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Seabirds found dead on New Zealand beaches in 1984 and a review of fulmar recoveries since 1960

Notornis, 33 (3), 171-184

Powlesland, R.G. (1986)

Article Type: Paper

In 1984, 5076 kilometres of coast were patrolled and 14223 dead seabirds were found. A new species for the Beach Patrol Scheme was a Bird of Providence (Pterodroma solandri). Four species found in greater numbers in 1984 than previously were the Black Petrel (Procellaria parkinsoni), White-faced Storm Petrel (Pelagodroma marina), Australasian Gannet (Sula bassana) and Pied Shag (Phalacrocorax varius). A wreck of mainly Kerguelen Petrels (Lugensa brevirostris), Blue Petrels (Halobaena caerulea) and Fairy Prions (Pachyptila turtur)occurred in August along the western coast and the northern half of the eastern coast of the North Island. A summary is given of the coastal and monthly distributions for each of four genera of fulmar (Macronectes, Fulmarus, Thalassoica and Daption) found during the 1960-1983 period. The most frequently found fulmar was the Antarctic Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialoides), a consequence of wrecks numbering hundreds of birds in 1975 and 1978.

Breeding displays and calls of the Banded Dotterel (Charadrius bicinctus)

Notornis, 33 (4), 219-232

Bomford, M. (1986)

Article Type: Paper

Described are the Banded Dotterel’s threat display and call, used by either sex to defend the territory; wing-clicking flight display, used by the male to advertise territorial ownership; scrape display used by the male to entice the female to inspect the nest scrape; coition and associated display; changeover display given at the nest by either sex during incubation; displays used by parents to call chicks for brooding; and distraction displays and alarm calls given when predators approach the nest or chicks.

The mineral content of the faeces of Pukeko, Porphyrio p. melanotus

Notornis, 32 (1), 74-79

R.A. Fordham (1985)

Article Type: Paper

In coastal Manawatu pasture, faecal pellets of the Pukeko (Porphyrio p. melanotus) vary in weight through the year and on average disintegrate in about 16 days (range 7-29). The seasonal concentrations of 11 minerals in the faeces are discussed briefly in relation to soil type and the topdressing regime. The addition of faecal minerals to the pasture is estimated per hectare through the year and per bird for autumn. The amounts deposited fall with increasing distance from the edge next to swamp and are largest in autumn when the population is highest.

Breeding of Greenfinches in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

Notornis, 32 (2), 85-93

B.W.H. MacMillan (1985)

Article Type: Paper

Information on the breeding of Greenfinches (Carduelis chloris) was collected over three breeding seasons (1979-1981) in Hawke’s Bay from 104 nests, 78 clutches and 31 broods. The laying season lasted from mid-October to early February. The average clutch size was 4.60 eggs (n= 55 clutches). Sixty percent of completed clutches consisted of 5 eggs and 35% of 4 eggs. Twenty-seven percent of 297 eggs in 78 clutches resulted in young that flew. Predators removed 40 % of eggs and 31% of young. Comparisons were made with 191 Greenfinch nest record cards collected over 47 years by the Ornithological Society of New Zealand and with data from Britain. Clutch sizes and brood sizes of Greenfinches in New Zealand were significantly smaller than in Britain.

The birds of Waimea Inlet

Notornis, 32 (4), 271-309

Owen, K.L., Sell, M.G. (1985)

Article Type: Paper

Monthly bird counts were made at low tide in 14 tidal zones at Waimea Inlet, Nelson, from August 1976 to July 1978. Other records, extending from 1955 to 1984, are included. Seventy-five species were recorded: 52 estuarine species on the tidal flats and saltmarsh and 23 non-estuarine species on the inlet and its immediate shoreline. For the estuarine species, the frequency of sightings, use of tidal zones, numbers of birds, seasonal changes in numbers, distribution, breeding status, and habits are given. The numbers of birds at the inlet were highest from March to June in 1977 and 1978, owing to a winter increase in numbers of the South Island Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus), Southern Black-backed Gull (Larus dominicanus) and Red-billed Gull (L. novaehollandiae). Of the Northern Hemisphere migratory waders in summer, the most common were the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa Iapponica) and the Knot (Calidris canutus). The use of each tidal zone varied considerably month by month, some zones being notable for a high number of species, others for the particular species they attracted, often regularly. The information collected demonstrates the importance of the inlet to a wide variety of bird species.
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