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The behaviour of bitterns and their use of habitat

Notornis, 36 (2), 89-95

A.J. Whiteside (1989)

Article Type: Paper

Australasian bitterns (Botaurus stellaris poiciloptilus) were studied in the Whangamarino wetlands in the autumn and winter of 1986. A seasonal difference in the time of feeding was noted, as well as a local movement to feeding grounds. A decrease in the number of birds seen in the study area in winter seemed to be related to the duck hunting season and high water levels. A mixture of water purslane and willow weed on a wet substrate was the preferred habitat. “Surveillance posture” seems a better description of the traditional “freeze” behaviour. The birds gave this response even when there was no apparent danger.

Diet of the Fiordland crested penguin during the post-guard phase of chick growth

Notornis, 36 (2), 151-156

Y.M. van Heezik (1989)

Article Type: Paper

The stomach contents of 50 adult Fiordland crested penguins (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus) were collected during the post-guard phase of chick growth. Twenty-two food species were identified from 19 families.  The composition of the diet, expressed as percentages of calculated weight, was 85% cephalopods, 1304 crustaceans and 2% fish. The sexes did not differ in their diets. The cephalopods and fish were juvenile and larval forms, indicating that the penguins were feeding on pelagic macro-zooplankton and micro-nekton. The main cephalopod taken was Nototodarus sp., and so the penguins were foraging mainly over the continental shelf, which extends no more than 10-15 km from the shore.
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