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Some characteristics of red-crowned parakeets on the Poor Knights Islands

Notornis, 35 (1), 1-8

Sagar, P.M. (1988)

Article Type: Paper

Measurements, plumage and moult of Red-crowned Parakeets (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae novaezelandiae) were recorded during a banding study on Aorangi Island, Poor Knights Islands, between 1978 and 1986. Males were significantly larger than females in all measurements and in weight. Weight varied throughout the year and was highest in May and lowest in November. The weights of males was significantly less during October and November than at other times of the year, but there were no significant variations in the weight of females. More males than females were caught, and recaptures suggested that females had a lower survival rate than males. Two of the 329 parakeets banded had plumage characteristics of Red-crowned x Yellow-crowned Parakeet (Cyanoramphus auriceps auriceps) hybrids. Casual observations indicated that the breeding season extended from late October to January. Most birds were in active moult by late February.

The Social Structure of the Weka (Gallirallus australis) at Double Cove, Marlborough Sounds

Notornis, 34 (4), 317-325

A.J. Beauchamp (1987)

Article Type: Paper

The study group comprised territorial pairs and non-territorial adults and sub-adults of weka (Gallirallus australis). Pairs were maintained all the year and occupied minimum areas of between 2.6 ha and 15.8 ha. Most non-territorials were younger than 18 months. All wekas that obtained territorial positions in the study period were under 2 years old. Most pairs bred successfully at least once per year and one bred successfully three times in the same year, raising nine young. Recruitment exceeded losses in the territorial group. In the 1985 season, 37.5% of the territorial birds were lost through death or displacement.

The identity of the hakawai

Notornis, 34 (2), 95-116

C.M. Miskelly (1987)

Article Type: Paper

The hakawai was a ‘mystery bird’ formerly found on islands off Stewart Island; although never seen, its startling call was heard at night. The call of the hakawai, and its distribution and decline are described. The hakawai (under several spelling variations) is widely mentioned in myths and legends of the Maori throughout New Zealand; these records are summarised and the various theories for the hakawai’s identity are discussed. Evidence for non-vocal aerial displaying by New Zealand snipe (Coenocorypha) is presented. The hypothesis that the hakawai was an aerial display of Stewart Island Snipe (C. aucklandica iredalei) was investigated by comparing the distribution and decline of snipe with that of the hakawai, and by playing a tape recording of an aerial display of Chatham Island Snipe (C. pusilla) to people who had heard the hakawai. These data support the hakawai = snipe hypothesis. The historical distribution of Stewart Island Snipe included Big South Cape, Pukeweka, Solomon, Pourama, Jacky Lee, Herekopare, Ruapuke and Green Islands in the last 100 years. The extinction of snipe on these islands is attributed to introductions of ship rats (Rattus rattus, two islands), weka (Gallirallus australis, four islands) and a combination of weka and cats (Felis catus, two islands). It is proposed that subfossil remains of Coenocorypha from the North Island and the South Island be referred to C. a. barrierensis Oliver 1955 and C. a. iredalei Rothschild 1921 respectively.

Swamp habitat use by Spotless crakes and Marsh crakes at Pukepuke Lagoon

Notornis, 34 (3), 207-216

G. Kaufmann (1987)

Article Type: Paper

A combination of searching for nests and responses to taped calls of Spotless crakes (Porzana tabuensis) was used to determine habitat use by and abundance of Spotless crakes and Marsh crakes (P. pusilla). Spotless crakes preferred to nest in scattered to dense tussock sedge (Carex secta) with an overstorey of raupo (Typha orientalis). Responses to taped calls indicated that they may have also nested in dense flax (Phormium tenax) and dense raupo. Limited information on Marsh crakes indicated that they nested in tussock sedge with little or no raupo overstorey.

A colony of the Little Shag and the Pied Shag in which the plumage forms of the Little shag freely interbreed

Notornis, 34 (1), 41-50

M.J. Taylor (1987)

Article Type: Paper

During the 1977-1985 period a colony of 80-120 Little Shags (Phalacrocorax melanoleucos brevirostris) was studied at Hobson Bay, Auckland City. The breeding season of Little Shags was from August to March or April. Pied Shags (Phalacrocorax varius), which joined the colony during the study period and have tended to displace the smaller species, have nested throughout the year. For both species highest numbers of nesting pairs were present in spring (October – November). Little Shags of the pied form constituted one-third of the colony and interbred freely with birds of the white-throated and smudgy plumages. Fledglings have either the pied or totally black plumage and both can occur within the same brood. Aspects of behaviour are described and a detailed account of the colony is given.

Notes on the birds, reptiles and mammals of Tongatapu and ‘Eua (Tonga)

Notornis, 34 (3), 217-223

B.J. Gill (1987)

Article Type: Paper

During 13 days on Tongatapu and 9 days on ‘Eua (Kingdom of Tonga) I noted 16 and 20 species of birds respectively. I collected 5 species of reptile on Tongatapu and 3 on ‘Eua. Two species of ectoparasite from a Polynesian rat (Rattus exulans) were identified.

Changes in gull numbers over 25 years and notes on other birds of the Otaki-Ohau Coast

Notornis, 34 (4), 327-338

R.G. Powlesland, H.A. Robertson (1987)

Article Type: Paper

The number of Black-backed Gulls (Larus dominicanus) between the Otaki and Ohau Rivers, on the southwest coast of the North Island, has more than doubled in the last 25 years. There was a significantly larger proportion of subadults in 1961 than now, indicating that the population may have been in a growth phase in the early 1960s. The number of Red-billed Gulls (L. novaehollandiae) was about one-third of the 1961 level; this coincides with a sharp fall in the number of Red-billed Gulls nesting on nearby Kapiti Island. Numbers of other coastal birds were recorded and are discussed.
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