous figures for shearwater burrow densities have been
published. Rowan (1952) estimated ~ e s densities
t
of the Greater Shearwater (Pufinus grcvis) at Nightingale Island, Tristan da Cunha, from
15 sample counts in three vegetation types. She found the highest density
of 1.5 nests per square yard (1.8/m2) in short tussock and sedge, falling
to about 1 per square yard (1.2/m2) in very heavy tussock 2-2.5 m
high, and only about 0.6 nests per square yard (0.7/m2) under groves
of Phylica trees. She estimated an average burrow density of 1.2/m2.
The same figure was gained for a colony of the Short-tailed Shearwater
(P. t.muirosfris) from 10 sample counts in the two predominant
vegetation types at Cat Island, Tasmania (Warham 1960). Recently
Skira & Wapstra (1980) estimated much lower burrow densities (0.210.81/m2) at a number of Puffinus tenuirosfris colonies using a line
transect method. For this same Australian species Norman & Harris
(1981) reported rather similar densities at Rabbit Island, Victoria, of
0.3-0.6/m2 but Harris & Bode (1981) estimated lower densities of
burrows (0.05-0.47/m2) at the small and rather disturbed colonies in
Phillip Island, Victoria. At his small colony of 295 nests of Sooty
Shearwaters spread over 420 m2 Richdale (1963, p. 94) calculated the
burrow density at 0.7/m2. Wormell (1976) counted occupied burrows
of Manx Shearwaters (P. puffinus) on Rhum in 36 sample plots, finding
a mean density of 150 burrows per square chain (0.37/m2), but densities
there are low, partly because the birds burrow under boulders (Bourne,
pers. comm.) .
Very recently Floyd & Swanson ( i n press) have estimated breeding success and population size and density of the Wedge-tailed Shearwater ( P . pacificus) at Muttonbird Island, New South Wales, and
compered their findings with those from other Australian colonies of
that species. These authors also found that burrow densities varied
with vegetation type, their mean being 0.51/m2 with 25-34% of nests
occupied.
28
WARHAM & WILSON
NOTORNIS 29
None of these figures approaches the burrow density of nearly
2/m2 calculated for Poa tussock at The Snares. The figures for the
total numbers are also smaller. Rowan (1952) estimated 2 million
Greater Shearwater burrows on Nightingale's 200 ha, but thought
that this was an underestimate. Elliott (1970) examined the same
species on Gough Island, computing some 600 000 square yards
(501 600 m2) as being burrowed, found about 1 chick per square yard
(1.2/m2) and hence a breeding population of 600 000 pairs. Warham
(1960) calculated that there were 250 000 burrows of P. terzuirostris
on Cat Island, Bass Strait (49 h a ) , and pointed out that there were
much larger colonies on bigger islands in the area. Wormell's estimate
for occupied burrows on Rhum, stated to be the largest colony of
the Manx Shearwater in Britain, was 116 100.
The main problem in estimating population sizes by burrow
counts lies in the difficulty of relating burrow numbers to the numbers
of birds. At the Snares Islands it is quite impossible to establish
occupancy by direct inspection for many burrows have long twisting
tunnels leading to chambers 0.5-1 m below ground and quite hidden
from view. The difficulties are exacerbated by the sensitivity of Sooty
Shearwaters to interference. Birds disturbed on eggs frequently desert,
and regular handling such as seems possible with Manx Shearwaters
is not feasible.
None of our attempts to determine occupancy rates was entirely
satisfactory. Of 54 nesting chambers accidentally broken into during
other work, 30, or 56%, contained eggs or chicks. Fourteen of the
others were empty by day and 10 contained one or two adults without
egg or chick. This latter group would have included non-breeders and
failed breeders. In all, 74% of nests were occupied by day. All 31
fenced burrows examined over a 20-day period had their fences disturbed.
At 23 burrows the fences were displaced on 10-18 days (mean 14.2
days); the rest were displaced much less often (0-9 days), mean 4.4
days. If entry about every other day is taken to mean occupancy, then
74% of the sample were occupied during that period. However, some
of the more disturbed burrows could have been visited by prospecting
non-breeders while some of the less disturbed ones could have held
incubating birds, as these often fast for 9 days during their incubating
stints (pers. obs.) .
More useful are the data from the 100 burrows examined in
April 1972, of which at least 86 had occupants. This figure is significant
because by April non-breeding and failed breeders have left the island.
Richdale (1963, p. SO), for example, found no 'unemployed' birds
ashore by day after 8 March and believed that the regimes of such birds
were similar to those found for P. tenuirosfris (see Serventy 1967).
Disturbances in April must therefore have been caused by parents or
by chicks. The probable source of error here, of unknown magnitude,
is due to chicks that failed to reach the sea and sheltered in another
burrow at daybreak. Skira & Wapstra's figures for Short-tailed Shear-
1982
SOGTY SHEARWATER
29
water chicks in burrows during mid- to late March are much lower,
their highest rates of 51.2 and 64.7% being at colonies not subjected
to muttonbird harvesting.
An occupancy rate of 86% towards the end of the breeding
season is very high. However, there was indirect evidence for a high
level of burrow use at these islands because (a) large numbers of eggs
were laid on the surface and abandoned, which seems unlikely to occur
if nesting chambers were readily available, (b) disused or cobwebbed
burrows were very seldom seen, (c) even unsuitable ground susceptible
to flooding still attracted some burrowers and (d) physical competition
occurred for burrows with the eviction of intruders and some fighting.
Occupants defended an area around the entrance and this may have
acted as a spacing-out mechanism. Deterring others from digging too
close to existing nests would reduce the risk of burrow collapse.
Nevertheless, we regard none of these figures for burrow occupancy 2s being sufficiently reliable, the sizes of the samples being much
tco small. Clearly a simple method for determining the presence of
birds underground is needed. Fibre-optics are almost useless in the
tortuous and obstructed tunnels and the most promising technique we
are now investigating is to detect petrels by their heartbeats or breathing
using a sensitive microphone.
The huge size of some of the southern shearwater populations
has long been known. During his remarkable circumnavigation of
Tasmania in 1798, Matthew Flinders (1801) described an encounter
with a flock of P. tenuirostris which he calculated as containing
151 500 000 birds and requiring 186 geographic square miles of ground
for their burrows - he allowed a square yard for each. Although
Flinders' arithmetic was faulty - the correct figure on his data is
132 000 000 birds (Campbell 1900). the total is still impressive.
So is the size of The Snares Island Sooty Shearwater population.
Even at a 75% occupancy rate, some 2 750 000 pairs must be based on
Main and Broughton Islands together with an unknown number of
burrowless non-breeders. At a mean weight of 800 g (SD 74.5 g;
n = 154), a 75% occupancy would represent a biomass of 4 400 000 kg.
The density of birds is remarkable too, for the above biomass
requires only 328 ha of ground for nesting, while, in addition to the
shearwaters, some hundreds of thousands of other petrels and of
penguins also breed there. Indeed, this small area supports a bird
population similar in size to that of the whole of the seabird population
of Britain and Ireland - some 3 million pairs (Cramp et al., 1974) and although the shearwaters can travel far for food, the surrounding
seas must be highly productive to support such a biomass. In turn, the
nutrients brought ashore are believed to be important for the plants
(Fineran 1969) and doubtless rainwater run-off fertilises the surrounding
seas, although we have no data on that.
With populations of such magnitude it is not surprising that
30
WARHAM
€t
WILSON
NOTORNIS 29
the southern shearwaters P. gratlis, tenuirostris and griseus can come
to dominate the northern waters into which they migrate during the
southern winter. For example, Wiens & Scott (1975), using a simulation
model approach, calculated that the Sooty Shearwater is the major
seabird consumer during its fall passage off the Oregon coast, taking
s anchovies during its 2 months' stay.
some 24 000 metric t ~ n of
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work was supported by the Nufiield Foundation and the
New Zealand University Grants Committee. W. R. P. Bourne, P. C.
Harper, M. P. Harris and C. L. McLay kindly commented on early
drafts of the paper, and we are grateful for the survey work done by
H. A. Best and C. H. Hay.
LITERATURE CITED
AINLEY, D. G.; DE GANGE, A. R.; JONES, L. L.; BEACH, R. J. ( i n press). Mortality of
seabirds i n hiah seas salmon ail1 nets. Fisherv Bull
BOURNE, W. R. p. 1976. Seabjrds and polluiion.
Pp. 403-502 i n Marine Pollution
( R . Johnston, Ed.). London: Academic Press.
CAMPBELL, A. J. 1900. Nests and eggs of Australian birds. Shefield, privately printed.
CRAMP. S.: BOURNE. W. R. P.: SAUNDERS. D. 1974. The seabirds of Britain and Ireland.
iondon: ~ o l l i n s ' .
ELLIOTF, C. C. H. 1970. Ecological considerations and the possible significance of weight
variations i n the chicks of the Great Shearwater on Gough Island. Ostrich, Suppl. 8:
--- - - .
385.7'26
.
FINERAN, B. A. 1969. The flora of the Snares Islands, New Zealand. Trans. Roy. Soc. NZ
Bot. 3: 237-270.
FLEMING, C. A.; REED, J. J.; HARRIS, W. F. 1953. The geology of the Snares Islands. D.S.I.R.
Caoe Exo. Ser. Eull. 13: 1-42
FLINDERS, M.' 1801. Observations on the coasts of Van Diemen's Land, on Bass's Strait and
its Islands, and on part of the coasts of New South Wales. London.
FLOYD, R. B.; SWANSON, N. M . ( i n press). Wedge-tailed Shearwaters on Muttonbird Island.
an estimate of the breeding success and the breeding population. Emu.
HARRIS, M . B.; BODE, K. G. 1981. Populations of L i t t l e Penguins, Short-tailed Shearwaters
and other seabirds on P h i l l i p Island, Victoria, 1978. Emu 81: 20-28.
KING, W. 8.; BROWN, R. G. B.; SANGER, G. A. 1979. Mortality t o marine birds through
Pp. 195-199 i n Conservatio~ of marine birds of northern North
commercial fishing.
America (J. C. Bartonek and D. N. Nettl?ship, Eds). US Fish & W i l d l . Serv., W i l d l . Res.
Rep. 11. Washington, DC.
NORMAN, F. I.; HARRIS, M . P. 1981. Some recent changes i n the flora and avifauna of
Rabbit Island, Wilson's Promontory, Victoria. Proc. Roy. Soc. Victoria 92: 209-212.
RICHDALE, L . E. 1963. Biology of the Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus.
Proc. Z w l .
Soc. Lond. 141: 1-117.
ROWAN, M . K. 1952. The Greater Shearwater Puffinus gravis at its breeding grounds.
Ibis 94: 97-121.
SERVENTY, D. L. 1967. Asrjects of the population ecology of the Short-tailed Shearwater
Puffinus t e n u i r o s t r i s . Po. i 6 5 - l s 0 i n Proc. 14th Inter. Ornithol. Conar.
.ID. W. Snow.
Ed.). Oxford: Blackwell.
SKIRA, I . J.; WAPSTRA, J. E. 1980. Occupation of burrows as a means of estimating the
harvest of Short-tailed Shearwaters i n Tasmania. Emu 80: 233-238.
WARHAM, J. 1960
Some aspects of breeding behaviour i n the Short-tailed Shearwater.
Emu 60: 75-87.
WARHAM, J. 1967. Snares Islands birds. Notornis 14: 122.139.
WORMELL P. 1976. The Manx Shearwaters of Rhum. Scot. Birds 9: 103-118.
WIENS, J.'A.; SCOTT, J. M . 1975. Model estimation of energy flow i n Oregon coastal seabird
populations. Condor 77: 439-452.
JOHN WARHAM & GRAHAM WILSON, Zoology Department,
University o f Canterbury, Christchurch 1, New Zealand.
ADDITIONS TO THE AVIFAUNA OF
KIRIBATI AND TUVALU
By PETER CHILD
After an absence of 25 years my wife and I visited Kiribati
(formerly the Gilbert Islands) from 17 July to 14 August 1981. The
msin ornithological purpose of this trip was to visit the two northernmost atolls of Butaritari and Makin, which I had not had the
opportunity to include during my tour of duty in 1953-56 (Child 1960).
We spent from 31 July to 10 August in the north (visiting Makin from
3 to 6 August), the rest of the time being on the central administrative
atoll of Tarawa.
The tremendous influx of population to Tarawa (estimated
25 000 on the s ~ u t h e r nside of the atoll) has made this less worthwhile
for birdwatching. However, most previously recorded species could
still be found there; in particular, the Crested Tern seemed to have
increased considerably, and we estimated at least 120, mainly on the
lagoon side of Betio. Constant human disturbance on the ocean reefs
and lagoon shallows at low tide resulted in only small numbers of
Arctic migrants being recorded. One advantage (compared with
Tuvalu) is that the Gilbertese people are not allowed rifle permits.
Also, the Kiribati government seems to be alive to conservation requirements, ss is evidenced by their enlightened policies and protection for
the Christmas Island bird colonies. They have an active Department
of Natural Resources.
Butaritari is a very large atoll, being some 30 km by 20 km,
with many square kilometres of sand and mudflats at low tide; we did
not visit the extensive tidal areas near Bikati in the north-west, nor
Kuma in the far east. In the north-east there is a fascinating group
of about ten tiny low-lying islets collectively known as Ubrantakoto,
which apparently has not previously had an ornithological visit. This
group is separated from the southernmost tip of Makin by only 3 km
of open ocean. We made the crossing from Makin by launch on
5 August. The islets are sparsely covered in mangrove and three
other species of low shrubs (the tzllest being about 6 m ) . They have
beaches of coral pebbles and, being devoid of coconuts, are seldom
visited, thus forming natural bird sanctuaries. They harboured thousands
of breeding Black Noddy (but no Browns), two small colonies of
Black-naped Tern (totalling about 70-80 birds), hundreds of breeding
White Tern and a thriving heronry of 50-60 adults and young (with
several disused nests seen in the shrubs). We also recorded a few
roosting Lesser Frigates, an immature Crested Tern and an assortment
of the common Arctic migrants. I t is also likely that the Sooty Tern
breeds there.
32
CHILD
NOTORNIS 29
Because Makin has not previously had an ornithological visit
(Amerson 1969), a completz summary is given for that island. (Note
that Amerson called Butaritari " Makin " and Makin he called Little
Makin"). Map details for Kiribati atolls are depicted in Amerson's
bulletin.
New species recorded for Kiribati were Rock Pigeon, Blue-grey
Noddy, Asiatic Whimbrel and Asiatic Black-tailed Godwit.
ROCK PIGEON Columba livia
On 28/7/81, at Betio (Tarawa), about 20 feral pigeons were
roosting (mid-afternoon) on a shed at the wharf area. A local informant
thought there were upwards of 40 altogether, always in this vicinity
where they survived on scraps from shipping cargoes. He also thought
some had been here since before World War 11.
BLUE-GREY NODDY Procelsterna cerulea
On 1/8/81, at Butaritari, a single bird of this species flew in
close to us on the ocean reef and then out to sea again.
ASIATIC WHIMRREI, Numenius phaeopus variegatus
Although Amerson lists a " Whimbrel " for four Gilbert Islands
the subspecies is not stated, but is most likely to be the Asiatic. On
the lagoon mudflats near Butaritari village we recorded the largest
group of 33 on the incoming tide on 9 August, and estimated that at
least 50 were present on this atoll during the period of our visit. They
are much less approachable than the Bristle-thighed Curlew (N. tahitiensis), which was also seen every day in small numbers.
"
ASIATIC BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa melanuroides
A single bird was sighted near seven Bar-tailed Godwits ( L .
lapponica) on 31 July on the Butaritari mudflats. Slightly slimmer
than the Bar-tails, it had the pale axillaries diagnostic of this subspecies.
It was not seen again on our other visits to this area, although the
Bar-tails were present throughout the whole period.
RED-FOOTED BOOBY Sula sula
A bird banded in the Phoenix group and found dead at Tanimainiku, Butaritari, earlier in 1981 proved to be 18 years old.
A Bird-list for Makin, 3-6 August 1981
Makin atoll (3"20fN 173"00'E), the northern limit of the Kiribati
chain, consists of a string of five main islets lying north-south, without
a lagoon, and three tiny islets on the far northern edge of the reef.
In the centre of the northern islet (Makin) is an interesting tidal and
muddy ponded area which attracted Black-naped Terns, Crested Terns,
Reef Herons and several species of waders, including the only Whimbrel
recorded.
Most of the likely habitats were examined during our stay, and,
as there is no lagoon, we could cover almost the whole perimeter of
the reefs and beaches. Waders are rather limited and scattered because
of the lack of lagoon flats and of extensive areas of stable productive
sand of mudflat.
1982
AVIFAUNA OF KIRIBATI AND TUVALU
33
The weather was mostly fine and hot, partly cloudy, with a light
to moderate easterly; heavy rain fell late afternoon on the 3rd.
LESSER FRIGATE BIRD Fregata nriel (Visitant, non-breeding)
One male beyond the reef of Makin islet on 4th was seen to
chase a Common Noddy until the latter disgorged some food. O n
5th, one seen over the ocean south of Onne.
GREAT FRIGATE BIRD Fregata minor (Visitant, non-breeding)
Four males beyond the reef of Makin islet on the 4th. In
addition, six unidentified Frigates passed overhead while we were
travelling north on Makin islet on a tractor on the 4th. It is possible
that they breed on Ubrantakoto, northern islets of Butaritari.
WHITE TERN Gygis alba (Resident, breeding)
Common (in hundreds) throughout. Breeding (eggs and downy
chicks), especially on breadfruit, pandanus and 'ren' (Messerschmidia)
trees. Small groups coming and going from the ocean all day; flocks
fishing outside the reefs.
BLACK-NAPED TERN Sterna sumatrana (Resident, possibly breeding)
Uncommon; total seen 9. One carried a fish from the ponded
area to a juvenile on a sandbar nearby. A possible breeding site is the
coral beach in the far north of Makin islet. Two breeding colonies
were seen on islets of nearby Ubrantakoto, Butaritari.
CRESTED TERN Sterna bergii (Visitant, non-breeding)
Uncommon; total seen 15. Four in various stages of moult
sitting on low rocks on a beach on the 4th. Eleven roosting and
fishing in the ponded area on 6th. Unlikely to breed here, but probably
does so on Ubrantakoto.
SOOTY TERN Sterna fuscafa (Visitant, non-breeding)
Only 1 sighted, off the south coast of Onne on the 5th. This
species possibly breeds on the nearby islets of Ubrantakoto.
BROWN NODDY Anous stolidus (Common Noddy). Resident,
breeding)
Common (in tens, possibly hundreds, throughout). Coming and
going from the ocean all day; breeding mainly on coconut and pandanus; seemed to be eggs only.
BLACK NODDY Anous fenuirostris (Resident, breeding)
Abundant (thousands) throughout. Nesting throughout, especially on coconut, breadfruit and ' ren.' Seemed to be on eggs only.
Coming and going from the ocean all day, with many ffocks at sea
fishing.
REEF HERON Egrefta sacra (Resident, probably breeding)
Common on reefs throughout; total counted: 41. Of these 23
were white phase, 16 grey and 2 mottled. May breed on low shrubs
in the far north; certainly breeds on nearby Ubrantakoto.
TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres (Arctic migrant)
Scattered throughout low-tide reefs and beaches. Total counted
34
CHILD
NOTORNIS 29
128, largest group seen was 31. Various states of plumage, including
a few in full breeding dress.
WANDERING TATTLER Tringa incana (Arctic migrant)
Scattered throughout low-tide reefs and beaches, but not very
common. Total counted 33; largest group 6, otherwise mostly individuals.
SIBERIAN TATTLER Tringa hrevipes (Arctic migrant)
A group of five among rocks on the north dead coral on the 4th;
flew off with curlews when disturbed. On the same day, one perched
on a dead tree in the ponded area and called loudly. No others recorded.
PACIFIC GOLDEN PLOVER Pluvialis fulva (Arctic migrant)
Fairly common throughout low-tide reefs and beaches, and grassy
areas. Total counted 18; largest group 4, otherwise mostly singles.
In various stages of plumage, including a few in full breeding dress.
BRISTLE-THIGHED CURLEW Numenius tahitietzsis (Arctic migrant)
Two at the passage south of Makin islet on the 3rd; a group of
nine resting among dead coral in the far north on the 4th; two single
birds in the ponded area later on the 4th.
ASIATIC WHIMBREL Numenius phaeopus variegafus (Arctic migrant)
A single bird of this subspecies was stalked in the ponded area
on the 4th; on taking flight it called loudly.
LONG-TAILED CUCKOO Eudynamys tailerrsis ( N Z migrant)
Only one bird heard. This is close to their northern limits of
migration - a few reach the Marshalls each season (Amerson 1969).
JUNGLE FOWL Gallus gallus (Resident, breeding)
Scattered throughout vegetated areas.
After an absence of 25 years my wife and I visited Tuvalu
(formerly the Ellice Islands) from 15 May to 17 July 1981. Most
of the time was spent on the administrative centre of Funafuti, with
short visits to the outer atolls of Vaitupu and Nukufetau, 5 days on
Nukulaelae and 2 weeks on Nui.
New species recorded for Tuvalu were Christmas Shearwater,
Audubon's Shearwater, Red-footed Booby, Asiatic Whimbrel, Sanderling, Siberian Tattler and Ringed Plover. In addition, the first known
breeding colony (for this group) of the Red-footed Booby was found
on Nukulaelae. Somewhat surprising was the large number (at least
several hundreds) of Turnstones present throughout this period of the
Arctic summer. Smaller numbers of other Arctic migrants also added
interest.
Because of the growing human population influx to the capital
and increasing numbers of rifle permits being issued, the shooting of
birds for food is a matter for concern on Funafuti. Seabird numbers
seemed to have fallen drastically there in 25 years, although this was
not noticeable on the other atolls visited. The existing protective
legislation is very out-dated, confusing and difficult to enforce.
1982
AVIFAUNA OF KIRIBATI AND TUVALU
35
CHRISTMAS SHEARWATER Puffinus nativitatis
29/5/81: One bird resting on the sea in the SE passage of
Funafuti's lagoon took off leisurely as we approached by yacht.
AUDUBON'S SHEARWATER Puffinus lherminieri
3/6/81: One flying low between waves at sea between Vaitupu
and Nukufetau. 21/6/81: One outside the reef at Funafuti. 17/7/81:
One seen from a ship just north of Nanumea.
RED-FOOTED BOOBY Sula Sula
9/6/81: A tame bird, taken as a nestling and now 9 years old,
was shown to us at Nukulaelae. Another semi-tame one, 3 years old,
was said to be a female as it was bringing sticks to a breadfruit tree
in the village - in preparation for nesting? 10/6/81: On the islet
of Niuoko (Nukulaelae) we were shown a roosting/nesting area; at
5 p.m. 40-50 birds were wheeling above; the total was said to reach
200-300. Various colour phases were noted. We saw 5 birds sitting
on flimsy nests of twigs c.20 m up in a tall puka " (Pisonia grandis)
tree, evidently on eggs. Other trees said to be occupied were not
examined. This is the only known breeding colony in Tuvalu, and
was believed by our guide to be only 15-20 years old. ( I was not told
of any colony during my last visit to Tuvalu in 1956). Birds are
sometimes shot or taken as nestlings for food. One morning we saw
five immature birds which had been killed by hitting them with a
stick as they flew low over an open fishing launch.
FRIGATE BIRDS Fregafa spp.
We recorded both Great and Lesser in various places, the Lesser
being much the more common. At Niuoku islet on Nukulaelae, an
estimated 300-400 Lesser came in to roost alongside the Red-footed
Booby area. There are still no known breeding places in Tuvalu.
BLACK-NAPED TERN Sterna sumatrana
Common at Funafuti, but at Nui we saw only two. Sometimes
the locals confuse it with the White Tern (Gygis alba) and the same
vernacular name is used. On 17/5/81 at Funafuti, we noted one with
a blue plastic wing streamer - a P.O.B.S.P. marking?
"
TURNSTONE Arenaria inferpres
Birds in various stages of eclipse plumage, and a few in breeding
dress, were common thrcughout our stay on all atolls visited. O n
Nui, where we covered all habitats the most thoroughly, we estimated
c.350-400 Turnstones present on lagoon beaches and ocean reefs. On
22/6/81, betweec Nukufetau and Nui a single bird flew around the
ship for about 5 minutes, twice landing c n the railing, before heading
further south-west. (Compare john lenkins' hitch-hiker: Notornis 18:
130.)
ASIATIC WHIMBREL Nurnenius phaeopus variegatus
Almost daily at Nui between 22 June and 8 July we studied
three birds of this subspecies on a lagoon-side mudflat. Detailed
comparisons of body features and behaviour were made with Bristle-
36
CHILD
NOTORNIS 29
thighed Curlews present in the same area. We later concluded that the
Whimbrel, being a much more wary bird, prefers the very extensive
low-tide mudflats and lagoon-side sandbars of larger atolls (such as in
Kiribati). When disturbed too much they tend to fly over the coconut
fringe and " hide " among the dead coral of the ocean reefs.
No other Whimbrels were seen on our visits to other atolls
of Tuvalu.
SANDERLING Calidris alba
29/5/81: One feeding on a sandbar on the edge of the outgoing
tide at Funafala, the southernmost islet of Funafuti. Still present in
the same spot next morning. 27/6/81: A group of four on dead coral
of the ocean-side reef at Nui resting at high tide. We watched this
group for several days: mostly they fed on small sandylmuddy flats
at the base of the main sand-beach on the ocean-side (exposed at low
tide). 1/7/81: Three on the lagoon-side mudflat at Nui - could
have been from the above group because on 4 July we found four
here, one of which tended to be a " loner." Calls recorded were
wheef-weet (sharp and short); a short cheep in flight; and sharp highpitched chittering flight calls chickity-chick (repeated several times).
SIBERIAN TATTLER Tringa brevipes
We did not examine closely the numerous Tattlers seen at all
places visited. However, this species was definitely present in very
small numbers; at Nui on 3/7/81 we found a group of three busiIy
feeding on the exposed low-tide ocean reef. They kept together (and
apart from Wandering Tattlers) whenever disturbed and were also
more difficult to approach. Pee-wee calls were heard in flight.
RINGED PLOVER Charadrius hiaticula
On 24/6/81 at Nui on the lagoon mudflat so favoured by the
Whimbrels, Curlews, Bar-tailed Godwits, Turnstones, Golden Plovers
and Tattlers, we discovered this tiny plover busily feeding among a
tight group of Turnstones. Later it tended to keep to itself, and when
disturbed made short flights of less than 50 metres. When flushed
it uttered a sharp chee-ip. We studied this bird on the three succeeding
days; on another occasion its flight call was a sharp cher-wee three
times. We could not find it again after 27 June.
LITERATURE CITED
AMERSON, A. BINION. Jr. 1969. Ornithology ~f the Marshall & Gilbert Islands. Atoll Res.
Bull. No. 127. Smithsonian Inst. Washington.
CHILC), P. 1960. Birds of the Gilbert & Ellice Islands Colony. Atoll Res. Bull. No. 74.
Pacific SEience Board, Washington.
PETER CHILD, 10 Royal Terrace, Alexandra
SEXING BLACK-BACKED GULLS
FROM EXTERNAL MEASUREMENTS
By G. NUGENT
ABSTRACT
Six body measurements were taken from 283 adult and
subadult Black-backed Gulls (Larus dominicanus) in Auckland,
New Zealand. Sex was determined in 158 of these by dissection
or chromosomal methods. Using measurements from these 158
birds a classification function was derived and used to assign
sexes to the remaining 125 gulls. Discriminant analyses were then
made on the measurements from all 283 birds to describe the
sexual size dimorphism accurately and to derive a simple classification function for the routine sexing of birds in the field.
1NTRODUCTION
Gulls are typically monomorphic in plumage patterns and external
genitalia, but are sexually dimorphic in body size (e.g. L. argentafus,
L. fuscus, Harris & Hope-Jones 1969; L. glaucescens, L. hyperboreus,
Ingolfsson 1969; L. dominicanus, Kinsky 1963). A number of workers
(Mills 1971 for L. novaehollandiae; Shugart 1977 for L. delawarensis;
Ryder 1978 for L. argenfatus; Threlfall & Jewer 1978 for L. argentatus)
have been able to predict sex correctly in a high percentage (i.e. >95%)
of cases by using two or more measurements in a classification function.
Such a function is derived from a discriminant analysis of measurement
data, the analytical theory and tests for statistical significance being
described by Nie et al. 1975.
In this study, discriminant analyses were used to describe the
sexual size dimorphism of the Southern Black-backed Gull (L. dominicanus) and give a classification function for routine sexing of this
species using two external measurements.
METHODS
A sample of 283 Black-backed Gulls over 1 year of age was
obtained between 15 February and 24 June 1980 from three sites in
the Auckland metropolitan area. Potential sampling biases in the sex
and size of the birds were minimised by using an unbaited cannon-net
on flocks of resting gulls at or near high tide and after 11.00 a.m.,
when feeding activity was generally low.
Six body measurements were taken from each bird: head length,
gape, and bill depth (as in Fig. 1) measured to the nearest 0.1 mm;
wing chord to the nearest 0.5 cm; tarsus length to the nearest 0.1 mm;
and body weight to the nearest 10 g as in Baldwyn et al. (1931).
38
NOTORNIS 29
NUGENT
Thirty-one birds killed for gut analysis were sexed by dissection.
A further 127 birds were sexed by chromosomal analysis of growing
feather tissue (see Nugent 1981). Preliminary data confirmed that
male and female size distributions did not overlap at the extremes of
the size range. Very large and very small birds could therefore be
assumed to be male and female respectively. The time-consuming and
expensive chromosomal sexing was therefore carried out on all birds
within the overlap region of male and female size distributions, but
only on one-third of those at the extremes. All these latter birds were
proven to be of the assumed sex.
A classification function derived from the measurements of the
" known sex " birds correctly predicted sex for 98.7% of the 158
such birds. The so-far unsexed birds were then assigned a sex using
this preliminary function. As these " assigned sex " birds were in the
main those at the extremes of the size range, no more than 1% of
them are likely to have been incorrectly sexed. To describe the sexual
dimorphism of this species accurately required that the data from
" known " and " assigned-sex " birds be pooled. This data was subjected to discriminant analysis to distinguish the most dimorphic
measurements. A classification function using two measurements was
then derived for routine field use. All analyses were carried out using
the sub-program Discriminant " in SPSS (Nie et a[. 1975).
"
RESULTS
The overall difference in body size between male and female
Black-backed Gulls is highly significant (6-measurement discriminant
analysis, Wilks lambda = 0.1568, Chi square = 537, df = 6, <0.001).
The mean for each sex, the standardised discriminant function coefficient, and a univariate F ratio (one-way analysis of variance) are
r
FIGURE 1
H e a d-- l e n g t h (mrn)
-
1
The three head measurements taken from Black-backed Gulls
1982
SEXING BLACK-BACKED GULLS
39
TABLE 1 - The relative sexual dimor~hism in body measurements of
-
bleasurement mean + one
error
stnndal
FENA LE
MALE
Hcad l e n g t h (mm)
B i l l d e p t h (mm)
110.79 + 0.19
-0.461
1164***
+ 0.05
17.03 2 0.05
-0.261
6OO**
-0.248
833***
69.61 2 0.20
-0,057
586***
39.64 r 0.08
-0.027
303***
-0,021
373***
Gape (mm)
s 4.5
76.36 + 0.18
Ning (a)
41.87 + 0.08
T a r s u s (mm)
67.22
.
Body ~ t (gm)
N
F ratio
f=16281
0.20
120.91 f_
18.93
1
SDFC
96S.O
+ 0.16
792.0
62.56
137
+ 4.5
5 0.16
*
146
SDFC = S t a n d a r d i s e d d i s c r i m i n a n t f u n c t i o n c o e f f i c i e n t .
The measurements i < i t h t h e SDFC and F r a t i o of t h e
g r e a t e s t magni t i d e a r e t h e most .-.c.sually d i m o r p h i c .
given for each measurement in Table 1. Head length is the most
dimorphic variable, followed by bill depth, body weight, gape, wing
length and tarsus in order of decreasing dimorphism.
A 2-group 2-variable discriminant analysis using head length and
bill depth also showed a highly significant difference between the sexes,
(Wilks lambda = 0.1584, Chi square = 501.2, df = 2, <0.001) and the
following classification function was derived.
(0.126 x head length)
(0.289 x
Classification score
bill depth) - 19.707
A positive score indicates that the bird has a high probability
of being male, and a negative score indicates a female. The function
was able to predict sex correctly in 156 of the 158 "known-sex " birds
(98.7%), and in 94.2% of cases sex was assigned with a 0.99 probability
of correct group membership.
-
+
Some validation of the accuracy of this function was
from an independent sample of 28 dead birds in which
determined by dissection. The function correctly classified 27
of these birds. The single error was a juvenile male, which was
as a female but may not have completed growth.
obtained
sex was
(96.4%)
classified
DISCUSSION
The sexual size dimorphism of Black-backed Gulls is greatest in
the head and bill measurements. These can be easily and accurately
40
NUGENT
NOTORNIS 29
measured with vernier calipers, and the function above can then be
used to assign sex with nearly 99% accuracy. The function can be
easily used in the field with the aid of a pocket calculator, enabling a
captured bird to be sexed before being banded and released.
As growth in most body parts is largely completed by 4-6 months
of age (Nugent 1981), the function can be used to sex all birds older
than 6 months of age.
There may be regional differences in mean size of gull populations
in New Zealand (Kinsky 1963). Therefore, the accuracy of the classification function may differ between populations and would have to be
tested in each population with a small sample of known-sex birds.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work was carried out during a Masters study at Auckland
University. I am grateful to P. F. Jenkins and B. McArdle for assistance
and supervision in data collection and analysis, and also to C. Challies
and G. Hickling for critically reading the manuscript.
LITERATURE
CITED
BALDWYN, S. P.; OBERHOLSER, H. C.; :JORLEY,
L. C. 1931. Measurements of birds.
Sci. Publ. Cleveland Mus. Nat. Hist. 2: 1 s pp.
HARRIS, M . P.; HOPE-JONES, P. 1969. Sex~~al
differences in the measurements of Herring and
Lesser Black-backed Gulls. British Birds 62 ( 4 ) : 129-133.
INGOLFSSON, A. 1969. Sexual dimorphism of large gulls (Larus spp.)
Auk 86: 732-737.
KINSKY, F. C 1963. The Southerr Black-backed Gull (Larus dominicanus) Lichtenstein
Rec. Dom. Mus. 4 (14): 149-219.
MILLS, J. A . 1971. Sexing Red-billed Gulls from stardard measurements. NZ J. Marine
Fresh. Res. 5: 326-8.
NIE, N. H.; BENT, D. H.; HULL, C. H. 1977. SPSS Statistical package for social scientists.
New York: McGraw-Hill.
NUGENT, G. 1981. Chromosomal sexing and sexual dimorphism i n a monogamous bird.
MSc thesis (Unpubl.), Aucklind Univers~ty.
RYDER, J. P. 1975. Sexing King-billed Gulls externally. Bird Banding 49 ( 3 ) : 218-222.
SHUGART, G. W. 1977. A method of exlernaliy sexing gulls. Bird Banding 48 (2): 188-121.
THRELFALL, W.; JEWER, D. D. 1978. Notes on rhe standard body measurement of two
populations of Herring Gulls. Auk 95: 749.753.
G . NUGENT, Forest Resmrch Institute, P.O. Box 31-011, Christchurch,
New Zealand.
SHORT NOTE
FAR-INLAND SIGHTING OF WELCOME SWALLOW
O n 15 November 1981, while conducting a survey of the
Kyeburn Riverbed, east of Ranfurly, Central Otago, my wife and I
saw three Welcome Swallows (Hirundo tahitica neoxena) flying over
the river, occasionally soaring to great heights (out of sight to the naked
eye) and then descending close to the water again; they were not
seen to land. There were no structures suitable for nesting in the
immediate vicinity. (Grid Ref: 393367, NZMS 18, Sheet 23.)
This is the first sighting for Central Otago, and also the furthest
distance from both east and west coasts that this species has been
reported.
PETER CHILD, 10 Royal Terrace, Alexandru
SEABIRDS FOUND DEAD I N NEW ZEALAND
I N 1980
By C. R. VEITCH
ABSTRACT
During 1980, 2736 km of coast were patrolled by 146
members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and their
friends. 4351 dead seabirds were found. There were no major
wrecks. During one patrol Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus)
were found at a rate of 68.5 per kilometre. Unusual finds were:
Eastern Little Tern (Sterna albifrons), Grey Ternlet (Procelsterna
cerulea) , Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster), and Yellow-nosed
Mollymawk (Diomedea chlororhynchos~. which is also a new
record for the Beach Patrol Scheme.
INTRODUCTION
This paper records the results of the Ornithological Society of
New Zealand's Beach Patrol Scheme for 1980. The coastline of New
Zealand is divided into 15 sections (Imber & Boeson 1969) with an
additional grouping " 0 1 " for Outlying Islands, which this year includes
patrols from the Chatham Islands. This year, patrols were carried
out on all sections of coast except Fiordland. 467 Beach Patrol Cards
and 21 Specimen Record Cards were filed.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The numbers of birds found and kilometres of beach travelled
and covered per month and per coast are recorded in Table 1. The
total distance travelled (3226 km) is below average for recent years
(1970-79 ave 3654 km) and the lowest recorded since the 1973 distance
of 2737 km. The total number of birds found (4351) is the lowest
since the 1972 total of 4046. The average number of birds found per
kilometre of coast covered monthly (1.59) is lower than the previous
20 years' average of 2.49.
Kilometres travelled (Table 1) are the total lengths of coast
patrolled; kilometres covered are the lengths of coast covered monthly.
Hence, if a kilometre of beach is patrolled three times in 1 month,
3 km have been travelled but only 1 km covered per month.
Monthly and coastal distribution of the less common birds is
given in Table 2 and of the more common birds in Tables 3 and 4.
There were no large wrecks this year. In January many juvenile
Red-billed Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae) were found on one beach
at Kaikoura (CN). Such mortality can be expected at this time of
year.
2,
TABLE 1 - Numbers of dead seabirds recorded and kilometres patrolled on each coast in 1980.
COAST
CODE
JAN
FEB
MONTH
JUN
MAR
APR
MAY
AUG
SEP
AUCKLANC WEST
AW
KM
BIRDS
61
69
90
84
126
862
211
186
102
38
TARANAKI
TA
KM
BIRDS
0
3
4
1
12
11
25
WW
KM
BIRDS
3
5
6
0
23
25
12
WESTLAHD
WD
KM
BIRDS
-
9
0
2
0
-
AUCKLANC E A S T
vIELLINZTOI'I
VEST
JUL
27
3
-
KM
BIRDS
49
51
37
48
46
69
21
9
36
17
BP
KM
BIRDS
18
30
0
1
0
EC
KM
BIRDS
2
0
-
1
0
EAST COAST N I
3
0
2
0
2
0
I~AIRARAPA
WA
XM
BIRDS
-
-
-
-
3
0
-
-
7
3
22
24
7
1
7
57
9
CN
KM
BIRDS
5
2
CS
KM
BIRDS
7
6
6
7
OTAGO
OT
KM
BIRDS
-
1
1
SOUTtiLANl!
SD
KM
BIRDS
A E L L I N G T O N SOUTH
A
' S
KM
BIRDS
NORTH COAST S I
NS
KM
BIRDS
OCTLY!NG
ISLANDS
01
12
426
39
20
-
KH
BIRDS
19
12
-
11
7
6
-
-
1
7
9
1
9
14
1
1
16
44
-
23
8
18
?i
-
DEC
18
12
AE
CANTERaUPY NORTH
NOV
22
44
aAY OF PLENTY
CANTEREUt7Y SOUTH
OCT
TOTALS
BI?DSIKH
KM B I R D S
ICCAST
7
0
-
TOTAL KILOMETRES TRAVELLED
269
207
237
246
279
308
262
395
230
228
207
258
3226
T O T A L K I L O M E T R E S COVERED
T O T A L S E A S I R D S RECORDED
260
373
170
320
174
156
188
579
261
1072
262
216
235
210
346
339
204
125
223
161
200
359
2736
4.11
0.82
0.89
0.98
0.61
0.72
1.80
213
441
2.07
SIRDSlKl!
COVERED/MONTH
NO o a t r o t s w e r e
reported
1.43
1.88
f r o m Flordland.
0.90
3.08
4351
1.59
1982
SEABIRDS 1980
43
TABLE 2 - Seabirds of which 1 to 5 specimens were found dead in 1980.
S P E C I E S OR S U B S P E C I E S
NUMBER
COAST(S)
FOUND
WWtBP.
MeZadvptes antipodes
2
CS.
1
Eudyptes ~achvrhvnchos
WW.
sclaterl
1
AW .WS.
Diornedea e ~ o r n o ~ h o r a
2
AW(3).
rnelano~hrvs
3
AW(2).
chlororh~nchos
2
ws.
1
cauta s a l v i n i
AW(4).
Phoebetrla ~ a l p e b r a t a
4
AW(3)rSDvOI.
Fulrnarus e l a c i a l o i d e s
5
A W ( 2 ) IAE.
Pterodrorna SOP*
3
AEvEC
pycroftl
2
AW.
1
leuco~tera
WS.
Pachvptlla crassirostris
1
AW.
Procellarla cinerea
1
AM(3).
westlandlca
3
AW(2) rEC.
aequlnoctialls
3
AW(3),AE,OT.
5
P u f f i n u s SPP*
ECvCN.
eavialhuttonl
2
AWvCN.
Garrodla nereis
2
AW.
1
Sula leucoeaster
AV
P h a l a c r o c o r a x SPP*
1
AW(2)vAE.
s u ~ c i r o s t r i s
3
BP.
rn. b r e v l r o s t r l s
1
AW.
S t e r c o r a r i u s skua lonnberel
1
AW(2).
~ a r a s i t i c u s
2
AW.
1
Sterna albifrons
AW(5).
fuscata
5
AW
'
1
Procelsterna cerulea
.
.
TOTAL
*
MONTHCS)
MAY . J U L .
JUL.
SEP.
MARIMAY.
DEC(3).
MAY vAUG.
JAN.
MAYIAUGISEP(~).
AUGvOCTtNOV(2)rDEC.
JANvMARgAUG.
JUNINOV.
MAY.
AUL;.
SEP.
JANIMAY I S E P .
OCT,NOV,DEC.
JANIJUNINOV(~).
AUG I OCT.
DEC(2).
APR.
AUG.
H A Y ( 2 ) IJUN.
DEC.
NOV.
A P R t NOV.
DEC.
JANvMAR(4).
MAR.
60
S p e c i e s c o u l d n o t be I d e n t i f l e d b y t h e p a t r o l l e r .
In February and December, higher numbers of Blue Penguins
(Eudyptula minor) than normal were found on Auckland East beaches.
There is no obvious reason for this. During most of December, there
were offshore winds.
During April, Sooty Shearwaters (Puffinus griseus) were found
during one patrol of 6 km of Oreti Beach (SD) at a rate of 68.5 per
kilometre. This is the highest ever recovery rate of dead birds found
on New Zealand beaches. Mortality of fledglings may be expected
at this time. I t appears that a combination of periods of calm weather
followed by south-west winds brought large numbers of dead birds
to this beach. After this, fewer dead Sooty Shearwaters than normal
were found on other beaches, and the total for April and May was
about average. The expected November/December wreck of Sooty
Shearwaters did occur, but fewer birds than average were found.
Other high numbers of birds found may be attributed to patrols
on new beaches or, occasionally, to human activity, e.g. in May 39
Spotted Shags (Sticfocarbo punctatus) were found shot on one Canterbury South beach.
(Appropriate law enforcement agencies were
notified.)
The Gould's Petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera) found at Port
Waikato (AW) in May is the eighth specimen of this species to be
TABLE 3 - Coastal distribution of the more common seabirds found dead in 1980.
S P E C I E S OR
SUBSPECIES
Eudvotula mlnor
Dlonedea
subs^^*
alboslenata
SOP*
exu lans
chrrsostoma
bullerl
cauta SU~SPP*
cauta
M a c r o n e c t e s SPP*
Daotion capenre
Pterodroma m a c r o ~ t e r a
lesson11
~ n e x ~ e c t a t a
brevlrostrls
cook11
nlerl~ennls
Halobaena caerulea
P a c h r ~ t l l aS D P *
vlttata
salvlnl
desolata
belcherl
turtur
Procellarla ~ a r k ~ n s o n l
Puffinus c a r n e i ~ e s
buIIer1
<rlseus
tenulrortrls
eavla
hutton1
asslmll~s
Pelaeodrona marlna
Pelecanoldes u r l n a t r l x
S u l a bassana
Phalacrocorax carbo
varlus
Leucocarbo chalconotus
Stlctocarbo ~ u n c t a t u s
Larus domlnlcanus
n. S c O P U I l n u s
buI I e r l
H ~ d r o u r o e n ec a s ~ l a
Sterna s t r l a t a
TOTALS
*SPeCles
Or
AW
T I
203
14
-
5
3
12
6
11
15
23
9
17
35
26
18
5
6
17
4 1
6
10
12
35
125
-
7
78
955
37
89
12
18
5
22
89
1
2
-
AE
BP
EC
225
2
658
117
8
CN
CS
OT
220
149
29
1
1
-
-
1
2
2
2
2
2
-
3
6
-
5
-
-
7
10
1
9
-
1
3
1
16
4
5
18
3
2076
WD
-
7
58
33
-
WW
COAST
WA
-
96
s u b s o e c l e s c o u l d n o t be i d e n t i f l e d b y t h e P a t r o l l e r .
7
P
TOTAL
SIRDS
P
TABLE 4
- Monthly
distribution of the more common seabirds found dead i n
S P E C I E S OR
SUBSPECIES
Eudvutula mlnor
MONTH
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
TOTAL
BIRDS
14
12i
499
t
e
S U ~ S D P *
alborlenata
Dlomedea s p ~ r
PXU l an5
ChrYSOStoma
buIIer1
cauta SU~SDL*
cauta
Macronectes sppf
DaPtlOn c a ~ e n s e
Pterodroma n a c r o ~ t e r a
lessonll
IneXDectata
brevlrostrlr
Cook11
nlerlDennls
Halobaena caerulea
Pachvutlla ~ D D *
vlttata
salvlnl
desolata
belcherr
turtur
Procellarla oarklnsonl
1
-
Belecanoldes u r l n a t r l x
S u l a bassana
IPhalacrocorax carbo
varlus
ILeUCocarbo c h a l c o n o t ~ s
i t l c t o c a r b o Dunctatus
i a r u s domlnlcanus
n. S C D D U 1 i n u s
bullerl
m ~ d r o ~ r o e n CIS
e PI^
Sterna strlata
TOTALS
*
MAY
14
5
1
1
4
12
13
17
-
4
6
368
320
1
13
149
S p o c l e s o r SUbSPeCles c o u l d n o t be l d e n t l f l e d br t h e P a t r o l l e r .
-
9
-1
3
577
recorded in the Beach Patrol Scheme. Previous records are: 1946,
AW, 1; 1961, WW, 1; 1970, AW, 1; 1971, AW, 1, AE, 1; 1973, AW, 1;
and 1975, AW, 1.
Third and fourth specimens were found of Eastern Little Tern
(Sterna albifrons) and Grey Ternlet (Procelsterna cerulea) respectively.
However, in relation to the numbers of these species known to be
near our coasts, such finds should be expected.
The Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) found on Muriwai Beach
(AW) in April is the second one recorded by the Beach Patrol Scheme.
The previous record was from Te Werahi Beach (AE) in January 1971.
The two specimens of Yellow-nosed Mollymawk (Diomedea
chlororhynchos), one found on the Awhitu Peninsula (AW) in May
and the other on Ninety Mile Beach (AW) in August, are new records
for the Beach Patrol Scheme. This species is occasionally seen at
sea about northern New Zealand (Falla 1979) and one was found on
Muriwai Beach about 1930 (Oliver 1930).
Miscellaneous birds recorded, but not considered to be seabirds,
totalled 173. These were: 29 Magpies, 22 Rock Pigeons, 17 Mallard
Ducks, 14 Black Swans, 12 Blackbirds, 11 Variable Oystercatchers,
eight Song Thrushes, seven Grey Ducks and Starlings, six South Island
Pied Oystercatchers, five Harriers, four Mynas, three Pukeko, two each
of White-faced Herons, Reef Herons, Domestic Geese, Pied Stilts,
Pheasants, Tuis and Greenfinches, and one each of Cattle Egret, North
Island Weka, Kaka, Shining Cuckoo, Long-tailed Cuckoo, Morepork,
Little Owl, Spine-tailed Swift, Skylark, Hedge-sparrow, Silvereye, Cirl
Bunting, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The success of the Beach Patrol Scheme in 1980 is due to the
people listed below. who are known to have taken part, and all others
who took part but whose names were not entered on the cards.
J. Ackley, B. R. Armstrong, Auckland team, H. Ayers, J. Ballantyne, M. Barlow, M. Barnes, D. J. Bettesworth, D. Bettridge, K. Bond,
D. F. Booth, D. Brannigan, K. Brash, K. Butler, D. Brathwaite,
B. A. Calder, W. & J . Campbell, W. Cash, J. Charteris, C. & N. G.
Cheshire, J . Cockrem, R. M. & S. Cotter, P. Cozens, S. & B. Creswell,
D. & R. Crockett, P. Crombie, L. Davies, G . S. Dumbell, H. Eagles,
G. Eller, B. Elliott, R. P. Featherston, J. F. M. & J . S. Fennel, M. Field,
C. A. Fleming, P. Fooks, M. Friedlander, R. Froggatt, E. Frisby,
R. B. Goffin, D. Goodale, A. & A. Gordon, E. & D. Graham, S. Grant,
R. Grayden, E. Grundy, A. Habraken, H. Hagen, M. Hansby, B., E.. R.
& T. Harlow, M. Harrison, B. Hartley, T. Hatch, J . Hawken, N. R.
Hellyer, V. Hensley, J . Hilliard, R. Hoare, R. Holdaway, P. Horn,
D. C. Horne, R. Howarth, L. & A. V. Howell, M. J. Imber, J. R. Jackson,
S. Jenkins, A. B. Jones, E. J. Jones, M. Kearns, P. Kearton, R. E.
Lambert, M. Lane, D. A . Lawrie, B. & M . Lindsay, F. McCormick,
1982
SEABIRDS 1980
47
A. MacDonald, F. Malcolm, M. Marchant, R. Mayhill, D. G. & J. C.
Medway, P. & K. Miller, C. Miskelly, J. Morrison, C. & H. O'Donnell,
R. Odgers, K. Parkinson, R. & S. Parrish, C. Pinkney, S. Pitt, B. & A.
Poultan, R. G. Powlesland, M. Quinn, S. Reed, B. & M. Ringer,
A. Roberts, B. Robinson, N. Rothwell, P. M. Sagar, C. Schischka,
B. Searle, M. D. Seccombe, D. Shand, L. Silcock, D. Sim, N. Skitt,
R. S. Slack, I. Southey, J. E. Squire, D. Stanley, B. Stephens, G.
Strachan, R. R. Sutton, M. K. Tarburton, K. V. Todd, T. & R. Thomas,
B. Trott, C. R. Veitch, M. E. Wallis, D. Walter, N. J. Ward, C. & D.
Watkins, R. W. Wheeler, P. Winter, T. H. Worthy, A. Young.
E & OE
1 am also personally indebted to B. D. Bell, R. G. Powlesland
and R. B. Sibson for their helpful comments during the preparation
of this paper.
LITERATURE CITED
FALLA, R . A. 1979. In Falla, R. A,; Sibson, R. 6.; Turbott, E. G. 1979. A new guide to
the birds o f New Zealand. Collins.
IMBER, M . J.; BOESON, 8. W. 1969. Seabirds found dead i n New Zealand i n 1964.
Notornis 16: 50-56.
OLIVER, W . R. B. 1930. New Zealand birds. Wellington: Fine Arts (NZ) Ltd.
C. R. VEITCH, Wildlife Service, Departnzent of Internal Aflairs, P.O.
Box 2220, Auckland
*
SHORT NOTE
ARCTIC TERN IN MANUKAU HARBOUR
On the afternoon of 26 November 1980, Beth Brown, R. N.
Thomas, A. Habraken and I met at Mangere beside No. 4 pond,
Auckland Metropolitan Drainage Board, where three days before RNT
had reported the sighting of a Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos).
The day was very blustery and near full tide strong squalls were
carrying spray over the Onehunga-Mangere bridge. In the lee of
Puketutu Island 4 or 5 White-fronted Terns (Sterna striafa) were
fishing a channel which they commonly use in such westerly weather.
Among them and sometimes harassed by them was a slightly smaller
tern, showing greyish back and upper wing surface and a near-white
rump and tail, deeply forked. It was a typical Sterna, not a tern of
the Chlidonias persuasion. The stranger was taking a buffeting and
tried to avoid the wind by settling among the scoria on the sea-wall road,
where RNT was able to back the car within 10 m of it.
Some obvious features which we noticed at once were: bill
black; crown and cap blackish brown at first glance, but moult starting
and grey streaks beginning to appear; some breast feathers were dark
with wet but lightened as they dried; for a while there seemed to be
a white band almost round the lower neck contrasting with the grey
of the nape and the mantle; legs coral red and very short; underparts
and underwing white, not grey; wings long, slender and angular;
48
SHORT NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
primaries, though frayed and worn, extended a little beyond the tail
streamers of the resting bird.
Among the stones the bird rested uneasily, crouched as low as
it could. The gale had clearly come at an inopportune time when the
worn state of its primaries was diminishing its mobility and hampering
the search for food, especially in competition with larger and fitter
White-fronted Terns.
We concluded that it was an Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea),
probably an adult or subadult which had started the moult into winter
plumage, since it had such an extensive dark cap. It could hardly
have been a bird of the year which had just arrived from far-northern
breeding grounds.
Records of Arctic Terns ashore in New Zealand during the
southern spring are few. Presumably at this season some should be
going south. Imber found one wrecked at Foxton Beach after westerly
gales in mid-November 1963.
There are other Manukau records for autumn or winter, namely
four at Huia on 22/3/61 and one dead at Ihumatao on 29/6/68.
Similarly, two recent records from the Bay of Plenty belong to May
and June. Nor should we overlook the possibility that subadult Arctic
Terns may sometimes spend their first or even their second (southern)
winter along the New Zealand coast, as many subadult northern
waders do.
REFERENCES
EDGAR, A. T. Notornis 9: 173.
FREW, H. Notornis 16: 56.
LATHAM, P. C. M. Notornis 26: 63-67.
LATHAM, P. C. M. Nolornis 28: 213-214
R. B. SIBSON, 26 Entrican Avenue, Auckland 5
REEF HERON ON NELSON HAVEN
At the top of Nelson Haven on 21 October in the late afternoon
1 noticed an unfamiliar bird flying fairly high to the north. Its neck
was fully extended and looked very long. It was having difficulty
making headway against the strong northerly and was finally forced
to land on the tidal flats near Sewerside Drive.
I then had a close-up view and saw that it was a Reef Heron
(Egretta sacra). Two (resident?) White-faced Herons (Ardea novaelzollandiae) immediately began swooping low over the Reef Heron which,
after repeatedly ducking its head, flew several hundred metres down
the Haven. The White-faced Herons followed and continued swooping
but could not move the Reef Heron any further. They finally took up
position a short distance away, and at dusk the three birds were still
there.
This is only the second sighting of Reef Heron in Nelson Haven
that 1 am aware of.
J. M. HAWKINS, 772 Atawhai Drive, Nelson
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
30 June 1980 to 30 June 1981
Compiled by D F. BOOTH
Contribrrtors
B. R. Armstrong, A. Baikie, D. G. Baker, M. Barlow, D. Bettesworth, A. Blackburn, D. F. Booth, B. Brown, K. W. L. Buchanan,
B. J. Burch, J . M. Clark, R. Cometti, L. Conyngham, W. J. Cooper,
M. Craven, T. C. Crocker, L. J. Davies, R. Dickson, P. Dorman,
J. Driessen, G. Eller, B. Elliott, C. Exley, J. Ferrell, K. J. Fisher,
C. A. Fleming, M. A. Fleming, K. I. C. Fletcher, G. A. Foreman,
R. French, R. Fyfe, D. Garrick, R Giblin, B. Gofin, A. J . Goodwin,
A. H. Gordon, A. Habraken, T. R. Harty, T. Hatch, B. Hawkins,
J . M. Hawkins, R. Hawthorne, B. D. Heather, B. R. Henley, V. H. Hensley,
R. Howell, W. M. Hutton, J. G. Innes, R. W. Jackson, P. J. Jenkins,
P. V. J. Jenkins, B. Johnson, S. Johnson, C. Jowett, M. P. K. Kearns,
E. J. Keeble, B. R. Keeley, R. E. Lambert, P. C. M. Latham, D. A. Lawrie,
0. J. Linscott, J. Lloyd, T. G. Lovegrove, J. Marshall, C. Medway,
D. G. Medway, P. Millener, P. Miller, C. Miskelly, G. J . H. Moon,
J . Moore, M. Moore, I<. Morrison, J. V. Morrison, A. Munn, A. Macdonald, P. McLean, D. McVicar, H. Newton, D. J . Onley, K. L. Owen,
M. Penwarden, G. M. H . Peterson, S. Pitt, E. Power, R. G. Powlesland,
S. Rannels, G. Rawson, S. M. Reed, N. Rothwell, P. M. Sagar, C. Saxby,
B. Searle, B. H. Seddon, J. H. Seddon, R. B. Sibson, L. Silcock,
J. F. Skinner, M. C. Smale, I . Southey, S. C. Sparrow, J. E. Staniland,
B. Stephens, R. R. Sutton, F. J . Taylor, G. A. Taylor, M. J. Taylor,
T. B. S. Taylor, T. J. Taylor, R. N. Thomas, K. V. Todd, J . Trollope,
D. M. Walter, N. Ward, J. Watt, R. M. Weston, R. W. Wheeler,
R. F. White, J. P. Whittle, M. A. Williams, J . W. Wootton.
E&OE
Abbreviations: BOP - Bay of Plenty; est. - estuary; FP Forest Park; FoT - Firth of Thames; NP - National Park; 0.p. oxidation ponds; pen. - peninsula; RP - Regional Park; SF - State
Forest; SP - sewage ponds.
BROWN KIWI Apteryx australis
N I : Tangiteroria, 21 1 numerous and calling (TGL) . Waitakere
Valley, Auckland, 24 from Northland released into F&B Matuku
Reserve between Dec 1980 and Mar 1981 (JES, MJT) . Mangorewal
Otanewainuku region, north Rotorua, Ian, Feb, May 1981, c.100 heard
or reported on survey (GAT). Waikaremoana (NE) Urewera NP,
several heard during Dec 1979 (GAT). Eltham Borough, 1 seen Aug
1980 and captured; later released at suitable locality (RWW).
SI: Precipice Cove, Bradshaw Sound, male calling 2811 (KM).
Shark Cove, Dusky Sound, male calling 3 / 2 (KM).
Stewart 1.: Mason Bay, seen Aug 1980 in daytime (GAT).
50
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
GREAT SPOTTED KIWI A. haastii
Scott Creek, Punakaiki, 1 on 11/11 (PMS).
YELLOW-EYED PENGUIN Megadyptes antipodes
Kakanui River Mouth, Otago, 1 on 2915 (SR). Papanui Beach,
Otago pen, 6 on 2113 - moulting (SR).
BLUE PENGUIN Eudyptula minor
Access Bay, FoT, 1 on 4/12 (BB). Stephens Bay, Nelson, 3 on
1214 in crevice (BE).
WHITE-FLIPPERED PENGUIN E. minor albosignata
Kaikoura pen., 1 corpse on 25/12 (BE).
FIORDLAND CRESTED PENGUIN Eudyptes pachyrhynchus
Kahutara River Mouth, Kaikoura, 1 corpse on 2517, now at
Cant. Mus. (BE). The Pines Beach, Kaiapoi, 1 on 2313 moulting and
in poor condition ( I F ) . Hall ArmISecretary Island, Fiordland, 36 at
sea (DGM).
CRESTED GREBE Podiceps cristatus
Lake Rotoroa, Kaikoura, 4 on 23/10 (BE). Lake Brunner, 1 on
1916 ( D J O ) . Lake Ianthe, South Westland, 1 on 16/9/79 (NW).
Lake Mapourika, 2 on 3013 (SR). Lower Waiau River, Lake Manapouri, 1 on 2818 (W JC) .
NEW ZEALAND DABCHICK P. rufopectus
Waiwera Acclimatisation Lake, 3 on 612 (TGL). Hardcastle
Lagoon, Reporoa, 1 on 215 (RMW). Lake Rotomahana, 22 on 8/7/79
in one bay (GAT). Tokaanu Wharf, Lake Taupo, 6 on 2613 (GMHP) .
Ahuriri, 14 on 2717 (KVT). Kautuku Swamp, Hawkes Bay, 5/12,
pair with two young chicks (KVT). Manawatu coastal lakes, 2017, 6
at Foxton Lake (No. 4 ) , 10 at Foxton Lake (No. 3 ) , 5 at Foxton Lake
(No. 1) on 2116 (LID). Rangitikei coastal lakes, 1917, 8 at Lake
Koitiata, 9 at Lake Heaton (LJD). Waikanae SP, 1-2, 29/3/80; 18,
514; 15, 2014; 14, 1217; 13, 2517; down to 0, 2318; 3118. 1, 25/12,
31/12; 9, 1/2/81; 8, 612; building up to 34, 2713 and 33, 3/5/81
(CAF). Waimeha Lagoon, Waikanae, resident pair throughout year,
displaying after completing moult on 20/4/80; third bird on 1718, 1
only 1819, but 2 on 5 and 8/10. Not seen 9/11. 1 on 30111; 13/12,
looking haggard; 2 adults with downy chick 25 and 31/12 (estimated 2
weeks old); surviving and healthy 7/2/81. Single adult wintered
(CAF) .
HOARY-HEADED GREBE P. poliocephalus
Bromley SP, Christchurch, 1 on 2818 (PMS).
AUSTRALIAN LITTLE GREBE Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Lake Rotoiti, Kaikoura, 2 on 619 (BE). St. Anne's Lagoon, 2 on
2719 in full breeding plumage (PMS); 2 on 28/10 (BRA).
BLACK-BROWED MOLLYMAWK Diomedea melanophrys
Hen and Chickens Islands, north of Chickens, 1 adult and 1
immature on 2015 (CM, T G L ) . Coppermine Island, 1 adult and 1 iuv
on 2015 ( T G L ) . Little Barrier, 1 on 1217 off to north-east (TGL).
Coromandel, off Happy Jack, 1 iuv on 2719 (LJD). Maketu, 1 on
1982
51
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
25/5 found alive and released 2 days later (AM).
1 on 2/4 (JMH) .
Admiralty Bay,
YELLOW-NOSED MOLLYMAWK D. chlororhynchos
Northern waters, now most numerous mollymawk between May
and October (TGL) . Bream Bay, 15 on 15/10 (CM, TGL) , 11 on 2015
( T G L ) . Mayor Island waters, up to 5 present 12/7-10/8 (PCML).
Tasman Bay, 26/10, 12-14 miles from land, 1 iuv (BH) . 1-4/11, 1 iuv;
Apr 1981, 1 adult, 3 juv ( J M H ) . Admiralty Bay, Apr 1981, 1 juv,
1 adult (JMH) .
BULLER'S MOLLYMAWK D. bulleri
Tasman Bay, 1 or 2 frequently seen ( J M H ) . Pitt, Mangere and
South East Islands, odd birds Oct-Dec 1980 (TGL).
SHY MOLLYMAWK D. cauta cauta
Busby Head, Marsden Point, 1 on 5/10 (TGL). Bream Bay,
1 subadult on 5/10 (CM, TGL) . Coppermine Island, 1 juv on 2015
(TGL). Foxton Beach, 1 on 2719 passing north (JM, MM). Tasman
Bay, up to 20 during Apr, May, June ( J M H ) .
GIANT PETREL Macronectes halli
Cape Egmont, 1 dead on 2017 - banded on 24/2/80 at Bird
Island, South Georgia, 11 325 km from where found ( D G M ) .
CAPE PIGEON flaption capense
Takatu-Little Barrier, 1 on 2917 ( T G L ) . Tasman Bay, seen up
to Nov 1980 and again 20-2314 ( J M H ) . Kaikoura, 30-40 on 2719 on
sea iust off wharf; feeding on organisms attracted by light and on
small fish (PMS) ; 200 on 2016, 2916 (BE).
GREY-FACED PETREL Pterodroma macroptera
South Head, Hokianga Harbour, 2 burrows each with egg laid
between 22 and 3016. Up to 11 seen calling overhead on dark evenings
from end April to end June (DB). Urenui, North Taranaki, 1 landed
at 7.30 p.m. at small mainland colony (DGM, REL, R W W ) .
KERGUELEN PETREL P. brevirostris
Waikanae Beach, 1 fresh corpse on 1217 (CAF) .
KERMADEC PETREL P. neglecta
Cuvier Island, dark-phase bird has continued its summer visiting,
but not seen after 15/1 (TGL) .
COOK'S PETREL P. cookiz
Northern Chickens Islands, 2 on 4/10 (CM, T G L ) .
BLACK-WINGED PETREL P. nigripennis
Cape Maria Van Diemen, 30 on 2411, killed by cats (CM).
Hokianga Harbour entrance, on 213 80, pair calling, chasing over
sea and nearby steep hill (DB). The Pinnacles, south of Poor Knights,
6 on 14/2 ( T G L ) . Cuvier Island, 4 on 2011 off landing ( T G L ) .
Little Barrier, 1 on 1113, 3 miles off north-western corner ( T G L ) .
Te Arai Bluff, recent remains of one bird on 5/12 (RBS). South
East Island, Chathams, 26/1, many seen and heard coming in to summit
and along West Coast Track to Skua Gully at night (BHS, JHS).
52
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
CHATHAM ISLAND PETREL P. axillark
South East Island, Chathams, 2711, 1 in burrow with egg
(BHS, JHS). Only 2 seen during 3 weeks' stay late Nov-Dec 1980
(TGL) .
BROAD-BILLED PRlON Pachyptila vittata
South East Island, Chathams, 1511-27/1, few still coming into
burrows (BHS, JHS).
FAIRY PRlON P. turtur
Mangere Island, some thousands nesting on slopes near hut,
Oct-Nov 1980. Often taken by skuas (TGL).
BLACK PETREL Procellaria parkinsoni
Little Barrier, I fully fledged late July 1980 about to depart
from burrow (TGL). Back Beach, New Plymouth, 1 on 1815 found
alive but later died (REL).
WESTLAND BLACK PETREL P. westlandica
Tasman Bay, 20 on 411 1 ( J M H ) .
FLESH-FOOTED SHEARWATER Puffinus carneipes
Tutukaka, 1914, common offshore (TGL) . Bream Bay, 15 on
4 and 5/10 (CM, T G L ) .
BULLER'S SHEARWATER P. bulleri
Northland east coast, numerous offshore from early Oct (TGL).
Piercy Rock, Northland, 7/12, thousands on calm sea (RBS). Off
Waiheke Island, 50+ on 1413 (BB, J D ) .
SOOTY SHEARWATER P. griseus
Busby Head, Northland, 5/10, numerous (TGL) . Bream Bay,
20 on 5/10 (CM, T G L ) . Little Mangere Island, large numbers arriving
at dusk, mid-Oct 1980 (TGL).
FLUTTERING SHEARWATER P. gavia
Cape Brett, 7/12, hundreds (RBS). Bream Head, 2813, 500
offshore (TGL). Off Waiheke Island, 500+ on 1413 (BB, J D ) .
HUTTON'S SHEARWATER P. huttoni
Kowhai River (south branch), Seaward Kaikoura Mountains, 8
and 9/1 at 4800 feet, 100 banded; numerous (LJD).
LITTLE SHEARWATER P. assimilis
Chicken Islands, 2015, numerous offshore to the north (TGL) .
GREY-BACKED STORM PETREL Garrodia nereis
Rabbit Island, Chathams, good population (TGL). South East
Island, Chathams, 1911-2711, moderate numbers coming in to burrows
at night (JHS, BHS). Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound, 2 caught on 2918
(WJC).
WHITE-FACED STORM PETREL Pelugodroma marina
Bream Head-Pinnacles (south of Poor Knights), few on 2813
(TGL). Motuakino Island, Coromandel, ZOO+ on 25/10, much calling
and burrow cleaning (CM). Foxton Beach, 2 on 21/12 passing north
close to shore during rough weather (TM, MM). South East Island,
1982
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
53
Chathams, 19/1-2711, coming in at night in large numbers to burrows
on forest floor (JHS, BHS) .
DIVING PETREL Pelecanoides urinatrix chathamensis
South East Island, Chathams, 1911-2711, half-fledged chick in
nest (JHS, BHS) .
AUSTRALASIAN GANNET Sula bussana serrator
Cuvier Island, Ian 1981, several rocks used as roosts (TGL).
The Stack, Muriwai, 200 on 1511; plateau has reached saturation (RBS) .
Horuhoru Island, Hauraki Gulf, 75 pairs and 50 immatures, mainly
well grown to grey speckled stage on 1413 (BB, J D ) . Kaiaua, FoT,
c.10 on 27/11 feeding in smooth water close inshore; windy and rough
further out; unusual record for this area (BB, DGB, RBS). Kaikoura
pen, 1 on 916 at seal colony (BRA).
BLACK SHAG Phalacrocorax carbo
Miranda, 137 on 2814 ( A J G , AH, BB). Papakura Dam, Hunua
Gorge, on 1918, 20 adults, 10 chicks on 7 nests ( I D ) . Tuakau, on 917,
colony of at least 88 in kahikateas, chicks being fed feral goldfish from
Waikato R. (BB, DGB, A H ) . Hardcastle Lagoon, Reporoa, 20 on 215
(RMW). Wairau River, Kaituna, 23 on 615 ( R F ) . Tuki Tuki River
est., 70 on 1814 (KVT). Waikanae est., 1-13 between 22/3/80 and
31/1/80, maximum in Oct, 13 (CAF) . Waikanae SP, 1-14 with highest
counts Oct-Dec; 16 on 815 included crested adults with filoplumes and
yellow gape (CAF). Washdyke Lagoon, 27 on 2514 (PMS). Christchurch SP, 52 on 1312 (BRA).
PIED SHAG P. varius
Manukau census, 233 on 2311 1. Hingaia colony, South Manukau
on 10/8 had 91 birds. bl nests; ch~ckswere heard. Colony in gumtrees but 2 nests had pine needles instead of gum leaves (BB). Karaka,
55 on 1715 (BB). Port Ohope Spit, 12 on 26/10 (RMW). Kaituna
R., BOP, 20 pairs on 3115 nesting, most with well-grown young (new
colony) (PCML). Christchurch SP. 6 on 2013 (BRA).
LlTTLE BLACK SHAG P. sulcirostris
Omapere, on 1317, 11, only birds seen in area for 3 years (DB) .
Shoal Bay, Devonport, 50 on 217 ( N R ) . Otakawhe Bay, Waiheke, 90
on 2517 (BS). Te Matuka Bay, Waiheke, 110 on 2817 (BS). FoT,
47 on 14/12, 27 on 716 (BB). Waikato R., Huntly, 60 on 1215 on
stranded tree (RBS) . Hardcastle Lagoon, Reporoa, 20 on 215 (RMW) .
Otumoetai Beach, 210 on 2416 (KICF). Maketu Lagoon, 24 on 21/6
roosting on posts (PCML). Tarawera River, 40 on 414 (PCML).
Rangitaiki River, 120 on 616 (PCML). Ahuriri, 70 on 713 ( K V T ) .
Foxton Beach, up to 5 in May and June on est. (JM, MM). Manawatu
est., 15 on 1015 (LJD) . Waikanae est., 16 on 915 (CAF) . Waikanae
SP, 14 on 3118 and again in May 1981 (CAF). Wellington Harbour,
up to 20 in luly-Sept (JM, MM).
LITTLE SHAG P. r,nelanoleucos brevirostris
Far North dune lakes survey, 156 on 3111 (MPK). Opononi/
Ornapere, commonest shag in winter but only juveniles from Oct to
Mar (DB). Hobson Bay, Auckland, colony of c.50 pairs. Nesting birds
from Aug 1980 to Mar 1981 (MJT). Thames coast, 31 on 21/8 ( I S ) .
54
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
Kawakawa Bay, Lake Taupo, on 513, 4 nests (2 occupied) under cliff
overhang on fallen tree (TBST). Te Awanga, 23 on 1619 (KVT).
Waikanae est., 1-6 with most in Apr and July 1980, 12 in May 1981
(CAF). Waikanae SP, 1-9 usually to be seen (CAF). Kaikoura pen.,
16 on 216 (BE). Christchurch SP, 41 on 1312 (BRA).
KING SHAG Leucocarbo carunculatus carunculatus
Kapowai Bay, D'Urville Island, 1 on 219 (RGP).
CHATHAM ISLAND SHAG L. carunculatus onslowi
Rabbit Island. Chathams, incubating in first 10 days of Nov
1980, c.60 nests. 140 birds have been counted (TGL).
SPOTTED SHAG Stictocarbo punctatus punctatus
Shag Rocks, off Waiheke, 2000+ on 1413, many immatures (BB) .
Kaiaua, FoT, 180 on 27/11 fishing very close inshore in sheltered
water (BB, DGB, RBS) . Whakatiwai, FoT, 150 on 1/ 12 (AH). Thames
coast, 123 on 1618 (IS). Wilson's Bay, Thames, c.730 on 17/10 ( A J G ) .
Black Reef, Napier, 3 on 515 (KVT). Bell Block Beach, Taranaki, 1 on
2011 (DGM). Waikanae est., 6 on 4/4/80 in nuptial plumage; 6 on
8/5/80 (CAF). Tumbledown Bay, Banks Peninsula, 67 on 2019, 31
nests with new nesting material (PMS).
PlTT ISLAND SHAG S. punctatus featherstoni
South East Island, Chathams, 1911-2711, numerous. 30 juveniles,
most still being fed by adults (JHS, BHS) . Mangere and Rabbit Islands,
Chathams, incubating Oct-Nov 1980. 20 pairs on Rabbit I. on cliff
edges (TGL).
WHITE-FACED HERON Ardea novuehollandiae
Karaka, 1 with white extending well down neck frequents area
(BB). Hardcastle Lagoon, Reporoa, 10 on 215 (RMW). Muriwai
Lagoon, Gisborne, 50 on 213 (BRK). Waikanae SP, 1-2 autumn and
winter 1980, 4 on 14/12, 16 on 25/12, 23 on 30 and 31/12, 31 on 1/2,
25 on 612 (CAF). Hokitika River mouth, 11 on 16/3/80 ( N W ) .
Christchurch SP, 10 on 1313 (BRA). Lake Ellesmere, 8 on 3015 seen
to catch eels (PMS). Chatham Island, 50 on 1411 at Lagoon Mouth
(JHS, BHS). South East Island. Chathams, 2111, nest under rock on
rocky shore, 3 almost fledged chicks (JHS, BHS). Rabbit Island,
Chathams, 1 on 211 1 (TGL) .
KOTUKU Egretta alba
Rangaunu Harbour, Northland, 2 on 2618 (BG). Harania Creek.
Umer Manukau. 1 on 2415 (RBS) . Pavakura. 2 on 711 1 (TRH. TH) .
~ ' a ; l u k a um arb our (from ~ b u t h e r n ~ o t o r w a y ) ,1 on 30111 (TCC).
Karaka, 2 on 2216 (BB). Sulphur Springs Bay, Rotorua, 1 on 2716
( R W J ) . Tarawera River, 1 on 617, 2 on 2617 (PCML). Manawatu
River est., 1 on 1015 ( L J D ) . Whakaki Lagoon, Wairoa, 1 on 2717
(GAF). Matata Lagoon, 1 on 315 (PCML). Foxton, 3 on Manawatu
River "loop" Sep-Oct (JM, MM); 1 cn 716 (RGP). Bell Block
(Henwood Road), New Plymouth, 1 on 17/11 (REL). Waimea est.,
Nelson, 2 on 813 (BE). Totara Lagoon, near Westport, 1 or 2 present
April-June 1981 (DJO) . Charleston, Westport, 1 on 2011 1, 1-2 regularly
from 7/3 onwards (DJO).
1982
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
55
LITTLE EGRET E. garzetta
Waikato River mouth, 2 on 1015 - M & S Graham (per RBS).
Lake Rotomanu, New Plymouth, 3 on 1/9/79, 2 on 16/9/79, 2 on
7/10/79; 2 present until 2/11/79, neck and back plumes noted; not
observed again until 20/4/8O when 1 present; 1 on 17/5/80 (RWW,
DGM, REL). 1 on 19/10 with plumes (RWW). 1 on 2/11 with no
plumes (DGM). 1 on 2014, 1015, 816 (RWW, BS). Westshore, 1 on
3015 ( J L ) . Ahuriri Lagoon, Napier, 1 on 2817 (BRK). Manawatu
River est., 1 on 315, 1 on 1917 (JM, MM). Waimea est., Nelson, 3 on
813 (BE). Westport airport, 1 on 1515, 1 on 316 ( D J O ) . Orowaiti
est., Westport, 2 on 24/3/80 ( N W ) , 1 on 15/4/80 ( D J O ) .
REEF HERON E. sacra
Ngunguru est., 2 on 21 and 22/10 (BDH). Urquharts Bay,
Whangarei Heads, 2 on 3/10 (TGL). Man O'War, Waiheke, 1 on
16/10 (GMHP). Opoutere, 3 on 311 (PCML). Raglan Harbour, 7 on
2812 - E F Keeble (per BB). Kawhia Harbour, 1 on 719 feeding
along receding tideline with White-faced Heron and Cattle Egret (IHS,
BHS). Sulphur Point, Tauranga, 3 on 5/10 (JHS. BHS). Mokau
River mouth, 1 on 811 (KWW). Ohiwa Harbour, 1 on 2115 (MAW).
Tolaga Bay, 1 on 1711 (MAW). Pair nesting on island off southern
point (GAF). Westshore, 1 on 3015 (KVT). Tuki Tuki River est.,
1 on 715 (KVT). Mokau, 1 on 26/4/80 (RWW). Bell Block Beach,
NCW Plymouth, 1 on 2/3/80 (RWW). Omata, New Plymouth, 1 on
619 (REL). Oakura. New Plymouth, 1 on 2811 (DGM). Okato, 1
on 2418, 1 on 29/11 (DGM). Breaker Bay, Wellington, 1 on 10/11/79
(BRA). Motueka Sandspit, 1 on 413 (BE). Riwaka, I on 1214 (BE).
Kaiteriteri, 1 on 1215 (BE). Kaikoura, 1 on 12/10, 30111 and 2711
(BE). Rangi Unu Wai, Kaikoura Coast, 2 on 29/12 (BE). Halfmoon
Bay, Kaikoura Coast, 1 on 619 (PJ, PVJ). Torrent Bay, 1 on 4/11
(JMH). Anchor Island, Dusky Sound, 1 on 15/11 (DGM). Mason
Bay, Stewart Island, 1 on 23/8/79 (GAT).
CATTLE EGRET Bubufcus ibis
Parakai, 2 on 2514, 16 on 815 (CE). Mangere SP, 1 on 2516
(BB) . Waitakaruru, FoT, 28 on 3 and 718 (BB, DGB, LB, AH, TGL) .
Rangiriri, 125 on 2418 (BHS). Rangiriri/Huntly, 1611 1, aerial search
- none seen (JHS, BHS). Huntly West, 84 on 2816 (AH). Ohaupo,
3 on 2418 (BHS). Hardcastle Lagoon, Reporoa, 3 on 915 (RMW).
Matata, 15 on 616 (PCML). Awamata, Wairoa, 2 during May-June
1981 (BRH). Waitara, northern outskirts, 8 on 11/9/79, 9 on 1619,
12 on 1919, 10 on 31/10/79 (DGM, RWW); 7 on 15/4/80 (RWW).
Okau, North Taranaki, 1 on 15/5/80 (REL). Onaero, North Taranaki,
1 on 9/1/80, 6 on 27/4/80 (REL, RWW). Normanby, South Taranaki,
1 on farm for most of winter 1980 but not seen after Nov 1980 ( J M ) .
Harbour Board Farm. Napier, 1 on 713 showing buff on breast and
back (JL, KVT). Maxwell Wanganui, 3 on 21/8/79 (JMC). Lake
Waikato, Wanganui, 12 on 3115 (LC). Foxton, 1 on 716, flew into
tree tops (RGP). Fcxton Beach, present at No. 1 lake or Manawatu
River est. from July to 29/11 with maximum 67 on the est. on 26/10.
Only autumn record, 3 at No. 1 lake on 315 (JM, MM). Otorou
(between Foxton and Waiterere) 16 on 315 (JM, MM). Lake Horowhenua, Levin, 2 on 716 feeding in pasture with cattle (RGP). Grovetown, 32 on 113 (PJ, PVJ). Orowaiti est., Westport, 3 on 2712 (DJO),
56
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
Kaikoura, 3 on 1815 (BRA). Arahura Valley, Westland, 2 on 2/12/79
(NW) . Kokatahi, Westland, 8 on 11/10/79 (NW) . Manapouri, Kepler
Farm Block, 2 on 1615 (KM, JVM).
BITTERN Botaurus poiciloptilus
Far North dune lake survey, I1 on 3111 (MPK) . Whataru Bay,
Cape Karikari, 2 larger birds, presumably male, chasing and displaying
with 1 smaller bird (female?) on 1011 1 ( F J T ) . Waiotira, 2019, first
booming heard for season ( T G L ) . Lake Hakaroa, Huntly, 1 on 2418
feeding at lake edge (JHS, BHS). Matata-Awaiti area, 4 sightings of
single birds on 617, 2318, 2913, 315 (PCML). Piako, FoT, 1 on 14/12
(BB). Hardcastle Lagoon, Reporoa, 1 on 215 (RMW). Otautu Bay,
Lake Rotoehu, 2 on 2716 ( R W J ) . Lake Wairarapa (South Access
Road), 1 seen on various occasions during Jan 1980 ( G A T ) . Waitangi,
Hawkes Bay, I on 813 (ItVT). East Clive, Hawkes Bay, 1 on 19/11
(KVT). Tuki Tuki River est., 1 on 1517 (KVT). Lake Horowhenua,
Levin, 1 on 716 ( R G P ) . Ngarara Swamp, Waikanae, 1 on 19/7, 1 on
514 (CAF). Waimeha Lagoon, Waikanae, 1 on 517 (CAF). Cape
Foulwind, 1 on 316 ( D J O ) . Upukerora River, Te Anau, 1 on 1917,
2017 (KM, JVM).
GLOSSY IBIS Plegadis falcinellus
Wairoa, 1 on 713 feeding in stagnant water in roadside drain
(BRH). Foxton, 1 c n 12/10 (LJD). Farewell Spit, 3 on 414 at high
tide roost with 1 1 Royal Spoonbills (KM, JVM) .
ROYAL SPOONBILL Platalea regia
Westshore, 2 on 2717 (KVT). Manawatu River est., present
July to Sep and Dec to June 1981 with maximum of 24 on 215 (JM,
MM). Farewell Spit, 11 on 114 with three Glossy Ibis (KM, JVM).
Wairau Bar, 10 on 23/8, 3 with plumes and 3 occupying Pied Shag
nests. None on 1319 ( P J , P V J ) . Motueka Sandspit, Nelson, 10 on
2817 (KLO). Motueka, 21 during April/May 1981 (BE, J M H ) .
Waimea est., Nelson, 12 on 813 (BE). Christchurch SP, 2 on 18/12,
3 on 8 / 1 , 2 on 7/1,21/1, 3011, 1 on 613 (BRA).
MUTE SWAN Cygnus olor
Lake Poukawa, Hawkes Bay, 4 on 1217 (KVT).
BLACK SWAN C. atratus
Foxton No. I Lake, 125 with 8 broods of young on 25/10
(JM, MM). Waimeha Lagoon, Waikanae, pair with cygnets 25/7/80;
well grown 2819. 3 cygnets or. water but adult again sitting on nest
5/10, hatched by 9/11 (still in nest) but on water with parents 15/11
(CAF) . Lake Heron, 198 on 2617 (PMS) .
CANADA GOOSE Branta canadensis
Tokaanu wharf, Lake Taupo, 16 on 2513 (GMHP) . Hinemaiaia
Lake, Lake Taupo, 2 on 2413 (GMHP). Fitzroy, 27 on 315 (DGM).
35 on 5/5 (AB). Bell Block SP, New Plymouth, 2 on 20/10 (RWW,
DGM) . Lake Rotamanu, New Plymouth, 2 on 1611 1 (REL) . Harbour
Board Farm marsh, Napier, 23 on 4/10 (MC). Kaikoura, 10 on 2318
(BE). Christchurch SP, 627 on 10/1 (BRA). Lake Heron, 198 on
2617 (PMS). Wairaki oxbow lagoon, Southland, 108 on 2112 (MB).
1982
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
57
PARADISE SHELDUCK Tadornn variegata
Ahipara, pair on 2618 (BG). Trounson Kauri Park, Northland.
pair with 7 ducklings on 2618 (BC). Waiotira, June 1981, 45 on damp
pasture (TGL). Darpaville, 1 female and 7 males/immature birds on 2318
(BG) . Clevedon (Balfour Polo Ground), 2 on 1019 (AJG) . Karaka, 12
on 2116 (BB) . Paparimu, 2 on 1919 ( A J G ) . Whakatiwai, FoT, 2 pairs on
1015 ( A J G ) . Mangatangi, 24 on 716 (BB). Matata Lagoon, 50 on 315
(PCML). Foxton No. 1 Lake, 9 on 26/1 (LJD). Waikanae est. 4 on
4/4/80 (CAF) . Waikanae SP, 11 on 25/12/80 (CAF) . Waimeha Lagoon,
during Mar ( T J T ) . Clarence River Headwaters, Nelson Lakes NP,
6 on 1111 (GR) . St. Arnaud, Westland, 18 on 21/1/80 (NW). Begley
Valley, Rainbow SP, 4 on 1211 ( G R ) . Upper Waiau Valley, Canterbury,
6 on 911 (GR) . Chr~stchurchSP, 21 1 on 10/1 (BRA). Wet Jacket
Arm, Breaksea Sound, 3 on 1511 1 (DCM) .
MALLARD Anus platyrhynchos
FoT Census, 61 14 on 716. More than usual in Manukau Harbour
e.g. 1800+ at Karaka shellbanks on 2116 (BB).
GREY DUCK A. superciliosa
Miranda coast and south Manukau, a few pairs seen (BB).
Hardcastle Lagoon, Reporoa, 20 on 215 (RMW) . Matata Lagoon, 100+
on 3/5 (PCML). Waikanae SP, 10 on 14/10; 25 on 25/12 (CAF).
Upper Wairau River, 8 on 31/12 (PI, P V j ) .
GREY TEAL A. gibberifrons
Mangere SP, 100 on 11/5 (RBS) . Karaka, up to 20 in winter
1980 (BB). Miranda, 25 on 716 (BB). Meremere, 30 on 2816 at
Island Block Road bridge (AH). Lake Hakaroa, Huntly, 4 on 2418
(JHS, BHS). Kaituna Cut, BOP, counts of 50-60 on 1711 and 813
(PCML) ; 103 on 512 (GAT). Sulphur Bay, Rotorua, 111 on 415 winter count (GAT). Muriwai Lagoon, Gisborne, 30 on 1613 (BRK).
Harbour Board Farm marsh, Napier, 90 on 3015 (KVT). Waikanae
SP, 4 on 12/10 (CAF). Charleston, Westport, 1 on 214 and 9/4 ( D J O ) .
Rotoiti, Kaikoura, 4 on 619 ( P J ) . Hokitika SP, 2 on 7/4/80 (NW).
Lake Heron, 4 on 2617 (PMS) . Washdyke Lagoon, 12 on 2414 (PMS) .
St Anne's Lagoon, 29 on 6/12 (BRA). Waikouaiti Lagoon, 200+ on
413 (MB). Lake McGregor, 104 on 313 (MB). Lake Te Anau, maximum count during May and June 60 on 116 (KM, JVM) .
BROWN TEAL A. chlorotis
Whangaparapara, Great Barrier, 3 tiny ducklings seen in harbour
(A Forgie per AJG) .
NEW ZEALAND SHOVELER A. rhynchotis
Mangere SP, 3@ on 1115 (RBS). Karaka, 28 on 1018 (BB).
Access Bay, FoT, c.8 on 2514 (TC). Maioro, near Waiuku, 44 on
3115 (BB, AJG, GMHP). Lake Hakaroa, Huntly, 12 on 2418 (JHS,
BHS). Taharoa, 13 on 619 (JHS). Hardcastle Lagoon, Reporoa, 400
on 2/5 (RMW). Lake Opouri, Volcanic Plateau, 20 on 4/7/79 (GAT).
Muriwai Lagoon, Gisbolne, 36 on 1613 (BRK). Bell Block SP, New
Plymouth, 2 on 20110 and 9/11 (RWW). Lake Rotomanu, New
Plymouth, 7 on 19/10; 1 on 911 1; 2 on 16/11 (RWW) ; 6 during late
Nov 1980 (REL). Ahuriri, 180 on 3118 (KVT). Foxton No. 1 Lake,
26 on 2611 (LJD). Waimeha Lagoon. Waikanae. 90 on 22/3/80
58
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
(CAF). Lake Grassmere, 10 on 619 ( P J ) . Lake Rotoiti, Kaikoura, 13
on 12/12 (BE). Lake Te Anau, maximum count during May and
June - 42 on 2415 (JVM).
BLUE DUCK Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos
Lake Whakamaru, 1 on 1415 (GAT). Waipakihi River, Kaimanawa FP, 9 on 1615 (GAT). Apiti Stream, Urewera NP, 4 adults
and 2 chicks on 1611 1/79 (GAT). Maitai River, Nelson, 1 on 518 and
618 (KLO). Riwaka River, Tasman Bay, 1 on 518 (KLO). Brook
River, Nelson, 1 on 515 (BE). Spey River/Mica Burn junction, 1 on
2918 (WJC) . Wairau River, Marlborough, 1 on 11/ 1 at Six Mile
Creek ( P V J ) . Begley Valley, Rainbow SP, 2 on 1211 ( G R ) . Taipo
River, Otago, 6 on 1515 (SR). Otehaka River (Upper), Arthurs Pass,
2 on 19/4/80 (GAT). Deep Cove, Doubtful Sound, 3 on 1914 (WJC).
Lyvia River, Doubtful Sound, 1 male on 16/11 (WJC).
NEW ZEALAND SCAUP Aythya novaeseelandiae
Far North Dune Lakes Survey, 22 on 112 (MPK). Whakatiwai,
FoT, 1 on 1/12 on shingle ponds - an unusual record (AH). Hardcastle Lagoon, Reporoa, 15 on 215 (RMW). Lake Mangamahoe, New
Plymouth South, 61 on 2/11 (DGM). Ahuriri, 2 on 2717 (KVT).
Waimeha Lagoon, Waikanae, 1 on 29/1/80; also at irregular intervals
later in year (CAF). Rotoiti, Kaikoura, 25 on 619 ( P J ) . The Lakes,
Kaikoura, 41 on 619 (BE). Lake Tennyson, 4 on 1011 ( G R ) . Lake
Mahinapua, Westland, 6 on 30/3/80 (NW). Lake Te Anau, near
Internal Affairs Wildlife Park, 150 on 915 and 2116 (JVM).
AUSTRALASIAN HARRIER Circus approximans
Onewa Lagoon, Northcoie, Sep 1980, pair successfully reared
chick ( J P W ) . Lake Tennyson, 1 on 1011 ( G R ) . Malings Pass, Waiau
Valley, Canterbury, 2 on 911 ( G R ) . Christchurch, 8 on 613 (BRA).
NEW ZEALAND FALCON Falco novaeseelandiae
Mt Ngongotaha, 2 on 6/12 seen over bush and giving whistle
call (GAT). Mokau River, 1 on 28/12, 811 and 1211 (RWW).
Egmont N P (Upper Puniho Rd), 2 in Jan 1980 (RWW). Okato, 1
May 1981 (REL). Pukeiti Reserve, New Plymouth, 1 on 27/10 (REL).
Holly Swamp, Egmont NP, 1 during Oct 1980 (AB). Apiti Stream Hut,
Urewera NP, 1 on 16/11/79 (GAT). Umakarikari Trig, Kaimanawa
SFP, 1 on 18/5/80 (GAT). Middle Hill Hut, Kaweka SFP, 4 during
Feb 1980 (GAT). Wairau River, 1 on 2511 at Six Mile Creek ( P J ) .
Ward, on 2513, a large and a smaller bird sitting on macrocarpa hedge
while third bird called from a distance but did not come closer than
500 yards; would call 7 times a minute, stop for a few minutes, and
start again. The two birds made short flights with the smaller one
swooping on the larger playfully. Later both made dives at a Harrier
which flew off ( T J T ) . Waitaki River, Benmore Dam, 2 on 29/12
(LJD). Mt Robert, Nelson Lakes NP, 2 on 2414 ( G R ) . Mt Fyffe,
Kaikoura, 1 on 214 caught skylark (GR). Hodder Valley, Inland
Kaikoura Range, 1 on 25/10 (GR). Upper Waiau, Canterbury, 2 on
911 ( G R ) . Mawhera SF, Westland, 2 on 11/2/80 ( N W ) . Milford
Track, 2 on 2312 (JVM).
NANKEEN KESTREL F. cenchroides
North Westport, 1 mid-September to 24/10 (DJO).
1982
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
59
PHEASANT Phasianus colchicus
Rotoehu SF 88, very common along dirt roads in all pine stands,
especially recently thinned stands with a grass and scrub ground storey
(GAT). Motueka, more common than in previous years - numerous
sightings, maximum 4 on 1114 (BE).
BROWN QUAIL Synoicus ypsilophorus
North Cape, 8 on 2011 (CM). Bland Bay, on 815, flocks up to
20 in manuka fringe (SP). Rangiriri and Lake Whangape, singles seen
on 2418 (BB, AJG, JT) . Mt Maunganui-Maketu, only single birds seen
where once flocks of 8 or so were not uncommon (PCML). Mangatoi
Station, Upper Mokau River, recorded as numerous (REL).
PEA FOWL Pavo cristus
Mahia Peninsula, 40 on 1018 - feral population seen on roadside (GAF).
BANDED RAIL Rallus philippensis
Waiotira, 2 in Frb 1981 on roadside (TGL). Whangaparapara,
Great Barrier, 2 on 2511 - one quite tame; takes crumbs put out for
hens (AJG). Opwtere, 2 on 311 (PCML). Clevedon, 913, calls
heard at Landing (AJG). Kawhia Harbour inlets, 5 on 619 (CM).
Kinohaku, Kawhia, 5 on 619 (JHS). Maketu Lagoon, 4 on 3115
(PCML). Matata, BOP, 2 on 2615 (MAW). Dickers Road bridge,
Tasman, 4 on 614 (BE). Golden Bay estuaries 1980: Puponga Inlet,
1 on 2713; Parapara Inlet (footprints) 1413; Takaka River mouth (footprints) 513; Motupipi Inlet, 2 seen and 2 heard on 313; Awaroa Inlet,
1 seen and footprints on 813 (KLO) .
WEKA Gallirallus australis
Whangamumu, 915 to 1615 loud evening chorus (sr). Davies
Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, 4 on 1213 ( G R ) . Barrytown, 1 on 26}1
feeding on sheep carcase (NW). Milford Track, pair with 3 young on
2812 (JVM). Secretary Island, Fiordland, 2 on 16/11 (DGM). Deep
Cove Hostel, Doubtful Sound, 1 on 14111 (DGM) . Vancouver Arm,
Breaksea Sound, 1 on 15111 (DGM) .
MARSH CRAKE Porzana pusilla
Awapuni Lagoon, Wairoa, 1 on 1013 (BRH). Rotorua, Kaikoura,
1 on 619 (PJ, BE). Appleby, 6 seen at various times during March/
April 1981 (BE). Riverslea Farm Settlement, Manapouri, on 1512, 2
flushed from jancus pallidus (KM) .
SPOTLESS CRAKE P. tabuensis
Whangamumu, 1015, heard calling and bird seen (SP). Whitford, 1 heard during winter census 1980 (CM). Awapuni Lagoon,
Wairoa, 1 on 1013 (BRH). New Plymouth (Carrington Road), 4
responded to tape on 7/10/79 (RWW). Ngarara Swamp, Waikanae,
tape response Apr 1980 (CAF).
AUSTRALIAN COOT Fulica atra australis
Lzke Pupuke, Takapufia, 1 on 2617 and 3017 .(EP). Lake
Rotoiti, near Ohau Channel outlet, 5 adults plus 3 chicks on 2412
(GAT). Wairaki Oxbow Lagoon, Southland, 1 pair with 3 well-grown
chicks and 1 pair with 1 small chick 2112 (MB). St Anne's Lagoon,
3 on 28/10, 2 on 6/12, 7 on 1016 (BRA). Thornbury, 1 on 2915
(OJL).
60
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
SOUTH ISLAND PIED OYSTERCATCHER Haematopus finschi
Houhora, 13 on l5/ 12 (RBS) . Whangarei Harbour surveys,
1535 Jul 1980; 350 Nov 1980; 1566 Mar 1981 (MPK). Pt Chevalier,
60 on 23/12, joining Pied Stilts at full tide in public park (RBS).
Mangere, on 2013 and 517, albino showing a few dark feathers (RBS).
Mangere SP, 1 albino on 2017 amongst 3000 (DGB) . Manukau Harbour
census, summer 6108 on 23/11; winter 22 299 on 517 (BB). Mataitai,
South Auckland, 500 on 2212 (GMHP). FoT census, 1730 on 14/12;
9807 on 716 (BB). FoT, more and more are feeding inland on sodden
pastures (RBS). Mokau, 22 on 30/9/79; 43 on 26/4/80 (RWW).
Manawatu est., 74 on 812 (LJD). Waikanae est. (and nearby beach),
35 on 23/11/80; 24 on 2411 (CAF). Avon-Heathcote est., 2161 on
517; 363 on 16/11 (BRA).
VARIABLE OYSTERCATCHER H. unicolor
Whangarei Harbour surveys, 19 in Jul; 67 in Nov; 31 in Mar
(MPK). Tamaki est., 3 (2 black) on 2415 (RBS). Browns Island,
Hauraki Gulf, 2 on 2318; 2 on 25/10 (GMHP). Manukau Harbour,
8 on winter census (BB). Muriwai Lagoon, Gisborne, 5 on 1613 and
116 (BRK). Manawatu River est., 6 on 812 (LJD). Akitio River
mouth, Wairarapa coast, 2 on 27/10 (LID). Waikanae est., up to 21
Apr 1980. Nest with 3 eggs on 14/12 - hatched 26/27 Dec but 2
chicks survived to flying stage and no longer with parents after Mar
(CAF). Avon Heathcote est., 4 on 517, 2 on 4/10 (BRA). Okarito,
5 on 1619 (NW) .
CHATHAM ISLAND OYSTERCATCHER H. chathamensis
Mangere Island, 2 pairs with 1 juvenile each on 1511. South
East Island, 1911-2711, 9 pairs, 4 juveniles and 2 other birds total 24. Pitt Island, 4 on 2811, 1 pair with nest and 2 eggs (JHS,
BHS) .
SPUR-WINGED PLOVER Vanellus miles novaehollandiae
Far North lakes survey, 9 on 3111 (MPK). Parengarenga, 3 on
1911 (CM). Ahipara-Sweetwater Road, Northland, 1 heard and 2 others
seen on 8/11 (FJT). Pukekawa, 314 up to Dec (DMW). Whangamarino Swamp, Meremere, nest with four eggs on 2519 (PM). Piopio,
3 Aug-Dec (PM). Karapiro (Gorton Road), 2 on 2019 (TBST).
Tapuwaeroa River, East Coast (NI) , pair breeding 3 1/I2170 (GAT) .
Waiwakaiho River mouth, 5 on 414 (DGM) and on 1015 (RWW).
Urenui, North Tzranaki, 2 during late Aug 1979 and 20/9/79 (MP,
RWW). Mimi Stream mouth, North Taranaki, 2 on 20/8/79 and
7 on 20/4/80 (MP, RWW). Lake Rotomanu, New Plymouth, 2 on
9/10 (REL). Muriwai, Gisborne, 5 on 317 (BJ, S J ) ; 4 on 3011 (AB);
47 on 1512 (BJ, SJ) . Frasertown, Hawkes Bay, 1 on 12/10 present for
2 weeks (GAF) . Whakaki, Wairoa, 7 on 1/10 (GAF) . Westshore, 15
on 1915 (CS, R G ) . Poukawa, 2 on 1217 (MC). Tukipo Stream,
Central Hawke's Bay, 9 on 1212 (RFW) . Tukituki RiverlKahahahuri
Stream, 17 on 1011 (RFW). Manawatu est., 2 on 1718; 3 on 813
(LJD). Foxton Beach, 4 pairs - 3 with broods of well-grown young,
seen along 5 km of back roads on 619 (JM, MM). Lake Station, Upper
Buller, 50 on 26/12 ( P J ) . Totara Flat, Ikamatua, 20 on 9/5/80 (NW).
Hokitika River mouth, 20 on 29/6/80 ( N W ) . Wainono Lagoon, South
Canterbury, 44 on 511 (LJD). Queenstown Airport, 12 on 14/11
(DGM). Chatham Island. 1 pair with juvenile on 1411 (JHS, BHS).
1982
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
61
GREY PLOVER Pluvialis squatarola
Karaka, 1 on 26 and 2811 (DMS). Waitakaruru, FoT, 1 on
14/12 (DMS). Farewell Spit, 1 on 414 with black axillaries and white
rump clearly seen (KM, JVM).
LEAST GOLDEN PLOVER P. fulva
Paua, Parengarenga, 300. on 25/11 in paddock (JHS, BHS).
Whangarei Harbour surveys, 91 Nov (MPK). Mangawhai, 10 on 26/10
(RNT). Pollen Island, Auckland, 7 on 29/12 ( C J ) . Karaka, 7 on
8/10, 15 on 26/10 ( K J F ) ; 42 on 1811 (BB). Weymouth, 6 on 29/11
(BJB). Mataitai, South Auckland, 4 on 2212, 2 on 2913 (GMHP).
FoT census, 149 on 14/12 (BB) . Port Ohope Spit, 33 on 911 (WMH) .
Kaituna Cut, 14 on 1012 ( W M H ) . Muriwai Lagoon, Gisborne, 38 on
3011 (AB), 48 on 1613 (BRK) . Westshore, 25 on 2813 included 5 in
nuptial plumage (KVT). Manawatu River est., present from 11 Oct
to 12 Apr with maximum of 27 on 1512 (JM, M M ) , 46 on 813 ( L J D ) .
Ashley est., 4 on 27/12 (BRA). Lake Ellesmere, 43 on 411, 28 on
1111 ( J F ) ; 29 on 1111 (PMS).
NEW ZEALAND DOTTEREL Chciradrius obscurus
Rarawa Beach, 2 pairs on 2611 1 (JHS, BHS). Ngunguru Sandspit, 5 pairs 21/10 (3 nests with 1, 2, 3 eggs) (BDH). Whangarei
Harbour surveys, 8 in Jul; 11 in Nov; 13 in Mar (MPK). Palmers
Beach, Great Barrier, 3 on 2512 (AJG). Oyster Point, Kaipara Harbour,
10 on 215 (RBS). Rocky Bay, Waiheke, 6 on 13/10 (pair nesting)
(GMHP). Awaawaroa Bay, Waiheke, 6 on 15/10 (chick caught)
(GMHP). Omaru Spit, Matarangi Beach, 22 on 14/12 ( G M H P ) .
Mataitai. 24 on 2514 ( A J G ) . Manukau census, summer 18, winter 36
(BB) . Karaka, maximum 10 on 1512 and 2014 (BB) . FoT census,
summer 12, winter 13 (BB). Whakatiwai, FoT, 12 on 1415 ( H N ) .
Port Waikato, 8 on 9/12 ( H N ) . Onemana Beach, Coromandel, 3 on
31/12 (GAT). Waihi Beach, 2 on 1718 (LS). Maketu est., 4 on 512
(GAT). Maketu, 12 on 2017, 16 on 2311 (PCML). Rangitaiki River
mouth, 1 on 3015 (PCML). Tarawera River mouth, 2 on 2318 and
1715 (PCML). Port Ohope Spit, 2 on 26/10 (RMW). Kawhia, 16
plus 2 iuveniles on 2112 (BHS). Sulphur Point, BOP, 30 on 1014
(KICF) . Waikanae est., 1 on 11110, seen sporadically Dec/ Jan (CAF) .
Motueka Sandspit, 1 during Feb (BE, JMH) . Otamarakau River mouth.
2 on 1814 (PCML) . Awarua Bay, 1 on 16/2 (KM, JVM) .
RED-CAPPED DOTTEREL C. alexandrinus
Lake Ellesmere, 1 on 2411 - male in full breeding plumage
(PMS) .
BANDED DOTTEREL C. bicirictus
Whangarei Harbour surveys, 65 Jul; 0 Nov; 9 March (MPK).
Jordans, Kaipara, 180 on 1213 (RBS) . Traherne Island, Waitemata
Harbour, 70 on 2514 (GMHP). Mataitai, 45 on 2913 (GMHP).
Manukau census, summer 1; winter 481 (BB). Miranda, 75 on 914
(RBS). FoT census, summer 8; winter 120 (BB). Tauranga Airport,
large flcck wintering (KICF). Harbour Board docks, Tauranga, 26/10,
pair nesting on emptv log-storage space (KICF). Maketu Lagoon, 70
on 813 (PCML). Sulphur Point, Rotorua, 9 on 20111 (GAT). Mt
Tarawera Plateau, 6 pairs (one pair displaying territorial behaviour)
on 31/12/79 (GAT) Muriwai Lagoon, Gisborne, 55 on 213 (BRK).
62
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
New Plymouth Airport, 47 on 116 (DGM). Te Hauke, 60 on 1217
(KVT). Westshore, 10 on 2813 (KVT). Tukituki River, 10 on 6/11
(KVT). Porangahau, 65+ on 1814 (BDH). Rangitikei River mouth,
50+ on 1015 (BDH) . Manawatu River est., 101 on 813 ( L I D ) . Ohau,
42 on 215, most in breeding plumage (BDH). Waikanae est., 22 on
215 (CAF) . Buller River, Harleys Rock, pair on 18/10 (PI) . Kaikoura
Peninsula, 25 on 914 to 915 (SR); 71 on 3115 (BE). Hokitika River
mouth, 65 on 10/2/80 (NW). Ahuriri River, Lake Benmore, 42 on
30112 (LJD). Lake Ellesmere, c.1000 on 3015 (PMS). Aparima River
(between Wrey's Bush bridge and Thornbury - 35 k m ) , 23 pairs on
27/10 (MB). Chatham Island, 2 on 1411 at lagoon entrance (JHS,
BHS) .
MONGOLIAN DOTTEREL C. mongolus
Kidds Bay, Karaka, 3 + on 31/12, 4 on 1411 (RBS). FoT, 1 on
2711 1 and 2513 (BB) . Miranda, 1 on 2711 1 (RBS) ; 1 on 2611 (RMW) ;
1 on 2614 (GMHP). Waikariri River, Canterbury, 1 on 27/10, 15 km
upstream on sand/silt riverbed (GAT).
LARGE SAND DOTTEREL C. leschenaultii
Kidds Bay, Karaka, 1 on 23/11 (BB); 2 on 31/12, 2 on 2313
(RBS); 1 on 2116 (BB). Karaka, 1 on 7 1 3 (JHS, BHS); 1 on 5/4
( G M H P ) . Access Bay, FoT, 1 on 3014 ( T C ) . Miranda, 1 on 14/12
(BB); 1 on 2611 (RMW). Maketu est., 1 on 512 associating with
Turnstones (GAT). Ashley est., 1 on 14/12 and stayed until at least
1615 (PMS).
BLACK-FRONTED DOTTEREL C. melanops
Access Bay, FoT, 3 on 1015 (CM). Whakatiwai, FoT, 1 on
1415 ( H N ) . Kaituna Cut, 1 on 2116 (PCML). Tukituki River est.,
3 on 3015 (KVT) . Tutaekuri River est., 8 on 1211 1 (KVT) . Wairau
Lagoon, Marlborough. 7 on 1115 (BE). Opihi Rivermouth, 5 on 315
(PMS) . Spider Lagoon, South Canterbury, 2 on 2119 (PMS) . Aparima
River, Southland, 2 pairs plus 1 on 25/10 (RRS). Thornbury, 4 on
3017 on turnip ground (0JL) .
NEW ZEALAND SHORE PLOVER Thinornis novaeseelandiae
South East Island, 19-2811, 145 counted including 28 juveniles.
Also 6 downy chicks and nest with 2 eggs (JHS, BHS). 26/11-19/12,
101 birds, not including young of the vear; 22 nests found; first chicks
seen on 28/11 - usual clutch 3 eggs ( T G L ) .
WRYBILL Anarhynchus frontalis
Whangarei Harbour surveys, 71 Jul, 0 Nov, 151 Mar (MPK).
Oyster Point, Kaipara, 118 on 215 (RBS). Pollen Island, Waitemata
Harbour, 16 on 3018 ( G M H P ) . Mangere SP, 200 on 2918, 200 on
11/5 (RBS) . Manukau Harbour, 2 on census day 231 11; winter census
597 but Karaka alone had 800 on 2116 (BB). FoT, summer census,
16 on 14/12; 2500 at Swallow Pools on 2513; winter census 3728 on
716 (BB). Sulphur Point, BOP, 136 on 1014 (KICF). Kaituna Cut,
10 on 3115 (PCML) . Uawa River est., Tolaga Bay, 25 on 2511, 1 on
1714 (GAF) . Muriwai Lagoon, Gisborne, 57 on 2312 (AB) ; 48 on
213, 52 on 611 (BRK). Bell Block SP, New Plymouth, 1 on 28/10/79
(in breeding plumage) (DGM, REL). Porangahau, 38 on 3013 (EJK);
18 on 1814 (BDH) . Manawatu est., 24 on 514 (LJD) . Lake Waira-
1982
CLASSIFIED SUMMARlSED NOTES
63
rapa, 3 on 812 (BDH). Lake Ellesmere, 20 on 511, 30 on 2411, 10
on 2212, 6 on 3015 (PMS).
FAR-EASTERN CURLEW Numenius madagascariensis
Paua, 7 on 2511 1 (JHS, BHS). Manukau Harbour, 6 on summer
census 23/11; 3 at Karaka on 813 (BB). Kidds Bay, Karaka, 4 on
213 (RBS). FoT, summer census, 9 on 14/12, 5 on 1413 (BAE) ; 4 on
2513 (BB, AH, SMR); 3 asleep on beach at Kaiaua on 115 (RBS);
winter census 4 on 716 (BB). Kawhia Harbour, 1 on 315 (LS).
Manewatu River est.. present from 2719 to 1513, maximum 3 (JM,
MM, L J D ) . Uawa River est., Tolaga Bay, 1 on 1511 (GAF). Farewell
Spit, 2 on 414 (KM, JVM) . Oreti est., 6 on 22/12 (KM, JVM) .
ASIATIC WHIMBREL Nunienius phaeopus variegatus
Paua, 13 on 25/11 (JHS, BHS). Manukau Harbour, summer
census, 3 on 23/11; Karaka. 5 on 813 (BB). Mangere SP, 1 on 112
(CM) . FoT, 1 on 413 at Miranda (EJK) ; 4 on 11/5 at Kaiaua ( H N ) ;
Waitakaruru, 1 on 28/12 (CM) . Kawhia Harbour, 1 on 2112 (BHS) .
Port Ohope Spit, 4 on 26/10 (RMW). Westshore, 2 on 2513 (KVT).
Okato, 1 corpse in paddock on 25/30/79 (REL). Bell Block SP, New
Plymouth, 1 on 20-27110 (REL, RWW, D G M ) . Ashley est., 1 on
2/12/19 (BRA) ; 1 on 3011 1 feeding on crabs (PMS). Invercargill
est., 1 on 6/12 (MB).
AMERICAN WHIMRREL N. phaeopus hudsonicus
Paua, 1 on 251 11 (JHS) . Manukau Harbour census, 2 on 2x1 11,
4 on 517 (BB). Muriwai Lagoon, Gisborne, 1 on 213 and 1613 (BRK).
LITTLE WHIMBREL N. minutus
Lake Ellesmere, 1 on 511 ( J F , PMS); 2 on 1111 and 1 on
2212 (JF).
WHIMBREL sp.
Awaawaroa, Waiheke, 1 on 2411 ( G M H P ) . Matarangi Beach,
Coromandel, 1 on 24/12 with godwits (GMHP). Whitford, 1 on 2519
( G M H P ) . FoT, summer census at Piako, 19 on 14/12 (BB).
ASIATIC BLACK-TAILED GODWIT Limosa limosa melanuroides
Mangere SP, I on 1812 (SMR). 2 on 414 roosting with Pied
Stilts (per Mr and Mrs Graham - RBS); 1 on 2412 (CM). Ashley
River est., 2 on 2/12/79 (BRA).
HUDSONIAN GODWIT L. haemastica
Mangere SP, 1 on 1411, 112, 2412 (CM). Avon-Heathcote est.,
1 on 1718, 1 on 1519 (BRA).
EASTERN BAR-TAILED GODWIT L. lapponica
East Beach, Kaimaumau, 2000+ on 2711 1 (THS, BHS).
Ngunguru, 24 on 21/10 (BDH). Whangarei Harbour surveys, 73 Jul;
1280 Nov; 2692 Mar (MPK). Ruakaka, 30 on 1511 (BDH). Te
Matuku Bay, Waiheke, 85 on 16/10 (GMHP). Mataitai, 250 on 26/10;
35 c n 2913 (GMHP). Manukau Harbour, 550 at Karaka 10/8 and
14 000 on 26/10 ( K J F ) ; summer census 15 985; 500 on 2414 ( K J F ) ;
winter census 1493 (BB). FoT, summcr census, 7199 on 14/12; winter
census 561 (RB). Port Waikato, 60 on 315 ( A H ) . Matahui Point,
Tauranga, c.3000 on 2813 (PCML). Maketu Lagoon, c.550 4/2-8/3
64
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
(PCML). Kawhia Harbour, 1929 on 2112 (BHS) . Muriwai Lagoon,
Gisborne, 166 on 213 (BRK). Mimi River est., North Taranaki, 1 on
20/9/79 ( M P ) . Bell Block SP, New Plymouth, up to 18 between 14/10
and 11/11/79; up to 6 between 19/10 and 27/10/80 (RWW, REL,
D G M ) . Wairoa River est., Hawkes Bay, 180 on 12/10 ( G A F ) .
Porangahau, 20 on 1814 (BDH). Manawatu est., 390 on 813, 8 on
716 (LJD) . Waikanae est., 1 female several dates between 11/ 10180
and 915 (CAF). Hokitika River mouth, 2 on 29/10 ( N W ) . Okarito,
6 on 15/9/79 ( N W ) . Heathcote-Avon, 1125 on 27/12/79 (BRA).
Lake Ellesmere, 2 on 511; 5 on 2411 (PMS).
GREENSHANK Tringa nebularia
Far North dune lakes survey, 1 on 112 (MPK). Te Werahi
Stream, Cape Reinga, 1 on 2411 (same location as sighting by CAF
13/2/78) (RNT, GE. CM, V H H ) . Matahui Point, Tauranga, 1 on
2813 (PCML). Bell Block SP, New Plymouth, 1 on 19/10 (RWW,
REL, D G M ) . Lake Wairarapa, 1 on 1714 ( E J K ) . Awarua Bay, 2 on
16/2 (KM, JVM) . 1 on 2315 (EJK) .
MARSH SANDPIPER T . stagnatilis
Access Bay, FoT, 1 on 1015 and on 17/5/80 ( C M ) ; FoT census,
1 on 14/12 at Miranda (BB) .
WANDERING TATTLER T. k a n a
Kaikoura Peninsula, 2 on 7/12 (BE); 1 on 914 in breeding
plumage (SR) .
SIBERlAN TATTLER T. brevipes
Access Bay, FoT, 1 on 17/5/80 ( C M ) . Karaka, 1 on 514
( G M H P , T J L ) and regularly seen; still present 2216 - rested with
mixed waders in fields and fed actively on mudflats (BB). Farewell
Spit, 1 on 414, faint barring, white undertail coverts, flight calls terwer-wee (KM, J V M ) . Kaikoura, 1 on 2819 feeding among rockpools
(PMS) ; 2 on 29/10 (BRA) ; Armers Beach, Kaikoura, 4 on 1711 (JF) .
COMMON SANDPIPER T. hypoleucos
Mangere SP, 1 on 23/11 ( R N T ) ; 1 on 112 (CM).
TEREK SANDPIPER Xenus cinereus
Kidds Bay, Karaka, 1 on 1411 (RBS); Karaka, 3 on 1317
2 on 26/10 ( K J F ) ; 1 thereafter and still present 2014 (BB).
1 in summer (BB): Miranda. 1 on 3118 ( G M H P ) . Manawatu
est., 1 seen from Jul to 1214 (JM, MM, L J D ) . Waimakariri
mouth, 1 on 1114 ( G A T ) . Oreti est., 1 on 22/12 (TVM) .
(BB),
FoT,
River
River
TURNSTONE Arenaria interpres
Paua. 900 on 2511 1 (JHS, BHS) . Whangarei Harbour surveys,
5 in Jul, 33 in Nov, 12 in Mar (MPK). Ruakaka, 20 on 1511 (BDH).
Tamaki Sandspit, 8 on 2016 ( G A T ) . Manukau Harbour census, summer
474; winter 139 (BB) Miranda coast, flocks often visit stony or poorly
grassed paddocks - 30 on 2711 1 120 on 1413 (RBS). FoT census,
summer 191, winter 14 (BB). Maketu Lagoon, 33 on 14/12 (PCML).
Bell Block SP. New Plymouth, 2 on 22/10/79, 5 on 28/10/79 (DGM,
REL) . Tutaekuri River est., 6 on 811 1 ( K V T ) . Manawatu River est.,
8 on 23/11 ( L J D ) . Motueka sandspit, 200 on 2612 (BE). Kaikoura
(seal colony carpark), 200 on 1611 1/79 (BRA). Kaikoura Peninsula,
1982
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
65
40 on 914 (SR), 68 on 30110 (BRA). Ashley River est., 6 on 30111
(PMS). Lake Ellesmere, 5 on 1111 (PMS). Chatham Island, 6 on
1411 at lagoon entrance (JHS, BHS) .
CHATHAM ISLAND SNIPE Coenocorypha aucklandica pusilla
Mangere Island, 15-1811, present in Robin Bush, some with
downy and fully fledged chicks (JHS, BHS). South East Island, 19-2811,
present; adult probing in litter for insects, which were picked up by
chick (JHS, BHS) .
KNOT Calidris canutus
East Beach, Kaimaumau, 2500 on 2511 1 (JHS, BHS) . Whangarei
Harbour surveys, 0 Jul, 90 Nov, 3045 Mar (MPK). Ruakaka, 46 on
1511 (BDH). Manukau Harbour census, 21 990 on 23/11, 12 000 of
these at Karaka and same number still present 5/12; 11 500 on 813.
Winter census total 3575 (BB). Miranda, 500f on 2611 (RMW).
FoT, summer census 7438; winter census 505 (BB). Maketu Lagoon,
60 on 1711 (PCML). Muriwai Lagoon, Gisborne, 4 on 213 (BRK).
Bell Block SP, New Plymouth, present from 14/10/79 to 11/11/79 up to 28 (RWW, DGM, REL); up to 7 between 25/10 and 211 1 (DGM,
REL). Lake Rotomanu, New Plymouth, 21 on 30110 ( R H ) . Wairoa
River est., Hawkes Bay, 25 on 12/10 (GAF). Tutaekuri River est.,
16 on 5/12 (JL) . Manawatu River est., 158 on 812 (LJD) . Waikanae
est., 10 on 18/10 (CAF). Motueka sandspit, 40 on 3014 (BE).
Ashley River est., 19 on 30111 (PMS). Lake Ellesmere, 11 on 511
(PMS) .
SHARP-TAILED SANDPIPER C. acuminata
Mangere SP, 1 on 2619 (GMHP, SMR). Karaka, 5 on 1811
(AH); 14 on 2611 (DMS); 7 on 1512 (BB) . Kidds Bay, Karaka, 13
on 3 1/ 12, 5 on 213 (RBS) ; 11 on 1313 (BHS) . FoT census, summer
3 on 14/12 at Miranda; winter 4 on 2614 (BB, GMHP). Miranda, 3
on 2611 (RMW) ; 3 on 914 in bright breeding plumage (RBS). Kaituna
Cut, 7 on 1012 (WMH); 10 on 813 (PCML). Harbour Board marsh,
Westshore, 3 on 713 (KVT). Tutaekuri River mouth, Hawkes Bay,
1 on 23/10 (BRK). Manawatu River est., 3 on 31/12, 7 from Jan to
1513 (JM, MM, LJD).
PECTORAL SANDPIPER C. rnelanotos
Kaituna Cut, 1 on 14/12 and 813 (PCML). Muriwai Lagoon,
Gisborne, 1 on 3011 (AB) ; 1 on 212 and 1613 (BRK). Lake Wairarapa, 2 on 1714 (EFK). Manawatu River est., 1 from 211 to 113
(JM, MM); 2 on 813 (LJD). Armers Beach lagoon, Kaikoura, 1 on
12/10 (BE). Spider Lagoon, South Canterbury, 1 on 27/12 (PMS).
CURLEW SANDPIPER C. ferrupinea
Paua, 17 on 2511 1 (JHS, BHS). Whangarei Harbour survey,
5 in Mar (MPK). Kidds Bay, Karaka, 2 on 31/12 (RBS). Manukau
Harbour census, summer, 5 on 23/11; 4 at Karaka on 1715; 2 on 2116;
winter, 1 (BB). Miranda, 21 on 19/10 - 2 seen pursuing a Little Tern,
which finally dived into water (JHS, BHS). FoT census, summer 35
on 14/12; most seen 38 on 2614 when majority highly coloured and
only 2 pale (BB, AJG, AH, GMHP). Miranda, 3 on 3118 (GMHP);
5 on 2611 (RMW); 30 on 914 (RBS). Kaituna Cut, 1 on 2116
(PCML) . Tutaekuri River est., 5 on 23/10 (BRK) ; 6 on 17/12 (KVT) .
66
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
Manawatu River est., 1 from 2017 to 12/10 (JM, MM) ; 2 on 23/11
(LJD). Farewell Spit, 17 on 414 (KM, JVM). Lake Ellesmere, 2 on
1111, 17 on 2411, 20 on 2812, 2 on 3015 (PMS). Awarua Bay, 12 on
1612 (KM, JVM) .
RED-NECKED STINT C. ruficollls
Tapora, 23 on 231 1 1 (JHS, BHS) . Karaka, 26 on 413 (JHS,
BHS); 23 on 1317, 24 on 1018, 26 on 8/10 (BB, AH, KJF). Manukau
Harbour census, summer, 25 on 23/11; 31 on 7/12, 30 on 813, 2 on
2014, 3 on 1715, 6 on 2216 (BB, AH, KJF). FoT, 5 on 27/11;
4 on summer census and on 2513 (BB). Miranda, 1 on 2611 (RMW).
Kaituna Cut, 5 on 2311; 3 on 813 and on 2116 (PCML) . Muriwai
Lagoon, Gisborne, 36 on 2312 (AB). Bell Block SP, New Plymouth,
4 on 14/10 79 (RWW) . 1 on several occasions between 22/10/79 and
11/11/79 (REL, DGM). Tutaekuri River est., 3 on 23/10 (BRK);
2 on 17/12 (KVT) . Porongahau, 5 on 1814, two well reddened (BDH) .
Manawatu River est., 6 on 813 (LJD). Ashley River est., 1 on 30111,
2 on 14/12 (PMS) ; 2 on 6/12 (BRA). Lake Ellesmere, 15 on 511.
50+ on 2411, 59 on 2812, 5 on 3015 (PMS).
+
SANDERLING C. alba
Awarua Bay, 2 on 9/12 (MB).
PIED STILT Himantopus himantopus leucocephalus
Whangarei Harbour surveys, 645 Jul; 218 Nov; 417 Mar (MPK).
Manukau Harbour census, summer 1 115; winter 4079 (BB). FoT
census, summer 908; winter 2078 (BB). Auckland suburb, 72 on 2918
on remnant of St John's lake (RBS). Meremere, 300+ including a
very conspicuous albino on 2116 (RBS). Taupiri, 1 on 1716, albino
with greyish underwing (SMR). Maketu Lagoon, Kaituna Cut and
adjacent fields, 500 on 3115; 700 on 2116 (PCML) . Sulphur Point,
Rotorua, 101 on 2011 1; 121 on 415 (GAT). Muriwai Lagoon, Gisborne,
260 on 2312 (AB). Be11 Block SP, New Plymouth, 68 on 28/10/79
(DGM, REL). Lake Wairarapa, 340 north end and 122 south end
on 812 (BDH). Manawatu River est., 320 on 215 (JM, MM). Lake
Horowhenua, albinistic adult 3 to 813; body and wings white except
for many black secondaries and inner primaries and scattered black
patches on upperwings and sides of head and neck (BDH). Waikanae
est., 78 on 4/4/80. Pair with eggs 11-18/10/80. 4 pairs nesting on
driftwood 14112 (CAF) . Washdyke Lagoon, 122 on 2414 (PMS) .
Christchurch SP, 100 on 10/1 (BRA).
BLACK STILT H. noyaezeelandiae
Wiroa Island, Auckland Airport, 1 on 415 - totally black,
including underwing. Also present 2 smudgy birds with white patches
on upper breast and head, together with partial albino with light brown
markings on back - these four birds were roosting with a flock of 150
Pied Stilts. 2 on 3115 - 1 totally black, the other with a small patch
of white under tail (BG). Manurewa, Jan/Feb, 1 all black but for a
little white around bill and at vent (BB) . Karaka, 1 juvenile 2415 (CM) .
Whangapoua causeway, Coromandel, 1 on 813 all black except for
white around bill and on belly towards undertail ( P D ) . FoT, 1
wintered in 1980 (BB). Kawhia, 8 on 2916 and on 2112 (JHS, BHS).
Manawatu River est., 1 smudgy bird 1618 until 1513 (JM. MM, LJD.
1982
67
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
BDH). Whanganui Inlet, Nelson, 1 immature smudgy bird on 1/4/80
(KLO). Lake McGregor, 1 on 313 (MB).
SOUTHERN GREAT SKUA Stercorarius skua lonnbergi
Mangere Island, 80 resident birds Oct (TGL).
Island, 100 Oct (TGL) .
POMARINE SKUA S. pomarinus
Whangarei Harbour, 2 on 1312 (TGL, CM).
911 1 (CM) . Access Bay, FoT, 1 on 2112 (CM) .
South East
Muriwai, 1 on
ARCTIC SKUA S. parasiticus
Omapere, 1 on 2514 (DB) . Waiheke, on boat trip around island,
5 + on 1413 (BB, J D ) . Manukau Harbour and FoT, present Nov-Mar;
on 2513, 1 seen to chase a Black-backed Gull at Kaiaua (BB, A H ) .
Papamoa Beach, 1 dark phase on 2412 (PCML). Tarawera River
m ~ u t h 3, dark and 1 pale phase on 2913; 1 dark phase on 414 (PCML).
Charleston, Westport, 1 on 20-2213 (dark phase) ( D J O ) . Arahura
River mouth, Westland, 3 on 8/2/80 ( N W ) .
BLACK-BACKED GULL Larus dominicanus
Manukau Harbour census, summer 616; winter 737 (BB). FoT
census, summer 772; winter 1966 (BB). Manawatu River est., 380 on
113 (JM, MM) .
RED-BILLED GULL L. scopulinus
Manukau Harbour census, winter 970 (BB). FoT census, winter
2345 (BB). Wairoa River, Hawkes Bay, 3 on 615 - first seen from
Mohaka to Mahia for about 6 years (GAF).
BLACK-BILLED GULL L. bulleri
Kaiaua, 101 on 716, some on sodden paddocks with Pied Stilts
(RBS, BB). Tarawera River mouth, 11 on 3015 (PCML). Muriwai
Lagoon, Gisborne, 72 on 2312 (AB). Mokau, 1 on 2614 (RWW).
Mokau River mouth, 1 on 1211 (RWW). Tutaekuri River est., 300
on 915 (KVT). Lake Poukawa, 20 on 1217 (KVT). Manawatu River
est., 9 on 716 (LJD). Waikanae est., 22 on 2019 (CAF). Lake
Wairarapa, 70+ at north end on 812 (BDH). Hutt River (below
Melling Bridge), 30 on 1115 (CAF). Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes NP, 5 on
3018 ( P J ) . Hokitika River mouth, 300 on 11/5/80 (NW). Wainono
Lagoon, 56 on 511 ( L J D ) .
WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERN Clzlidonias leucopter~~s
Whakatiwai, FoT, 1 on 27/11 fed over shingle ponds or roosted
precariously on power wires in high wind (BB, DB, RBS); still present
and seen at Kaiaua on 2415 (AJG, BDH). Bell Block SP, New
Plymouth, 1 on 20/1/80 and 414 in winter plumage (DGM). Waitangi
marsh, Hawkes Bay, 1 on 8/11 (KVT). Opihi River mouth, 1 on 315
in full breeding plumage roosting with Black-fronted Terns (PMS).
lnvercargill est., 1 on 6/ 12 (MB) .
GULL-BILLED TERN Gelochelidon niluticu
Ashley River, est., 1 on 2418 ( J F ) .
CASPIAN TERN Hydruprogne caspia
Whangarei Harbour surveys, 12 in July; 12 in Nov; 6 in Mar
(MPK). Manukau Harbour census, summer 57, but Karaka had 46
68
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
on 1317 and 111 on 219; winter 172 (BB, AH). FoT census, summer
49; winter 92 (BB). Waikato Heads, colony 76 adults and 3 juveniles
on 315 (AH). Kawhia Harbour, 29 on 29/6/80; 103 on 2112 (JHS,
BHS) . Sulphur Point Bay, Rotorua, 18 on 415 (GAT). Wherowhero
Lagoon, Muriwai, Gisborne, 2 on 2819, 5 on 1512 (BJ, S J ) . Mokau
River, 1 on 911 (RWW) . Bell Block SP, New Plymouth, 4 on 311 1/79
(REL). Cape Egmont, Okato, Oakura, Bell Block, Waitara, Mokau.
2017-27/11 observations of up to 3 birds (DGM, RWW, REL). Tukituki River est., 28 on 114 (KVT). Manawatu River est., 25 on 813
(LJD). Waikanae est., 17 on 2019 (CAF). Seal Island, Kaikoura,
2 on 2711 (BE). Ashley River est., 1 on 30111 and 12 on 2016
(PMS). Heathcote-Avon, 6 on 1519 (BRA). Opihi River mouth, 13
on 315 (PMS). Porarai River mouth, Westland, 4 on 26/1/80 (NW)
BLACK-FRONTED TERN Sterna albostriata
Rangitaiki River mouth, 32 on 616 feeding along surfline
(PCML). Tutaekuri River est., 5 on 2817 (BRK); 60 on 316 (KVT).
Manawatu River est., 1 on 813 ( L J D ) . Lake Horowhenua, 2 on 911
feeding over lake; only previous record 2 seen by E. B. Jones on
26/8/65 (BDH). Waikanae est., 9 on 5/7/80, 5 on 414, 10 on 215,
3 on 1715 (CAF). Motueka River, 30 on 613 (BE). Kahutara River,
Marlborough, 18 on 15/12 (BE). Seddon, for a week during mid-rune.
100 feeding ( T J T ) . Upper Wairau Valley, Westland, 2 adults, 1
juvenile on 21/1/80 (NW). Ashley River est., 10 on 2/2/80, 48 on
1917 (BRA); 212 on 2017; 8 on 1615; 25 on 2016 (PMS). Ahuriri
River, Lake Benmore, 43 on 30112 (LJD). Doctor's Creek, south of
Kurow, 14 on 413, hawking over paddock (MB). Hedgehope, 31 on
1316 (MB). Aparima River (between Wreys Bush bridge and Thornbury - 35 k m ) , 8 on 27/10 (MB).
ARCTIC TERN S. paradisaea
Tarawera River mouth, 1 on 1715 (PCML) .
FAIRY TERN S. nereis
Whangarei Harbour survey, 10 in Mar (MPK). Waipu River
wildlife refuge, pair on 611, courtship display (AHG). Sulphur Point,
Tauranga, 1 on 2411 (JF) .
LITTLE TERN S. albifrons
Rangiputa Bank, Rangaunu Harbour, 57 on 27/11 (JHS, BHS).
Whangarei Harbour survey, 3 in Nov (MPK). Bucklands Beach, 1 on
20110 (SP). Kidds Bay, 12 on 27/10 (RBS). Manukau Harbour
census, summer 12 (BB). FoT census, summer 10, still 6 on 2814
at Access Bay (BB, AH, A J G ) . Miranda, 9 on 1413; present all
summer (RBS). Maketu-Kaituna Cut lagoons, 2 on 14/12 and 813
(PCML). Port Ohope spit, 2 on 26/10 (RMW). Muriwai Lagoon,
Gisborne, 1 on 3011. 212 and 213 (BRK). Lake Horowhenua, 2 on
2911 1 in non-breeding plumage; Ohau est., 4 on 215 (BDH). Charleston, Westport, 1 on 6/10, 1 immature on 1514 ( D J O ) . Lake Ellesmere, 1 on 2812 roosting with Black-fronted Terns (PMS). Invercargill
est., 1 on 16/12 (MB). Oreti River est., 1 on 22/12 with nesting
White-fronted Terns (KM, JVM). Paterson Inlet, Stewart Island, 5 on
10-1313 - southernmost record in NZ (GJHM) .
1982
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
69
WHITE-FRONTED TERN S, striata
Oaia, 200 on 3018 (RBS). Manukau Harbour census, summer
33; winter 121 (BB). FoT census, summer 1224; winter 236 (BB).
Tutaekuri River est., 500 on 27/9 (JL). Manawatu River est., 84 on
813 (LJD). Nelson Harbour entrance, 1400 during Apr (JMH). East
Head, Kaikoura Peninsula, 271 10-31/ 12 maximum c.300; c.292 eggs
on 17/11 (BE). Ashley River est., 332 on 1615 (PMS). Okarito
Lagoon mouth, 110 on 2/6/79 at 10 a.m. (GAT).
GREY TERNLET Procelsferna cerulea
Sugarloaf Rock, south of Poor Knights Islands, 7 on 1412, 3 on
2813. No evidence of breeding during 1980-81 season (TGL, CM).
NEW ZEALAND PIGEON Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
Manurewa, 2 or 3 persist in suburban Hill Road garden eating
taraire, totara, kahikatea and maire berries ( J D ) . Karaka, 1 on 2414
among Knots (KJF). Gisborne, pair Apr-Jun in suburban plantation
(AB). New Plymouth, 13 on 1/2 in one tree (RWW). Maraetotara,
4 on 215 (KVT). Davies Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound, 2 on 1213
feeding on tawa fruit (GR). Peel Forest Bush Reserve, 6 flying on
29/3 (BHS) . Te Anau, present all winter 1980 but not seen May/ Jun
1981. Maximum around township 55 on 318. Feeding flocks on
white clover Te Anau-Manapouri, 17, 66 and 81 on 318 (JVM). Lake
Manapouri, Hope Arm and Back Valley Tracks, 1 on 18-2115 feeding
on kahikatea, miro, putaputaweta and broadleaf fruits (KM, JVM) .
CHATHAM ISLAND PIGEON H. novaeseelandiae chathamensis
Flight of 8 over Tuku camp 2 1112 (TGL) .
ROCK PIGEON Colutnba livia
Kinikini, Mahia Peninsula, 200 on 1018 living in sea caves
(GAF) .
WHITE COCKATOO Cacatua galerita
Waiuku Forest. 1 regularly flies from roost south of Waikato
over river to feed in pines (BB, J D ) . Sutherland's Bush, Turakina
Valley, 4 on 1413 (LJD) .
KAKA Nesfor rneridionalis
Hotwater Beach, Coromandel, 1 possibly 2 on 25/7 (and 3
weeks previously) (DM). Castor Bay, Auckland, 1 on 2614 (RD).
Meadowbank, Auckland, 1 on 916 (SMR) . Cornwall Park, Auckland,
1 on 218 (PM). Kaiaua, FoT, 2 around village from Sept ( J W W ) .
Papamoa, 1 on 12/5 (PCML). Te Puke, 2 on 2618 (PCML). Whirinaki and Pureora Forests, heard daily (JGI) . Lake Waikaremoana,
Whanganui Hut, 12 on 1111 at 7 p.m. feeding on flowering rata (BB).
Tauranga-Taupo River headwaters, Kaimanawa Ranges, on 26/10
numerous in tops beech forest (BB). Egmont NP, 1 heard Jan 1980
between Pouakai and Kaitake Ranges (JMC). Mt Marchant Ridge.
Tararua Range, 2 on 1911 (BG). Mt Whore, D'UrviIle Island, 1 on
16/6/80 heard calling (KLO) . St Arnaud Range, heard 30112 (PJ) .
Wakamarina Valley, Mt Richmond FP, 2 on 615 (GR). Travers Valley,
Nelson Lakes NP, 2 on 411 in beech forest (GR). Teetotal Bush,
Buller River, 2 on 1811 ( P J ) . Hope River, Canterbury, 1 on 3011
heard calling up valley from Jacob Hut (SCS). Lake Te Anau, Ten
70
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
Mile Bush, 1 on 1015 (KM, JVM).
1 on 2912 (SR).
NOTORNIS 29
Stewart Island, North Coast,
KEA N. notabilis
Brown Acre, Nelson, 10 on 1513 (BE). Mt Robert, Nelson
Lakes NP, 3 adults on 2414 (GR). Travers Saddle, Nelson Lakes NP,
5 adults and 2 juveniles on 511 ( G R ) . Hodder River headwaters,
Inland Kaikoura Range, 2 on 25/10 (GR). Kowhai River, South
Branch, Seaward Kaikoura Mountains, 9 on 911 at 4800ft (LJD).
Kaikoura, 1 on 1517 (BE). George Sound, on 413, adult regurgitating
fuchsia fruit to young bird (KM).
EASTERN ROSELLA Platycercus eximius
South Hokianga, observed feeding on seeds from Pinus pinaster
cones, willow leaf buds, groundsel flowers and biting open puriri
flowers for nectar (DB). Browns Bay, Auckland, pair on 3118 (DFB).
South Auckland, becoming more numerous in outer suburban areas as
well as scrubby edges of farmland and bush (BB). Athenree Gorge,
near Waihi, 3 on 2813 (PCML).
RED-CROWNED PARAKEET Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae
Opuawhanga, Northland, 1 seen on 14/5/80 (JFK).
YELLOW-CROWNED PARAKEET C. auriceps
Cuvier Island, several in January 1981 (TGL). Hope River,
Canterbury, on 3011 common in bushed flats between Jacob Hut and
Kiwi Stream (SCS) . Poulter River, Arthurs Pass, 1 on 17/6/79 (GAT).
Hollyford and mid-Pyke River Valleys, 20 counted between 115 and
815 (SR).
SHINING CUCKOO Chrysococcyx lucidus
Opuawhanga, Northland, heard from 2919 (JFK) . Waiotira,
2412, young bird being fed by Grey Warbler (TGL). Waiotahi River,
Urewera NP, 5 on same branch on 1211 1/79 (GAT). Remuera, 9/10
first song (RBS). Te Matai, Otanewainuku, Jan common (GAT).
Papamoa Beach, 1 on 25/11 (PCML). Rotorua SF, Dec common
(GAT). Braggs Bush, Manawahe, BOP, 1 on 19/10 (RMW). New
Plymouth, 1 on 3013 (REL). Motueka, 4 on 313 (BE). Charleston,
Westport, 1 on 3013 ( D J O ) . Punakaiki, Westland, 1 on 2/10 (DJO).
LONG-TAILED CUCKOO Eudynamys taitensis
Opuawhanga, Northland, 212 to 26/3/80 heard daily (JFK).
Little Barrier, still present mid-Mar (TGL). Remuera, 1 on 1015 (GE).
Titirangi, 2 on 3-413 (RC). Mt Moehau, Coromandel, 2911 several
birds calling (JES, MTT). Rotoehu SF, Dec common (GAT).
MOREPO RK Ninox novaeseelandiae
Opuawhanga, Northland, 1 on 5/10 at 3.43 p.m. started calling
wok wok wok, Rosellas started alarm call (JFK) . Waiotira. 119, one
being mobbed by Blackbirds while Fantails and Grey Warblers kept
distance (TGL). Browns Bay, Auckland, 1 on 3018 (DFB). Remuera,
26-2913. calling at dusk or after dark; not yet another bird lost to
suburbia (RBS). Manurewa, 1 in January feeding young at 7.30 p.m.
(TD).
1982
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
71
LITTLE O W L Athene noctua
Wither Hills, Blenheim, heard during Mar ( P I ) . Kaikoura, 1
on 1912; 1 on 113 caught by cat, safely rescued (BE). Aylesbury,
Courtenay and Greenpark, 1 during Dec and Jan ( J F ) .
NEW ZEALAND KINGFISHER Halcyon sancta vagans
Eglinton Valley, Walker Creek, 1 on 1012 taking trout fry
(KM, JVM) .
RIFLEMAN Acanthisitta chloris
Little Barrier, numerous March ( T G L ) . Mt Maungatautari, 2 on
2614 (LS). Hongi's Track, Rotorua, 2 in Jan (MCS). Okataina
Scenic Reserve, 2 on 1712 feeding with Whiteheads and Pied Tits ( J G I ) .
Mt Paeroa, Volcanic Plateau, 2 on 4/7/79 ( G A T ) . Pukeora SF, North
Block, 8 on 1315 in rimultotara forest ( G A T ) . Maraetotara, 2 on
215 ( J W ) . Waikanae Beach, immature male on 411 flying into
Cordyline, tree lucerne, plum tree, karaka in garden - nearest bush
4.5 km to east (CAF, MAF). St Arnaud Range, Nelson Lakes NP,
15 in beech forest, altitude 900 m, along track form tops to St Arnaud
(GR). Nelson Lakes NP, 2 groups of 10 and 15 along Travers Valley
Track ( G R ) .
ROCK WREN Xenicus gilviventris
Waiau Pass, Nelson Lakes NP, 3 adults, 1 fledgling on 811 ( G R ) .
Harmen Pass (near Arthurs Pass), 1 on 2813 ( G A T ) . Maruia Valley,
Victoria Range, S Westland, 2 on 26/4/80 ( G A T ) .
SKYLARK Alauda arvensis
Northcote (Onewa Lagoon), Dec, found resting on motorway
verges (JPW) . Mangere and South East Island, present Oct-Dec (TGL) .
WELCOME SWALLOW Hirundo tahitica neoxena
Waiotira, nest on meter box in back porch - chicks hatched
519 and eggshells deposited on doormat as evidence! (TGL). Red
Hill, Papakura, resting on clothes line summer and winter; one chased
over roof by Monarch butterfly (BB). Bell Block SP, New Plymouth,
60 on 3/8; nesting under bridge near Cape Egmont on 2911 1 (DGM).
Motueka River mouth. 47 on 613 (BE). Hapuku, Kaikoura, 20 on
4/12 (BE). Wairau Pa, Marlborough, 107 on 2412 on power lines
(RF) .
NEW ZEALAND PIPIT Anthus novaeseelandiae
Muriwai, pair on 3018 on slopes above gannetry (RBS). Oyster
Point, 1 on 215 on bare earth of new stop bank (RBS). Mangatangi
Dam, 1 on 911 eyeing visitors (RBS). Manukau Harbour census, I
on 14/12 at Puketutu (BB). FoT census, 1 on 617 at Whakatiwai
(BB). Te Matai SF/Mangorewa Gorge, 3 in Feb ( G A T ) . Clifton,
7 on 5/5 (KVT). Waiau Pass area, Nelson Lakes NP, 4 on 811 feeding
on cicadas ( G R ) . Mt Fyffe, Kaikoura, 3 on 2/4 at bushline ( G R ) .
Hodder Valley. Inland Kaikoura Range, 2 on 25/10 ( G R ) . Kawatiri
Tunction, N Westland, 5 on 2/1/80 ( N W ) . Chathams, common on
Mangere and South East lslands and present on Rabbit Island ( T G L ) .
DUNNOCK Prunella modularis
Waiotira, 2 / 8 , 2 birds singing (TGL). Lake Whangape, 1 on
2418 singing (BB, AJG, JT). Port Ohope Spit, 10 on 26/10 (RMW).
72
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
Kaiti Hill, Gisborne, 2 on 1811 (BRK). Arthurs Pass (Edwards Hut),
4 flying 28/7/79 when shrubs under 2 feet of snow (GAT).
FERNBIRD Bowdleria punctata
Pollen Island, Upper Waitemata Harbour, 918 several heard
(TGL). Te Puti Hill, Kawhia, 3 on 3/5 (came to taped call) (LS).
Pureora SF, North Block, 2 on 1315 (GAT). Port Ohope Spit, 2 on
1 / I (RMW). Te Wera SF, 1 on 2914 in raupo swamp (DG). Egmont
NP, remote swamp at 2200 feet recorded by Park Ranger on 2819.
Recorded in Potaema swamp near Stratford Mountain House road
during Oct (REL). Hatepe River, Taupo, 1 on 719 heard in bracken
( I D ) Wainui Inlet, Nelson, 2 on 1/3 (BE). Giles Creek, Inangahua
West SF, heard on 27/5/80 (NW). Mahinapua SF, heard during
Feb/Mar 1980 ( N W ) . Upper Pyke River Valley, 2 on 515 (SR).
BROWN CREEPER Finschia novaeseelandiae
Dun Mountain. Nelson, 4 on 2913 at 3000ft (BE). Ward, late
Jan, several feeding noisily. One caught grub about 2 cm long, nipped
it several times and left it on a branch for another bird which also
nipped it but then swallowed it (TIT). Rotoiti, Kaikoura, on 619,
ulentiful in manuka (PJJ) ; 14 on 29/11 (BE). Fyffe-Palmer Reserve,
Kaikoura, 10 on 214 (GR). Hope River, Canterbury, 50 on 1/2
adjacent to Jacob Hut (SCS). Mahinapua SF, 4 on 3/3/80 (NW).
Bradshaw Sound, Fiordland, 2 on 16111 (DGM) .
WHITEHEAD Mohoua albicilla
Hauturu North Road, Oparau, 2 pairs on 619 chasing Grey
Warbler (BHS). Lake Waipapa, 1 on 811 feeding on caterpillars
obtained from mossy branches (TPW). Hatepe River, Taupo, several
pairs on 719 ( J D ) . Otanewainuku SF, present Jan/Feb (GAT). Lake
Waikaremoana Track. 11 on 4-611 (GAT). Southern Ruahine Range,
5 on 1715 during a 2-hour walk through mixed rimu-broadleaf forest
up to cedar and leatherwood zones, Delaware Road (LJD).
GREY WARBLER Gerygone igata
Oyster Point, Kaipara; Upper Tamaki; Miranda; common among
mangroves (RBS) .
PIED TIT Petroicu macrocephala toitoi
Opuawhanga, Northland, 2 males seen on 1719 (JFS). Blue
Mountain, Coromandel, 12 on 27/12 (CM). Hatepe River, Taupo,
2 pairs on 7/9 ( J D ) . Otanewainuku, 2 females, 5 males on 215
(PCML). Southern Ruahine Range, 4 on 1715 during 2-hour walk
through mixed rimu-broadleaf forest uv to cedar and leatherwood zones
on Delaware Road (J,TD). 2 on 27/11 during 24 hour walk through
rimu-mixed broadleaf forest on Diggers Hut Track, Makawakawa
Stream (LID).
NORTH ISLAND ROBIN Miro longipes
Mt Ngongotaha, 9 on 6/12 (GAT). Otanewainuku, large
population 2/5 (PCML). Lake Waipava, 3 on 1-1511 in regrowth
manuka and tanekaha ( J P W ) . Hatepe River, Taupo, 1 on 1815 ( J D ) .
SOUTH ISLAND ROBIN M. australis
Canaan. Nelson. c.8 on 17-2014 (BE). Lake Rotorua, Kaikoura.
4 on 1212 (BE). Big River, Paparoa SF, Westland, 2 seen, 1 heard
1982
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
73
on 16/5/80 (NW). Lake Matiri district, 1814 present around western
shore of lake (GAT).
SONG THRUSH Turdus philomelos
Remuera, first tentative song on 1114 (RBS) . St Arnaud Village,
on 7/12, one acting as a Bellbird trying to work way up beech trunk
gathering food, but as its tail gave it little support, it frequently fell
off (PJ).
BELLBIRD Anthornis melanura
Tyndalls Beach, Whangaparaoa, 1 on 17-21 July eating privet
berries (RC). Matata, 5 on 2913 (PCML). Peel Forest Reserve, 2913
numerous, feeding on kahikatea and totara fruit (BHS). Hanmer SF,
19-2014, large numbers feeding on honeydew in Mountain Beech (KM,
JVM). Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, on 14-17/11 most noticeable of
bush birds recorded (DGM) .
T U I Prosthemudera novaeseelandiue
Red Hill, Papakura, Tuis, Mynas and House Sparrows all visiting
flax in gardens several times daily in flowering season (BB). Kawakawa Bay, 78 on 2819 in flowering kowhais ( I D ) . Sabine Forks,
Nelson Lakes FP, 4 on 711 ( G R ) . Fyffe-Palmer Reserve, Kaikoura,
6 on 214 (GR). Doubtful Island, Lake Te Anau, 8 on 16/10 feeding
on fuchsia nectar (KM, JVM). Lake Manapouri, Black Valley Track,
1 on 1815 eating mapau fruits (KM, JVM).
CIRL BUNTING Emberiza cirlus
Mangapapa, Gisborne, 1 on 1616 (MAW). Tuahine Point,
Gisborne, 13 on 1613, male singing 1515 (BRK). Wither Hills,
Blenheim, present on 1912 and for week or so ( P J ) . Kaikoura, 2 on
5/ 11 (BE) ; 1 on 217 (EJK) .
CHAFFINCH Fringilla coelebs
Remuera, first tentative song on 2318 (RBS).
GREENFINCH Carduelis chloris
Red Hill, Papakura, family group returned daily to flax until
last seed eaten (BB) . Foxton Beach, c.200 on 11/10 being harried by
White-backed Magpie (JM, MM).
GOLDFINCH C. carduelis
Remuera, on 2014, back among liquidamber cobbles - a source
of food over mid-winter (RBS) . Hardcastle Lagoon, Reporoa, 400+
on 215 (RMW). Mangere Island, 1 on 19111 (TGL).
REDPOLL C. flammeu
Waiotira, 26/9, seen and heard (TGL). Blue Mountain, Coromandel, 8 on 27/12 over rough farmland (CM). Hardcastle Lagoon,
Reporoa, 20 on 215 (RMW). Te Hauturu North Road, Oparau, a
few on 719 (BB). Lake Waipapa, common in manuka scrub. One
seen to tear open nest of nursery-web spider and feed greedily on
spiders inside (fPW) .
STARLING Sturnus vulgaris
Red Hill, Papakura, 12 birds "anting" early each morning for a
week in summer. Birds jostled to pick ants from base of a Callistemon
(BB) . Te Hauke, 1000 on 1217 (KVT) .
74
CLASSIFIED SUMMARISED NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
NORTH ISLAND KOKAKO Callaeas cinerea wilsoni
Otanewainuku, 2 on 215 seen from Mountain Road summit track
(PCML). Te Matai SF, 1 on 2315 feeding on hinau leaves (GAT).
Upper Waitara River, North Taranaki (Rerekapa area), 1 in Feb,
seen being chased from miro tree by a Bellbird (JMC).
BLACK-BACKED MAGPIE Gymnorhina tibicen
Longburn, Palmerston North, 1 on 22/12 (JM, MM). Kaikoura,
occasionally seen among White-backed Magpies (BE) .
WHITE-BACKED MAGPIE G. tibicen hypoleuca
Massey Golf Course, Auckland, 6 on 1512 (AMac). Mt Maunganui Reserve, 2 on 2612. Well established at Matakana Island (KICF).
Ashley Clinton-Tikotiko, 120 on 1513 (KVT) . Foxton Beach, c.70
on 619 feeding in paddock (JM, MM).
ROOK Corvus frugilegus
FoT census, 60 on 617 at Access Bay (BB). Kaiti Hill, Gisborne,
16 on 1513 (BRK). Te Hauke, 20 on 1217 (KVT). Brunswick,
Wanganui, 3 on 3115 (LC). Kaikoura, 3 on 2318 (BE).
*
SHORT NOTES
A TURNSTONE-BANDED DOTTEREL RELATIONSHIP
Banded Dotterels (Charadrius bicinctus) are always at the Ashley
River estuary in numbers varying from tens to several hundreds. One
day in late August, we found a newly arrived Turnstone (Arenaria
interpres), still with traces of breeding plumage, resting on a gravel
bank near full tide in company with some ducks, terns and gulls. As
we watched, the Turnstone flew off to join a male Banded Dotterel
in full breeding plumage, which had arrived on a nearby gravel spit.
The two birds then began to feed in company, and for an hour they
were never more than a few metres apart, flying from island to island
and working their way around the perimeters. Sometimes one bird,
sometimes the other would lead on the short flights between exposed
islands.
Each was obviously seeking the company of the other deliberately.
This was clearly illustrated on one occasion when the Turnstone moved
out of an area suitable to the dotterel on to coarse muddied pebbles.
The dotterel became agitated, running back and forth between the
mudbank and the Turnstone, and eventually it induced the Turnstone
to follow it back to a place that suited both to feed. This behaviour
was in striking contrast to the aggression normally shown between one
Banded Dotterel and another on their feeding patches or between
Banded Dotterels and Wrybills (Anarhynchus frontalis), when conduct
ranges from evident irritation to extreme pugnacity. Turnstone, however, seem much more gregarious and often feed in tightly bunched
groups.
P. A. G . HOWELL; K . C. HARRISON
SHORT NOTES
THE NOMENCLATURE OF THE SPOTLESS CRAKE
(Porzana tabuensis)
The nominate race Porzana tabuensis tabuensis occurs throughout
Australia and most of the South-west Pacific. Amadon (1942) separated
the birds from the southern part of the range by their larger size,
suggesting for the race P. t . plumbea an average wing-length of 85 mm
with a range wholly over 80 mm. From many localities Amadon had
only a few specimens, which with large wing-length ranges (for example,
15 mm around an average of 80.2 mm for eight specimens), makes his
comparisons doubtful. I have included in Table 1 and Figure 1
only those localities from which Amadon had more than five specimens
and have added measurements from specimens in the National Museum,
Wellington, for the Kermadec lslands and New Zealand. Amadon
originally had only four specimens from New Zealand and one from
the Kermadec Islands.
With the additional data for New Zealand, the case for a larger
race in the southern part of the birds' range is less convincing. The
wing-length range of New Zealand birds overlaps all those from further
north, and the average is lower than that of the Tubuai Islands birds
(23%) and no greater than 2 mm (2.5%) longer than in four other
70!
0
I
I
I
I
I
I
5
10
15
20
25
30
1
I
35
40
Latitude ("S)
FIGURE 1 - Spotless Crake wing-length averages and ranges.
are south of the equator.
Latitudes
76
SHORT NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
TABLE 1 - Latitudinal variation in wing length of Spotless Crakes
Approx.
Lat. OS
Average
mm
No.
specimens
New Guinea
Marquesas
Santa Cruz
Samoa
Tubuai I s .
Norfolk I.
Chatham I s .
Tasmania and
S . Australia
)
)
)
New Zealand
localities. The range of Amadon's data for the Chatham Islands,
Tasmania and South Australia overlaps all but that of the smallest
birds in Samoa. A cline in accordance with Bergmann's rule can be
seen in Fig. 1, with the Samoan birds standing out as anomalous.
Considering measurements alone, one wonders why Amadon did not
separate the Samoan birds.
Amadon said that he found no variation in colour that is
unquestionably geographical, but Dillon Ripley (1977) said that P. t.
plumbea can be separated by the upperparts being brighter and more
reddish brown than in P. t. tabuensis. He tentatively assigned the
Kermadec Island birds to the nominate race and New Zealand, Tasmania,
Chatham Island and South Australian birds to P. t. plumbea. The
back colour of birds from Raoul Island (Kermadec Islands) in the
National Museum is not noticeably different from that of the mainland
specimens. However, two specimens from Meyer Islet (Kermadec
Islands) do have brighter backs, but they also have noticeably stouter
bills and tarsi than all the other National Museum specimens, suggesting
that this small island population of not more than 20 pairs (Merton
1970) may have developed distinctive characteristics. If so, back
colour, already a dubious characteristic dismissed by Amadon, may
not be of much use in delineating the subspecies P. t. plumbea.
The specimens in the National Museum do not support the
separation of the southern Spotless Crake as the subspecies Porzana
tabuensis plumbea but suggest that random size and colour differences
occur.
1982
SHORT NOTES
77
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am grateful to the staff of the National Museum, Wellington,
especially Sandy Bartle.
LITERATURE CITED
AMADON, D. 1942. Birds collected during the Whitney South Sea Expedition XLIX.
on some non-passerine genera 1. Am. Mus. Novit. 1175: 10.
DILLON RIPLEY, S. 1977. Rails of the world. David R. Godine, Massachusetts.
MERTON, D. V. 1970. Kermadec Islands Exisedition report. Notornis 17: 147-199.
Notes
DEREK ONLEY, Mudman's Farm, Little Totara River, Private Bag,
Westport
UNUSUAL FEEDING O F RED-BILLED GULLS
While at Miranda, Firth of Thames, on 18 April 1981, Barbara
Burch and I watched a flock of Red-billed Gulls (Larus scopulinus)
feeding for half an hour in an unusual way. It was almost low
water with a strong south-westerly wind blowing. The outer shellbank
shelved steeply to an extensive area of thick mud covered with a thin
film of water. All over this exposed flat of perhaps 400 x 600 m
hundreds of squirts of water were being propelled 5 to 12 cm above
the surface, creating an extraordinary sight. Gulls flew from the
shore 5 or 6 at a time out to the tide's edge and, turning into wind,
started to feed. Their course took them over the jets of water and
diagonally back to the bank. The small flocks would make three or
four round trips, returning to rest on the shell, when another group
would replace them. Birds hung on the wind with wings slightly
arched and legs dangling just above the surface. After each quick
peck the feet would lightly pat the surface, though this was often
only a token gesture, the arch in the wings would increase and the
bird would move forward to peck again. We were reminded of the
dancing flight of storm petrels (Hydrobatidae) .
Blackburn (1962, Notornis 10: 42) recorded unusual feeding
behaviour of Red-billed Gulls at Gisborne. He suggested that they
used beating wing-tips and trailing feet as a kind of net to drive a
fish forward until it sought escape by leaping from the water, when
it was caught unerringly by the birds. It appeared that the trailing
feet also acted as a brake to reduce the birds' speed noticeably. In
the Miranda observation there was no beating of wings on the water,
but both of Blackburn's suggestions on the effects of trailing feet
could apply.
We could not determine what the gulls were taking. It was
very small and apparently not connected directly to the myriad squirts.
These squirts perhaps were disturbing small animals, which the birds
were taking. The gulls were still feeding when we left. Professor
J. E. Morton (pers. comm.) told me that the origin of the squirts may
have been a bivalve such as Mactra ovata.
From 26 December 1980 to 14 January 1981, as on other holidays
at Opoutere, Coromandel Peninsula, I watched Red-billed Gulls (L.
78
SHORT NOTES
NOTORNIS 29
scopulinus) feeding each evening. Up to 150 birds regularly hawked
insects from just after sunset until the light failed about an hour later.
Mostly they flew briskly over the hillside, which rises steeply on the
northern side of the narrow Wharekawa Harbour, dodging to catch
prey and frequently changing direction. As the light lessened the
birds swirled to a considerable height to use the last rays of the sun.
I spent several evenings high on the hill watching closely through
binoculars and found that they were taking small beetles. These
beetles were out in plenty, especially one night when a property was
being cleared of manuka and pines, which were pushed into heaps
and burnt. The pattern continued on other nights over areas which
were untouched, with the birds spread out more widely. The easily
recognisable manuka beetle (Pyronota edwardsii) was flying during
this pericd, as was another which was probably the pine longhorn
(Navomorpha sulcatus 1 .
A further feeding method was noted on 14 lanuary when the
excited squawking of the gulls drew my attention to the zostera-covered
tidal flats at low water. where the gulls were in scattered groups.
While the light lasted I watched one little flock of seven birds. They
ran forward rapidly in a row but close together, calling loudly and
pecking at high speed. Each burst of activity lasted 10 to 20 seconds.
I suspect that the prey was a hatch of shore flies (Ephydridae).
BETH BROWN, 39 Red Hill Road, Papakura
BROWN DUCK AND OTHER BIRDS SEEN AT DUSKY SOUND
From 29 March to 9 April 1981, I was in a party of five people
searching for moose in the rugged bush country between Wet Jacket
Arm and Supper and Shark Coves at the head of Dusky Sound. I
was working mostly in the valleys.
The only lake 1 visited was an unnamed lake on Herrick Creek
about 2 km from the mouth. Here I saw 7 Brown Duck (Anas
chlorotis) , 15 Scaup (Ayfhya novaeseelandiae) , and 4 Black Swan
(Cygnus atratus).
Wherever I went, 1 was impressed with the abundance of the
Bellbird (Anthornis melanura), the Brown Creeper (Finschia novaeseelandiae) , and the New Zealand Pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) .
The other species I recorded were as follows: Black Shag, Pied
Shag, White-faced Heron (1 only), Mallard, Paradise Shelduck, Grey
Duck, Black-backed Gull, Black-billed Gull ( 1 only), Red-billed Gull,
Black Oystercatcher, Weka, Kiwi (heard in Herrick Creek), Morepork,
Kea, p ~ r a k e e tsp., Kaka, Pipit (on the open tops), Tomtit, Robin ( 1 in
Fanny Bay, 1 in Shark Cove), Fantail (pied and black), Chaffinch,
Redpoll, Blackbird (2 only), Song Thrush ( 2 only), Grey Warbler,
Silvereye, Goldfinch (several small flocks), Yellowhead (5 in Henry
Burn, 2 at head of Wet Jacket Arm), and Rifleman.
BRUCE ROBERTSON, Puponga Farm Park, Puponga, Golden Buy
OBITUARY
79
A 1927 RECORD OF THE LAUGHING OWL
During Easter 1927 I was camped at a spot called Ormond's
Camp, which is at the head of the first inlet on the right hand, after
passing through the Narrows from Waikaremoana to Wairaumoana.
Some 300 metres distant, on the eastern side of the inlet, is a high,
sheer limestone outcrop with its base surrounded by heavy bush.
For five successive evenings, when full darkness set in, several
extremely loud piercing calls came from the face of the bluff, calls
which can be described as prolonged kee-wee, both syllables being of
equal length and intensity. At the time 1 could only think of the
calls as coming from a Laughing Owl (Scelaglaux albifacies) but did
not realise the import of the record.
In his excellent article on the Laughing Owl in the November
1981 issue of Forest and Bird, M . H . Douglas quotes W. W. Smith
l Science 2: 86-88 as saying The call of
(1884) in the NZ J ~ u r n a of
the adults on waking up in the evening is precisely the same as two
men cooeeing to each other from a distance."
Unfortunately there were no answering calls in 1927 to what
I presume was a lone male.
A. BLACKBURN, I0 Score Road, Gisborne
"
OBITUARY
AVERIL MARGARET LYSAGHT (1905-1981)
AND THE NATURAL HISTORY RECORDS
FROM COOK'S VOYAGES
When Captain James Cook took a series of cargoes of naturalists
to the Pacific in the 1770s they were so overwhelmed by the number
of new things that they found that all their successors have been trying
to sort them out ever since. One of the more distinguished recent
contributions has been made by a New Zealand scholar little known
in her own country, Averil Lysaght.
Dr Lysaght was brought up below Mount Egmont, where she
first distinguished herself by finding a new noctuid moth named after
her, Melunchra averilla, at the age of fifteen. In due course she headed
the pass list in botany and zoology for all the New Zealand universities
at her first degree examination, and went on to hold lecturing posts
at her own college, Victoria College, and at London, Hull and Nottingham Universities in England, where she also worked at Rothamsted
(Agricultural) Experimental Station and the Plymouth Marine Lab-
80
OBITUARY
NOTORNIS 29
oratory and was awarded a PhD (which she did not use). During the
war she worked for the China section of the Ministry of Information
and afterwards on the zoology sections of Chambers' Encyclopaedia.
Thus she had become a very experienced general biologist.
Then during one of her periodic return visits to New Zealand
she discovered an unpublished transcript of the diary kept by Sir
loseph Banks during Cook's first voyage. She discussed this with
Professor J . C. Beaglehole, who was editing Cook's own journal of the
voyage, and subsequently devoted herself to the elucidation of the
natural history records of Banks's and Cook's voyages, which provided
an opening for exact scholarship in a romantic setting to her taste.
She began with an annotated list of the bird paintings collected by Banks
in the Historical Series of the Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural
History), Vol. 1, pp. 251-372, which is an invaluable guide to the origin
of many important early records, and continued with annotations of
Beaglehole's editions of Cook's and Banks's journals in 1961-62 and
the recent facsimiles of the journals produced by Genesis Publications.
She also edited " Joseph Banks in Newfoundland and Labrador, 1766:
his diary, manuscripts and publications " (London, Faber & Faber,
1971), which led to an invitation to Newfoundland to receive an
honorary Doctorate of Literature in 1979, and " The Book of Birds:
five centuries of bird illustration" (London, Phaidon, 1975) and produced various lesser works.
In person she was a perennially youthful enthusiast with a habit
of constructing private empires in obscure corners of learned institutions,
which were regarded with delight by the staff and grave misgiving by
their superiors. After being moved on from the Bird Room and Botany
Department of the British Museum (Natural History) she eventually
settled in Imperial College nearby. She went to roost in a cluttered
apartment a little below Sadler's Wells theatre and overlooking the
insalubrious surroundings of King's Cross station, where she was in
the habit of offering distinguished visitors strange meals. It is curious
that the more eminent they were, the better they liked it, and I first got
to know such people as Bob Falla at her table. Shortly before her
death she was thrilled to discover stolen silver hidden in the garden.
She also helped uncover much buried treasure in the literature, and
formed a most attractive ambassador for New Zealand abroad.
- W. R. P. BOURNE