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Breeding by fantails (Rhipidura fuliginosa) on Tiritiri Island

Notornis, 31 (4), 279-283

I.G. McLean (1984)

Article Type: Paper

Breeding by 11 pairs of fantails (Rhipidura fuliginosa) was studied on Tiritiri Island during the 1981/82 breeding season. All pairs observed attempted to breed in late September or early October, but only three pairs laid eggs before November. Eight pairs each produced only one successful clutch. No new nests were begun after early December. I conclude that fantails may have a shorter breeding season and lower overall breeding success on islands than on mainland New Zealand.

Breeding of the Chatham Island Warbler (Gerygone albofrontata)

Notornis, 31 (2), 97-105

Dennison, M.D., Robertson, H.A., Crouchley, D (1984)

Article Type: Paper

The breeding of the Chatham Island warbler (Gerygone albofrontata) was studied over five seasons on three islands in the Chatham Island Group. The breeding season is short, and only one brood is raised per year. On predator-free ‘petrel islands’, nests were low to the ground in dense vegetation, whereas on Chatham Island nests were high and in the open. Mean clutch size was 3.1 eggs (n=79). Incubation and nestling periods were both about 20 days. Density of breeding birds was highest in regenerating forest clumps on predator-free islands, with about 10 pairs per hectare. Comparisons are made with the breeding biology of the Grey Warbler (G. igata) of the New Zealand mainland and with other Gerygone species. Brood parasitism by the Shining Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus) and how vulnerable the Chatham Island Warbler is to extinction are discussed.

The distribution and numbers of gannets (Sula serrator) in New Zealand

Notornis, 31 (3), 232-261

K. Wodzicki, C.J.R. Robertson, H.R. Thompson, C.J.T. Alderton (1984)

Article Type: Paper

The 1980/81 distribution of the Australasian Gannet (Sula serrator) in New Zealand is described and population changes since 1946 are examined. A brief history of the 26 breeding colonies and 23 roosts is given. Over 99% of gannets nested in the 23 colonies round the northern half of the North Island in 1980/81. Gannet roosts are mostly near the breeding colonies.  The results of three national censuses taken since 1946 give an indication of the changes of the New Zealand gannet population in 34 years. The 1946/47 population was assessed at 21,115 pairs; 37,774 pairs were counted in 1969170 and 46,004 in 1980/81. The mean annual rate of increase for the whole population between 1946/47 and 1980/81 was 2.3%. In comparison with gannets in Australia, South Africa, and the North Atlantic, the gannet in New Zealand seems to be the only one steadily increasing and free from human interference.

The Alexandra Black-fronted Dotterels: 1982/83 season

Notornis, 31 (1), 31-39

Child, P., Child, M. (1984)

Article Type: Paper

In the 1982/83 season 13 adults of the Black-fronted dotterel (Charadrius rnelanops) were again found on the Manuherikia riverbed near Alexandra, the same number as in the previous season. Details of breeding case-histories for five pairs are given. Breeding success was very low because of predation and atypical persistent flooding throughout the season – which was also a very extended one, lasting from territorial occupancy in October to final fledging in April. The incubation period is not less than 23 days and is likely to average about 26. Some details of eggs, nests and territories, as well as some aspects of behaviour, are described.

Plumage, morphology and hybridisation of New Zealand stilts Himantopus spp.

Notornis, 31 (2), 106-130

Pierce, R.J. (1984)

Article Type: Paper

New Zealand has experienced two invasions of stilts, the first giving rise to the endemic Black Stilt (Himantopus novaezealandiae) and the second being that of the Pied Stilt (H. himantopus leucocephalus). The geographical separation of these forms was of insufficient duration for reproductive isolation to become complete, and introgressive hybridisation has occurred. Hybrids are usually intermediate in plumage and morphology between their parents and are distinguishable from immature Black Stilts. There was no evidence of hybrid infertility or lack of vigour. Through hybridisation, the Pied Stilt has become distinguishable from the Australian population of Pied Stilts by several characteristics, including shorter tarsus, longer tail, and variable plumage markings. Selective mating and a different wintering area have helped keep the small remnant population of Black Stilts from being absorbed into the much larger Pied Stilt population. On the basis of aspects of its morphology, ecology and behaviour, the Black Stilt merits its status as a full species.

Foraging and social behaviour of the White-faced Heron at Pauatahanui Inlet

Notornis, 31 (4), 285-299

P.J. Moore (1984)

Article Type: Paper

During a study from January to June 1982, White-faced Herons (Ardea novaehollandiae) visited the mudflats of Pauatahanui Inlet in greatest numbers in summer and declined after April as they dispersed to farmland. When foraging, they were essentially searchers, usually wading and walking, but occasionally standing and waiting for prey. They also used more active feeding methods, disturbing prey by foot-stirring, wing-flicking, and false striking with the bill, and pursuing prey by running, wing-flapping and hopping. How they captured and handled prey depended on the prey species. White-faced Herons maintained variable individual distances using several agonistic displays, including forward and upright displays, chases, fights, and associated calls.
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